1996 NISSAN MAXIMA center console

The front seats are warmed by built-in heaters.
The switches located on the center console
can be operated independently of each other.
1. Start the engine.
The battery could run down if the seat
heater is operated while the engine is
not running.
2. Selecting heat range.IFor Low heat, press the top of the
switch.
IFor High heat, press the bottom of the
switch.
IFor No heat, the switch has a center
ªOFFº position between Low and High.
The indicator light in the switch will illumi-
nate when Low or High is selected.
The heater is controlled by a thermostat,
automatically turning the heater on and off.
The indicator light will remain on as long as
the switch is on.
3. When the vehicle's interior is warmed, or
before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn
the switch off.
Do not use the seat heater for extended
periods, or when the seat is not occu-
pied.
IDo not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise,
the seat may become overheated.
IDo not place anything hard or heavyon the seat or pierce it with a pin or
similar object. This may result in
damage to the heater.
IAny liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with
a dry cloth.
IWhen cleaning the seat, never use
benzine, thinner, or any similar mate-
rials.
IIf any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn
the switch OFF and have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
SIC0179
HEATED SEAT
1-16
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

IUse the correct jack up points; never
use any other part of the vehicle for
jack support.
INever jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.
INever use blocks on or under the
jack.
IDo not start or run engine while ve-
hicle is on the jack.
IDo not allow passengers to stay in
the vehicle while it is on the jack.
IDo not raise the vehicle using a
bumper jack.
Installing wheel
The T-type spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use. See specific instructions under
the heading ªWheel and tireº in the ªDo-it-
yourself operationsº section.
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface
between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the wheel on and tighten the
wheel nuts finger tight.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel
nuts alternately and evenly until they are
tight.4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely
in the sequence as illustrated.
IAs soon as possible tighten the wheel nuts
to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
72 to 87 ft-lb
(98 to 118 )
IAdjust tire pressure to the COLD pres-
sure.
COLD pressure:
After vehicle has been parked for three
hours or more or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire
placard affixed to the center console lid.
IRetighten the wheel nuts when the ve-
hicle has been run for 600 miles (1,000
km) after installing the aluminum wheel.
SCE0039
5-5
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

If you have a flat tire, see ªIn case of
emergencyº section.
Maximum inflation pressure
Do not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sures shown on the side wall of the tire.
Tire inflation pressure
Periodically check the tire pressure (including
spare). Incorrect tire pressure may adversely
affect tire life and vehicle handling. Tire pres-
sure should be checked when tires are COLD.
Tires are considered COLD after the vehicle
has been parked for three or more hours, or
driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). COLD tirepressures are shown on the tire placard affixed
to the center console lid.
The vehicle capacity weight is indicated
on the tire placard. Do not load your
vehicle beyond this capacity. Overload-
ing your vehicle may result in reduced
tire life, unsafe operating conditions due
to premature tire failure, or unfavorable
handling characteristics and could also
lead to a serious accident. Loading be-
yond the specified capacity may also
result in failure of other vehicle compo-
nents.
Before taking a long trip, or whenever
you have loaded your vehicle heavily,
use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that
the tire pressure is at the specified level.
Do not drive your vehicle over 85 MPH
(140 km/h) unless it is equipped with
high speed capability tires. Driving
faster than 85 MPH (140 km/h) may re-
sult in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury.
Types of tires
When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and
construction. Your NISSAN dealer may
be able to help you with information
about tire type, size, speed rating and
availability. Replacement tires may have
a lower speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match the
potential maximum vehicle speed. Never
exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance for use
all year around, including snowy and icy road
conditions. All Season Tires are identified by
ªALL SEASONº and/or ªM&Sº on the tire side-
wall. Snow tires have better snow traction than
All Season tires and may be more appropriate
in some areas.
DI1033M
WHEELS AND TIRES
7-29
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

TIRE PLACARD
The cold tire pressure is shown on the tire
placard affixed to the center console lid.
AIR CONDITIONER
SPECIFICATION LABEL
The label is affixed inside of the hood as
shown.
Use the following steps to mount the license
plate:
1. Make a hole in each plastic finisher (There
are small marks on the bumper) using a
0.31 in (8 mm) drill. To avoid damaging the
STI0043STI0044
STI0045
INSTALLING LICENSE PLATE
9-11
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

IRegularly check that all hitch mounting
bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
IWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the tire placard (located on the
inside of the center console lid.)
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in ac-
cordance with the trailer and tire manufac-
turers' specifications.
Safety chain
Always use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations. When wiring the ve-
hicle for towing, connect the stop and tail light
pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit at a
point between the sensor and stop light or light
switch.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to Federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
IBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
IBe certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing be-
fore driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability, and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped
with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift lever into
the ªPº position. If you move the shift lever
to the ªPº position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Recommended fuel:
Unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 96).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not avail-
able, unleaded regular gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Research
octane number 91) can be used.
However, for maximum vehicle perfor-
mance, the use of unleaded premium gaso-
line is recommended.
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol devices and systems, and could
also affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three way catalyst.
For further details such as gasohol, see ªFuel
recommendationº in the ªTechnical and con-
sumer Informationº section.
Recommended engine oil
specifications:
IAPI SG or SH and Energy Conserving II
IAPI Certification Mark
ISAE 10W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for
ambient temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
See ªEngine oil and oil filter recommendationº
in the ªTechnical and consumer informationº
section.
Tire cold pressure:
See tire placard affixed to the center console
lid.
Recommended new vehicle
break-in procedure:
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations out-
lined in the ªBREAK-IN SCHEDULE Informa-
tion found in the ªStarting and drivingº section
of this Owner's Manual. Follow these recom-
mendations for the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow
these recommendations may result in vehicle
damage or shortened engine life.(page)
IIn case of emergency .......................... 5-1
(Flat tire, engine will not start,
overheating, towing)
IHow to start the engine ....................... 4-1
IMaintenance schedule......................... 8-1
IDo-it-yourself operations .................... 7-1
ITechnical and consumer
information ........................................... 9-1
GAS STATION INFORMATION QUICK REFERENCE
Z01.2.1/A32-DX