service NISSAN MAXIMA 2020 Owner´s Manual

Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses:Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, defor-
mation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust may form on the
floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the
exhaust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. For additional information, refer to
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that
there is adequate fluid in the reservoir. The following descriptions are provided to
give you a better understanding of the
scheduled maintenance items that should
be regularly checked or replaced. The
maintenance schedule indicates at which
mileage/time intervals each item requires
service.
In addition to scheduled maintenance,
your vehicle requires that some items be
checked during normal day-to-day opera-
tion. For additional information, refer to
“General maintenance” in this section.
Items marked with
“*”are recommended
by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation.
You are not required to perform mainte-
nance on these items in order to maintain
the warranties which come with your
NISSAN. Other maintenance items and in-
tervals are required.
When applicable, additional information
can be found in the “Do-it-yourself ” section
of this manual. NOTE:
NISSAN does not advocate the use of
non-OEM approved af termarket flush-
ing systems and strongly advises
against performing these services on a
NISSAN product. Many of the af termar-
ket flushing systems use non-OEM ap-
proved chemicals or solvents, the use of
which has not been validated by NISSAN.
For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,
grease, and refrigerant, refer to “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capaci-
ties” in the “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section of this manual.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE:
Drive belts*:
Check engine drive belts for
wear, fraying or cracking and for proper
tension. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Engine air filter: Replace at specified inter-
vals. When driving for prolonged periods in
dusty conditions, check/replace the filter
more frequently.
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Maintenance and schedules9-5

Engine coolant*:Replace coolant at the
specified interval. When adding or replac-
ing coolant, be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent with the proper mixture. (For
additional information on the proper mix-
ture for your area, refer to “Engine cooling
system” in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of
this manual.)
NOTE: Mixing any other type of coolant or
the use of non-distilled water may reduce
the recommended service interval of the
coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter: Replace engine oil
and oil filter at the specified intervals. For
recommended oil grade and viscosity refer
to “Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
Fuel lines*: Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness, or
deterioration. Tighten connections or re-
place parts as necessary.
Spark plugs: Replace at specified intervals.
Install new plugs of the same type as origi-
nally equipped.CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake lines and cables: Visually inspect for
proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and signs of leaking.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Brake pads and rotors: Check for wear,
deterioration and fluid leaks. Replace any
deteriorated or damaged parts immedi-
ately.
Exhaust system: Visually inspect the ex-
haust pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks,
cracks, deterioration, and damage. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
In-cabin microfilter: Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaf t boots: Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently. Tire rotation:
Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) according to the in-
structions under “General maintenance” in
this section. When rotating tires, check for
damage and uneven wear. Replace if nec-
essary.
Transmission fluid/oil: Visually inspect for
signs of leakage at specified intervals.
If using a car-top carrier, or driving on
rough or muddy roads, replace the CVT
fluid every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or re-
quest the dealer to inspect the fluid dete-
rioration data using a CONSULT. If the dete-
rioration data is more than 210000, replace
the CVT fluid.
9-6Maintenance and schedules

To help ensure smooth, safe and economi-
cal driving, NISSAN provides two mainte-
nance schedules that may be used, de-
pending upon the conditions in which you
usually drive. These schedules contain
both distance and time intervals, up to
120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96 months. For
most people, the odometer reading will in-
dicate when service is needed. However, if
you drive very little, your vehicle should be
serviced at the regular time intervals
shown in the schedule.
Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/
96 months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time intervals.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
FOR SEVERE OPERATING
CONDITIONS
Additional maintenance items for severe
operating conditionsshould be per-
formed on vehicles that are driven under
especially demanding conditions. Addi-
tional maintenance items should be per-
formed if you primarily operate your vehicle
under the following conditions:
∙ Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8 km). ∙ Repeated short trips of less than
10 miles (16 km) with outside tempera-
tures remaining below freezing.
∙ Operating in hot weather in stop- and-go “rush hour” traffic.
∙ Extensive idling and/or low speed driv- ing for long distances, such as police,
taxi or door-to-door delivery use.
∙ Driving in dusty conditions.
∙ Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread roads.
∙ Using a car-top carrier.
The following tables show the standard
maintenance schedule. Depending upon
weather and atmospheric conditions, vary-
ing road surfaces, individual driving habits
and vehicle usage, additional or more fre-
quent maintenance may be required. Af ter
120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96 months,
continue maintenance at the same
mileage/time interval.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES STANDARD MAINTENANCE
Maintenance and schedules9-7

NOTE:
Maintenance items with “” should be performed more frequently according to the “Maintenance under severe driving condi-
tions”.
(1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) If using a car-top carrier or driving on rough or muddy roads, inspect CVT fluid deterioration every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
then change CVT fluid if necessary. And if the inspection is not performed, change (not just inspect) CVT fluid every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km). It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
(3) Af ter 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if
found damaged.
(4) First replacement interval is 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 84 months. Af ter first replacement, replace every 75,000 miles
(120,000 km) or 60 months.
(5) Use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent with proper mixture ratio of 50% antifreeze and 50%
demineralized or distilled water. Mixing any other type of coolant or the use of non-distilled water may reduce the life expectancy
of the factory fill coolant.
(6) Periodic maintenance is not required.
(7) Periodic maintenance is not required. However, if valve noise increased, inspect valve clearance.
(8) Replace spark plug when the plug gap exceeds 0.053 in (1.35 mm) even if within specified replacement mileage.
(9) For additional information on tire rotation, refer to “General maintenance” in the section.
* Maintenance items and intervals with “*” are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform
such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and
intervals are required.
Maintenance and schedules9-9

10 Technical and consumer information
Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities...................................... 10-2
Fuel recommendation ....................... 10-4
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendations .......................... 10-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations ....................... 10-7
Specifications .................................. 10-8
Engine ...................................... 10-8
Wheels and tires ............................. 10-9
Dimensions and weights ....................10-9
When traveling or registering in another
country ........................................ 10-10
Vehicle identification .......................... 10-10
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
plate ....................................... 10-10
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ........................... 10-10
Engine serial number ........................ 10-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .........10-11 Emission control information label
..........10-11
Tire and Loading Information label .........10-12
Air conditioner specification label ...........10-12
Installing front license plate ....................10-12
Vehicle loading information ...................10-13
Terms ...................................... 10-13
Vehicle load capacity ....................... 10-14
Loading tips ................................ 10-15
Measurement of weights ...................10-16
Towing a trailer ................................ 10-16
Flat towing ................................. 10-16
Uniform tire quality grading ....................10-17
Emission control system warranty .............10-18
Reporting safety defects ......................10-19
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
test ............................................ 10-20
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ....................10-20
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ................................... 10-21

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
NISSAN recommends the use of unleaded
premium gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number
(Research octane number 96). If unleaded
premium gasoline is not available, you may
use unleaded regular gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of at least 87 AKI number (Re-
search octane number 91), but you may
notice a decrease in performance.
CAUTION
∙ Using a fuel other than that specifiedcould adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect
the warranty coverage.
∙ Under no circumstances should a leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage the three-way catalyst. ∙ Do not use a fuel containing more
than 15% ethanol in your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed to run on a fuel
containing more than 15% ethanol.
Using a fuel containing more than 15%
ethanol in a vehicle not specifically
designed for a fuel containing more
than 15% ethanol can adversely affect
the emission control devices and sys-
tems of the vehicle. Damage caused
by such fuel is not covered by the
NISSAN New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
∙ Do not use fuel that contains the oc- tane booster methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT). Using
fuel containing MMT may adversely
affect vehicle performance and ve-
hicle emissions. Not all fuel dispens-
ers are labeled to indicate MMT con-
tent, so you may have to consult your
gasoline retailer for more details.
Note that Federal and California laws
prohibit the use of MMT in reformu-
lated gasoline. ∙ U.S. government regulations require
ethanol dispensing pumps to be iden-
tified by a small, square, orange and
black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage
for that region.
Gasoline specifications
NISSAN recommends using gasoline that
meets the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC)
specifications where it is available. Many of
the automobile manufacturers developed
this specification to improve emission con-
trol system and vehicle performance. Ask
your service station manager if the gaso-
line meets the WWFC specifications.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing re-
formulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. NISSAN supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggests that you use re-
formulated gasoline when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline contain-
ing oxygenates such as ethanol, Methyl
Tert-butyl Ether (MTBE) and methanol with
or without advertising their presence.
10-4Technical and consumer information

NISSAN does not recommend the use of
fuels of which the oxygenate content and
the fuel compatibility for your NISSAN can-
not be readily determined. If in doubt, ask
your service station manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage of
such fuels may cause vehicle performance
problems and/or fuel system damage.
∙The fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.
∙ If an oxygenate-blend other than
methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 15% oxygenate.
∙ If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable
amount of appropriate cosolvents
and corrosion inhibitors. If not prop-
erly formulated with appropriate co-
solvents and corrosion inhibitors,
such methanol blends may cause fuel
system damage and/or vehicle per-
formance problems. At this time, suf-
ficient data is not available to ensure
that all methanol blends are suitable
for use in NISSAN vehicles. If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and difficult hot-starting are expe-
rienced af ter using oxygenate-blend fuels,
immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during re-
fueling. Gasoline containing oxygenates
can cause paint damage.E–15 fuel
E-15 fuel is a mixture of approximately 15%
fuel ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline.
E-15 can only be used in vehicles designed
to run on E-15 fuel. U.S. government regula-
tions require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified with small, square,
orange and black label with the common
abbreviation or the appropriate percent-
age for that region.
E–85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85%
fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline.
E-85 can only be used in a Flexible Fuel
Vehicle (FFV). Do not use E-85 in your ve-
hicle. U.S. government regulations require
fuel ethanol dispensing pumps to be iden-
tified by a small, square, orange and black
label with the common abbreviation or the
appropriate percentage for that region.
Fuel containing MMT
MMT, or methylcyclopentadienyl manga-
nese tricarbonyl, is an octane boosting ad-
ditive. NISSAN does not recommend the
use of fuel containing MMT. Such fuel may
adversely affect vehicle performance, in-
cluding the emissions control system. Note
that while some fuel pumps label MMT
content, not all do, so you may have to
consult your gasoline retailer for more de-
tails.
Af termarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any af termarket fuel additives (for ex-
ample, fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers,
etc.) which are sold commercially. Many of
these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active sol-
vents or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Technical and consumer information10-5

Oil which may contain foreign matter or
has been previously used should not be
used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness
changes with temperature. Because of
this, it is important to select the engine oil
viscosity based on the temperatures at
which the vehicle will be operated before
the next oil change. Choosing an oil viscos-
ity other than that recommended could
cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality Genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use a Genuine NISSAN oil filter or
its equivalent for the reason described in
“Change intervals.”
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for
your engine are based on the use of the
specified quality oils and filters. Using en-
gine oil and filters that are not of the speci-
fied quality, or exceeding recommended oil
and filter change intervals could reduce
engine life. Damage to the engine caused
by improper maintenance or use of incor-rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is
not covered by the NISSAN New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Your engine was filled with a high-quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have
to change the oil before the first recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend upon how you
use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions
may require more frequent oil and filter
changes:
∙ repeated short distance driving at cold outside temperatures
∙ driving in dusty conditions
∙ extensive idling
∙ stop and go commuting
For additional information, refer to the
“Maintenance and schedules” section of
this manual.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your
NISSAN vehicle must be charged with the
refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) and Genu-
ine NISSAN A/C System Oil PAG Type: ND-
OIL8 or the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil
may cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and may require
the replacement of all air conditioner
system components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does
not affect the earth’s atmosphere, certain
government regulations require the recov-
ery and recycling of any refrigerant during
automotive air conditioner system service. A
NISSAN dealer has the trained technicians
and equipment needed to recover and re-
cycle your air conditioner system refrigerant.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer when servicing your air conditioner
system.
Technical and consumer information10-7

Continuously Variable
Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with a continu-
ously variable transmission, an appropriate
vehicle dollyMUSTbe placed under the
towed vehicle’s drive wheels. Alwaysfollow
the dolly manufacturer’s recommenda-
tions when using their product. DOT (Department of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature
A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to low-
est, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-ment as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include ac-
celeration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance to the generation of heat, and its
ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex-
cessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal Mo-
tor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information10-17

Genuine NISSAN Service Manuals for this
model year and prior can be purchased. A
Genuine NISSAN Service Manual is the best
source of service and repair information for
your vehicle. This manual is the same one
used by the factory-trained technicians
working at NISSAN dealerships. Genuine
NISSAN Owner’s Manuals can also be pur-
chased.
For USA
For current pricing and availability of Genu-
ineNISSAN Service Manuals, contact:
www.nissan-techinfo.com
For current pricing and availability of Genu-
ine NISSAN Owner’s Manuals, contact:
1-800-247-5321
For Canada
To purchase a copy of a Genuine NISSAN
Service Manual or Owner’s Manual, for this
model year and prior, please visit the near-
est NISSAN dealer. For the phone number
and location of a NISSAN dealer in your
area, call the NISSAN Information Center at
1-800-387-0122 and a bilingual NISSAN rep-
resentative will assist you.
OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION
Technical and consumer information10-21