1997 NISSAN MAXIMA power steering

4 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................... 4-2
Avoiding collision and rollover................................... 4-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 4-4
Ignition switch............................................................ 4-4
Before starting the engine ......................................... 4-6
Starting the engine .................................................... 4-6
Driving with automatic transmission.......................... 4-7
Driving with manual transmission ........................... 4-10
Parking brake .......................................................... 4-12
Cruise control .......................................................... 4-13
Break-in schedule ................................................... 4-15
Economy hints......................................................... 4-15
Parking/Parking on hills........................................... 4-16
Power steering system ............................................ 4-17
Brake system .......................................................... 4-17
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If so equipped)....... 4-18
Cold weather driving ............................................... 4-19
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

INever leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
INever leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns or at low speeds.The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit develops a problem, you
will still have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using en-
gine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop
the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal.
However, greater foot pressure on the brake
pedal will be required to stop the vehicle and
the stopping distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result,
your braking distance will be longer and the
vehicle may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat-up the brakes. Do this until the brakes
return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at
high speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This overheats the brakes, in-
creases wear on the brake linings and pads,
and reduces gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
POWER STEERING SYSTEM BRAKE SYSTEM
4-17
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
5-10
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

7 Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions .......................................... 7-2
Engine cooling system .............................................. 7-5
Engine oil .................................................................. 7-7
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 7-10
Power steering fluid ................................................ 7-11
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 7-12
Window washer fluid ............................................... 7-12
Battery ..................................................................... 7-13
Drive belts ............................................................... 7-15
Spark plug replacement .......................................... 7-15
Air cleaner filter ....................................................... 7-17
Wiper blades ........................................................... 7-18
Parking brake .......................................................... 7-19
Brake pedal ............................................................. 7-20
Brake booster .......................................................... 7-21
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 7-21
Fuses....................................................................... 7-21
Fusible links ............................................................ 7-23
Light bulbs ............................................................... 7-23
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 7-30
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with
lint-free paper.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the charging pipe
as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading.
If the level is at the low side of either range,
add fluid to the charging pipe.
IDO NOT OVERFILL.
IUSE ONLY NISSAN Matic ªDº (Conti-
nental U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine
NISSAN Automatic Transmission
Fluid (Canada). Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM
or equivalent may also be used. Out-
side the continental United States
and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealer
for more information regarding suit-
able fluids, including recommended
brand(s) of Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor
DexronTMIIE/MerconTMAutomatic
Transmission Fluid.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot be
read. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes).Check the fluid level in the reservoir tank.
The fluid level should be checked using the
ªHOTº range at fluid temperatures of 122 to
176ÉF (50 to 80ÉC) or using the ªCOLDº range
at fluid temperatures of 32 to 86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).
IDo not overfill.
IUse type DEXRONTMIIE, DEXRONTMIII
or equivalent.
SDI0496SDI0118
POWER STEERING FLUID
7-11
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if equipped) hold securely
in all latched positions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjusters and
retractors) operate properly and smoothly, and
are installed securely. Check the belt webbing
for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
play.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed fully.
Check the brake booster function. Be sure to
keep floor mats away from the pedal.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has the
proper travel and make sure that the vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill when only
the parking brake is applied.
Automatic transaxle ªParkº mechanismCheck that the brake pedal must be depressed
for the selector lever to be moved from the ªPº
position. On a fairly steep hill check that the
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever
in the ªPº position without applying any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (e.g. each time you check
the engine oil or refuel).
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure
the hoses have no cracks, deformation, dete-
rioration or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid levels are between
the ªMAXº and ªMINº lines on the reservoir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the ªMAXº and ªMINº lines.
Engine drive belts*Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level on thedipstick after parking the vehicle on a level
spot and turning off the engine. Be sure to wait
a few minutes to allow the oil to drain back into
the sump.
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level in the reservoir tank with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment,
leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transaxle fluid level*Check the
level on the dipstick after putting the selector
lever in ªPº with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of
the exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell
of exhaust fumes, immediately locate the
trouble and correct it. (See the carbon monox-
ide warning in the ªStarting and drivingº sec-
tion)
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. See the ªAppearance and interior
careº section for additional information.
8-4
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*2
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).*3
Power steering fluidType DEXRON
TMIIE, DEXRONTMIII or
equivalent
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid or equiva-
lent*4
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: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor 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 DexronTMIII/MerconTMor DexronTMIIE/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*4: For more information regarding suitable fluids, contact a NISSAN dealer.
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

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