Market Position:
The 1992 Nissan Maxima was positioned as a premium, front-wheel-drive sedan in the mid-size segment, often marketed as a 'Four-Door Sports Sedan' with a focus on comfortable touring and a sporty driving experience, competing with vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Taurus.
Competitive Analysis:
The Maxima offered a more powerful V6 engine and often a more upscale interior than many of its competitors at the time. Its emphasis on performance and luxury for the price point was a key differentiator.
Key Features:
Standard V6 engine, comfortable ride, spacious interior, available luxury features, sporty handling for its class.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Electrical System, HVAC, Body & Chassis, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting
Page Count:
Extensive (Digital format implies comprehensive content, not fixed page count)
Manual Type:
Official Service & Repair Manual Software
Format:
Online Software / Web-Based Access
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical (VG30E), Engine electrical (ignition, fuel injection, sensors), Automatic Transmission (RE4F04A), Manual Transmission (RS5F50A), Clutch, Limited-Slip Differential (optional), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Multi-link Beam Axle), Power Steering, Climate Control (A/C & Heating), Body Electrical (lighting, wipers, power accessories), Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Exhaust System:
Inspection, diagnosis, and repair of exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, and pipes.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant leaks, fan operation.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump testing, fuel filter replacement, injector diagnosis, fuel pressure regulation.
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ignition timing.
Procedures Included:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug service, Timing belt inspection/replacement, Engine diagnostics and repair, Fuel system testing and repair, Cooling system service, Brake system inspection and repair (pads, rotors, lines, fluid), Suspension component replacement (struts, ball joints, bushings), Steering system repair, Wheel alignment specifications, Power steering pump and rack replacement, Electrical component testing and replacement, HVAC system diagnosis and repair, Body panel alignment and repair, Interior trim removal and installation, Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, Torque specifications for critical fasteners
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive; from basic routine maintenance and fluid checks to advanced engine overhaul, transmission repair, and electrical system troubleshooting. Includes detailed diagnostic charts, component testing procedures, and step-by-step repair instructions derived from OE (Original Equipment) materials.
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2960 cc)
Horsepower:
160 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
182 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil Packs (on some later models, but typically distributor-based for 1992 VG30E)
Engine Control Unit:
Nissan ECC-800 or similar
Transmission Type Standard:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Code Automatic:
RE4F04A
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Code Manual:
RS5F50A
Transmission Features:
Front-wheel drive (FWD). Optional Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) available on certain trims or with manual transmission.
NHTSA Driver Side Frontal Impact:
Not Rated / Not Available for this year
NHTSA Passenger Side Frontal Impact:
Not Rated / Not Available for this year
Active Safety Features:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes (or rear disc on some trims/options)
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts, Energy-absorbing steering column, Side-impact door beams
Infotainment Features:
Aftermarket radio installation is common. Factory systems typically included AM/FM radio with cassette player, and optional CD player.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, optional ABS.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No factory integrated connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first (using recommended oil type)
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (NGK platinum recommended)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first (critical component)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for climate specific recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Specification:
NISSAN Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with demineralized water, 50/50 mix)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Nissan ATF Type D (or Dexron II/III)
Known Issues Engine:
Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule (catastrophic damage), rear main seal leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, occasional camshaft position sensor issues.
Known Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, harsh shifting, torque converter shudder. Manual transmissions are generally robust but clutch wear is normal.
Known Issues Suspension:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and strut mounts due to age and mileage. Rear multi-link bushings can degrade.
Known Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, power lock actuator issues, blower motor resistor failures, head unit illumination issues.
Brand Heritage:
Nissan, formerly Datsun, has a long history of producing reliable and innovative vehicles, with a reputation for performance and quality.
Model Evolution:
The 1992 model represents the end of the third generation (often referred to by its chassis code F31, though the J30 designation is sometimes used for later years of this generation which overlapped with the next generation's introduction). The J30 chassis Maxima was a significant step up in size and comfort from its predecessor, adopting a more European-influenced styling.
Production Years J30 Chassis:
1989-1994 (North America)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
