NISSAN MAXIMA 2000 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

and a soft cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the window,
do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive
cleaners or chlorine based disinfectant
cleaners. They could damage the elec-
trical conductors, radio antenna ele-
ments or rear window defogger ele-
ments.ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELSWash regularly, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheel if not removed.CHROME PARTSClean all chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.Occasionally remove loose dust from the inte-
rior trim, plastic parts and seats using a
vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Wipe the vinyl
and leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth
dampened in mild soap solution, then wipe
clean with a dry soft cloth. Before using any
fabric protector, read the manufacturer's rec-
ommendations. Some fabric protectors con-
tain chemicals that may stain or bleach the
seat material.
Use a cloth dampened only with water, to
clean the meter and gauge lens.
CAUTION
INever use gasoline, thinner, or any
similar material.
IThe leather seats should be regularly
coated with a leather wax like saddle
soap. Never use car wax.
INever use fabric protectors unless
recommended by the manufacturer.
IDo not use glass or plastic cleaner on
meter or gauge lens covers. It may
damage the lens cover.
FLOOR MATSThe use of Genuine Nissan floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and make
it easier to clean the interior.No matter what
mats are used, be sure they are fitted for
your vehicle and are properly positioned in
the footwell to prevent interference with
pedal operation.Mats should be maintained
with regular cleaning and replaced if they
become excessively worn.
CLEANING INTERIOR
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Floor mat positioning aid
(Driver side only)This model includes a front floor mat bracket to
act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor
mats have been specially designed for your
vehicle model. The driver's side floor mat has
a grommet hole incorporated in it. Simply
position the mat by placing the floor mat
bracket through the floor mat grommet hole
while centering the mat in the floorpan contour.
Periodically check to make certain that the
mats are properly positioned.
SEAT BELTSThe seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them
with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solu-
tion. Allow the belts to dry completely before
using them.
WARNING
Do not allow wet belts to roll up in the
retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye, or
chemical solvents since these may se-
verely weaken the seat belt webbing.
MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION:IThe accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt
and debris in body panel sections, cavities,
and other areas.
IDamage to paint and other protective coat-
ings caused by gravel and stone chips or
minor traffic accidents.ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
INFLUENCE THE RATE OF
CORROSION:
MoistureAccumulation of sand, dirt and water on the
vehicle body underside can accelerate corro-
sion. Wet floor coverings will not dry com-
pletely inside the vehicle, and should be re-
moved for drying to avoid floor panel
corrosion.Relative humidityCorrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas where
the temperatures stay above freezing and
where atmospheric pollution exists and road
salt is used.
SAI0012
CORROSION PROTECTION
Appearance and care
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TemperatureA temperature increase will accelerate the rate
of corrosion to those parts which are not well
ventilated.Air pollutionIndustrial pollution, the presence of salt in the
air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use will
accelerate the corrosion process. Road salt
will also accelerate the disintegration of paint
surfaces.TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE
FROM CORROSION:IWash and wax your vehicle often to keep
the vehicle clean.
IAlways check for minor damage to the paint
and repair it as soon as possible.
IKeep drain holes at the bottom of the doors
open to avoid water accumulation.
ICheck the underbody for accumulation of
sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water
as soon as possible.
CAUTION
INEVER remove dirt, sand or other
debris from the passenger compart-
ment by washing it out with a hose.
Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner or
broom.
INever allow water or other liquids to
come in contact with electronic com-
ponents inside the vehicle as this
may damage them.
Chemicals used for road surface de-icing are
extremely corrosive. They accelerate corro-
sion and deterioration of underbody compo-
nents such as the exhaust system, fuel and
brake lines, brake cables, floor pan and fend-
ers.
In winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically.
For additional protection against rust and cor-
rosion, which may be required in some areas,
consult your local NISSAN dealer.
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8 Do-it-yourselfMaintenance precautions .......................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-4
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-5
Checking engine coolant level .................................. 8-5
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-6
Engine oil .................................................................. 8-7
Checking engine oil level .......................................... 8-7
Changing engine oil .................................................. 8-8
Changing engine oil filter .......................................... 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-10
Temperature conditions for checking ...................... 8-10
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-12
Battery ..................................................................... 8-13
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-15
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ............................................. 8-16
Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-18Cleaning .................................................................. 8-18
Replacement ........................................................... 8-19
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-20
Checking parking brake .......................................... 8-20
Checking brake pedal ............................................. 8-20
Brake booster .......................................................... 8-21
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-21
Fuses....................................................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ............................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ......................................... 8-23
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........... 8-24
Lights ....................................................................... 8-25
Headlights ............................................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights ....................................... 8-27
Tires and wheels ..................................................... 8-32
Tire pressure ........................................................... 8-32
Types of tires .......................................................... 8-32
Tire chains............................................................... 8-33
Changing tires and wheels...................................... 8-34
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When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.
WARNING
IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
N (Neutral) position. For an automatic
transmission, move the selector lever
to P (Park) position.
IBe sure the ignition key is OFF or
LOCK when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.
IYour vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the OFF
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-nect the negative battery cable before
working near the fan.
IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
IIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the bat-tery.
IOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) System,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
IDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition
key is on.
INever leave the engine or the auto-
matic transmission related compo-
nent harness connector discon-
nected while the ignition key is on.
IAvoid direct contact with used engine
oil. Improperly disposed motor oil
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS8-2
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and/or other vehicle fluids can hurt
the environment. Always conform to
local regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
This ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or im-
proper servicing may result in operating diffi-
culties or excessive emissions, and could af-
fect your warranty coverage.If in doubt about
any servicing, have it done by your NISSAN
dealer.
Do-it-yourself
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SDI0959
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS8-4
Do-it-yourself
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The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze solu-
tion contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional cooling system additives
are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a genuine NISSAN anti-
freeze coolant or equivalent with the
proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze
and 50% demineralized water/distilled
water. The use of other types of coolant
solutions may damage your engine
cooling system.Outside temperature
down to
Anti-
freezeDeminer-
alized
water/
distilled
water ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
INever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator. Wait
until the engine and radiator cool
down.
ISee ªIf your vehicle overheatsº in the
ª6. In case of emergencyº section.
IThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. To prevent engine damage,
use only a genuine NISSAN radiator
cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVELCheck the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX level. If
the reservoir tank is empty, check the coolant
level in the radiatorwhen the engine is cold.
If there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill
the radiator with coolant up to the filler opening
and also add it to the reservoir tank up to the
MAX level.
If the engine cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
SDI0960
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Do-it-yourself
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTIMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by your NISSAN dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.IImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
ITo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
INever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
1. Open the radiator cap and drain plug.
2. Open the drain plug on the engine block.
3. Flush the cooling system by running fresh
water through the radiator.
4. Close the radiator drain plug and the drain
plug on the engine block securely.
5. See ªCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricantsº in the ª10. Technical and
consumer informationº section for cooling
system capacity. Fill the radiator slowly with
the proper mixture of coolant and water. Fill
the reservoir tank up to the MAX level. Then
install the radiator cap.
SDI0114
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6. Start the engine, and warm it up until the
radiator fan operates. Then race the engine
two or three times under no load. Watch the
coolant temperature gauge for signs of
overheating.
7. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up to the
MAX level.
8. Check the radiator drain plug and the drain
plug on the engine block for any sign of
leakage.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.
SDI0973
SDI0115
ENGINE OIL
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