1998 NISSAN MAXIMA maintenance schedule

ForewordWelcome to the growing family of new
NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to
you with confidence. It was produced using
the latest techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of
driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information and Mainte-
nance Log Booklet explains details about the
warranties covering your vehicle and vehicle
maintenance schedules.
Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best.
When you require any service or have any
questions, he will be glad to assist you with
the extensive resources available to him.
READ FIRST Ð THEN DRIVE
SAFELYBefore driving your vehicle please read
your Owner's Manual carefully. This will
ensure familiarity with controls and main-
tenance requirements, assisting you in the
safe operation of your vehicle.IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMA-
TION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable
trip for you and your passengers!
INever drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
IAlways observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for condi-
tions.
IAlways use your seat belts and ap-
propriate child restraint systems.
Preteen children should be seated
in the rear seat.
IAlways provide information about
the proper use of vehicle safety fea-
tures to all occupants of the vehicle.
IAlways review this Owner's Manual
for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR
VEHICLEThis vehicle should not be modified. Modi-
fication could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate
governmental regulations. In addition,
damage or performance problems result-
ing from modification may not be covered
under NISSAN warranties.WHEN READING THE MANUALThis manual includes information for all
options available on this model. Therefore,
you may find some information that does
not apply to your vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustrations
in this manual are those in effect at the time of
printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
specifications or design at any time without
notice.
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

If jump starting is necessary, see ªJump start-
ingº the ª6. In case of emergencyº section. If
the engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact your
NISSAN dealer.
Be sure the ignition key is OFF. The
engine could rotate unexpectedly.1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhesion or
looseness. If the belt is in poor condition or
loose, have it replaced or adjusted by your
NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule in this manual.
SDI0141
DRIVE BELTS
Do-it-yourself
8-15
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the mainte-
nance intervals. See ªPeriodic maintenance
schedulesº in the ª9. Maintenanceº section for
maintenance intervals. When replacing the
filter, wipe the inside of the air cleaner housing
and the cover with a damp cloth.IOperating the engine with the air
cleaner off can cause you or others to
be burned. The air cleaner not only
cleans the air, it stops flame if theengine backfires. If it is not there, and
the engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with it off, and
be careful working on the engine with
the air cleaner off.
INever pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with the
air cleaner removed. Doing so could
result in serious injury.
CLEANINGIf your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form when
rinsing with clear water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter-
gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water. If
your windshield is still not clear after cleaning
the blades and using the wiper, replace the
blades.
SDI0121
AIR CLEANER WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES8-18
Do-it-yourself
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

CHECKING PARKING BRAKEFrom the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the number
of clicks is out of the range listed above, see
your NISSAN dealer.
CHECKING BRAKE PEDALWith the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and
the metal floor. If it is out of the range shown
above, see your NISSAN dealer.Self-adjusting brakesYour vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
See your NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.Brake pad wear indicatorsThe disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indi-
cator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, oc-
casional brake squeak, squeal or other noise
may be heard. Occasional brake noise during
light to moderate stops is normal and does not
affect the function or performance of the brake
system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For additional information, see
ªPeriodic maintenance schedulesº in the ª9.
Maintenanceº section for maintenance inter-
vals.
SDI0125
DI1020MD
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL8-20
Do-it-yourself
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

9 MaintenanceGeneral maintenance ................................................ 9-3
Periodic maintenance schedules .............................. 9-5
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

(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
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

SCHEDULE 1Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals onlyMAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, which-
ever comes first.Miles x 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km x 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48Emission control system maintenanceDrive belts See NOTE (1)I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (2) [R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (4)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use part No. 15208-31U00 or equivalent)RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (Use PLATINUM-TIPPED type)[R]
Intake & exhaust valve clearance See NOTE (5)NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(3) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(4) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(5) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
(6) Maintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not
perform such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance
items and intervals are required.9-6
Maintenance
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X

SCHEDULE 2Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals onlyMAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles, kilometers
or months, whichever comes first.Miles x 1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km x 1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48Emission control system maintenanceDrive belts See NOTE (1)I*
Air cleaner filter[R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (2)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (3)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use part No. 15208-31U00 or equivalent)RRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (Use PLATINUM-TIPPED type)[R]
Intake & exhaust valve clearance See NOTE (4)NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either
extremely low or extremely high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(3) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(4) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
(5) Maintenance items and intervals with ª*º are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not
perform such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance
items and intervals are required.9-8
Maintenance
Z
01.1.31/A32-D
X