1996 NISSAN MAXIMA tires

IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
IMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, e.g., each time you
check engine oil.
ICheck that all windows and lights are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ªON (3)º position.The automatic transmission in your vehicle (if
so equipped) is electronically controlled by a
microcomputer to produce maximum power
and smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this trans-
mission. Follow these procedures for maxi-
mum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
IAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal and push the shift lever
button before shifting the selector lever to
the ªRº, ªNº, ªDº, ª2º or ª1º position. Be sure
the vehicle is fully stopped before attempt-
ing to shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so that the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from ªPº to any
drive position while the ignition switch is
ªONº.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of ªPº
and into any of the other gear positions if
the key is turned to the ªLOCKº position or
if the key is removed from the switch.
1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
push the shift lever button to shift into a
driving gear.2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
When the battery charge is low, the shift
lever can be moved if the ignition switch is
in the ªACCº position.
ICold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
IAvoid revving up the engine while the
vehicle is stopped. This could cause
unexpected vehicle movement.
Driving precautions
To help prevent transmission damage:
IDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from ªPº or ªNº to ªRº,
ªDº, ª2º or ª1º. Always depress the
brake pedal until shifting is completed.
INever shift to ªPº or ªRº while vehicle is
moving.
IWhen stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
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IAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
IDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower fuel
economy.
IAvoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
IUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
IAvoid unnecessary engine idling.IKeep your engine tuned up.
IFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
IKeep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear
and waste fuel.
IKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause not only tire
wear but also lower fuel economy.
IAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
IWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air conditioner
and leave the windows closed to reduce
drag.
SD1001M
ECONOMY HINTS
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
at each wheel so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation
speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid
pressure to prevent each wheel from locking
and sliding. By preventing wheel lockup, the
system helps the driver maintain steering con-
trol and helps to minimize swerving and spin-
ning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.It is
not necessary to pump the brake pedal.
Doing so may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
(under the hood) rapidly applies and releases
hydraulic pressure (like pumping the brakes
very quickly). While the actuator is working,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from the actuator
under the hood. This is normal and indicates
that the anti-lock system is working properly.However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic
solenoids controlled by a computer. The com-
puter has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests
the system each time you start the engine and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the ªself-testº occurs, you may
hear a ªclunkº noise and/or feel a ªpulsationº in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the ªABSº
brake warning light in the dashboard. The
brake system will then behave normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at
your earliest convenience.
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but is cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-lock
system. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
IWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.
IWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

ªTire placardº in the Owner's Manual
index.Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For details, see ªEn-
gine Cooling Systemº in the ªDo-it-yourself
operationsº section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For details, see
ªBatteryº in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº sec-
tion.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. See ªChanging Engine Cool-
antº in the ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
Tire equipment
1. The SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, Nissan rec-
ommends the use on all four wheels of
MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON tires.
Please consult your Nissan dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some prov-
inces and states prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before in-
stalling studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Snow chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possi-
bility of whipping action damage to the
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
CAUTIONS
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If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Shift the manual transmis-
sion into reverse (automatic transmission in
ªPº).
4. Turn off the engine.
IMake sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into reverse
(automatic transmission in ªPº).
INever change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is dangerous.
INever change tires if oncoming traffic
is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.
IRaise the hood to warn other traffic,and to signal professional road assis-
tance personnel that you need assis-
tance.
IHave all passengers get out of the
vehicle and stand in a safe place,
away from traffic and clear of the
vehicle.
Getting the spare tire and tools
Remove jacking tools and spare tire from the
storage area located inside the trunk as illus-
trated.
SCE0036
FLAT TIRE
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7 Do-it-yourself operations
Precautions ............................................................... 7-2
Engine cooling system .............................................. 7-4
Engine oil .................................................................. 7-6
Automatic transmission fluid ..................................... 7-9
Power steering fluid ................................................ 7-10
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 7-11
Window washer fluid ............................................... 7-11
Battery ..................................................................... 7-12
Drive belts ............................................................... 7-13
Spark plug replacement .......................................... 7-14
Air cleaner filter ....................................................... 7-16
Wiper blades ........................................................... 7-17
Parking brake .......................................................... 7-18
Brake pedal ............................................................. 7-19
Brake booster .......................................................... 7-20
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 7-20
Fuses....................................................................... 7-20
Fusible links ............................................................ 7-22
Light bulbs ............................................................... 7-22
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 7-29
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
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Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some mod-
els to provide superior performance on dry
roads. Summer tire performance in snow and
ice will be substantially reduced. Summer tires
do not have the tire traction rating ªM&Sº on
the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or
icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the use
of ªSNOWº or ªALL SEASONº tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rating to
the original equipment tires. If you do not, it
can adversely affect the safety and handling of
your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may
not match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some provinces
and states prohibit their use. Check local, state
and provincial laws before installing studded
tires. Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may bepoorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before install-
ing tire chains. When installing tire chains,
make sure they are of proper size for the tires
on your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by the
tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit.
Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibility
of whipping action damage to the fenders or
undercarriage. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be dam-
aged and/or vehicle handling and performance
may be adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on a T-type spare tire.
Do not use the chains on dry roads.
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends that tires be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel nut tightening torque:
72 to 87 ft-lb (98 to 118 )
See ªFlat tireº in the ªIn case of emergencyº
section for tire replacing procedures.
DI1127MA
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