NISSAN MAXIMA 2003 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

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.
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Contact your NISSAN dealer when servicing
your air conditioning system.
ENGINE
Model VQ35DE
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 6-cylinder, V-slanted at 60É
Bore x Stroke in (mm) 3.760 x 3.205 (95.5 x 81.4)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 213.45 (3,498)
Firing order 1-2-3-4-5-6*
Idle speed rpm
See the emission control label on
the underside of the hood. Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.) degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed [No air] %
Spark plugStandard PLFR5A-11
Service option PLFR4A-11, PLFR6A-11
Spark plug gap (Normal) in (mm) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain
SPECIFICATIONS
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The spark ignition system of this vehicle
meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regula-
tions.
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WHEELS AND TIRESRoad wheelType Size Offset in (mm)
Aluminum16 x 6-1/2JJ
17 x 7JJ
17 x 7JJ (option)1.57 (40)
1.57 (40)*2
1.75 (45)*3
TireConventionalP215/55R16 91H
P215/55R17 93H
P225/50R17 93V
SpareConventional*1
T125/70D16
T125/90D16
T135/70D16
T135/90D16
*1: For option
*2: For P215/55R17 91H
*3: For P225/50R17 93V
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Sedan
Overall length in (mm) 191.5 (4,863)
Overall width in (mm) 70.3 (1,785)
Overall height in (mm)56.3 (1,430)*3
56.7 (1,440)*4
57.1 (1,450)*5
Front tread in (mm)60.2 (1,530)*1
59.8 (1,520)*2
Rear tread in (mm)59.4 (1,510)*1
59.1 (1,500)*2
Wheelbase in (mm) 108.3 (2,750)
Gross vehicle weight rating lb (kg)
See the F.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label on the driver's side
lock pillar. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
*1: For models with road wheel size - 16 x 6.5JJ, 17 x 7JJ (offset 1.57 in (40 mm))
*2: For models with aluminum wheel size - 17 x 7JJ (offset 1.75 in (45 mm))
*3: For models with the tire size P215/55R16 91H
*4: For models with the tire size P225/50R17 93V
*5: For models with the tire size P215/55R17 93H
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When planning to travel in another country,
you should first find out if the fuel available is
suitable for your vehicle's engine.
Using fuel with too low an octane rating may
cause engine damage. All gasoline vehicles
must be operated with unleaded engine gaso-
line. Therefore, avoid taking your vehicle to
areas where appropriate fuel is not available.
When transferring the registration of your
vehicle to another country, state, province
or district,it may be necessary to modify the
vehicle to meet local laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle
emission control and safety standards vary
according to the country, state, province or
district; therefore, vehicle specifications may
differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into an-
other country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, transpor-
tation, and registration are the responsibil-
ity of the user. NISSAN is not responsible
for any inconvenience that may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (VIN) PLATEThe vehicle identification number plate is at-
tached as shown. This number is the identifi-
cation for your vehicle and is used in the
vehicle registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (Chassis number)The number is stamped as shown.
STI0038
STI0187
WHEN TRAVELING OR
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE IN
ANOTHER COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION9-10
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ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERThe number is stamped on the engine as
shown.
F.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION LABELThe Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(F.M.V.S.S.) certification label is affixed as
shown. This label contains valuable vehicle
information, such as: Gross Vehicle Weight
Ratings (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR), month and year of manufacture,
Vehicle Identification Number, (VIN), etc. Re-
view it carefully.
EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABELThe emission control information label is at-
tached as shown.
STI0047
STI0186
STI0188
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TIRE PLACARDThe cold tire pressure is shown on the tire
placard affixed to the console box lid.
AIR CONDITIONER
SPECIFICATION LABELThe air conditioner specification label is affixed
inside of the hood as shown.
STI0206
STI0292
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Use the following steps to mount the license
plate:
Before mounting the license plate, confirm that
the following parts are enclosed in the vinyl
bag.
ILicense plate bracket
IJ-nut x 2
IScrew x 2
IScrew grommet x 2
1. Temporarily place the license plate bracket
while aligning points
qAof the front bumper
fascia with holes
qB
in the license plate
bracket.
2. Remove the license plate bracket.
3. Carefully drill two pilot holes
qAusing a 0.39
in (10 mm) drill bit at the marked locations.
(Be sure that the drill only goes through
the fascia, or damage to the nut may
occur.)
4. Insert grommets into the hole on the fascia.
5. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the
grommet hole to add 90É turn onto the part
qC.
6. Insert a J-nut into the license plate bracket
STI0191
INSTALLING FRONT LICENSE
PLATE
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before placing the license plate bracket on
the fascia.
7. Install the license plate bracket with screws.
8. Install the license plate with bolts that are
no longer than 0.55 in (14 mm).
WARNING
IIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously injured
or killed
IDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
IBe sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.TERMSIt is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:
ICurb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle)
- vehicle weight including: standard and
optional equipment, fluids, emergency
tools, and spare tire assembly. This weight
does notinclude passengers and cargo.
IGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb weight
plus the combined weight of passengers
and cargo.IGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total weight (load) limit specified
for the vehicle.
IGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the
front or rear axle.
DETERMINING VEHICLE LOAD
CAPACITYThe load capacity of this vehicle is determined
by weight, not by available cargo space. For
example, a luggage rack, bike carrier, cartop
carrier or similar equipment does not increase
load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using a
commercial-grade scale, found at places such
as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain elevator,
or a scrap metal recycling facility.
1. Determine the curb weight of your vehicle.
2. Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to deter-
mine how much more weight your vehicle
can carry.
3. After loading (cargo and passengers), re-
weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is ex-
VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION
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ceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, remove
cargo as necessary. If either the front or
rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the load or
remove cargo as necessary.
LOADING TIPSIThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. cer-
tification label.
IDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
IProperly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
IDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles.
This could result in loss of controland cause personal injury.
IOverloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by your
warranty.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place addi-
tional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
Information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required should be ob-
tained from your NISSAN dealer. He can ob-
tain aNissan Trailer Towing Guidefor you.
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