1998 NISSAN MAXIMA air condition

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

RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBERSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30 viscos-
ity oil may be used if the ambient tempera-
ture is above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONSThe air conditioning system in this NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or the exact
equivalents.Use of any other refrigerant or lubricant
will cause severe damage and you will
need to replace your vehicle's entire air
conditioning system.The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle will not harm the earth's
ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does not
affect the earth's atmosphere, certain govern-
mental regulations require the recovery and
recycling of any refrigerant during automotive
air conditioning system service. Your NISSAN
dealer has the trained technicians and equip-
ment needed to recover and recycle your air
conditioning system refrigerant.
Contact your NISSAN dealer when servicingyour air conditioning system.
TI1028-B
10-6
Technical and consumer information
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

TIRE PLACARDThe cold tire pressure is shown on the tire
placard affixed to the center console lid.
AIR CONDITIONER
SPECIFICATION LABELThe air conditioner specification label is affixed
inside of the hood as shown.
Use the following steps to mount the license
plate:
1. Mount the license plate bracket with 0.24 in
(6 mm) diameter by 0.55 in (14 mm) long
tapping screws.
STI0043
STI0044
STI0104
INSTALLING FRONT LICENSE
PLATETechnical and consumer information
10-11
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

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
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

Your NISSAN is covered by the following
emission warranties.
For US:
IEmission Defects Warranty
IEmissions Performance Warranty
For Canada:
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty In-
formation and Maintenance Log Booklet that
comes with your NISSAN. If you did not re-
ceive a Warranty Information and Mainte-
nance Log Booklet, or it has become lost, you
may obtain a replacement by writing to:
INissan Motor Corporation U.S.A.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena. CA. 90248-0191
INissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario,
L4W 4Z5
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National High-
way Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA)
in addition to notifying
NISSAN.
If
NHTSA
receives similar complaints,
it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA
cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or NISSAN.
To contactNHTSA
, you may either call
the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Wash-
ington, D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA
,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor
vehicle safety from the Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting
our Consumer Affairs Department, toll-
free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call (808) 836-0888.
Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in
what is called the ready condition for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the ready condition can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may
be reset to a not ready condition. Before taking
the I/M test, drive the vehicle through the
following pattern to set the vehicle to the ready
condition. If you cannot or do not want to
perform the driving pattern, an NISSAN dealer
can conduct it for you.Always drive the vehicle in a safe man-
ner according to traffic conditions and
obey all traffic laws.1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature).
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
(US only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)10-18
Technical and consumer information
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

Fuel
Economy.................................................... 5-15
Filler cap .................................................... 3-12
Filler lid ...................................................... 3-11
Gauge .......................................................... 2-5
Recommendation ...................................... 10-2
Fuse ................................................................ 8-21
Fusible link ...................................................... 8-22
GGarage door opener, Integrated
HomeLink
...................................................... 2-27
Gas cap, Fuel filler ......................................... 3-12
Gas economy, Fuel ........................................ 5-15
Gauge ............................................................... 2-3
Engine coolant temperature ........................ 2-5
Fuel.............................................................. 2-5
Speedometer and odometer ....................... 2-4
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
General maintenance ................................ 9-2, 9-3
Glass, Cleaning ................................................ 7-3
Glove box........................................................ 2-22
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 2-17
Head restraint adjustment ................................ 1-5
Headlamp, Replacement ................................ 8-25
Headlight
Replacement ............................................. 8-25
Switch ........................................................ 2-15
Heated seat .................................................... 2-18Heater and air conditioner
(Manual) ...................................................... 4-3
(Automatic) .................................................. 4-9
Heater operation
Manual air conditioner ................................. 4-4
HomeLink
...................................................... 2-27
Hood ................................................................. 3-9
Horn ................................................................ 2-17
How to stop alarm, Theft warning .................. 2-13
How to use multi-remote control system .......... 3-6
I
Identification, Vehicle ...................................... 10-9
Ignition switch ................................................... 5-4
Indicator light .................................................... 2-9
Infants and small children, Seat belt .............. 1-19
Information label, Emission........................... 10-10
Injured persons, Seat belt .............................. 1-19
Inside mirror .................................................... 3-13
Installing front license plate .......................... 10-11
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Integrated HomeLink
transmitter .................. 2-27
Interior light ..................................................... 2-25
Replacement ............................................. 8-26
J
Jump starting .................................................... 6-7
KKey .................................................................... 3-2
Position, Ignition switch ............................... 5-6Key operation, Trunk lid ................................. 3-11
Keyless entry, Multi-remote control .................. 3-5
L
Label, Air bag warning .................................... 1-15
Lamp, Replacement ........................................ 8-24
Larger children, Seat belt ............................... 1-19
License plate, Installing ................................ 10-11
Light
Air bag warning ......................................... 1-15
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-16
Headlight replacement .............................. 8-25
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-15
Indicator ....................................................... 2-9
Interior ....................................................... 2-25
Personal .................................................... 2-26
Replacement ............................................. 8-25
Trunk ......................................................... 2-27
Vanity......................................................... 2-26
Warning ....................................................... 2-7
Loading information, Vehicle ........................ 10-12
Loading tips .................................................. 10-13
Lock, Door ........................................................ 3-2
Locking with
Inside lock knob .......................................... 3-3
Key .............................................................. 3-3
Power door lock switch ............................... 3-4
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 2-9
Lubricant, Capacities and recommended ....... 10-2
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X
11-3