1998 NISSAN MAXIMA flat 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 be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINSUse 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
only SAE class S chains.Other types may
damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners
when recommended by the tire chain manu-
facturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of
the tire chain must be secured or removed to
prevent the possibility of whipping action dam-
age to the fenders or undercarriage. If pos-
sible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a re-
duced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be
damaged and/or vehicle handling and perfor-
mance may be adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on a T-type spare tire.
Do not use the chains on dry roads.
CHANGING TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire rotationNISSAN recommends that tires be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel nut tightening torque:
72 to 87 ft-lb (98 to 118 N×m)
See ªFlat tireº in the ª6. In case of emergencyº
section for tire replacing procedures.
DI0048-B
Do-it-yourself
8-33
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

IAfter rotating the tires, adjust the tire
pressure.
IRetighten the wheel nuts after the
aluminum wheels have been run for
the first 600 miles (1,000 km) (also in
cases of a flat tire, etc.).
IDo not include the T-type spare tire or
any other small size spare tire in the
tire rotation.
Tire wear and damageTires should be periodically inspected
for wear, cracking, bulging, or objects
caught in the tread. If excessive wear,
cracks, bulging, or deep cuts are found,
the tire should be replaced.
The original tires have a built-in tread
wear indicator. When the wear indicator
is visible, the tire should be replaced.
Improper service for a T-type spare tiremay result in serious personal injury. If
it is necessary to repair the T-type spare
tire, contact your NISSAN dealer.
Replacing tires and wheelsWhen replacing a tire, use the same size,
speed rating and load carrying capacity as
originally equipped. See ªSpecificationsº in the
ª10. Technical and consumer informationº sec-
tion for recommended types and sizes of tires
and wheels.IThe use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction
(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.
IIf the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
MDI0004
8-34
Do-it-yourself
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad wear.
IDo not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warn-
ing.
IThe use of retread tire is not
recommended.
Wheel balanceUnbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han-
dling and tire life. Even with regular use,
wheels can get out of balance. Therefore, they
should be balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing
the front wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission damage.
Care of wheelsIWash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
IClean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
IDo not use abrasive cleaners when wash-
ing the wheels.
IInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
INISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.Spare tire (T-type spare tire)Observe the following precautions if the T-type
spare tire must be used, otherwise your ve-
hicle could be damaged or involved in an
accident.
IThe T-type spare tire should be used
only for emergency. It should be re-
placed by the standard tire at the first
opportunity.
IDrive carefully while the T-type spare
tire is installed.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking
while driving.
IPeriodically check tire inflation pres-
sure, and always keep it at 60 psi (420
kPa, 4.2 bar).
IDo not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
IDo not use tire chains on a T-type
spare tire. Tire chains will not fit prop-
erly on the T-type spare tire and may
cause damage to the vehicle.
IWhen driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the T-type spare tire
should be used on the rear wheel and
the original tire used on the front
wheels (drive wheels). Use tire chains
only on the front two original tires.
Do-it-yourself
8-35
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

ITo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch when not in use. Remove the
receiver when not in use. After the
hitch is removed, seal the bolt holes
to prevent exhaust fumes, water or
dust from entering the passenger
compartment.
IRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.Tire pressuresIWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the tire placard (located on the
inside of the center console lid.)
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in ac-
cordance with the trailer and tire manufac-
turers' specifications.Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure toleave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point
between the sensor and stop light or light
switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tipsIBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-sible causes of either condition.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
IBe certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing be-
fore driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability, and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped
with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, andTechnical and consumer information
10-15
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform
to federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.TreadwearTreadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified government
test courses. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well
on the government course as a tire graded
100. However, relative tire performance de-
pends on actual driving conditions, and may
vary significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.Traction AA, A, B and CThe traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.Temperature A, B and CTemperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause tire mate-
rial to degenerate, reducing tire life. Excessive
temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a performance level
which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades A and B represent higher levels of
performance on laboratory test wheels than
the minimum required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combina-
tion, can cause heat buildup and pos-
sible tire failure.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
Technical and consumer information
10-17
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

11 Index
A
ABS ................................................................. 5-18
Adjusting the time ........................................... 2-25
Adjustment
Front manual seat ....................................... 1-2
Front power seat ......................................... 1-4
Head restraint .............................................. 1-5
Shoulder belt ............................................. 1-22
Air bag
System....................................................... 1-12
System, Side ............................................. 1-13
Warning label ............................................ 1-15
Warning light ...................................... 1-15, 2-8
Air cleaner....................................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Automatic..................................................... 4-9
Manual ......................................................... 4-3
Operation, Manual ....................................... 4-5
Servicing .................................................... 4-12
Specification label ................................... 10-11
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................. 10-6
Aluminum alloy wheels, Cleaning ..................... 7-4
Anchor point location, Top strap..................... 1-35
Antenna........................................................... 4-25
Anti-freeze, Cold weather ............................... 5-19
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-18Appearance care
Exterior ........................................................ 7-2
Interior ......................................................... 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-6
Ashtray ............................................................ 2-19
Audio system .................................................. 4-12
Automatic
Operation, Air conditioner ......................... 4-10
Sunroof, Operation .................................... 2-24
Transaxle fluid ........................................... 8-10
Transmission, Driving .................................. 5-7
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-3
B
Battery
Cold weather ............................................. 5-19
Maintenance .............................................. 8-14
Replacement, Multi-remote control ............. 3-7
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-6
Belt
Drive .......................................................... 8-15
Extender, Seat........................................... 1-25
Height adjustment, Shoulder ..................... 1-22
Maintenance, Seat .................................... 1-25
Seat ........................................................... 1-17
Brake
Booster ...................................................... 8-21
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12Parking ...................................................... 5-12
Pedal ......................................................... 8-20
System....................................................... 5-17
Warning light ............................................... 2-8
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-14
Bulb
Checking...................................................... 2-7
Indicator ....................................................... 2-9
Replacement ............................................. 8-25
Warning light ............................................... 2-7
Buzzer ............................................................. 2-11
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricant .. 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-25
Carbon monoxide, Exhaust gas ....................... 5-2
Cassette tape player operation....................... 4-15
Cassette tape player operation, with compact disc
(CD) player type ............................................. 4-21
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-2
CB radio or car phone .................................... 4-25
Ceiling light ..................................................... 2-25
Certification label, F.M.V.S.S. ....................... 10-10
Chain, Tire ...................................................... 8-33
Changing
A flat tire ...................................................... 6-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-6
Engine oil..................................................... 8-9
Engine oil filter........................................... 8-10
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

Tire and wheel........................................... 8-33
Checking
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-20
Bulb ............................................................. 2-7
Engine coolant level .................................... 8-5
Engine oil level ............................................ 8-8
Parking brake ............................................ 8-20
Seat belt operation, Three-point ............... 1-21
Child restraint.................................................. 1-25
Installation on front seat ............................ 1-35
Installation on rear seat center ................. 1-27
Installation on rear seat outboard ............. 1-30
Precaution ................................................. 1-25
Top strap ................................................... 1-34
Child safety
Rear door lock ............................................. 3-4
Seat belt .................................................... 1-18
Chrome parts, Cleaning .................................... 7-4
Cigarette lighter and ashtray .......................... 2-19
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-22
Cleaner, Air ..................................................... 8-18
Cleaning
Exterior ........................................................ 7-2
Interior ......................................................... 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-25
Adjusting .................................................... 2-25
Clutch
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12
Pedal ......................................................... 8-21
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-19
Compact disc (CD)
Player operation ........................................ 4-23
Player operation, with cassette player
type ............................................................ 4-23Console box .................................................... 2-22
Controls, Heater and manual air conditioner.... 4-3
Cooling system, Engine .................................... 8-5
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-5
Cruise control.................................................. 5-12
Operation ................................................... 5-13
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-21
D
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside
mirror............................................................... 2-14
Dimensions and weights, Vehicle ................... 10-8
Door .................................................................. 3-2
Door open warning light ................................... 2-8
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................... 5-3
Drive belt......................................................... 8-15
Driving
Cold weather ............................................. 5-19
On snow or ice .......................................... 5-20
Precaution ................................................... 5-2
The vehicle .................................................. 5-7
Drugs ................................................................ 5-3
EEconomy, Fuel ................................................ 5-15
Emission control
Information label ...................................... 10-10
System warranty...................................... 10-18
Engine
Block heater .............................................. 5-21
Compartment check location....................... 8-4
Coolant heater ........................................... 5-21Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-5
Cooling system ............................................ 8-5
Oil ................................................................ 8-8
Oil and oil filter recommendation .............. 10-4
Overheat ...................................................... 6-9
Serial number .......................................... 10-10
Specifications ............................................ 10-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
Explanation of maintenance items .......... 9-3, 9-10
Exterior and interior light, Replacement ......... 8-26
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-10
Fastening the seat belt
Three-point ................................................ 1-20
Two-point ................................................... 1-23
Filling, Fuel filler lid ......................................... 3-11
Filter, Air ......................................................... 8-18
Flasher switch, Hazard warning ..................... 2-17
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mats, Cleaning ........................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transaxle ................................... 8-10
Brake ......................................................... 8-12
Engine ......................................................... 8-8
Power steering .......................................... 8-12
Window washer ......................................... 8-13
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-16
Front
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-16
Interior light................................................ 2-26
Manual seat adjustment .............................. 1-2
Power seat adjustment................................ 1-4
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X
11-2

Child seat belt ........................................... 1-18
Defects, Reporting................................... 10-18
Towing ..................................................... 10-14
Seat................................................................... 1-2
Heated ....................................................... 2-18
Seat adjustment
Front manual ............................................... 1-2
Front power ................................................. 1-4
Seat belt.......................................................... 1-17
Cleaning ...................................................... 7-5
Extender .................................................... 1-25
Maintenance .............................................. 1-25
Operation, Three-point .............................. 1-21
Precautions................................................ 1-17
Warning light and buzzer ............................ 2-8
With retractor, Three-point ........................ 1-20
Without retractor, Two-point ...................... 1-23
Selecting correct set of seat belt .................... 1-23
Servicing air conditioner ................................. 4-12
Setting, Clock.................................................. 2-25
Shoulder belt height adjustment (For front
seats) .............................................................. 1-22
Side air bag system ........................................ 1-13
Sound system, Audio system ......................... 4-12
Sound, Buzzer ................................................ 2-11
Spark plug....................................................... 8-16
Specifications .................................................. 10-7
Speedometer and odometer ............................. 2-4
Starting
Automatic transmission ............................... 5-4
Jump ............................................................ 6-7
Manual transmission ................................... 5-5
Precaution ................................................... 5-2
Push ............................................................ 6-9The engine .................................................. 5-6
Steering
Power ........................................................ 5-17
Wheel ........................................................ 3-13
Storage ........................................................... 2-19
Stuck, Vehicle recovery .................................. 6-12
Sun shade....................................................... 2-24
Sunroof ........................................................... 2-24
Supplemental
Air bag system .......................................... 1-12
Air bag warning label ................................ 1-15
Air bag warning light .......................... 1-15, 2-8
Restraint system.......................................... 1-7
Restraint system, Precautions .................... 1-7
Side air bag system .................................. 1-13
Switch
Front fog light ............................................ 2-16
Hazard warning ......................................... 2-17
Headlight ................................................... 2-15
Ignition ......................................................... 5-4
Rear window and outside mirror
defoggor .................................................... 2-14
Turn signal................................................. 2-16
T
Tachometer ....................................................... 2-4
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant ................ 2-5
Theft warning .................................................. 2-11
Three way catalyst ............................................ 5-2
Three-point type seat belt with retractor......... 1-20
Tire .................................................................. 8-31
Chain ......................................................... 8-33
Changing ................................................... 8-33Equipment, Cold weather .......................... 5-20
Flat............................................................... 6-2
Placard .................................................... 10-11
Pressure .................................................... 8-31
Quality grading ........................................ 10-17
Rotation ..................................................... 8-33
Type........................................................... 8-32
Tires, Specifications ........................................ 10-8
Top strap child restraint .................................. 1-34
Towing
A trailer .................................................... 10-13
Safety ...................................................... 10-14
Your vehicle............................................... 6-10
Trailer, Towing .............................................. 10-13
Transmitter
Integrated HomeLink
............................... 2-27
Multi-remote control..................................... 3-5
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ............................................................ 10-9
Tray ................................................................. 2-19
Trunk
Lid ................................................................ 3-9
Light ........................................................... 2-27
Turn signal switch ........................................... 2-16
Two-point type seat belt without retractor (Center
of rear seat) .................................................... 1-23
Type of tire...................................................... 8-32
U
Underbody, Cleaning ........................................ 7-3
Unfastening the seat belt
Three-point ................................................ 1-21
Two-point ................................................... 1-24
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X
11-5