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recently bought a 97 se auto... The speedometer doesn't work and it needs a little work. What are some things I should replace before the summer. The car had been sitting since July of last year. This is her after a good clean up and engine bay cleaned

 

The speedometer is driven by the VSS in the transmission (Vehicle Speed Sensor).

Change the oil and filter right away, like yesterday. You didn't mention the mileage, so it's hard to say exactly. Normal maintenance is the guideline. Brakes, fuel filter, struts and shocks, spark plugs are possibilities. Get the auto trans oil changed, but DO NOT have the transmission flushed.

here is a link to the maintenance schedule. Read this whole section:
http://boredmder.com/FSMs/Nissan/Maxima/1997/MA.pdf

Here is a link to the coplete service manual:
http://boredmder.com/FSMs/Nissan/Maxima/1997/

 

The car has 270k... I plan on changing the oil, tune up and brakes. I think its a gold package Maxima. So should I just drain the atf fluid and top it off

 

Gold package is just an appearance thing, no mechanical differences.

Drain the oil out of the transmission and refill. Draining the oil will not drain all the oil, the torque converter does not drain. You will get about half the oil to drain, 4 quarts approx if the trans is full. But by changing half the oil you are adding fresh chemicals that will help the transmission.

 

Thanks will do... So far i seafoamed the motor, added it to the gas, changed fuel filter, new battery, oil and spark plugs. What else should I do on a budget

 

How's the air filter? Any codes?

 

I did all of that... Yes I have a check engine light...Haven't read the codes yet...

 

Speedometer is working!