1996 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 117

PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an extremely high temperature gauge reading), or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps: 4. Open the engine hood. ¼ Automatic transmission models cannot be push started. This may cause transmission damage. ¼ Three-way catalyst equipped models should not be started by pushing since the three-way catalyst may be damaged. ¼ Never try to start the vehicle by towing it; when the engine starts, the forward surge could cause the vehicle to collide with the tow vehicle. If steam or water is coming from the engine, stand clear to prevent getting burned. To avoid the danger of being scalded, never remove the radiator cap while the engine is still hot. When the radiator cap is removed, pressurized hot water will spurt out, possibly causing serious injury. 1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the gearshift lever to neutral (automatic transmission to "P"). Do not stop the engine. 2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all the windows, move the heater or air conditioner temperature control to "maximum hot" and fan control to "high speed". 3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator before opening the hood. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before proceeding. Be careful not to allow your hands, hair or clothing to come into contact with, or to get caught in, the running fan, belts, or motor fan. The fan motor can start at any time when the coolant temperature is high. If coolant is leaking, the cooling fan belt 5. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the temperature gauge indication returns to normal. 6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should not leak water. 5-8