How to Troubleshoot a 1995 Nissan Maxima

Nissan Maximas have a long-standing reputation for both performance and luxury, according to the Edmunds website. But if you own a 1995 Nissan Maxima, chances are you car is well beyond the 200,000-mile mark, particularly if it has been your everyday drive for the past 15 years. As with all vehicles, even a well-maintained Maxima will eventually break down. Knowing how to troubleshoot and fix problems before they become worse can help to save you time and money. And becoming familiar with the fluids used in your Maxima will help to identify leaks or even impending component failure.

• 1

  If the car does not start, turn on the interior lights and headlights to see if they are dim or not lit at all---if so, then you may have a failed battery, in which case you'll need to get a jump-start from a friend. Jiggle the battery connections to see if they are tight enough and inspect the battery terminals for corrosion. Corroded terminals can be cleaned by pouring carbonated soda over the terminals and scrubbing with a wire brush. If the Maxima makes a prolonged or strained turning-over sound (chugga-chugga-chugga), then that is an indication that your starter may be failing. Tap the starter with a hammer in order to try coaxing it to re-engage with the flywheel.

• 2

  Kneel down and look underneath your engine before, during after its warm-up cycle. Fluids that are leaking are often deposited in small pools underneath your engine. Motor oil is a thick substance that is either brown or black, depending on how old and dirty it is. Motor oil should be changed, along with its filter, every 3,000 miles. Inspect the engine for oil leaks, which can look like a buildup of black, carbonlike material around seals and gaskets. Engine coolant is usually a shiny green color and can indicate a radiator hose leak or failing water pump. Replace lost coolant by pouring a 50/50 solution of coolant and distilled water into the coolant's reserve tank. A red substance may be either brake fluid or automatic transmission fluid. Check the levels in both fluid reservoirs to ensure that they are running at the appropriate levels.

• 3

  Lift the Maxima with a floor jack placed underneath the engine frame so that you can inspect the brake pads and rotors. The thickness of the brake pads on the 1995 Maxima can be inspected without taking them off the calipers. Impending signs of brake failure include squeaking or grinding when the brake pedal is depressed, if the pedal offers little resistance when it is depressed or when the brake pedal pulsates when depressed.

• 4

  Open the hood and inspect the cooling components if the car is overheating. Recheck the coolant reservoir to make sure that there is enough coolant in the system. Check the thermostat by removing it and placing it in boiling water to see whether it opens and closes when heat is added to the system. Replace the air filter if it is dirty so that the car can get clean air to help cool the engine.