1998 NISSAN MAXIMA Fluid

Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to en-
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if equipped) hold securely
in all latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedal:Check 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.
Brakes:Check 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 tokeep 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 P (Park) position
mechanism:Check that the brake pedal must
be depressed for the selector lever to be
moved from the P (Park) position. On a fairly
steep hill check that the vehicle is held se-
curely with the selector lever in the P (Park)
position without applying any brakes.
Under the hood and the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, 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 hoses:Check 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 be-
tween the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Battery*:Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Engine drive belts*:Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:Check the level on the
dipstick 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 lines:Check
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 P (Park) position with the engine idling.
Exhaust system:Make 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.
9-4
Maintenance
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(See ªPrecautions when starting and drivingº
in the ª5. Starting and drivingº section for
exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
Underbody:The 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. For additional information, see
ªCleaning exteriorº in the ª7. Appearance and
careº section.
Fluid leaks:Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle
has been parked for a while. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal. If
you should notice any leaks or if gasoline
fumes are evident, check for the cause and
have it corrected immediately.To ensure smooth, trouble-free, safe and eco-
nomical driving, NISSAN provides two differ-
ent maintenance schedules that may be used,
depending upon the conditions in which you
usually drive. These schedules contain both
distance and time intervals, up to 60,000 miles
(96,000 km)/48 months. For most people, the
odometer reading will indicate when service is
needed. However, if you drive very little, your
vehicle should be serviced at the regular time
intervals shown in the schedule.After 60,000
miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, continue
the periodic maintenance at the same
mileage/time intervals.
SCHEDULE 1Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 1 if
your driving habits frequently include one or
more of the following driving conditions:
Irepeated short trips of less than 5 miles
(8 km).
Irepeated short trips of less than 10 miles
(16 km) with outside temperatures re-
maining below freezing.
Ioperating in hot weather in stop-and-go
rush hour traffic.
Iextensive idling and/or low speed driv-
ing for long distances, such as police,taxi or door-to-door delivery use.
Idriving in dusty conditions.
Idriving on rough, muddy, or salt spread
roads.
Itowing a trailer, using a camper or a
car-top carrier.
SCHEDULE 2Follow Periodic Maintenance Schedule 2 if
none of the driving conditions shown in Sched-
ule 1 apply to your driving habits.
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULES
Maintenance
9-5
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EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.Emission control system
maintenanceDrive belts*:Check drive belts for wear, fray-
ing or cracking and also for proper tension.
Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Air cleaner filter:Under normal driving con-
ditions, the air cleaner filter should be replaced
in accordance with the maintenance schedule.
However, driving the vehicle in dusty areas
may cause more rapid clogging of the element.
Consequently, the element may have to be
replaced more frequently.
EVAP vapor lines:Check EVAP vapor lines
and connections for failure or looseness. If
leaks are found, replace them.
Fuel lines:Check the fuel hoses, piping and
connections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. Replace any parts if they are damaged.Fuel filter:If the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filter
might become clogged. In such an event,
replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*:Drain and flush the cooling
system.
Engine oil & oil filter*:Under normal driving
conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should
be replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe driv-
ing conditions, they may have to be replaced
more frequently.
Spark plugs*:Replace with new plugs having
the correct heat range.
Intake & exhaust valve clearance:Check the
valve clearance if valve noise increases.
Chassis and body maintenanceBrake lines & cables:Check the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and park-
ing brake cables for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, chafing, abrasion, deterioration, etc.Brake pads & discs:Check these and the
other neighboring brake components for wear,
deterioration and leaks. Under severe driving
conditions, they may have to be inspected
more frequently.
Manual & automatic transaxle fluid*:Check
the fluid level and visually inspect for signs of
leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the oil should
be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension
parts, and drive shaft boots:Check for dam-
age, looseness and leakage of oil or grease.
Under severe driving conditions, more fre-
quent inspection should be performed.
Exhaust system:Visually check the exhaust
pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, dete-
rioration, etc. Under severe driving conditions,
inspection should be performed more fre-
quently.
Supplemental air bag, and supplemental
side air bag (if so equipped) systems:Main-
tenance for the supplemental air bags or
supplemental side air bags should be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
9-10
Maintenance
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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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2. Mount the license plate with the 0.24 in (6
mm) bolts. The bolts used to fasten the
license plate to the bracket are not included
in the bracket assembly.
IIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured
or killed
IDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
IBe sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.TERMSIt is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:
ICurb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle)
- vehicle weight including: standard and
optional equipment, fluids, emergency
tools, and spare tire assembly. This weight
does notinclude passengers and cargo.
IGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb weight
plus the combined weight of passengers
and cargo.
IGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -maximum total weight (load) limit specified
for the vehicle.
IGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the
front or rear axle.
DETERMINING VEHICLE LOAD
CAPACITYThe load capacity of this vehicle is determined
by weight, not by available cargo space. For
example, a luggage rack, bike carrier, cartop
carrier or similar equipment does not increase
load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using a
commercial-grade scale, found at places such
as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain elevator,
or a scrap metal recycling facility.
1. Determine the curb weight of your vehicle.
2. Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to deter-
mine how much more weight your vehicle
can carry.
3. After loading (cargo and passengers), re-
weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is ex-
ceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, remove
VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION
10-12
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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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
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11-2

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