automatic transmission NISSAN MAXIMA 2004 A34 / 6.G Owner's Guide

4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with
lint-free paper.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the dipstick tube
as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading. If
the automatic transmission fluid level is
within the normal operating range
sB,no
additional fluid is required. If the fluid level is
low
sAadd fluid through the dipstick tube.
CAUTION
DO NOT OVERFILL. Use ONLY Genuine
Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Dexron™ III/Mercon™
or equivalent may also be used. Outside
the continental United States and Alaska
contact a NISSAN dealership for more in-
formation regarding suitable fluids, in-
cluding recommended brand(s) of
Dexron™ III/Mercon™ automatic trans-
mission fluid.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the fluid level cannot be read accu-
rately. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes) before
checking fluid level.When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
WARNING
cUse only Genuine Nissan Matic K ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
cUsing automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine Nissan Matic K ATF
will cause deterioration in driveability
and automatic transmission durability,
and may damage the automatic trans-
mission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is also
described on caution labels located in the engine
compartment.
4–speed
WDI0334
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

Be careful not to let anything get into the washer
nozzle
sA. This may cause clogging or improper
windshield washer operation. If something gets
into the nozzle, remove it with a needle or small
pin
sB.
CHECKING PARKING BRAKE
From the released position, pull the parking brake
lever up slowly and firmly. If the number of clicks is
out of the range listed, see a NISSAN dealer.
c7 - 8 clicks under pulling force of
44 lb (196 N) .
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
With the engine running, check the distanceA
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
metal floor. If it is out of the range shown, see a
NISSAN dealer.
Distance A: Under depression force of
110 lb (490 N)
Automatic
TransmissionManual
Transmission
3 1/2 in (90 mm)
or more3 1/3 in (84 mm)
or more
WDI0337
LDI0326WDI0229
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE PEDAL
8-22Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 75.8 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *8
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0• API Certification Mark *2 *3
•API grade SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-III*2 *3 Without oil filter change 3-7/8 qt 3-1/4 qt 3.7
Cooling system
With reservoir 8-5/8 qt 7-1/4 qt 8.250% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-freeze Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Manual transmission gear oil 4-7/8 pt 4 pt 2.3 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid HQ Multi 75W-85 or equivalent
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. 4 SpeedGenuine Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid.*4
5 SpeedGenuine Nissan Matic K ATF *5
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*9
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*6 or equivalent DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease———NLGINo.2(Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*7
Air conditioning system lubricants— — — NISSAN A/C System Lubricant Type DH-PS or equivalent*7
Windshield washer fluid— — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-freeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: For further details, see “Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.”
*4: Dexron™ III/Mercon™ or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealership for more information regarding suitable fluids, including recommended
brand(s) of Dexron™ III/Mercon™ Automatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine Nissan Matic K ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle warranty.
*6: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*7: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*8: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*9: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , Dexron™ III/Mercon™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In 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 perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is
not recommended; however, if you must do
so, and if your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion before blocking the wheels and applyingthe parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating. However, for
long steep grades, do not stay in 1st or 2nd
gear when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
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.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen 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.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe 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.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive
(automatic transmission) .
cAvoid 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, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
9-16Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission
cAlways tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
cAfter towing 500 miles, start and idle the
engine with the transmission in Neutral for
two minutes. Failure to idle the engine after
every 500 miles of towing may cause dam-
age to internal transmission parts.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
Treadwear
Treadwear 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 govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual driv-
ing conditions, and may vary significantly due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The 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 mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information9-17
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

10 Index
A
Active head restraint...............1-9
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)......................1-9
Air bag warning light...........1-21, 2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-18
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Servicing air conditioner..........4-18
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-14
Anchor point locations.............1-40
Antenna.....................4-32
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-9
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-14
Audio system..................4-19
AM-FM radio with cassette player.....4-26
Cassette player...............4-26
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-29
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-27
FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player
and compact disc (CD) changer......4-23
FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player
and compact disc (CD) player.......4-23
Radio....................4-19Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-31
Autolight switch.................2-20
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-19
Automatic power window switch.....2-35
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-11
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-10
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-10
Battery replacement (See remote keyless
entry system)................3-9, 8-26
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-17
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-18
Brake booster................8-23
Brake fluid..................8-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Brake pedal.................8-22
Brake system................5-18
Brake warning light.............2-10
Brake wear indicators........2-14, 8-23
Parking brake check............8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Self-adjusting brakes............8-23
Break-in schedule................5-15Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-22
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
Cassette player (See audio system)......4-26
CD care and cleaning.............4-30
CD changer (See audio system)........4-29
CD player (See audio system).........4-27
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator lamp).......2-12
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-39
Child restraints.......1-25, 1-26, 1-31, 1-38
Precautions on child restraints.......1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-40
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-14
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock
(models with navigation system)......4-12
(models without navigation system).....4-4
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Cold weather driving..............5-22
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-27
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-31
Control panel buttons
With navigation system...........4-7
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-31
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Cornering light.................2-23
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-13
Cup holders...................2-29
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-21
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-18
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-10
Drive belts....................8-17
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-19
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-22
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2E
Economy - fuel.................5-15
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-18
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-6
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-29
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-23
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-11
Brake fluid..................8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Window washer fluid............8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-23
Folding rear seat.................1-6
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-15
Fuel filler cap................3-13
Fuel filler lid.................3-13
Fuel filler lid and cap............3-13
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-3
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-23
Fusible links...................8-24
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-42
Gascap.....................3-13
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge..................2-6
10-2
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-24
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat...................1-6
Security system (Nissan vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-16, 3-2, 5-5
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-23
Service manual order form...........9-20
Servicing air conditioner............4-18
Shift lock release................5-10
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-8
Manual transmission............5-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-29
Spark plug replacement............8-17
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-21
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Jump starting.................6-6
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting.................6-8
Starting the engine..............5-6
Steering
Heated steering wheel...........2-25
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-17
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-31
Stop light....................8-28
Storage.....................2-28
Sun visors....................3-16
Sunglasses case................2-29
Sunglasses holder...............2-29
Sunroof.....................2-36
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-21, 2-11Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-21
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-9
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-9
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-20
Automatic power window switch.....2-35
Fog light switch...............2-23
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-23
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-19
Ignition switch................5-4
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-18
Traction control system (TCS) off
switch....................2-26
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch....................2-26
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-17
T
Tachometer....................2-5
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-10
Theft (Nissan vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start..............2-16, 3-2, 5-5
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-42Tire chains..................8-39
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-33
Tire rotation.................8-40
Types of tires................8-39
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-17
Wheels and tires..............8-33
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-39
Towing
Flat towing..................9-17
Tow truck towing..............6-10
Towing load/specification chart......9-15
Trailer towing................9-13
Traction control system (TCS) off switch . . .2-26
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-42
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-11
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-11
Selector lever lock release.........5-10
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country).................9-9
Trip odometer...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat.......1-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-10
Trunk light....................2-41
Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch)............2-19, 2-22
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-17
10-5
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X