air condition NISSAN MAXIMA 2002 A33 / 5.G Service Manual

system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the
key back to the ON position. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating con-
dition. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition, have your NISSAN
dealer check the transmission and repair if
necessary.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ShiftingTo change gears, or when up shifting or down
shifting fully depress the clutch pedal, shift into
the appropriate gear then slowly and smoothly
release the clutch.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd,
3rd, 4th and 5th up to 6th gear in sequence
according to the vehicle speed.
To back up, stop the vehicle and shift the lever
into the N position, and then pull the ring
upward to shift into the R position.The pull ring returns to its original position
when the shift lever is moved to the N position.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (Low gear), shift into N (Neu-
tral), then release the clutch pedal and shift
into R (Reverse) or 1 (Low gear) again.
WARNING
IDo not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of con-
trol.
IDo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
IDo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may damage
the clutch.
IStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).
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Starting and driving
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IKeep your engine tuned up.
IFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
IKeep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear
and waste fuel.
IKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause not only tire
wear but also lower fuel economy.
IAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
IWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air conditioner
and leave the windows closed to reduce
drag.
WARNING
IDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
INever leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
INever leave children unattended in
the vehicle.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse)
position. When parking on an uphill grade,
place the shift lever in the 1 (Low gear)
position.
MSD0002
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
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conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic
solenoids controlled by a computer. The com-
puter has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests
the system each time you start the engine and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the ABS
warning light in the dashboard. The brake
system will then behave normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at
your earliest convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces, even with the anti-lock sys-
tem. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.
IWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
IWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. See ªVe-
hicle identificationº in the ª10. Tech-
nical and consumer informationº sec-
tion for tire placard location.On slippery surfaces such as wet asphalt
roads, vehicle wheels may spin when the
vehicle is accelerated. This wheel spin re-
duces acceleration, or causes the vehicle to
swerve, thus decreasing vehicle stability.
The traction control system helps limit wheel
spin on slippery roads. The system operates
only if it senses one or both of the front wheels
spinning or beginning to lose traction. When
this happens, the system reduces engine
power and may also upshift the transmission
to help limit wheel spin.
IIndicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the traction con-
trol system, the SLIP and
indicator
lights come on in the meter panel.
As long as these warning lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled. The
vehicle will behaves like a model without
the traction control system.
CAUTION
IThe traction control system is most
effective when the transmission gear
selector is in the D position.
IIf you drive in gear 1 or 2 with the TCSTRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
Starting and driving
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IThe booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
IWhenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye protec-
tors (for example, goggles or indus-
trial safety spectacles) and remove
rings, metal bands, or any other jew-
elry. Do not lean over the battery
when jump starting.
IDo not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
IYour vehicle has an automatic engine
cooling fan. It could come on at any
time. Keep hands and other objects
away from it.
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply parking brake. Move the shift lever tothe N (Neutral) position (On automatic
transmission models, move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position). Switch off all
unnecessary electrical systems (light,
heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated.
SCE0154A
In case of emergency
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WARNING
IDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
ITo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the radia-
tor cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
IDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the shift lever
to the N (Neutral) position (automatic trans-
mission to the P (Park) position).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
the windows, move the heater or air condi-tioner temperature control to maximum hot
and fan control to high speed.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before pro-
ceeding.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
The radiator hoses and radiator should not
leak water.
If coolant is leaking or the cooling fan does
not run, stop the engine.
WARNING
IBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come intocontact with, or to get caught in the
cooling fan, or drive belt.
IThe engine cooling fan can start at
any time when the coolant tempera-
ture is high.
6. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle re-
paired at the nearest NISSAN dealer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements ........................................ 8-2
General maintenance ................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .......... 8-2
Maintenance precautions .......................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-7
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ............................. 8-8
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................................ 8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter ................................... 8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-12
Temperature conditions for checking ................. 8-13
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-14
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-15
Battery ..................................................................... 8-15
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-17
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ........................................ 8-18Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-19
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-19
Replacing............................................................ 8-20
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-21
Checking parking brake ..................................... 8-21
Checking brake pedal ........................................ 8-21
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-22
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-22
Fuses....................................................................... 8-22
Engine compartment .......................................... 8-23
Passenger compartment .................................... 8-24
Keyfob battery replacement .................................... 8-24
Lights ....................................................................... 8-26
Headlights........................................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .................................. 8-28
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 8-33
Tire pressure ...................................................... 8-33
Types of tires...................................................... 8-33
Tire chains .......................................................... 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ................................. 8-35
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Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with
longer service intervals to save you both time
and money. However, some day-to-day and
regular maintenance is essential to maintain
your NISSAN's good mechanical condition, as
well as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
that scheduled maintenance, as well as gen-
eral maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives the
proper maintenance care. You are a vital link
in the maintenance chain.
Scheduled maintenance:
For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your ªService and Main-
tenance Guideº. You must refer to that guide to
ensure that necessary maintenance is per-
formed on your NISSAN at regular intervals.
General maintenance:
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation of the vehicle. They are es-
sential if your vehicle is to continue to operate
properly. It is your responsibility to perform
these procedures regularly as prescribed.Performing general maintenance checks re-
quire minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer,
your NISSAN dealer.
Where to go for service:
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the sys-
tems checked and tuned by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained special-
ists and are kept up to date with the latest
service information through technical bulletins,
service tips, and in-dealership training pro-
grams. They are completely qualified to work
on NISSAN vehiclesbeforethey work on your
vehicle, rather than after they have worked on
it.
You can be confident that your NISSAN deal-
er's service department performs the best job
to meet the maintenance requirements of your
vehicle Ð in a reliable and economic way.During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have
your NISSAN dealer check it promptly. In
addition, you should notify your NISSAN
dealer if you think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the ªMaintenance pre-
cautionsº later in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with ª*º is found later in this section.Outside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge at
least once a month and always prior to long
distance trips, including the spare, and adjust
to the specified pressure if necessary. Check
carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*:When checking the tires, make
sure no nuts are missing, and check for any
loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE8-2
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Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balance:If the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight
and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº in the
Warranty Information Booklet (US) or ªTire
Safety Informationº in the Warranty and Road-
side Assistance Information booklet (Canada).
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regu-
lar basis. Check the windshield at least every
six months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hood:Check that all doors
and the engine hood operate smoothly as well
as the trunk lid or back hatch. Also make sure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate if nec-
essary. Make sure that the secondary latchkeeps the hood from opening when the pri-
mary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive freeplay, hard steering or strange noises.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to en-
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if equipped) hold securely
in all latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*:Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
play.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed fully.
Check the brake booster function. Be sure to
keep floor mats away from the pedal.
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Parking brake*:Check that the lever has the
proper travel and make sure that the vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill when only
the parking brake is applied.
Automatic transaxle P (Park) position
mechanism:On a fairly steep hill check that
the vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the P (Park) position without applying
any brakes.Under the hood and the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time
you check the engine oil or refuel).
Windshield washer fluid*:Check that there
is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*:Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
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, deformation, dete-
rioration or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*:Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid levels are be-
tween the MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Battery*:Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
Engine drive belts*:Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:Check the level on the
dipstick after parking the vehicle on a level
spot and turning off the engine.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:Check
the level in the reservoir tank with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment,
leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transaxle fluid level*:Check the
level on the dipstick after putting the selector
lever in P (Park) position with the engine idling.
Exhaust system:Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of
the exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell
of exhaust fumes, immediately locate the
trouble and correct it. (See ªPrecautions when
starting and drivingº in the ª5. Starting and
drivingº section for exhaust gas (carbon mon-
oxide).)
Underbody:The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuellines and around the exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, being careful
to clean those areas where mud and dirt may
accumulate. For additional information, see
ªCleaning exteriorº in the ª7. Appearance and
careº section.
Fluid leaks:Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle
has been parked for a while. Water dripping
from the air conditioner after use is normal. If
you should notice any leaks or if gasoline
fumes are evident, check for the cause and
have it corrected immediately.8-4
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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 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.
IAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
IKeep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
1. Perform the following procedure to open
the heater water cock.
ITurn the ignition key from OFF to ON.
IMove the heater or air conditioner tem-
perature control dial to the maximum hot
position then turn the ignition key to
OFF.
2. Open radiator drain valve at the bottom ofradiator, and remove radiator filler cap.
IBe careful not to allow coolant to con-
tact drive belts.
IWaste coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
3. Close the radiator drain valve securely after
the coolant is drained.
4. Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mix-
ture of anti-freeze solution and demineral-
ized water/distilled water. Fill the reservoir
tank up to the MAX level. Then install the
radiator filler cap.
5. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
Then race the engine 2 or 3 times under no
load.
Watch the engine coolant temperature
gauge for signs of overheating.
6. 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. Check the drain valve for any
sign of leakage.
7. Recheck the coolant level after the vehicle
has been driven for a day.
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