Segment:
Mid-size/Full-size Luxury Sedan
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mitsubishi Diamante, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina
Selling Points:
Known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, refined V6 engine, and a good balance of performance and luxury for its era. Often considered a value alternative to European luxury sedans.
Convenience:
Online access provides instant availability and searchability, a significant upgrade over traditional printed manuals.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emission controls
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (Automatic & Manual), clutch, driveshafts, axles, differential
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system
Braking Systems:
Brake system diagnostics, front and rear brakes (discs/drums), parking brake, ABS (if equipped)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting and charging system, battery, instrument cluster, power accessories, fuses and relays
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and diagnosis
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats, restraints (airbags if applicable)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-I)
Repair Rebuild:
Component removal, installation, disassembly, and reassembly procedures for major systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, alignment data, fluid capacities and types, electrical component resistance/voltage values
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair and diagnostic information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2960 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 83.0 mm
Horsepower:
180-190 hp @ 5600-6000 rpm (depending on specific market/trim)
Torque:
210-220 lb-ft @ 3200-4000 rpm (depending on specific market/trim)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for climate specific recommendations)
Oil Capacity Quarts:
4.7 US Quarts (4.4 Liters) with filter change
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (RE4F03A)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (FS5W71C) - Less common
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, lock-up torque converter
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Nissan Matic D (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
NHTSA Driver Frontal Impact:
4 Stars (1994 model year estimates)
NHTSA Passenger Frontal Impact:
4 Stars (1994 model year estimates)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag standard
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front occupants
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months (refer to manual for precise recommendation based on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically around 30,000-60,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs if used, or earlier for standard plugs.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical: The VG30E is an 'interference' engine. Timing belt replacement is typically recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure will cause catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Type:
Nissan Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (blue) or equivalent silicate-free OAT coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Nissan Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon ATF
Common Problems:
Eccentric camshaft wear (especially on early VG engines), potential for transmission solenoid issues in high mileage automatics, interior component wear (e.g., dashboard cracks, headliner sagging), EGR valve issues, ABS sensor failures.
Preventative Maintenance Focus:
Strict adherence to timing belt replacement schedule is paramount. Regular fluid changes and cleaning the EGR system can prevent common drivability issues.
Nissan Legacy:
Nissan's reputation for building reliable and well-engineered vehicles.
Generation:
Fourth Generation (J30/A32) Maxima. This generation marked a significant redesign from the previous model.
Design Influence:
The A32 Maxima was developed under the 'Nissan NEXT' business plan, aiming to infuse more performance and styling into Nissan products.
