1997 NISSAN MAXIMA ignition

Be sure the ignition key is ªOFFº. The
engine could rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhesion or
looseness. If the belt is in poor condition or
loose, have it replaced or adjusted by your
NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule in this manual.
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
Be sure to use the correct wrench to
remove the plugs. An incorrect wrench
can cause damage.
SDI0141
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT
7-15
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

1. Remove the rocker cover ornament using a
suitable hexagon wrench. (Front side)
2. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
3. Loosen the ignition coil fixing bolts. And
remove the ignition coil to give access to
the spark plugs.
4. Remove the spark plugs with a spark plug
wrench.
The plug wrench has a rubber seal that
holds the spark plug so that it will not fall
when it is pulled out. Make sure that each
spark plug is snugly fitted into the plug
wrench.5. Fit the new plugs, one at a time, into the
spark plug wrench and install them. Turn
each plug in several full turns by hand, then
tighten with a spark plug wrench to the
correct torque. Do not overtighten.
Spark plug tightening torque:
14 to 22 ft-lb
(20 to 29 N×m)6. Holding the ignition coil, re-connect each
ignition coil to its proper spark plug by
pushing it on until you feel a snap.
7. Tighten all ignition coils.
SDI0122SDI0123
7-16
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Check the brake booster function as follows:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake
pedal movement (distance of travel) re-
mains the same from one pedal application
to the next, continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a
little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height should
not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradu-
ally with each depression as the vacuum is
released from the booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, see your
NISSAN dealer.Press the pedal by hand and be sure the free
travel is within the limits shown above. If free
travel is too little or too much, see your NIS-
SAN dealer.
Engine compartment
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and headlight
switch are ªOFFº.
DI1021MCSDI0126
BRAKE BOOSTER CLUTCH PEDAL FUSES
7-21
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fusible link cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by your NIS-
SAN dealer.
Passenger compartment
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are ªOFFº.2. Pull to open the fuse box lid.
3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
5. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by your
NISSAN dealer.
SDI0335
7-22
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Nissan supports efforts towards cleaner air
and suggests that you use reformulated gaso-
line when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising their pres-
ence. Nissan does not recommend the use of
fuels of which the oxygenate content and the
fuel compatibility for your NISSAN cannot be
readily determined. If in doubt, ask your ser-
vice station manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage of
such fuels may cause vehicle performance
problems and/or fuel system damage.
IThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that rec-
ommended for unleaded gasoline.
IIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
IIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (me-
thyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should
also contain a suitable amount of appro-priate cosolvents and corrosion inhibi-
tors. If not properly formulated with ap-
propriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are suit-
able for use in Nissan vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such
as engine stalling and hard hot starting are
experienced after using oxygenate-blend fu-
els, immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additives
Nissan does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (i.e. fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.)
which are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvent or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number in these high altitude areas
[over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)] such as: Colorado,
Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, north-
eastern Nevada, southern Idaho, western
South Dakota, western Nebraska, and that
part of Texas which is directly south of New
Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ªspark knockº. (ªSpark
knockº is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may
cause excessive fuel consumption or damage
9-3
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Model VQ30DE
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 6-cylinder, V-slanted at 60É
Bore x Stroke in (mm) 3.66 x 2.886 (93.0 x 73.3)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 182.33 (2,988)
Firing order 1-2-3-4-5-6*
Idle speed rpm
See the ªEmission Control Labelº
on the underside of the hood. Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.) degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed [No air] %
Spark plugStandard PFR5G-11
Service option PFR4G-11, PFR6G-11
Spark plug gap in (mm) Ð
Camshaft operation Timing chain
Alternator belt size
Width x Length in (mm) 0.8409 x 43.11 (21.36 x 1,095)
The spark ignition system of this vehicle
meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regula-
tions.
TI1009-A
ENGINE
9-8
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
E
Economy hints ................................................ 4-15
Emission control information label .................. 9-11
Emission control system warranty .................. 9-19
Engine ............................................................... 9-8
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-6
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-8
Checking engine coolant level .................... 7-5
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 7-5
Engine oil..................................................... 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-4
Engine serial number ................................ 9-11
Starting the engine ...................................... 4-6
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 4-2
Explanation of maintenance items.................. 8-10
F
Flat tire .............................................................. 5-2
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid ..................... 7-10
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-12
Power steering fluid................................... 7-11
Window washer fluid ................................. 7-12
FM/AM radio with cassette player .................. 3-12
FM-AM radio with cassette player .................. 3-16FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player ........................................ 3-22
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-11
Foldable outside mirrors ................................. 2-39
Front fog light switch (If so equipped) ............ 1-15
Front personal light ......................................... 1-23
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .............................................. 9-2
Fuel filler cap ............................................. 2-10
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5
Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-2
Fuses .............................................................. 7-21
Fusible links .................................................... 7-23
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........................ 1-16
Head restraint ................................................. 2-15
Headlight and turn signal switch..................... 1-14
Headlights ....................................................... 7-23
Heated seats (If so equipped) ........................ 1-16
Heater operation ............................................... 3-4Hood release .................................................... 2-8
I
If your vehicle is ever stolen ........................... 1-26
If your vehicle overheats .................................. 5-9
Ignition switch ................................................... 4-4
Injured persons ............................................... 2-26
Inside mirror .................................................... 2-40
Installing license plate .................................... 9-12
Instrument brightness control ......................... 1-15
Integrated HomeLink
transmitter
(If so equipped).......................................... 1-24
Interior light ..................................................... 1-22
J
Jump starting ........................................... 5-7, 7-14
K
Key .................................................................... 2-2
L
License plate
Installing license plate ............................... 9-12
Light
Front fog light switch (If so
equipped)................................................... 1-15
Front personal light ................................... 1-23
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-14
Headlights.................................................. 7-23
Interior light................................................ 1-22
10-2
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
Reporting safety defects (For U.S.A.) ....... 9-19
Seat adjustment .............................................. 2-12
Seat belt
2-point type without retractor .................... 2-29
3-point type seat belt with ......................... 2-26
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 2-24
Seat belt extenders ................................... 2-30
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 2-31
Seat belts .................................................. 2-24
Seats ............................................................... 2-12
Spark plug replacement .................................. 7-15
Speedometer .................................................... 1-4
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Jump starting ..................................... 5-7, 7-14
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
Push starting ............................................... 5-9
Starting the engine ...................................... 4-6
Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 7-11
Power steering system .............................. 4-17
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 2-38
Sunroof (If so equipped) ................................. 1-21
Supplemental air bag warning light ................ 2-22
Supplemental restraint system (Supplemental air
bag system) .................................................... 2-17
Switch
Front fog light switch (If so equipped) ...... 1-15
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-16
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-14Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 1-13
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-12
T
Tachometer ....................................................... 1-4
Theft warning (If so equipped)........................ 1-10
Three way catalyst ............................................ 4-2
Tilting steering wheel ...................................... 2-38
Timing chain ..................................................... 9-8
Tire
Flat tire ........................................................ 5-2
Tire chains ................................................. 7-31
Tire placard ............................................... 9-12
Tire pressure ............................................. 7-30
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-18
Wheels and tires ................................ 7-30, 9-9
Tow truck towing ............................................. 5-10
Towing
Tow truck towing ....................................... 5-10
Towing load/specification chart ................. 9-15
Trailer towing ............................................. 9-14
Trailer towing .................................................. 9-14
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid ..................... 7-10
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-7
Driving with manual transmission ............. 4-10
Trip odometer ................................................... 1-4
Trunk lid lock .................................................... 2-9
Trunk lid opener operation ............................... 2-6
Trunk light ....................................................... 1-23U
Uniform tire quality grading............................. 9-18
V
Vanity mirror light ............................................ 1-23
Vehicle identification ....................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (Chassis
number) ..................................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number plate ........... 9-10
Vehicle loading information............................. 9-13
Vehicle recovery (Freeing a stuck
vehicle)............................................................ 5-12
Ventilator ........................................................... 3-2
W
Warning
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-16
Supplemental air bag warning labels ........ 2-22
Supplemental air bag warning light........... 2-22
Theft warning (If so equipped) .................. 1-10
Warning/indicator light and buzzer.............. 1-6
Wheels and tires ..................................... 7-30, 9-9
Window washer fluid ....................................... 7-12
Windshield wiper and washer switch.............. 1-12
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-12
Wiper blades ............................................. 7-18
10-4
Z01.2.1/A32-DX