engine coolant NISSAN MAXIMA 2003 A33 / 5.G User Guide

engine oil, engine coolant and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº sec-
tion gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner to
perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. See ªOwner's Manual/Service
Manual order informationº in the ª9. Technical
and consurner informationº section.
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.
8-6
Maintenance and 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 SYSTEM8-8
Maintenance and 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 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.
SDI0114
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-9
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Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. Add a washer solvent to the
water for better cleaning. In the winter season,
add a windshield washer anti-freeze. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions for the mixture
ratio.
WARNING
Anti-freeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.IKeep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a
solution of baking soda and water.
IMake certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
IIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the (Ð) negative battery
terminal cable to prevent discharging it.
WARNING
IDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by battery action is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch or
rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash your
hands. If the acid contacts your eyes,
skin or clothing, immediately flush
with water for at least 15 minutes and
seek medical attention.
IDo not operate the vehicle if the fluid
in the battery is low. Low battery fluid
can cause a higher load on the bat-
SDI0961A
WINDOW WASHER FLUID BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-15
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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. Maintenance and 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 or SL, En-
ergy Conserving*2, *3
IILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III*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 7/8 qt 3/5 qt 0.8
Manual transmission gear oil Ð Ð Ð API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions
in the ª8. Maintenance and 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. Maintenance and 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/LUBRICANTS9-2
Technical and consumer information
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trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
IBe certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing be-
fore driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability, and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on aslope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped
with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission selector lever
into the P (Park) position. If you move the
selector lever to the P (Park) position be-
fore blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
IIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
ITrailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often thanat intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule.
IWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
ICrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being passed
by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect
vehicle handling. If swaying does occur,
firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually) re-
duce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
IBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
ITo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
fifth gear (manual transmission) or over-
drive (automatic transmission).9-18
Technical and consumer information
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Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in
what is called the ready condition for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the ready condition can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may
be reset to a not ready condition. Before taking
the I/M test, drive the vehicle through the
following pattern to set the vehicle to the ready
condition. If you cannot or do not want to
perform the driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer
can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions, and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle
until the engine coolant temperature gauge
needle points between the C and H (normal
operating temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed
of 53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least
5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle. Leave the engine running.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 3 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission
gear shift lever in the ªPº or ªNº position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10.Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the en-
gine until step 7 is completed.READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)
Technical and consumer information
9-21
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Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-32
Clutch
Fluid ........................................................... 8-14
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-20
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-37
Compass display .............................................. 2-6
Console box .................................................... 2-28
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater and semiautomatic air
conditioner ................................................... 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-5
Cruise control.................................................. 5-13
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-27
D
Daytime running light system ......................... 2-21
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defogger switch............................................... 2-17
Dimensions and weights ................................... 9-9
Door open warning light ................................. 2-10
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-17
Drive positioner, Automatic ............................. 3-16
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-20
Driving with automatic transmission .... 5-4, 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ...... 5-5, 5-11Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................ 5-15
Emission control information label .................. 9-11
Emission control system warranty .................. 9-20
Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-7
Block heater .............................................. 5-21
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-9
Changing engine oil .................................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level .......................... 8-10
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-5
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-7
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-8
Engine oil................................................... 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation..... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ...................................... 9-5
Engine serial number ................................ 9-11
Engine specifications................................... 9-7
If your vehicle overheats ............................. 6-9
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-11
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-18Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-22
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-8
Engine oil................................................... 8-10
Power steering fluid................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-15
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-21
Folding rear seat............................................... 1-5
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................... 1-13
Front manual seat adjustment .......................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................ 1-3
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
filler cap ..................................................... 3-12
filler lid ....................................................... 3-12
Fuel economy ............................................ 5-15
Fuel octane rating ....................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-3
Gauge .......................................................... 2-5
Fuses .............................................................. 8-22
Fusible links .................................................... 8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink
Universal ... 2-37
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10-2

Gas cap .......................................................... 3-12
Gauge ............................................................... 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 2-5
Fuel gauge .................................................. 2-5
Odometer..................................................... 2-4
Speedometer ............................................... 2-4
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
General maintenance ....................................... 8-2
Glove box........................................................ 2-27
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-27
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 2-22
Head restraints ................................................. 1-6
Headlights
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-27
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-19
Xenon headlights....................................... 2-19
Heated seats................................................... 2-23
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped).......... 2-24
Heater
Engine coolant heater ............................... 5-21
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater operation.......................................... 4-3
Heater operation, Semiautomatic air
conditioner ........................................................ 4-4
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver .................. 2-37
Hood, release ................................................. 3-10
Horn ................................................................ 2-22
How to stop alarm, Vehicle security ............... 2-15I
Ignition switch ................................................... 5-4
Automatic transmission models ........... 5-4, 5-8
Key positions ............................................... 5-6
Manual transmission models ............. 5-5, 5-11
Immobilizer system ......................................... 2-15
Indicator lights................................................. 2-12
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test................... 9-21
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Interior light ..................................................... 2-34
Interior light replacement ................................ 8-28
Interior trunk lid release .................................. 3-12
ISOFIX child restraint ..................................... 1-34
J
Jump starting .................................................... 6-6
K
Keyless entry .................................................... 3-4
Keys .................................................................. 3-2
L
Label, Air conditioner specification label ........ 9-12
Label, Emission control information label ....... 9-11
Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label................ 9-11
Labels
Air bag warning labels............................... 1-18
Engine serial number ................................ 9-11Vehicle identification number (VIN)........... 9-10
LATCH system................................................ 1-34
License plate, Installing front license plate..... 9-13
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 1-18
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-26
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-21
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-19
Headlights Bulb replacement .................... 8-27
Interior light................................................ 2-34
Personal light............................................. 2-35
Replacement ............................................. 8-26
Trunk light.................................................. 2-36
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-36
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ........................................... 2-9, 2-12
Xenon headlights....................................... 2-19
Lights, Exterior and interior light
replacement .................................................... 8-28
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ..................................................... 9-14
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-2
Glove box lock........................................... 2-27
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Trunk lid lock opener lever........................ 3-10
Low fuel warning light ..................................... 2-11
M
Maintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-15
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle ........................................ 8-3
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10-3

Seat belts .................................................. 1-20
Three-point type with retractor .................. 1-23
Seat(s)
Heated seats ............................................. 2-23
Seats ........................................................... 1-2
Security system, vehicle security system ....... 2-14
Security systems (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ..................................... 2-15
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ........................................................... 2-14
Servicing air conditioner .......................... 4-3, 4-12
Shift lock release ............................................ 5-10
Shifting
Automatic transmission ........................ 5-4, 5-8
Manual transmission .......................... 5-5, 5-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................... 1-26
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag system) .................................................... 1-15
Spark plugs ..................................................... 8-17
Speedometer .................................................... 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-7
Jump starting ............................................... 6-6
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ............................................... 6-8
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-7
Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 8-14
Power steering system .............................. 5-17
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 3-14
Storage ........................................................... 2-26
Sunglasses holder .......................................... 2-26
Sun shade....................................................... 2-31Sun visors ....................................................... 3-15
Sunroof ........................................................... 2-31
Supplemental air bag warning labels ............. 1-18
Supplemental air bag warning light ....... 1-18, 2-11
Supplemental front air bag system ................. 1-13
Supplemental restraint system ......................... 1-8
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ......................................................... 1-8
Supplemental side air bag system ................. 1-15
Switch
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-21
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-22
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-19
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models.................................................. 5-4, 5-8
Ignition switch manual transmission
models................................................ 5-5, 5-11
Power door lock switch ............................... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 2-17
Traction control system cancel switch ...... 2-24
Turn signal switch ..................................... 2-21
T
Tachometer ....................................................... 2-4
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant temperature
gauge ................................................................ 2-5
Theft (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start..................................................... 2-15
Three way catalyst ............................................ 5-3
Tilting steering wheel ...................................... 3-14Tire
Flat tire ........................................................ 6-2
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-19
Tires
Spare tire ................................................... 8-37
Tire chains ................................................. 8-34
Tire placard ............................................... 9-12
Tire pressure ............................................. 8-33
Tire rotation ............................................... 8-35
Types of tires............................................. 8-33
wheel/tire size.............................................. 9-9
Wheels and tires ....................................... 8-33
Top tether strap child restraints ...................... 1-35
Towing
Tow truck towing ....................................... 6-10
Towing a trailer.......................................... 9-15
Towing load/specification chart ................. 9-15
Towing safety ............................................ 9-17
Traction control system .................................. 5-19
Traction control system (TCS) cancel
switch .............................................................. 2-24
Trailer towing .................................................. 9-15
Transceiver, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver ..................................................... 2-37
Transmitter ........................................................ 3-4
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission .... 5-4, 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ...... 5-5, 5-11
Transmission selector lever lock
release ....................................................... 5-10
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ............................................................ 9-10
Trip computer.................................................. 2-32
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10-5