1997 NISSAN MAXIMA tow

On automatic transmission models, the igni-
tion lock is designed so that the key cannot be
turned to ªLOCKº and removed until the selec-
tor lever is moved to the ªPº position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the selector lever is in the ªPº
position.
If the selector lever is not returned to ªPº
(Park), the key cannot be moved toward
LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
ªLOCKº position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:1) Move the selector lever into the ªPº posi-
tion.
2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ªONº
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the ªLOCKº position.
4) Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition switch,
the selector lever cannot be moved from ªPº
(Park).The selector lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ªACCº position.
The selector lever can also be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ªONº position and
the foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an ªOFFº position in between ªLOCKº
and ªACCº, although it does not show on the
lock cylinder. When the ignition is in ªOFFº the
steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn counter-
clockwise from the straight up position.To lock the steering wheel, remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
ªOFFº (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ªACCº (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not
running.
ªONº Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and
the electrical accessories.
SSD0055
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), follow
these recommendations for the future reliabil-
ity and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.
IDo not drive over 55 MPH (90 km/h) and do
not run the engine over 4,000 rpm. Avoid
driving for long periods at constant speed,
either fast or slow.
IDo not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
IAvoid quick starts.
IAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
IDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
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
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE ECONOMY HINTS
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Do not park the vehicle over flammable
materials such as dry grass, waste pa-
per or rags. They may ignite and cause a
fire.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the ªREVERSEº
position. When parking on an uphill grade,
place the shift lever in the ª1stº position.Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the ªPº (Park)
position.
Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into the ªPº posi-
tion (automatic) or in appropriate gear
(manual). Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in an accident. Make
sure the shift lever has been pushed asfar forward as it can go and cannot be
moved.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a sloping drive
way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels
as illustrated.
IHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
q1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
q2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
q3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the
center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the ªLOCKº position
and remove the key.
MSD0002
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
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5 In case of emergency
Flat tire ...................................................................... 5-2
Jump starting............................................................. 5-7
Push starting ............................................................. 5-9
If your vehicle overheats ........................................... 5-9
Tow truck towing ..................................................... 5-10
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the posi-
tive cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.
IAutomatic transmission models can-
not be push started. This may cause
transmission damage.
IThree-way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three-way catalyst may be
damaged.
INever try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
IDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
ITo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the radia-
tor cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
IDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the gearshift
lever to neutral (automatic transmission to
ªPº).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to ªmaximum
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

hotº and fan control to ªhigh speedº.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing
a long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a
fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the
temperature gauge indication returns to
normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before pro-
ceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water.
If coolant is leaking or the cooling fan does
not run, stop the engine.
IBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or to get caught in,
belts, or motor fan.
IThe fan motor can start at any time
when the coolant temperature is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle re-
paired at the nearest NISSAN dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial
in Canada) and local regulations for towing
must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment
could damage your vehicle. Towing instruc-
tions are available from your NISSAN dealer.
Local service operators will generally be famil-
iar with the applicable laws and procedures for
towing. To assure proper towing and to pre-
vent accidental damage to your vehicle, NIS-
SAN recommends that you have a service
operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to
have the service operator carefully read the
following precautions.
INever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
INever get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
IWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and power train are in working condi-
tion. If any unit is damaged, a dolly
must be used.
TOW TRUCK TOWING
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

IWhen towing with the front wheels on
the ground:
Turn the ignition key to the ªOFFº
position and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
place the ignition key in the ªLOCKº
position. This will result in damage to
the steering lock mechanism.
Move the shift lever to the neutral
(ªNº position).
On automatic transmission models,
to move the selector lever to the Neu-
tral position, turn the ignition key to
the ªOFFº or ªACCº position. After
moving the selector lever to the Neu-
tral position, be sure to turn the igni-
tion key to the ªOFFº position.
IWhen towing with the rear wheels on
the ground, release the parking
brake.
On automatic transmission models,
to move the selector lever to the Neu-
tral (ªNº position), turn the ignition
key to the ªOFFº or ªACCº position.
After moving the shift lever to theNeutral position, be sure to turn the
ignition key to the ªOFFº position.
IAttach safety chains for all towing.
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground as illustrated.
ISpeed: Below 70 MPH (115 km/h)
IDistance: Less than 500 miles (800 km)
CE1051
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Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Towing an automatic transmission
model with rear wheels raised (with
front wheels on the ground)
Never tow an automatic transmission
model with the rear wheels raised (with
the front wheels on the ground)as this
may cause serious and expensive damage
to the transmission. If it is necessary to tow
the vehicle with the rear wheels raised,
always use a towing dolly under the frontwheels.
If you have to tow an automatic
transmission model with four wheels
on ground
Observe the following restricted towing speeds
and distances.
ISpeed: Below 30 MPH (50 km/h)
IDistance: Less than 40 miles (65 km)
Never tow an automatic transmission
model from the rear (i.e., backward) with
four wheels on the ground as this may
cause serious and expensive damage to
the transmission.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle)
ITow chains or cables must be attached only
to the main structural members of the ve-
hicle.
IPulling devices should be routed so they do
not touch any part of the suspension, steer-ing, brake or cooling systems.
IAlways pull the cable straight out from the
front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull on the
vehicle at an angle.
IPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
IStand clear of an stuck vehicle.
Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.CE1052
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