1998 NISSAN MAXIMA manual transmission

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
N (Neutral) position. For an automatic
transmission, move the selector lever
to P (Park) position.
IBe sure the ignition key is OFF or
LOCK when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.
IYour vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the OFF
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable before
working near the fan.IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
IIt is advisable to remove necktie and
any jewelry, such as rings, watches,
etc. before working on your vehicle.
IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the bat-
tery.
IOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) System,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer becausethe fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
IDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition
key is on.
INever leave the engine or the auto-
matic transmission related compo-
nent harness connector discon-
nected while the ignition key is on.
IAvoid direct contact with used engine
oil. Improperly disposed motor oil
and/or other vehicle fluids can hurt
the environment. Always conform to
local regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.This ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS8-2
Do-it-yourself
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little
different. When refilling, follow the procedure instructed in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº 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, Viscosity SAE 80W-90 only
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according
to the instructions in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.Nissan Matic ªDº (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Genuine Nissan Automatic
Transmission Fluid (Canada).*3
Power steering fluid Type DEXRON
TMIII or equivalent
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*4 or equiva-
lent 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 additional information, see later in ªCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricantsº for engine oil and oil filter recommendation.
*2: For additional information, see later in ªCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricantsº for recommended SAE viscosity number.
*3: Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TMor 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 Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TMautomatic transmission fluid.
*4: Available in mainland US through your NISSAN.
FUEL RECOMMENDATIONUnleaded 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 gasolineSome fuel suppliers are now producing refor-
mulated gasolines. These gasolines are spe-
cially designed to reduce vehicle emissions.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS10-2
Technical and consumer information
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then move the transmission selector lever
into the P (Park) position. If you move the
selector lever to the P (Park) position be-
fore blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
IIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
ITrailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule.
IWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than yourvehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
ICrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being passed
by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect
vehicle handling. If swaying does occur,
firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually) re-
duce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
IBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
ITo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
fifth gear (manual transmission) or over-
drive (automatic transmission).
IAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently.
See ªPeriodic maintenance schedulesº in
the ª9. Maintenanceº section.
10-16
Technical and consumer information
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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
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M
Maintenance
General ................................................ 9-2, 9-3
Item .................................................... 9-3, 9-10
Periodic........................................................ 9-5
Precaution ................................................... 8-2
Seat belt .................................................... 1-25
Manual
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-2
Operation, Air conditioner ......................... 4-11
Transmission, Driving ................................ 5-10
Meter
And gauge ................................................... 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ....................... 2-4
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
Mirror............................................................... 3-13
Inside ......................................................... 3-13
Outside ...................................................... 3-14
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-5
NNew vehicle, Break-in ..................................... 5-14
OOdometer .......................................................... 2-4
Oil
Automatic transaxle ................................... 8-10
Brake ......................................................... 8-12
Engine ......................................................... 8-8
Filter recommendation............................... 10-4
Power steering .......................................... 8-12Opener operation
Fuel filler lid ............................................... 3-11
Trunk lid..................................................... 3-10
Operating tips, Automatic air
conditioner ........................................ 4-5, 4-6, 4-11
Operation, Cruise control ................................ 5-13
Outside mirror ................................................. 3-14
Overheat ........................................................... 6-9
P
Parking
Brake ......................................................... 5-12
Brake and brake pedal .............................. 8-20
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-16
Pedal
Brake ......................................................... 8-20
Clutch ........................................................ 8-21
Periodic maintenance ....................................... 9-5
Personal light .................................................. 2-26
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Seat operating tips ...................................... 1-4
Steering ..................................................... 5-17
Steering fluid ............................................. 8-12
Window ...................................................... 2-22
Precaution
Maintenance ................................................ 8-2
On child restraint ....................................... 1-25
On cruise control ....................................... 5-13
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-17
On supplemental restraint system .............. 1-7
When starting and driving ........................... 5-2
Pregnant women, Seat belt ............................ 1-19Push starting ..................................................... 6-9
R
Radio............................................................... 4-12
With cassette player .................................. 4-13
With cassette player and compact disc (CD)
player ......................................................... 4-19
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ....................................................... 10-18
Rear
Door lock, Child safety ................................ 3-4
Window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 2-14
Recommended
Fuel/lubricant ............................................. 10-2
SAE viscosity number ............................... 10-6
Recovery, Freeing a stuck vehicle ................. 6-12
Refrigerant, air conditioning ............................ 10-6
Registering your vehicle in another country ... 10-9
Release
Hood ............................................................ 3-9
Trunk lid....................................................... 3-9
Remote keyless entry, Multi-remote
control ............................................................... 3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)............... 10-18
Restraint, Child ............................................... 1-25
Rollover ............................................................. 5-3
Rotation, Tire .................................................. 8-33
SSafety
Belt ............................................................ 1-17
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11-4

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
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11-5