1999 NISSAN MAXIMA maintenance

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct quality, and
viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory engine life
and performance. NISSAN recommends the
use of a low friction oil (energy conserving oil)
in order to improve fuel economy and con-
serve energy. Oils which do not have the
specified quality label should not be used as
they could cause engine damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Pe-
troleum Institute (API) certification mark on thefront of the container should be used. This type
of oil supersedes the existing API SG or SH
and Energy Conserving II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the API
certification mark, use an API grade SG/SH,
Energy Conserving II or API grade SJ, Energy
conserving oil. An oil with a single designation
SG or SH, or in combination with other catego-
ries (for example, SG/CC or SG/CD) may also
be used if one with the API certification mark
cannot be found. An ILSAC grade GF-II oil can
also be used.
Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils musthowever, meet the API quality and SAE vis-
cosity ratings specified for your vehicle. Do not
mix mineral based and synthetic type oils in
the engine at the same time.
Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.Oil viscosityThe engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is impor-
tant that the engine oil viscosity be selected
based on the temperatures at which the ve-
hicle will be operated before the next oil
change. The recommended SAE viscosity
number chart shows the recommended oil
viscosities for the expected ambient tempera-
tures. Choosing an oil viscosity other than that
recommended could cause serious engine
damage.Selecting the correct oil filterYour new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When replac-
ing, use the genuine oil filter or its equivalent
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for the reason described in change intervals.Change intervalsThe oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than
the specified quality, or oil and filter change
intervals longer than recommended could re-
duce engine life. Damage to engines caused
by improper maintenance or use of incorrect
oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the new NISSAN vehicle warran-
ties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have to
change the oil before the first recommended
change interval. Oil and filter change intervals
depend upon how you use your vehicle. Op-
eration under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes.
Irepeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,
Idriving in dusty conditions,
Iextensive idling,
Itowing a trailer.
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 servicing
your air conditioning system.
TI1028-B
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with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
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 your
vehicle 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 thebrakes 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.
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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 North America Inc.
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
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Fusible links .................................................... 8-22
GGarage door opener, Integrated HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver ..................................... 2-30
Gas cap .......................................................... 3-10
Gauge ............................................................... 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 2-5
Fuel gauge .................................................. 2-5
Odometer..................................................... 2-4
Speedometer ............................................... 2-4
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
General maintenance ................................ 9-2, 9-3
Glove box........................................................ 2-24
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-24
HHazard warning flasher switch........................ 2-19
Head restraints ................................................. 1-5
Headlamps, (Bulb replacement) ..................... 8-25
Headlight switch .............................................. 2-17
Headlights, (Bulb replacement) ...................... 8-25
Heated seats................................................... 2-20
Heater
Engine coolant heater ............................... 5-21
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped) ........................................... 4-9
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater operation.......................................... 4-3
Operation, Semiautomatic air conditioner ... 4-4
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver .................. 2-30
Hood, release ................................................... 3-8Horn ................................................................ 2-19
How to stop alarm, Theft warning .................. 2-13
I
Ignition switch ................................................... 5-4
Automatic transmission models .................. 5-4
Key positions ............................................... 5-6
Manual transmission models....................... 5-5
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) .............................. 2-9
Inside mirror .................................................... 3-12
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test................. 10-18
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Integrated HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver ..................................................... 2-30
Interior and cargo light .................................... 2-28
Interior light ..................................................... 2-28
Interior light replacement ................................ 8-26
J
Jump starting .................................................... 6-7
KKeyless entry, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-5
Keys .................................................................. 3-2
LLabel, Air conditioner specification label ...... 10-11
Label, Emission control information label ..... 10-10Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label.............. 10-10
Labels
Air bag warning labels............................... 1-15
Air conditioner specification label ........ 4-3, 4-9
Engine serial number .............................. 10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)........... 10-9
Lamp replacement .......................................... 8-24
License plate, Installing front license plate... 10-11
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 1-15
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-24
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-18
Headlamps (Bulb replacement)................. 8-25
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-17
Headlights (Bulb replacement) .................. 8-25
Interior and cargo light .............................. 2-28
Interior light................................................ 2-28
Personal light............................................. 2-28
Trunk light.................................................. 2-29
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-29
Warning/indicator lights and chimes .... 2-7, 2-9
Lights, Exterior and interior light
replacement .................................................... 8-26
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................... 10-12
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-3
Glove box lock........................................... 2-24
Power door lock .......................................... 3-3
Trunk lid lock opener lever.......................... 3-9
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 2-9
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M
Maintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-13
Explanation of maintenance items..... 9-3, 9-10
General maintenance........................... 9-2, 9-3
Inside the vehicle ................................. 9-2, 9-3
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
Outside the vehicle .............................. 9-2, 9-3
Periodic maintenance schedules ................ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-23
Manual antenna .............................................. 4-24
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 3-12
Outside mirror............................................ 3-13
Outside mirror control................................ 3-13
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-13
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-5
NNew vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-15
OOdometer .......................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine oil .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil filter ............................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-5
Outside mirror ................................................. 3-13
Outside mirror control ..................................... 3-13
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-13
Overdrive switch ............................................. 5-10
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats................ 6-10
P
Parking
Brake check............................................... 8-20
Parking brake check.................................. 5-12
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-12
Parking/parking on hills ............................. 5-12
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-16
Periodic maintenance schedules ...................... 9-5
Personal light .................................................. 2-28
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Power antenna .......................................... 4-24
Power door lock .......................................... 3-3
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Power steering system .............................. 5-17
Power windows ......................................... 2-25
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-14
Precautions
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-13
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
On child restraints ..................................... 1-24
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-17
On supplemental restraint system .............. 1-6
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2Push starting ..................................................... 6-9
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ............ 4-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player .................................. 4-12
AM-FM radio with compact disc player..... 4-12
Cassette player operation ......................... 4-12
CB radio or car phone ..................... 4-12, 4-25
Compact disc (CD) player operation......... 4-12
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(USA only) .................................................... 10-18
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock...... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 2-16
Registering your vehicle in another country ... 10-9
Remote keyless entry, (See multi-remote
control system) ................................................. 3-5
Reporting safety defects (USA only) ............ 10-18
Rollover ............................................................. 5-3
SSafety
Child seat belts.......................................... 1-19
Reporting safety defects (USA only)....... 10-18
Towing safety .......................................... 10-14
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment .................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ...................... 1-4
Seat belt extenders......................................... 1-23
Seat belt maintenance .................................... 1-23
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