1998 NISSAN MAXIMA Do it yourself

Table of
Contents
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systemsInstruments and controlsPre-driving checks and adjustmentsHeater, air conditioner and audio systemsStarting and drivingIn case of emergencyAppearance and careDo-it-yourselfMaintenanceTechnical and consumer informationIndex
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mental air bag system components
will be hot. Do not touch them; you
may severely burn yourself.
INo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental air bag system.
This is to prevent accidental inflation
of the supplemental air bag or dam-
age to the supplemental air bag sys-
tem.
IDo not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle's electrical system,
suspension system or front end
structure. This could affect proper
operation of the supplemental air bag
system.
ITampering with the supplemental air
bag system may result in serious
personal injury. Tampering includes
changes to the steering wheel and
the instrument panel assembly by
placing material over the steering
wheel pad, above the dashboard, or
by installing additional trim material
around the supplemental air bag sys-
tem.IWork around and on the supplemen-
tal air bag system should be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. Instal-
lation of electrical equipment should
also be done by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. The SRS wiring har-
nesses* should not be modified or
disconnected. Unauthorized electri-
cal test equipment and probing de-
vices should not be used on the
supplemental air bag system.
* The SRS wiring harnesses are cov-
ered with yellow insulation either just
before the harness connectors or
over the complete harness for easy
identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental air
bag system and guide the buyer to the appro-
priate sections in this Owner's Manual.Supplemental side air bag systemThe supplemental side air bags are located in
the outside of the seatback of the front seats.
The supplemental side air bag (on the driver or
front passenger seat) is designed to inflate in
higher severity side collisions, although it may
inflate if the forces in another type of collisionare similar to those of a higher severity side
impact. It is designed to inflate on the side
where the vehicle is impacted. It may not
inflate in certain side collisions. Vehicle dam-
age (or lack of it) is not always an indication of
proper supplemental side air bag operation.
When the supplemental side air bag inflates, a
fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by
release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful
and does not indicate a fire, but care should be
taken not to inhale it, as it may cause irritation
and choking. Those with a history of a breath-
ing condition should get fresh air promptly.
Supplemental side air bags along with the use
of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force
on the chest of the front occupants. They can
help save lives and reduce serious injuries.
However, an inflating supplemental side air
bag may cause abrasions or other injuries.
The seat belts should be correctly worn and
the driver and passenger seated upright as far
as practical away from the supplemental side
air bag. Since the supplemental side air bag
inflates quickly in order to help protect the front
occupants, the force of the supplemental side
air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury
if the occupant is too close to or is against the
supplemental side air bag module during infla-
tion. The supplemental side air bag will deflate
quickly after the collision is over.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.IDo not place any objects near the
seatback of the front seats. Also, do
not place any objects (an umbrella,
bag, etc.) between the front door fin-
isher and the front seat. Such objects
may become dangerous projectiles
and cause injury if the supplemental
side air bag inflates.
IRight after inflation, several supple-
mental side air bag system compo-
nents will be hot. Do not touch them;
you may severely burn yourself.
INo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental side air bag sys-
tem. This is to prevent accidental
inflation of the supplemental side air
bag or damage to the supplemental
side air bag system.IDo not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle's electrical system,
suspension system or side panel.
This could affect proper operation of
the supplemental side air bag sys-
tem.
ITampering with the supplemental
side air bag system may result in
serious personal injury. Tampering
includes changes to the front seats
assembly by placing material near
the seatback of the front seat, or by
installing additional trim material
around the supplemental side air bag
system.
IWork around and on the supplemen-
tal side air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical equip-
ment should also be done by an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer. The SRS wir-
ing harnesses* should not be
modified or disconnected. Unautho-
rized electrical test equipment and
probing devices should not be used
on the supplemental side air bag sys-
tem.* The SRS wiring harnesses are cov-
ered with yellow insulation either just
before the harness connectors or
over the complete harness for easy
identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental side
air bag system and guide the buyer to the
appropriate sections in this Owner's Manual.
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Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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Engine oil pressure warning light
Low washer fluid warning light (if so
equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator light
Charge warning light
or
Brake warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)
Door open warning light
or
Anti-lock brake warning light
(if so equipped)
Cruise indicator light
Seat belt warning light
Low fuel warning light
Malfunction indicator light (MIL)
Supplemental air bag warning light
Overdrive off indicator light
CHECKING BULBSApply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights will come on:
,
or
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then
go off:
or
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-
trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer
or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See ªEngine
oilº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
Running the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause serious
damage to the engine almost immedi-
ately. Turn off the engine as soon as it is
safe to do so.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate that there is something
wrong with the charging system. Turn the
engine off and check the alternator belt. If the
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND BUZZERS
Instruments and controls
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belt is loose, broken, missing or if the light
remains on, see your NISSAN dealer immedi-
ately.Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are
not closed securely while the ignition key is
ON.
Seat belt warning light and
buzzer
The light and buzzer remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the igni-
tion key is turned to ON, and will remain
illuminated until the driver's seat belt is fas-
tened. At the same time, the buzzer will sound
for about 6 seconds unless the driver's seat
belt is securely fastened.
See ªSeat beltsº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systemsº section for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the supplemental air bag light will illumi-
nate. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system
is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag needs servicing and your
vehicle must be taken to your nearest autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on and remain on for 7
seconds and then go off as described
above.
IThe supplemental air bag light flashes in-
termittently or remains on (after 7 seconds).
IThe supplemental air bag light does not
come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemen-
tal Restraint System may not function properly.
For additional details on the Supplemental Air
Bag System, see Section 2.
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal air bag or supplemental side air bag
system (if so equipped) will not operate
in an accident.
Low washer fluid warning
light (if so equipped)
This light comes on when the washer tank fluid
is at a low level. Add washer fluid as neces-
sary. See ªWindow washer fluidº in the ª8.
Do-it-yourselfº section.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning:
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
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the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ªBrake and clutch fluidº
in the ªDo-it-yourselfº section.IYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as greater pedal
travel.
IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir,
do not drive until the brake system
has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light (if so
equipped)
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the light will illuminate. The light will turn
off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate there is something
wrong with the anti-lock portion of the brake
system. Have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer. However if the light illumi-
nates while starting the engine, it does not
indicate a system malfunction.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank is
getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E.There will be a small reserve of fuel remain-
ing in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on during driving when the
overdrive switch is pressed to prevent over-
drive operation.
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on for 2
seconds each time the ignition key is turned
ON. This shows the light is functioning prop-
erly.If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds after coming on for
2 seconds, have your NISSAN dealer check
the transmission and repair it if necessary.The automatic transmission is equipped with
an electronic fail-safe mode. This system al-
lows the vehicle to be driven even in the event
of damage to the electrical circuits. If this
occurs, the gears automatically engage and
lock into third gear.
See the ªDriving the vehicleº in the ª5. Starting
and drivingº section for fail-safe before visiting
your NISSAN dealer.
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Headlight beam selectTo select the high beam, push the lever for-
ward. Pull it back to select the low beam.Passing signalPulling the lever toward you will flash the
headlight high beam.Daytime running light system
(Canada only)The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is started
with the parking brake released. The daytime
running lights operate with the headlight switch
in the OFF position or in the
position.
Turn the headlight switch to theposition
for full illumination when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the
engine is started, the daytime running lights do
not illuminate. The daytime running lights illu-
minate once the parking brake is released.
The daytime running lights will remain on until
the ignition switch is turned off.
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle are
not on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on
your headlights. Failure to do so could
cause an accident injuring yourself and
others.TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
Turn signalMove the lever up or down to signal the turning
direction. When the turn is completed, the turn
signals cancel automatically.Lane change signalTo indicate a lane change, move the lever up
or down to the point where lights begin flash-
ing.To turn the fog lights on, turn the headlight
switch to the
position, then turn the
switch to theposition. To turn them off,
turn the switch to the OFF position.
The headlights must be on for the fog lights to
operate.
SIC0880
FRONT FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if so
equipped)
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IThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust pipe.
IDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.IDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst's ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
IKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the three way cata-
lyst, causing it to overheat. Do not
keep driving if the engine misfires, or
if noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-spected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
IAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
IDo not race the engine while warming
it up.
IDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVERFailure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden steer-
ing maneuvers, because these driving prac-
tices could cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.As with any vehicle, a loss of con-trol could result in a collision with other
vehicles or objects, or cause the vehicle to
rollover, particularly if the loss of control
causes the vehicle to slide sideways.Be
attentive at all times, and avoid driving when
tired. Never drive when under the influence of
alcohol or drugs (including prescription or
over-the-counter drugs which may cause
drowsiness). Always wear your seat belt. See
ªSeat Beltsº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systemsº section. And
also instruct your passengers to do so.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVINGNever drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgment. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likeli-
hood of being involved in an accident
injuring yourself and others. Addition-
ally, if you are injured in the accident,
alcohol can increase the severity of the
injury.
Starting and driving
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