tow NISSAN MAXIMA 2003 A33 / 5.G Owner's Manual

9 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ........... 9-2
Fuel recommendation........................................... 9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation .............. 9-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number ................. 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ................................................. 9-6
Specifications ............................................................ 9-7
Engine .................................................................. 9-7
Wheels and tires .................................................. 9-9
Dimensions and weights ...................................... 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ....................................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification ............................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ........... 9-10
Vehicle identification number
(Chassis number) ............................................... 9-10
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .............................. 9-11
Emission control information label ..................... 9-11Tire placard ........................................................ 9-12
Air conditioner specification label ....................... 9-12
Installing front license plate..................................... 9-13
Vehicle loading information ..................................... 9-14
Terms ................................................................. 9-14
Determining vehicle load capacity...................... 9-14
Loading tips ........................................................ 9-15
Towing a trailer ....................................................... 9-15
Maximum load limits ........................................... 9-16
Towing safety ..................................................... 9-17
Uniform tire quality grading ..................................... 9-19
Emission control system warranty .......................... 9-20
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......................... 9-20
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ................................................................. 9-21
Owner's Manual/Service Manual order
information............................................................... 9-22
In the event of a collision ........................................ 9-22
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FUEL RECOMMENDATIONUse unleaded regular gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number
91).
For improved vehicle performance,
NISSAN recommends the use of unleaded
premium gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 91 AKI number (Research octane
number 96).
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol devices and systems, and could
also affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three-way catalyst.Reformulated gasolineSome fuel suppliers are now producing refor-
mulated gasolines. These gasolines are spe-
cially designed to reduce vehicle emissions.
NISSAN supports efforts towards cleaner airand suggests that you use reformulated gaso-
line when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenatesSome fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising their pres-
ence. NISSAN does not recommend the use of
fuels of which the oxygenate content and the
fuel compatibility for your NISSAN cannot be
readily determined. If in doubt, ask your ser-
vice station manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage of
such fuels may cause vehicle performance
problems and/or fuel system damage.
IThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that rec-
ommended for unleaded gasoline.
IIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
IIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (me-
thyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should
also contain a suitable amount of appro-
priate cosolvents and corrosion inhibi-tors. If not properly formulated with ap-
propriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are suit-
able for use in NISSAN vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such
as engine stalling and hard hot starting are
experienced after using oxygenate-blend fu-
els, immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (i.e. fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.)
which are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvent or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.Octane rating tipsIn most parts of North America, you should use
Technical and consumer information
9-3
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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
9-6
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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.
TI1011M
TOWING A TRAILERTechnical and consumer information
9-15
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MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed
1,000 lb (454 kg). The total trailer load equals
trailer weight plus its cargo weight. Towing
loads greater than 1,000 lb (454 kg) or using
improper towing equipment could adversely
affect vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but
also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights
appropriate for level highway driving may have
to be reduced on very steep grades or in low
traction situations (for example, on slippery
boat ramps).
WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures are not covered by NISSAN war-
ranties. A Nissan Trailer Towing Guide
(U.S. only) containing information on
trailer towing ability and the specialequipment required may be obtained
from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Tongue loadKeep the tongue load between 9 and 11% of
the total trailer load. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weightThe gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed. GVWR shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label. The gross ve-
hicle weight equals the combined weight of the
unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage, hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment. In addition, front or rear gross axle
weight must not exceed GAWR shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
TI1012M
9-16
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD110 (49)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchChoose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is avail-
able from your NISSAN dealer (Canada only).
Make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached
to the vehicle, to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by
crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.
CAUTION
IDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
IThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.IDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
ITo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch and/or receiver when not in use.
After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
IRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressuresIWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the tire placard (located on the
inside of the center console lid).
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in ac-
cordance with the trailer and tire manufac-
turers' specifications.Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between yourvehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point
between the sensor and stop light or light
switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tipsIBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloadedTechnical and consumer information
9-17
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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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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 the
ªService and Maintenance Guideº.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
9-19
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Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-5
Outside the vehicle...................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-26
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Outside mirror control................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-16
N
Net, Cargo net ................................................ 2-28
New vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-15
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ............... 2-15
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Engine
start ................................................................... 5-6
O
Odometer .......................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Changing engine oil .................................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level .......................... 8-10
Engine oil................................................... 8-10
Engine oil viscosity ...................................... 9-5
Outside mirror control ..................................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-16
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats.................. 6-9P
Parking
Brake check............................................... 8-21
Parking brake check.................................. 5-12
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-12
Parking on hills .......................................... 5-12
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-16
Personal light .................................................. 2-35
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ....................... 4-30
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-3
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Power outlet .............................................. 2-24
Power steering fluid................................... 8-14
Power steering system .............................. 5-17
Power windows ......................................... 2-29
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-16
Precautions
Audio operation precautions ..................... 4-13
Braking precautions................................... 5-18
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-13
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-5
On child restraints ..................................... 1-27
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-20
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ......................................................... 1-8
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ..................................................... 6-8
R
Radio, Car phone or CB radio ........................ 4-30Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ......................................................... 9-21
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock...... 3-4
Rear power point ............................................ 2-24
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 2-17
Registering your vehicle in another country ... 9-10
Remote keyless entry system........................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only)................. 9-20
Rollover ............................................................. 5-3
S
Safety
Child seat belts.......................................... 1-22
Reporting safety defects (US only) ........... 9-20
Towing safety ............................................ 9-17
Seat
Belt warning light ....................................... 1-20
Belt warning light and chime ..................... 2-11
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment .................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ...................... 1-3
Seat belt(s)
Child safety................................................ 1-22
Infants and small children ......................... 1-22
Injured persons.......................................... 1-23
Larger children .......................................... 1-23
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ................. 1-16
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 1-20
Pregnant women ....................................... 1-23
Seat belt cleaning........................................ 7-5
Seat belt extenders ................................... 1-26
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-26
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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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