Does the car have ABS brakes?

The FAQ says I need 91-92 octaine gas? I initially put in 87 before reading this and the car runs great, its a commuter car so I'd rather save cash than care about performance. Also the weather here is really cool now so I don't think detonation will be a problem.

What is the recomended weight of oil? I have noisy valves and am thinking of going with a heavier oil.

 

Any of these tests should tell the tale...

1) Ask any technician at your local friendly Nissan dealer. He can answer after a three-second look under the hood. He will be looking for the ABS actuator, a sort of hydraulic octopus which is located near the brake master cylinder. If the actuator isn't there, your Maxima doesn't have ABS.

2) Sit in the driver's seat. Turn the ignition "on" but don't start the engine. This performs a dashboard warning lamp test. You should see all sorts of warning lights go on and stay on including those for Engine Oil Pressure, Charge, Door Open, and Service Engine Soon. Some other dashboard warning lights go on momentarily and then go off. The momentary lights include Air Bag and ABS. If you make this lamp test and do not see the ABS light go on momentarily, your Maxima doesn't have ABS.

3) Raise the hood. Just in front of the battery you should see a black plastic relay box. This is relay box #2. Snap off the relay box cover. There are two rows of relay sockets, four in each row. Your relay box may have some blank sockets, depending on which options are installed. Look at the row of relays closest to the battery. The third and fourth from left socket should have relays installed. If those sockets are empty, your Maxima doesn't have ABS.

 

Nissan recommends fuel with 91 Anti-Knock Index. Most stations sell three
grades of gasoline: 87, 89, and 93 AKI. I fill with equal amounts of 89
and 93. That's the economical way to buy 91 AKI.

Your Maxima has a Knock Sensor. When the KS "hears" engine knock (pinging)
it signals the Engine Control Module (the computer). The ECM responds by
retarding the ignition timing to eliminate the knocking.

You can run with 87 AKI without harming your engine. The consequences are
- less engine power
- more fuel consumption

Some Maxima owners keep careful records of fuel usage. They report that
the extra cost of 91 AKI fuel is partially offset by the improved fuel
efficiency. Perhaps you can measure your own Miles Per Gallon with both
grades of gasoline. Don't rely on a single tankful, it takes careful
readings over 1,000 miles of driving to arrive at an accurate number.

 

Nissan recommends 5w-30 engine oil. They also authorize 10w-30 in places
where the ambient temperature is above zero centigrade.

Don't put too much emphasis on viscosity. Clean oil, sufficient oil, and a
new filter are more important than viscosity.

Noisy valves require adjustment. Heavy oil doesn't fix anything. At best, it masks the symptoms.

 

Thanks Daniel for all the in depth answers. Its much appreciated.

-MAXZ32