🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Infiniti Model: I30 Model Years Covered: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Codes Chassis Code: A32 (First Generation) Engine Code Family: VQ30DE 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Luxury Mid-Size Sedan Target Audience: Owners seeking to maintain or repair their Infiniti I30, DIY enthusiasts, professional automotive technicians. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Lexus ES 300, Acura TL, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Key Features Of Vehicle Luxury Appointments: Leather upholstery, premium audio systems, wood trim accents (depending on trim level). Performance Focus: Smooth V6 engine, comfortable ride, refined handling. Key Features Of Manual Instructional Style: Step-by-step instructions with detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings. Visual Aids: Hundreds of photos, illustrations, and enlarged insets for detailed part identification. Usability: Numbered instructions, bold figure numbers, numbered table of contents for quick information retrieval. Cost Effectiveness Benefit: Inexpensive way to maintain and repair the vehicle, avoiding dealership labor costs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive Service and Repair Information Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Component Disassembly/Reassembly Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (Specific count not provided, but implied to be comprehensive) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (FSM) Equivalent / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System, Fuel System, Emission Control, Lubrication, Cooling System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission, Clutch Drivetrain: Transfer Case (if applicable), Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Assembly Chassis: Suspension System (Front and Rear), Steering Column, Power Steering System, Brake Control System, Brake System (Front and Rear), Parking Brake System Body Electrical Comfort: Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt System, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper and Washer System, Door Lock System, Meter/Gauges, Audio System, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Seats, Engine Hood/Doors, Exterior and Interior Trim, Electrical System (General), Multiplex/CAN Communication Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication Diagnostics Troubleshooting: Systematic Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Electrical System Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagrams Repair Rebuild: Component Disassembly, Component Reassembly, Specific Repair Procedures for all covered systems Technical Depth Depth: Expert Level - Covers complete disassembly and reassembly of vehicle components, detailed diagnostic procedures, and specifications for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable within the PDF (depends on source scan quality) Print Quality Printability: Yes, all pages are printable Binding Type Binding: Digital Download (No physical binding) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: VQ30DE Engine Type: 3.0L DOHC 24-Valve V6 Performance Horsepower Approximate: 220-227 hp (depending on model year and emissions regulations) Torque Approximate: 205-217 lb-ft (depending on model year) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended for optimal performance) Other Bore X Stroke: 86.0 mm x 86.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.7:1 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (4-speed electronically controlled overdrive) Optional Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission (Rare, primarily for select markets or early models) Features Automatic Features: Electronically controlled, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) on some models. Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: Nissan Matic D / Matic J (or equivalent DEXRON®-III/MERCON®) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 192.5 inches Width: Approximately 70.5 inches Height: Approximately 55.3 inches Wheelbase: Approximately 106.1 inches Weights Curb Weight Approximate: 3,400 - 3,600 lbs (depending on configuration) Wheels Tires Standard Tire Size: 205/60R15 or 215/55R16 (depending on trim/year) Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches) Wheel Size: 15x6.5 inch or 16x6.5 inch 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rollover Resistance: Not explicitly rated for this generation, but typical for its class and era. Active Features ABS: Standard (Anti-lock Braking System) Traction Control: Available on some models (TCS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side-impact airbags available on later models. Seatbelts: Three-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats. Srs: Supplemental Restraint System (Airbag system) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Bose premium audio system available on higher trims, with cassette and CD player. Radio data system (RDS). Navigation: Optional factory navigation system available on later models. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard or optional depending on trim level. Connectivity Bluetooth: Not available on this generation. Comfort Convenience Keyless Entry: Available on higher trim levels. Power Features: Power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power seats (driver and passenger, with memory for driver on some models). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions) Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles Spark Plug Replacement: Platinum/Iridium plugs: 100,000 miles; Standard plugs: 30,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type) Timing Belt Replacement: This engine (VQ30DE) uses a timing chain, not a belt, so no periodic replacement is typically needed unless issues arise. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 4.8...
Transfer Case (if applicable), Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle Assembly
Chassis:
Suspension System (Front and Rear), Steering Column, Power Steering System, Brake Control System, Brake System (Front and Rear), Parking Brake System
Body Electrical Comfort:
Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belt System, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper and Washer System, Door Lock System, Meter/Gauges, Audio System, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Seats, Engine Hood/Doors, Exterior and Interior Trim, Electrical System (General), Multiplex/CAN Communication
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Component Disassembly, Component Reassembly, Specific Repair Procedures for all covered systems
Technical Depth
Depth:
Expert Level - Covers complete disassembly and reassembly of vehicle components, detailed diagnostic procedures, and specifications for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable within the PDF (depends on source scan quality)
Print Quality
Printability:
Yes, all pages are printable
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
VQ30DE
Engine Type:
3.0L DOHC 24-Valve V6
Performance
Horsepower Approximate:
220-227 hp (depending on model year and emissions regulations)
Torque Approximate:
205-217 lb-ft (depending on model year)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended for optimal performance)
5-speed Manual Transmission (Rare, primarily for select markets or early models)
Features
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) on some models.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Nissan Matic D / Matic J (or equivalent DEXRON®-III/MERCON®)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 192.5 inches
Width:
Approximately 70.5 inches
Height:
Approximately 55.3 inches
Wheelbase:
Approximately 106.1 inches
Weights
Curb Weight Approximate:
3,400 - 3,600 lbs (depending on configuration)
Wheels Tires
Standard Tire Size:
205/60R15 or 215/55R16 (depending on trim/year)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Wheel Size:
15x6.5 inch or 16x6.5 inch
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
Not explicitly rated for this generation, but typical for its class and era.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Available on some models (TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side-impact airbags available on later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats.
Srs:
Supplemental Restraint System (Airbag system)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system available on higher trims, with cassette and CD player. Radio data system (RDS).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on later models.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional depending on trim level.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not available on this generation.
Comfort Convenience
Keyless Entry:
Available on higher trim levels.
Power Features:
Power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power seats (driver and passenger, with memory for driver on some models).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Platinum/Iridium plugs: 100,000 miles; Standard plugs: 30,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
This engine (VQ30DE) uses a timing chain, not a belt, so no periodic replacement is typically needed unless issues arise.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) with filter (check manual for exact fill level)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate, refer to owner's manual for specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Nissan Genuine Long Life Antifreeze (Blue) or equivalent Asian vehicle coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Common Complaints:
Idling issues (vacuum leaks, IAC valve), transmission solenoid issues (especially on earlier models), power window motor failures, occasional coolant leaks from specific hoses.
Component Wear:
Suspension components (bushings, ball joints), exhaust system components (catalytic converter).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Infiniti Launch:
Infiniti was launched by Nissan in 1989 as a luxury marque for the North American market.
Model Evolution
I30 Introduction:
The I30 was introduced in 1996 as Infiniti's entry into the mid-size luxury sedan segment, sharing its platform with the Nissan Maxima (A32 platform).
Generations:
This manual covers the first generation (A32) of the Infiniti I30.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (for the A32 platform)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best 10:
The Nissan Maxima (on which the I30 is based) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during this era, highlighting the quality of its platform and powertrain.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
While specific ratings for the I30 vary, the platform generally performed well in consumer satisfaction for its class.