Oil NISSAN MAXIMA 2000 A33 / 5.G Owner's Manual

10 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ......... 10-2
Fuel recommendation ............................................. 10-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation................. 10-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number.................... 10-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations .................................................... 10-6
Specifications .......................................................... 10-7
Engine ..................................................................... 10-7
Tires and wheels ..................................................... 10-9
Dimensions and weights ......................................... 10-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle 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 ............................................ 10-11F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................................. 10-11
Emission control information label ........................ 10-11
Tire placard ........................................................... 10-12
Air conditioner specification label.......................... 10-12
Installing front license plate................................... 10-13
Vehicle loading information ................................... 10-14
Terms .................................................................... 10-14
Determining vehicle load capacity ........................ 10-14
Loading tips ........................................................... 10-15
Towing a trailer ..................................................... 10-15
Maximum load limits.............................................. 10-16
Towing safety ........................................................ 10-17
Uniform tire quality grading ................................... 10-19
Emission control system warranty ........................ 10-20
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....................... 10-20
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ............................................................... 10-21
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended
specifications US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 18-1/2 gal 15-3/8 gal 70 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (RON 96)*1
Engine oil*6
Drain and refill
With oil filter change 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0IAPI Certification Mark*2, *3
IAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ, Energy
Conserving*2, *3
IILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II*2, *3 Without oil filter change 3-7/8 qt 3-1/4 qt 3.7
Cooling system
With reservoir 8-1/8 qt 6-3/4 qt 7.7
Genuine NISSAN anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
Reservoir 3/4 qt 5/8 qt 0.7
Manual transmission gear oil Ð Ð Ð API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-90 only
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions
in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.Nissan Matic ªDº (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid*4
Power steering fluidGenuine Nissan PSFII or equivalent*8
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant Ð Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*7
Air conditioning system lubricants Ð Ð ÐNissan A/C System Oil
Type S or exact equivalent
*1: For additional information, see later in this paragraph for fuel recommendation.
*2: For additional information, see later in this paragraph for engine oil and oil filter recommendation.
*3: For additional information, see later in this paragraph for recommended SAE viscosity number.
*4: Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealer for more information regarding
suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
automatic transmission fluid.
*5: Available in mainland US through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For additional information, see ªEngine oilº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section for changing engine oil.
*7: For additional information, see ªVehicle identificationº in this section for air conditioner specification label.
*8: Genuine Nissan PSFII, Canada Nissan Automatic Transmission fluid, Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS10-2
Technical and consumer information
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ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct quality, and
viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory engine life
and performance. NISSAN recommends the
use of a low friction oil (energy conserving oil)
in order to improve fuel economy and con-
serve energy. Oils which do not have the
specified quality label should not be used as
they could cause engine damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Pe-
troleum Institute (API) certification mark on thefront of the container should be used. This type
of oil supersedes the existing API SG or SH
and Energy ConservingI&IIcategories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the API
certification mark, use an API grade SG/SH,
Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ,
Energy conserving oil. An oil with a single
designation SG or SH, or in combination with
other categories (for example, SG/CC or
SG/CD) may also be used if one with the API
certification mark cannot be found. An ILSAC
grade GF-I & GF-II oil can also be used.
Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils musthowever, meet the API quality and SAE vis-
cosity ratings specified for your vehicle. Do not
mix mineral based and synthetic type oils in
the engine at the same time.
Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.Oil viscosityThe engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is impor-
tant that the engine oil viscosity be selected
based on the temperatures at which the ve-
hicle will be operated before the next oil
change. The recommended SAE viscosity
number chart shows the recommended oil
viscosities for the expected ambient tempera-
tures. Choosing an oil viscosity other than that
recommended could cause serious engine
damage.Selecting the correct oil filterYour new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When replac-
ing, use the genuine oil filter or its equivalent
STI0077
Technical and consumer information
10-5
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for the reason described in change intervals.Change intervalsThe oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than
the specified quality, or oil and filter change
intervals longer than recommended could re-
duce engine life. Damage to engines caused
by improper maintenance or use of incorrect
oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the new NISSAN vehicle warran-
ties.
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 recommended
change interval. Oil and filter change intervals
depend upon how you use your vehicle. Op-
eration under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes.
Irepeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,
Idriving in dusty conditions,
Iextensive idling,
Itowing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBERSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30,
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONSThe air conditioning system in this NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or the exact
equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or lubri-
cant will cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and will require the
replacement of all air conditioner sys-
tem components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle will not harm the earth's
ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does not
affect the earth's atmosphere, certain govern-
mental regulations require the recovery and
recycling of any refrigerant during automotive
air conditioning system service. Your NISSAN
dealer has the trained technicians and equip-
ment needed to recover and recycle your air
conditioning system refrigerant.
TI1028-C
10-6
Technical and consumer information
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IAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently.
See ªPeriodic maintenance schedulesº in
the ª9. Maintenanceº section.DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform
to federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TreadwearTreadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified government
test courses. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well
on the government course as a tire graded
100. However, relative tire performance de-
pends on actual driving conditions, and may
vary significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.Traction AA, A, B and CThe traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphaltand concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.Temperature A, B and CTemperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause tire mate-
rial to degenerate, reducing tire life. Excessive
temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a performance level
which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades A and B represent higher levels of
performance on laboratory test wheels than
the minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
Technical and consumer information
10-19
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Child safety rear door lock................................ 3-4
Chimes ............................................................ 2-11
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray....... 2-23
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-22
Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-30
Clutch
Clutch pedal .............................................. 8-21
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-21
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ........................................................... 4-23
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 4-12
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-35
Console box .................................................... 2-26
Controls
Audio controls............................................ 4-12
Audio controls (rear).................................. 4-12
Audio controls (steering wheel)................. 4-12
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater and semiautomatic air
conditioner ................................................... 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-5
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-5
Cruise control.................................................. 5-14
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-24D
Daytime running light system ......................... 2-19
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defogger switch............................................... 2-16
Dimensions and weights ................................. 10-9
Door open warning light ................................... 2-8
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-21
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ............. 5-11
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................ 5-16
Emission control information label ................ 10-11
Emission control system warranty ................ 10-20
Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-7
Block heater .............................................. 5-22
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-6
Changing engine oil .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil filter ............................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-5
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-5Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation... 10-5
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-5
Engine serial number .............................. 10-11
Engine specifications................................. 10-7
If your engine overheats ........................... 6-10
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-11
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-17
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-20
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-12
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-5
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-12
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-19
Front manual seat adjustment .......................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................ 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Filler cap .................................................... 3-10
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11-2

Replacement ............................................. 8-25
Trunk light.................................................. 2-33
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-32
Warning/indicator lights and chimes .... 2-7, 2-9
Lights, Exterior and interior light
replacement .................................................... 8-27
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................... 10-14
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-2
Glove box lock........................................... 2-25
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Trunk lid lock opener lever.......................... 3-9
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 2-9
Luggage net .................................................... 2-26
M
Maintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-13
Explanation of maintenance items..... 9-3, 9-10
General maintenance........................... 9-2, 9-3
Inside the vehicle ................................. 9-2, 9-3
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
Outside the vehicle .............................. 9-2, 9-3
Periodic maintenance schedules ................ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-27
Under the hood and vehicle ........................ 9-4
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 3-13
Outside mirror............................................ 3-13Outside mirror control................................ 3-13
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-13
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-4
N
Net, Luggage net ............................................ 2-26
New vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-15
Nissan vehicle Immobilizer System ................ 2-12
Engine start ................................................. 5-6
O
Odometer .......................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine oil .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil filter ............................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-5
Outside mirror ................................................. 3-13
Outside mirror control ..................................... 3-13
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-13
Overdrive switch ............................................. 5-10
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats................ 6-10P
Parking
Brake check............................................... 8-20
Parking brake check.................................. 5-13
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-13
Parking on hills .......................................... 5-13
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-17
Periodic maintenance schedules ...................... 9-5
Personal light .................................................. 2-31
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Power steering system .............................. 5-18
Power windows ......................................... 2-27
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-17
Precautions
Braking precautions................................... 5-18
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-13
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
On child restraints ..................................... 1-28
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-20
On supplemental restraint system .............. 1-8
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ..................................................... 6-9
R
Radio, car phone or CB radio......................... 4-25
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(USA only) .................................................... 10-21
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FUEL RECOMMENDATION: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 avail-
able, unleaded regular gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Research
octane number 91) can be used.
However, for maximum vehicle perfor-
mance, the use of unleaded premium gaso-
line is recommended.
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol systems, and may also affect war-
ranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three way catalyst.
For additional information, see ªCapacities and
recommended fuel/lubricantsº in the ª10.
Technical and consumer informationº section.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION:IAPI Certification Mark
IAPI grade SG/SH, Energy Conserving II or
API grade SJ, Energy Conserving
IILSAC grade GF-II
ISAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30 vis-
cosity oil may be used for ambient tempera-
tures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
See ªCapacities and recommended fuel/
lubricantsº in the ª10. Technical and consumer
informationº section for engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.COLD TIRE PRESSURES:See tire placard affixed to the center console
lid.NEW VEHICLE BREAK-IN
PROCEDURES
RECOMMENDATION:During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations out-
lined in the ªBreak-in scheduleº Information
found in the ª5. Starting and drivingº section of
this Owner's Manual. Follow these recommen-
dations for the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these rec-
ommendations may result in vehicle damageor shortened engine life.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
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STI0205
Hood release 3-8 Meters and gauges 2-3
Trunk release 3-9
Seat belt 1-20
Key 3-2
Fuel 3-10, 10-2
Spare tire 6-3, 8-35 Audio system 4-12
Air conditioner 4-3 Engine oil 8-7Engine coolant 8-5 Windshield washer fluid 8-12
Seat 1-2
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