Nissan Maxima 1998 Owner's Manual

Foreword

Welcome 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 understand 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 Maintenance Log Booklet explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle and vehicle maintenance schedules.

Your NISSAN dealer knowsyourvehicle 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 — THEN DRIVE SAFELY

Before driving your vehicle please read your Owner’s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity with controls and maintenance requirements, assisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!

Follow these important driving rules to help ensure a safe and comfortable trip for you and your passengers! I Never drive under the influence of

alcohol or drugs.

I Always observe posted speed limits

and never drive too fast for conditions.

I Always use your seat belts and ap-

propriate child restraint systems. Preteen children should be seated in the rear seat.

I Always provide information about

the proper use of vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.

I Always review this Owner’s Manual

for important safety information.

MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE

This vehicle should not be modified. Modification could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from modification may not be covered under NISSAN warranties.

WHEN READING THE MANUAL

This 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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL

You will see various symbols in this manual. They are used in the following ways:

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause death or serious personal injury. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed precisely.

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause minor or moderate personal injury or damage to your vehicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed carefully.

SIC0697

If you see this symbol, it means Do not do this or Do not let this happen.

All rights reserved. No part of this Owner’s Manual may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

TOKYO, JAPAN

Welcome To The World Of NISSAN

AFW0001

Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a successful worldwide company that manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them in 170 nations.

NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world wide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes textile machinery, fork-lift trucks, marine engines, boats and other products.

NISSAN has made a substantial and growing investment in North America, starting with the opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in 1960 and continuing with the production of some

cars and trucks at one of the world’s most modern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design International in San Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan Research and Development in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. and its dealers indirectly employ about 60,000 Americans.

NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its suppliers and over 170 dealers employ approximately 4,500 people. These include company employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all across Canada. In addition, many Canadians work for companies that supply NISSAN and NISSAN dealers with materials and services ranging from operation of port facilities and

transportation services to the supply of lubricants, parts and accessories.

NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and computers in automobiles, and has led the industry in improving both performance and fuel efficiency through new engine designs and the use of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The company has also developed ways to build quality into its vehicles at each stage of the production process, both through extensive use of automation and — most importantly — through an awareness that people are the central element in quality control.

From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers until you took delivery of your new Nissan, dozens of checks were made to ensure that only the best job was being done in producing and delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN to your dealer for maintenance, the service technician will perform his work according to the quality standards that have been established by the factory.

Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As you know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety systems that will help protect you and your passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every time you drive the vehicle.

The NISSAN story of growth and achievement reflects our major goal: to provide you, our customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality and craftsmanship — a product that we can be proud to build and you can be proud to own.

NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM

NISSAN CARES ...

Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.

However, if there is something that your NISSAN dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to provide NISSAN directly with comments or questions, please contact our (NISSAN’s) Consumer Affairs Department using our toll-free number:

For U.S. mainland customers

1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261)

For Hawaii customers

(808) 836-0888 (Oahu Number)

For Canada customers

1-800-387-0122

We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.

The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the following information: — Your name, address, and telephone

number

— Vehicle identification number (on dash-

board) — Date of purchase — Current odometer reading — Your NISSAN dealer’s name — Your comments or questions OR

You can write to NISSAN with the information on the left at:

For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers

Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 191 Gardena, California 90248-0191

For Hawaii customers

Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii 2880 Kilihau St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96819

For Canada customers

Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

Instruments and controls Pre-driving checks and adjustments Heater, air conditioner and audio systems Starting and driving In case of emergency Appearance and care Do-it-yourself Maintenance Technical and consumer information Index

1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag

systems

Seats......................................................................... 1-2

Supplemental restraint system.................................. 1-7

Seat belts ................................................................ 1-17

Child restraints ........................................................ 1-25

SEATS

I Do not ride in a moving vehicle when

the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries.

FRONT MANUAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT

I Do not adjust the driver’s seat while

driving. The seat may move suddenly and could cause loss of control of the vehicle.

I After adjustment, gently rock in the

seat to make sure it is securely locked.

SSS0095

I For most effective protection when

the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat and adjust the seat belt properly. See “Precautions on seat belt usage” later in this section.

1-2 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

SPA0097 SPA0099

Forward and backward

Pull the lever up while you slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. Release the lever to lock the seat in position.

Reclining

To recline the seatback, pull the lever up and lean back. To bring the seatback forward again, pull the lever and move your body forward. The seatback moves forward.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-3

Seat lifter (Driver’s seat)

Turn either dial to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion to the desired position.

FRONT POWER SEAT ADJUSTMENT

I Do not adjust the driver’s seat while

driving in order that full attention may be given to the driving operations.

I Do not leave children unattended in-

side the vehicle. They could unknowingly activate switches or controls. Unattended children could become involved in serious accidents.

SPA0098

Forward and backward

Operating tips

I The motor has an auto-reset overload pro-

tection circuit. If the motor stops during operation, wait 30 seconds, then reactivate the switch.

I Do not operate the power support seat

for a long period of time when the engine is off. This will discharge the battery.

Moving the switch forward or backward will slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position.

1-4 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

Reclining

Move the recline switch backward until the desired angle is obtained. To bring the seatback forward again, move the switch forward and move your body forward. The seatback will move forward.

SPA0100 SPA0467 SPA0014

Seat lifter (Driver’s seat)

Push the front or rear end of the switch up or down to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion.

Lumbar support (Driver’s seat)

The lumbar support feature provides lower back support to the driver. Move the lever up or down to adjust the seat lumbar area.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-5

HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUSTMENT

To raise the head restraint, simply pull it up. To lower, push the lock knob and push the head restraint down.

Adjust the head restraints so the top is level with the tops of your ears.

Head restraints should be adjusted properly as they may provide significant protection against injury in an accident. Do not remove them. Check the adjust-

ment after someone else uses the seat.

it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured cargo could cause personal injury.

Pull the armrest forward until it is horizontal.

SSS0067

ARMREST

Properly secure all cargo to help prevent

1-6 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

PRECAUTIONS ON SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

This Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) section contains important information concerning the driver and passenger supplemental air bags and supplemental side air bags. Supplemental air bag system: This system can help cushion the impact force to the face and chest of the driver and front passenger in certain frontal collisions.

Supplemental side air bag system (if so equipped): This system can help cushion the

impact force to the chest area of the driver and front passenger in certain side impact collisions. The supplemental side air bag is designed to inflate on the side where the vehicle is impacted.

These supplemental restraint systems are designed to supplement the crash protection provided by the driver and front passenger seat belts and are not a substitute for them. Seat belts should always be correctly worn and the driver and front passenger seated a suitable distance away from the steering wheel, instrument panel and front door finishers. (See “Seat belts” later in this section for instructions and precautions on seat belt usage.)

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.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-7

I The seat belts and the supplemental

air bags are most effective when you

I The supplemental air bags ordinarily

will not inflate in the event of a side impact, rear impact, roll over, or lower severity frontal collision. Always wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents.

are sitting well back and upright in the seat. Supplemental air bags inflate with great force. If you are unrestrained,leaning forward, sitting sideways or out of position in any way, you are at greater risk of injury or death in a crash and may also receive serious or fatal injuries from the supplemental air bag if you are up against it when it inflates. Always sit back against the seatback and use the seat belts.

1-8 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

SSS0096

I Keep hands on the outside of the

steering wheel. Placing them inside the steering wheel rim could increase the risk that they are injured when the supplemental air bag inflates.

SSS0098 SSS0006

SSS0007

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-9

SSS0008

SSS0099

I Never let children ride unrestrained

or extend their hands or face out of the window. Do not attempt to hold them in your lap or arms. Some examples of dangerous riding positions are shown in the previous illustrations.

I Children may be severely injured or

killed when the supplemental air bag or supplemental side air bag inflates if they are not properly restrained.

I Also never install a rear facing child

restraint in the front seat. An inflating supplemental air bag could seriously injure or kill your child. For additional information, see “Child restraints” later in this section.

SSS0009

1-10 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

SSS0100

SSS0101 SSS0064

Supplemental side air bag equipped models:

I The supplemental side air bag ordi-

narily will not inflate in the event of a frontal impact, rear impact or lower severity side collision. Always wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents.

back of the front seat. If the supplemental side air bag inflates, the occupant may be seriously injured. Be especially careful with children, who should always be properly restrained.

I Do not use seat covers on the front

seatbacks. They may interfere with supplemental side air bag inflation.

I The seat belts and the supplemental

side air bag are most effective when you are sitting well back and upright in the seat. Supplemental side air bag inflates with great force. Do not allow anyone to place their hand, leg or face near the supplemental side air bag on the side of the seatback of the front seat. Do not allow anyone sitting in the front seat to extend their hand out of the window or lean against the door. When sitting in the rear seat, do not hold onto the seat-

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-11

Supplemental air bag system

The driver supplemental air bag is located in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger supplemental air bag is mounted in the dashboard above the glove box. The supplemental air bags are designed to inflate in higher severity frontal collisions, although they may inflate if the forces in another type of collision are similar to those of a higher severity frontal impact. They may not inflate in certain frontal collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an indication of proper supplemental air bag operation.

When the supplemental 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 breathing condition should get fresh air promptly.

Supplemental air bags along with the use of seat belts, helps to cushion the impact force on the face and chest of the front occupants. They can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. However, an inflating supplemental air bag may cause facial abrasions or other injuries. Supplemental air bags do not provide restraint to the lower body.

1-12 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

SSS0066

The seat belts should be correctly worn and the driver and passenger seated upright as far as practical away from the steering wheel or dash board. Since the supplemental air bags inflates quickly in order to help protect the front occupants, the force of the supplemental air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if the occupant is too close to or is against the supplemental air bag module during inflation. The supplemental air bag will deflate quickly after the collision is over.

I Do not place any objects on the steer-

ing wheel pad or on the instrument panel. Also, do not place any objects between any occupant and the steering wheel or instrument panel. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles and cause injury if the supplemental air bag inflates.

I Right after inflation, several supple-

mental air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself.

I No 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 damage to the supplemental air bag system.

I Do 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.

I Tampering 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 system.

I Work around and on the supplemen-

tal air bag system should be done by an authorized NISSAN dealer. Installation of electrical equipment should also be done by an authorized NISSAN dealer. The SRS wiring harnesses* should not be modified or disconnected. Unauthorized electrical test equipment and probing devices 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 appropriate sections in this Owner’s Manual.

Supplemental side air bag system

The 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 collision

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-13

are 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 damage (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 breathing 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 inflation. The supplemental side air bag will deflate quickly after the collision is over.

I Do 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 finisher and the front seat. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles and cause injury if the supplemental side air bag inflates.

I Right after inflation, several supple-

mental side air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself.

I No unauthorized changes should be

made to any components or wiring of the supplemental side air bag system. This is to prevent accidental inflation of the supplemental side air bag or damage to the supplemental side air bag system.

I Do 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 system.

I Tampering 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.

I Work around and on the supplemen-

tal side air bag system should be done by an authorized NISSAN dealer. Installation of electrical equipment should also be done by an authorized NISSAN dealer. The SRS wiring harnesses* should not be modified or disconnected. Unauthorized electrical test equipment and probing devices should not be used on the supplemental side 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 side air bag system and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this Owner’s Manual.

1-14 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

SPA0104A SPA0431

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LABELS

Warning labels about the supplemental air bag system are placed in the vehicle as shown in the illustration.

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT

The supplemental air bag warning light, displaying AIR BAG in the instrument panel, monitors the circuits of the supplemental air bag and supplemental side air bag systems. The circuits monitored by the supplemental air bag warning light are the diagnosis sensor unit, satellite sensors, supplemental air bag modules, supplemental side air bag modules and all related wiring.

After turning the ignition key to the ON, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates. The supplemental air bag warning light will

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-15

turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is operational.

If any of the following conditions occur, the supplemental air bag and supplemental side air bag systems needs servicing:

I The supplemental air bag warning light

does not come on and remain on for 7 seconds and then go off as described above.

I The supplemental air bag light flashes in-

termittently or remains on (after 7 seconds).

I The supplemental air bag light does not

come on at all.

Under these conditions, the supplemental air bags or supplemental side air bags may not operate properly. It must be checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to the nearest authorized NISSAN dealer.

one-time-only basis. As a reminder, unless it is damaged, the supplemental air bag warning light will remain illuminated after inflation has occurred. Repair and replacement of these supplemental systems should be done only by authorized NISSAN dealers.

To ensure long-term functioning, these systems must be inspected 10 years after the date of manufacture noted on the certification label located on the driver side center pillar.

When maintenance work is required on the vehicle, the supplemental air bags, supplemental side air bags and related parts should be pointed out to the person conducting the maintenance. The ignition key should always be in the LOCK position when working under the hood or inside the vehicle.

authorized NISSAN dealer. The supplemental air bag module or supplemental side air bag module cannot be repaired.

I The supplemental air bag and supple-

mental side air bag systems should be inspected by an authorized NISSAN dealer if there is any damage to the front end or side portion of the vehicle.

I If you need to dispose of these

supplemental systems or scrap the vehicle, contact an authorized NISSAN dealer.

Correct disposal procedures are set forth in the appropriate NISSAN Service Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures could cause personal injury.

If the supplemental air bag warning light is on, it could mean that the supplemental air bag or supplemental side air bag system will not operate in an accident.

Repair and replacement procedure

The supplemental air bags or supplemental side air bags are designed to inflate on a

I Once the supplemental air bag or

supplemental side air bag has inflated, the supplemental air bag module or supplemental side air bag module will not function again and must be replaced. The supplemental air bag module or supplemental side air bag module should be replaced by an

1-16 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

SEAT BELTS

PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT USAGE

Your chances of being injured or killed in an accident and/or the severity of injury may be greatly reduced if you are wearing your seat belt and it is properly adjusted. NISSAN strongly encourages you and all of your passengers to buckle up every time you drive, even if your seating position includes a supplemental air bag.

Most states, provinces or territories require that seat belts be worn at all times when a vehicle is being driven.

SSS0013 SSS0012

I Every person who drives or rides in

this vehicle should use a seat belt at all times. Children should be properly restrained and, if appropriate, in a child restraint.

I The belt should be properly adjusted

to a snug fit. Failure to do so may reduce the effectiveness of the entire restraint system and increase the

chance or severity of injury in an accident. Serious injury or death can occur if the seat belt is not worn properly.

I Always route the shoulder belt over

your shoulder and across your chest. Never run the belt behind your backs under your arm or across your neck. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.

I Position the lap belt as low and snug

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-17

SSS0016 SSS0014

as possible around the hips, not the waist. A lap belt worn too high could increase the risk of internal injuries in an accident.

I Be sure the seat belt tongue is se-

curely fastened to the proper buckle.

I Do not wear the belt inside out or

twisted. Doing so may reduce its effectiveness.

I Do not allow more than one person to

use the same belt.

I Never carry more people in the ve-

hicle than there are seat belts.

I If the seat belt warning light glows

continuously while the ignition is turned ON with all doors closed and all seat belts fastened, it may indicate a malfunction in the system. Have the system checked by your NISSAN dealer.

I All seat belt assemblies including re-

tractors and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision by your NISSAN dealer. NISSAN

1-18 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

recommends that all seat belt assemblies in use during a collision be replaced unless the collision was minor and the belts show no damage and continue to operate properly. Seat belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

CHILD SAFETY

Children need adults to help protect them. They need to be properly restrained.

The proper restraint depends on the child’s size. Generally, infants (up to about 1 year and less than 20 lb (9 kg) should be placed in rear facing child restraints. Front facing child restraints are available for children who outgrow rear facing child restraints.

Infants and children need special protection. The vehicle’s seat belts may not fit them properly. The shoulder belt may come too close to the face or neck. The lap belt may not fit over their small hip

bones. In an accident, an improperly fitting seat belt could cause serious or fatal injury. Always use appropriate child restraints.

All US states and provinces of Canada require the use of approved child restraints for infants and small children. (See “Child restraints” later in this section.)

In addition, there are many types of child restraints available for larger children which should be used for maximum protection.

NISSAN recommends that all preteens and children be restrained in the rear seat if possible. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat.

This is especially important because your vehicle has a supplemental restraint system (air bag system) for the front passenger (see “Supplemental Restraint System” earlier in this section for precautions).

Infants and small children

NISSAN recommends that infants and small children be placed in child restraints that comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-

dards. You should choose a child restraint that fits your vehicle and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.

Larger children

Children who are too large for child restraint systems should be seated and restrained by the seat belts which are provided.

If the child’s seating position has a shoulder belt that fits close to the face or neck, the use of a booster seat (commercially available) may help overcome this. The booster seat should raise the child so that the shoulder belt is properly positioned across the top, middle portion of the shoulder and the lap belt is low on the hips. The booster seat should fit the vehicle seat and have a label certifying that it complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Once the child has grown so the shoulder belt is no longer on or near the face and neck, use the shoulder belt without the booster seat.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-19

Never let a child stand or kneel on any seat and do not allow a child in the cargo areas while the vehicle is moving. The child could be seriously injured or killed in an accident.

PREGNANT WOMEN

NISSAN recommends that pregnant women use seat belts. Contact your doctor for specific recommendations. The lap belt should be worn snug and positioned as low as possible around the hips, not the waist.

INJURED PERSONS

NISSAN recommends that injured persons use seat belts, depending on the injury. Check with your doctor for specific recommendations.

SSS0018 SSS0020 SSS0102

THREE-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT WITH RETRACTOR

I Every person who drives or rides in

this vehicle should use a seat belt at all times.

I Do not ride in a moving vehicle when

the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident

you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries.

I For most effective protection when

the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat and adjust the seat belt properly.

Fastening the seat belts

1. Adjust the seat.

1-20 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

2. Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor and insert the tongue into the buckle until it snaps.

The retractor is designed to lock during a sudden stop or on impact. A slow pulling motion will permit the belt to move, and allow you some freedom of movement in the seat.

The automatic locking mode should be used only for child restraint installation. During normal seat belt use by a passenger, the locking mode should not be activated. If it is activated it may cause uncomfortable seat belt tension.

SSS0061 SSS0021

3. Position the lap belt portion low and snug on the hips as shown.

4. Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the retractor to take up extra slack.

The front passenger side seat belt and rear three-point seat belts have a cinching mechanism for child restraint installation. It is referred to as the automatic locking mode.

When the cinching mechanism is activated the seat belt cannot be withdrawn again until the seat belt tongue is detached from the buckle and fully retracted. For additional information, see “Child restraints” later in this section.

Unfastening the seat belts

To unfasten the belt, press the button on the buckle. The seat belt will automatically retract.

Checking seat belt operation

Your seat belt retractors are designed to lock belt movement using two separate methods:

I when the belt is pulled quickly from the

retractor. I when the vehicle slows down rapidly. You can check their operation as follows: I grasp the shoulder belt and pull quickly

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-21

forward. The retractor should lock and restrict further belt movement.

If the retractor does not lock during this check or if you have any questions about belt operation, see your NISSAN dealer.

PD1321-A

Shoulder belt height adjustment (For front seats)

The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to the position best for you. (See “Precautions on seat belt usage” earlier in this section.) To adjust, squeeze the release buttons, and then move the shoulder belt anchor to the desired position, so that the belt passes over the center of the shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off of your shoulder. Release the adjustment buttons to lock the shoulder belt anchor into position.

I After adjustment, release the buttons

and try to move the shoulder belt anchor up and down to make sure it is securely fixed in position.

I The shoulder belt anchor height

should be adjusted to the position best for you. Failure to do so may reduce the effectiveness of the entire restraint system and increase the chance or severity of injury in an accident.

1-22 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

SPA0281 SSS0103 SSS0024

TWO-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT WITHOUT RETRACTOR (CENTER OF REAR SEAT)

Selecting correct set of seat belts

The center seat belt buckle and tongue are identified by the CENTER mark. The center seat belt tongue can be fastened only into the center seat belt buckle.

Fastening the seat belts

1. Insert the tongue into the buckle marked CENTER until it snaps.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-23

2. To lengthen, hold the tongue at a right angle to the belt and pull on the belt. To shorten, pull the end of the belt attached to the belt clip away from the tongue, and then pull the belt clip to take up the slack.

+ 201 hidden pages

Nissan Maxima 1998 Owner's Manual

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