Maintenance Information Nissan Maxima J30

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 5

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation and engine type. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Normal Service

1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
2. No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule

Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)

1. Repeated Short Distance Driving
2. Extensive Idling
3. Driving In Dusty Conditions
4. Driving In Areas With Extremely Low Or High Temperatures
5. Towing A Trailer
6. Driving In Areas Using Road Salt
7. Driving On Rough Or Muddy Roads
8. Driving In High Humidity Or Mountainous Areas

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
3. Oil Contamination
4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Replace the timing belt on 3.0L (except VE30DE) engines every 60,000 miles. The 3.0L VE30DE engine does not have a timing belt.

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

TIRE INFLATION

Cold tire inflation pressures can be found on the tire information label located on the glove box lid.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten all wheel lug nuts to 58-72 ft. lbs. (78-98 N.m) on 1983-87 vehicles and to 72-87 ft. lbs. (98-118 N.m) on 1988-94 vehicles.

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG SYSTEM

Note. See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.

The SRS has no user-servicable parts. Always have servicing done by an authorized dealer.

When performing maintenance on air bag equipped vehicles always observe proper safety precautions.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)

BATTERY WARNING

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle.

COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

ENGINE OIL

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

HALOGEN BULBS

RADIATOR CAP

RADIATOR FAN

EXTENDED STORAGE SWITCH

This switch, located at the top of the fuse box, is used when the vehicle will be stored for an extended period of time. When the switch is turned to OFF position, the power to the clock, interior light, power antenna timer, and time control unit is cut off. When checking the power supply circuit for each system, make sure the extended storage switch is in the ON position.

SPARE TIRE USAGE

Ensure correct lug nuts are used when the spare tire is fitted. DO NOT use lug nuts from alloy wheels on steel wheels.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY

Covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair or adjust any item (except tires) on vehicle that has been proven defective in material or workmanship for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

PERFORATION WARRANTY

Covers any body sheet metal panel found to have developed perforation (rust-through) due to corrosion in normal use for 60 months from date of delivery, regardless of mileage.

POWERTRAIN WARRANTY

Takes effect upon the expiration of New Vehicle Limited Warranty and extends coverage up to a maximum of 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first, on 1991-94 models. Powertrain on earlier model years is covered for 36 months or 36,000 miles. See copy of warranty for specific components covered.

RADIO, TAPE DECK, & AMPLIFIER WARRANTY

Covers repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship for 12 months from date of delivery, regardless of mileage.

AIR CONDITIONING WARRANTY

Covers the sealed refrigerant portion of the air conditioning system for 12 months, regardless of mileage.

EMISSION SYSTEM DEFECTS WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Manufacturer warrants its emission components in vehicle to be free of defects in material and workmanship and that vehicle is designed, built and equipped to conform to all applicable Federal standards for emission control system at the time of sale. Warranty begins on the date vehicle is delivered or first put in use and is effective for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Vehicle is warranted to comply to all applicable emissions standards as judged by an EPA-approved emissions test, for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. After 24 months or 24,000 miles, only primary emission components which cause vehicle to fail an emissions test are covered. Refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific details.

EMISSION SYSTEM DEFECTS WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

Warrants that vehicle is designed, built and equipped to conform to all applicable requirements of the California Air Resources Board and that emission control system in vehicle is free of defects in material and workmanship which would cause it to fail to meet those requirements. Warranty period is 5 years or 50,000 miles on 1988-89 vehicles, 3 years or 50,000 miles on 1990 vehicles, and 5 years or 50,000 miles on 1991-94 vehicles. On 1990 and later model years, certain primary emissions control components are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Maintenance items are only warranted until time of first scheduled replacement. Refer to customer's copy of warranty for specific details.

EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

Vehicle is warranted against any defects that would cause failure to pass a California Smog Check test for 2 years or 24,000 miles (3 years/50,000 miles on 1990 and later models), whichever occurs first. Warranty coverage is extended to a maximum of 5 years or 50,000 miles (7 years/70,000 miles on 1990 and later models) on only those primary components which affect the vehicle's emissions performance, and on defects in materials or workmanship which would cause vehicle to fail a required Smog Check test. Refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific details.

FUSE PANEL LOCATION

On 1983-84 models, the fuse box is located beneath the glove box on the passenger side. On 1985-94 models, the fuse box is located beneath the instrument panel to the left of the steering column. The fuse specifications are on a decal located on the fuse box lid.

Scheme 9

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

1. 1 - 10 Amp - Right Headlight
2. 2 - 10 Amp - Left Headlight
3. 3 - 10 Amp - Stoplight Switch
4. 4 - 15 Amp - Tail & License Lights, Side Marker & Illumination Lights
5. 5 - 10 Amp - Extended Storage Switch, Clock, Interior Light Timer, Time Control Unit, Radio
6. 6 - 10 Amp - Horn Relay
7. 7 - 10 Amp - Flasher Relay, Hazard Switch, Dome & Step Lights, Key Warning Switch, Steering Lock Switch
8. 8 - 10 Amp - Cassette Deck, Clock
9. 9 - 15 Amp - Heater Motor
10. 10 - 15 Amp - Heater Motor
11. 11 - 20 Amp - Wiper & Washer Motors, Wiper Relay, Remote Control Mirror, Heater Unit, Time Control Unit
12. 12 - 20 Amp - Power Antenna Relay & Timer, Rear Wiper & Washer Motors
13. 13 - 10 Amp - Warning Lights, Gauges, Voice Warning, Power Antenna Timer, Cruise Control, Tachometer, Time Control Unit, Bulb Check Relay (1984), Back-Up Light Switch (M/T 1984), Inhibitor Switch (A/T 1984)
14. 14 - 20 Amp - Rear Defogger Switch (1983), Rear Defogger Relay (1984)
15. 15 - 10/20 Amp - Bulb Check Relay (1983), Back-Up Light Switch (M/T 1983), Inhibitor Switch (A/T 1983), Fuel Filter Module (Diesel 1983), EGR Control Unit (Diesel 1983), Fast Glow Control Unit (Diesel 1983), Glow Plug Relay (Diesel 1983), Rear Defogger Relay (1984 20 Amp)

Scheme 10

1. 1 - 15 Amp - Cigarette Lighter, Rear Wiper & Washer, Door Mirror, Aspirator Fan
2. 2 - 15 Amp - Windshield Wiper & Washer, Air Conditioner, Time Control Unit
3. 3 - 10 Amp - Drive Computer (1985-86), Theft Warning System, Extended Storage Switch, Audio, Power Antenna Timer, Combination Meter (Digital), Interior Lights, Clock, Time Control Unit, Auto Air Conditioner (1987-88), Automatic Seat Belt System (1987-88), Exhaust Gas Sensor Warning Module (1987)
4. 4 - 10 Amp - Drive Computer (1985-86), Theft Warning System, Trunk Opener, Steplight Relay, Power Antenna Timer (1985-86)
5. 5 - 15 Amp - Exterior Lights, Cornering Light Unit, Illumination, Keyless Entry (1987-88), Warning Chime (1987-88)
6. 6 - 15 Amp - Right Headlight, Theft Warning System (1987-88)
7. 7 - 15 Amp - Left Headlight, Cornering Light System (1987-88), Theft Warning System (1988)
8. 8 - 10/20 Amp - Rear Window Defogger (1985 10 Amp), Warning Chime (1985 10 Amp), Overdrive Cancel Solenoid (1985 10 Amp), Adjustable Shock Absorber System (1985 10 Amp), Trunk Opener (1986-88 20 Amp)
9. 9 - 10 Amp - ECCS System, Bulb Check Relay, Cruise Control, Theft Warning System, Inhibitor Relay, Power Steering Oil Pressure Switch, Heater Relay, Sunload Sensor Module (1985-86), Auto Air Conditioner (1987-88), Sonar Suspension (1988)
10. 10 - 10 Amp - Fuel Pump, Fuel Pump Relay
11. 11 - 15 Amp - Blower Motor
12. 12 - 15 Amp - Blower Motor
13. 13 - 10 Amp - Horn, Keyless Entry System
14. 14 - 10/15 Amp - Stoplight, Sonar Suspension (1988)
15. 15 - 10 Amp - Hazard Warning Light, Steering Lock Switch
16. 16 - 20 Amp - Rear Window Defogger
17. 17 - 20 Amp - Rear Window Defogger
18. 18 - 20/10 Amp - Radiator Fan (1985 20 Amp), Injector Blower Amp (1985-87; 1985 20 Amp), Rear Window Defogger (1986-88), Warning Chime (1986), Overdrive Cancel (1986), Adjustable Shock Absorber System (1986-87), Power Antenna (1987-88), A/T Control System (1987-88), Automatic Seat Belt System (1987-88), Air Conditioner (1987-88), Exhaust Gas Sensor Warning Amp (1987), Sonar Suspension (1988)
19. 19 - 10 Amp - Gauges, Warning Light, Back-Up Light, Time Control Unit, Vacuum Switch, Hold Relay (1985-87)
20. 20 - 10 Amp - Turn Signal Light, Cruise Control, Power Antenna Timer (1985-86), Drive Computer (1985-86), Voice Warning Unit (1985-86), A/T Control Unit (1985-86), Auto Air Conditioner (1985), Sonar Suspension (1988)

Scheme 11

1. 1 - 20 Amp - Rear Window Defogger
2. 2 - 20 Amp - Rear Window Defogger
3. 3 - 20 Amp - Switching Relay (1989), Speaker (Bose System 1990-94)
4. 4 - 10 Amp - Hazard Warning
5. 5 - 10 Amp - Horn, Cruise Control Steering Switch, Theft Warning Relay
6. 6 - 10 Amp - Clearance & Taillights, License & Side Marker Lights, Illumination Lights
7. 7 - 10 Amp - Radiator Fan System, Air Conditioner, Cruise Control, Time Control Unit, Anti-Lock Brake System
8. 8 - 10 Amp - Gauges, Warning Light, Back-Up Light, Inhibitor Switch, Rear Window Defogger Relay, Ignition Relay-2 (1989), Digital Touch Entry System, Daytime Light Unit, Shift Lock System, Sun Roof System (1992-94)
9. 9 - 10 Amp - Turn Signal, Cornering Light
10. 10 - 10 Amp - Steplight, Luggage Compartment Light, Audio, Power Antenna, Clock, Digital Meter, Auto Air Conditioner, Theft Warning System, Digital Touch Entry System, A/T Control System, Automatic Seat Belt System, Key Hole Illumination, Air Bar System (1992-94)
11. 11 - 15 Amp - Stoplight, Shift Lock System (1989-91)
12. 12 - 10 Amp - Interior & Spot Lights, Time Control Unit, Key Switch, Warning Chime
13. 13 - 10 Amp - Power Window, Power Door Locks (1989-91), Power Antenna, Interrupt Relay (1989-91), Automatic Seat Belt System, Sonar Suspension System (1989-91)
14. 14 - Blank (1989-91) 15 Amp - Fuel Pump
15. 15 - 10 Amp - Shift Lock System
16. 16 - 10 Amp - ECCS, Interrupt Relay, Daytime Light Unit, Starting System (1990-91)
17. 17 - 15 Amp - Blower Motor, Auto. Amp
18. 18 - 15 Amp - Blower Motor, Auto. Amp
19. 19 - 20 Amp - Wiper & Washer
20. 20 - 10 Amp - ECCS, Inhibitor Switch, Neutral Switch, Bulb Check Relay, A/T Control System, Check Connector (1990-94), Starting System (1992-94)
21. 21 - 10 Amp - Fuel Pump (1983-91), Air Bag System (1992-94)
22. 22 - 10 Amp - Audio, Power Antenna
23. 23 - 10 Amp - Air Conditioner, Clock, Gauge, Time Control Unit, Door Mirror, Door Mirror Defogger
24. 24 - 10 Amp - Theft Warning System
25. 25 - 15 Amp - Cigarette Lighter
26. 26 - 15 Amp - Front Foglight