1996 NISSAN MAXIMA fuel filter

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.
IPark the vehicle on a level surface, apply
the parking brake securely and block the
wheels to prevent the vehicle from mov-
ing. Move the transmission control lever
to neutral (ªNº).
IBe sure the ignition key is ªOFFº or
ªLOCKº when performing any replace-
ment or repair.
When the ignition key is in the ªONº or
ªACCº position, the cooling fan may
start to operate suddenly even when the
engine is not running.
IDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
IIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
IIt is advisable to remove ties and any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.IIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
INever connect or disconnect either the
battery or any transistorized component
connector while the ignition is on.
IOn gasoline engine models with the Mul-
tiport fuel injection system, the fuel filter
or fuel lines should be serviced by a
NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
IFailure to follow these or other common
sense guidelines may lead to serious
injury or vehicle damage.
IImproperly disposed motor oil and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the environ-
ment. Always conform to local regula-
tions for disposal of vehicle fluid.
This ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section givesinstructions regarding only those items which
are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect your warranty coverage.If in doubt about
any servicing, have it done by your NISSAN
dealer.
PRECAUTIONS
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

SCHEDULE 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, which-
ever comes first.Miles x 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km x 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Emission control system maintenanceDrive belts See NOTE (1)I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (2) [R] [R]
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (4)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use part No. 15208-31U00 or equivalent)RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (Use PLATINUM-TIPPED type)[R]
Intake & exhaust valve clearance See NOTE (5)
NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(3) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(4) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(5) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
(6) Maintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not
perform such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance
items and intervals are required.
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

SCHEDULE 2
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers
or months, whichever comes first.Miles x 1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km x 1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive belts See NOTE (1)I*
Air cleaner filter[R] [R]
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (2)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (3)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use part No. 15208-31U00 or equivalent)RRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (Use PLATINUM-TIPPED type)[R]
Intake & exhaust valve clearance See NOTE (4)
NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(3) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(4) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
(5) Maintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not
perform such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance
items and intervals are required.
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ªDo-it-
yourself operationsº section.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts*Check drive belts for wear, fray-
ing or cracking and also for proper tension.
Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving condi-
tions, the air cleaner filter should be replaced
in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
However, driving the vehicle in dusty areas
may cause more rapid clogging of the element.
Consequently, the element may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and connec-
tions for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace them.
Fuel linesCheck the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any parts if they are damaged.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filtermight become clogged. In such an event,
replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Drain and flush the cooling
system.
Engine oil & oil filter*Under normal driving
conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should
be replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe driv-
ing conditions, they may have to be replaced
more frequently.
Spark plugs*Replace with new plugs having
the correct heat range.
Intake & exhaust valve clearanceCheck and
adjust the valve clearance.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesCheck the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and park-
ing brake cables for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, chafing, abrasion, deterioration, etc.
Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsCheck
these and the other neighboring brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Under
severe driving conditions, they may have to be
inspected more frequently.
Manual & automatic transaxle gear oil*Check the oil level and visually inspect for
signs of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the oil should
be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension
parts, and drive shaft bootsCheck for dam-
age, looseness and leakage of oil or grease.
Under severe driving conditions, more fre-
quent inspection should be performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front suspen-
sion ball jointsCheck the ball joints for dam-
age, looseness and grease leakage.
Exhaust systemVisually check the exhaust
pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, dete-
rioration, etc. Under severe driving conditions,
inspection should be performed more fre-
quently.
Air bag systemCheck the air bag system
components for proper attachment, damage,
deformities, cracks rust, etc. Work around and
on the air bag system should be done by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
8-10
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little
different. When refilling, follow the procedure instructed in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº
section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended
specifications US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 18-1/2 gal 15-3/8 gal 70Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 91 AKI (RON 96)
Engine oil (Refill)
With oil filter 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0IAPI SG or SH and Energy Conserving
II*1, *2
IAPI Certification Mark*1, *2 Without oil filter 3-7/8 qt 3-1/4 qt 3.7
Cooling system
With reservoir 9 qt 7-1/2 qt 8.5
Anti-freeze coolant
(Ethylene glycol base)
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/4 qt 0.8
Manual transmission gear oilÐ Ð Ð API GL-4*3
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according
to the instructions in the ªDo-it-
yourself operationsº section.Nissan Matic ªDº (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Genuine Nissan Automatic
Transmission Fluid (Canada).*4
Power steering fluid Type DEXRON
TMII or equivalent
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid or equiva-
lent*3
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose greaseÐ Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerantÐ Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)
Air conditioning system lubricants Ð Ð ÐNissan A/C System Oil
Type S or exact equivalent
*1: For further details, see ªEngine oil and oil filter recommendationº.
*2: For further details, see ªRecommended SAE viscosity numberº.
*3: For more information regarding suitable fluids, contact a NISSAN dealer.
*4: Dexron III/Mercon
or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealer for
more information regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronIII/Merconor DexronIIE/MerconAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
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.
Reformulated Gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing refor-
mulated gasolines. These gasolines are spe-
cially designed to reduce vehicle emissions.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to chose the correct quality, and
viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory engine life
and performance. Nissan recommends the
use of a low friction oil (energy conserving oil)
in order to improve fuel economy and con-
serve energy. Oils which do not have the
specified quality label should not be used as
they could cause engine damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Pe-
troleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATIONMARK on the front of the container should be
used. This type of oil supersedes the existing
API SG or SH and Energy Conserving II
categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the CERTI-
FICATION MARK, an API SG or SH and
Energy Conserving II oil with API Service
Symbol may be used. An oil with a single
designation ªSGº or ªSHº, or in combination
with other categories (for example, ªSG/CCº or
ªSG/CDº) may also be used if one with the API
CERTIFICATION MARK cannot be found.
Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils must
STI0077
9-4
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

10 Index
A
Air bag warning light ....................................... 2-21
Air cleaner filter ............................................... 7-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ............................. 3-5
Air conditioner specification label.............. 9-11
Automatic air conditioner............................. 3-9
Air flow chart ..................................................... 3-6
AM-FM radio with cassette player .................. 3-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player (Bose audio system) .................... 3-16
Antenna........................................................... 3-22
Anti-lock brake system ................................... 4-17
Automatic
Automatic air conditioner............................. 3-9
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-6
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 4-3
B
Battery............................................................. 7-12
Battery replacement.......................................... 2-7
Before starting the engine ................................ 4-6
Brake
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-17
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11
Brake booster ............................................ 7-20Brake pedal ............................................... 7-19
Brake wear indicators ........................ 1-8, 7-19
Parking brake ................................... 4-11, 7-18
Break-in schedule ........................................... 4-13
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants... 9-2
Caution and warning labels ............................ 2-21
CB radio or car phone .................................... 3-23
Changing
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-7
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-8
Checking engine coolant level .......................... 7-4
Checking engine oil level .................................. 7-6
Child restraints for infants and small children .... 2-
29
Child safety ..................................................... 2-23
Child safety rear door lock................................ 2-3
Cigarette lighter and ash trays ....................... 1-17
Cleaning exterior and interior ........................... 6-2
Clock ............................................................... 1-21
Clutch pedal .................................................... 7-20
Cold weather driving cautions ........................ 4-18
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 3-21
Controls............................................................. 3-3
Coolant
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Checking engine coolant level .................... 7-4Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Cornering light ................................................ 1-14
Corrosion protection ......................................... 6-5
Cruise control.................................................. 4-12
Cup and card holders ..................................... 1-18
DDefogger switch
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 1-12
Dimensions and weights ................................... 9-8
Door lock operation .......................................... 2-6
Door locks ......................................................... 2-2
Door unlock operation ...................................... 2-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................... 4-4
Drive belts ....................................................... 7-13
Driving
Cold weather driving cautions ................... 4-18
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............. 4-4
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ............... 4-9
Precautions when driving .......................... 4-16
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
E
Economy hints ................................................ 4-14
Emission control information label .................. 9-10
Emission control system warranty .................. 9-18
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Engine ............................................................... 9-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-7
Checking engine coolant level .................... 7-4
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 7-4
Engine oil..................................................... 7-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-4
Engine serial number ................................ 9-10
Starting the engine .................................... 4-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 4-2
Explanation of maintenance items.................. 8-10
F
Flat tire .............................................................. 5-2
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11
Power steering fluid................................... 7-10
Window washer fluid ................................. 7-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-10
Foldable outside mirrors ................................. 2-36
Front fog light switch ...................................... 1-15
Front personal light ......................................... 1-22
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .............................................. 9-2
Fuel filler cap ............................................. 2-10
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-2
Fuses .............................................................. 7-20
Fusible links .................................................... 7-22
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5
Meters and gauges ..................................... 1-3
General maintenance ....................................... 8-3
Glove box lock .................................................. 2-8
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 1-15
Head restraint ................................................. 2-15
Headlight and turn signal switch..................... 1-13
Headlights ....................................................... 7-22
Heated seat .................................................... 1-16
Heater operation ............................................... 3-4
Hood release .................................................... 2-8
I
If your vehicle overheats .................................. 5-8
Ignition switch ................................................... 4-4
Inside mirror .................................................... 2-36
Installing license plate .................................... 9-11
Instrument brightness control ......................... 1-14
Interior light ..................................................... 1-21J
Jump starting ........................................... 5-6, 7-13
K
Key .................................................................... 2-2
L
License plate
Installing license plate ............................... 9-11
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 2-21
Cigarette lighter and ash trays .................. 1-17
Cornering light ........................................... 1-14
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-15
Front personal light ................................... 1-22
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-13
Headlights.................................................. 7-22
Interior light................................................ 1-21
Light bulbs ................................................. 7-22
Trunk light.................................................. 1-23
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-22
Warning/indicator light and buzzer.............. 1-6
Lock
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-17
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
Clock.......................................................... 1-21
Door lock operation ..................................... 2-6
Door locks ................................................... 2-2
Door unlock operation ................................. 2-6
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Glove box lock............................................. 2-8
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX