maintenance NISSAN MAXIMA 2004 A34 / 6.G Repair Manual

8-44Maintenance and do-it-yourself
MEMO

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities 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 conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations......................9-6
Specifications.....................................9-7
Engine........................................9-7
Wheels and tires...............................9-8
Dimensions and weights........................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country...................................9-9
Vehicle identification...............................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate..........9-9
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number)...............................9-9
Engine serial number...........................9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label....................9-10
Emission control information label...............9-10Tire placard...................................9-11
Air conditioner specification label................9-11
Installing front license plate........................9-11
Vehicle loading information........................9-12
Terms........................................9-12
Determining vehicle load capacity...............9-12
Loading tips..................................9-13
Towing a trailer...................................9-13
Maximum load limits...........................9-13
Towing load/specification chart.................9-15
Towing safety.................................9-15
Flat towing....................................9-17
Uniform tire quality grading........................9-17
Emission control system warranty..................9-18
Reporting safety defects (US only).................9-19
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test.....9-19
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-20
In the event of a collision.......................9-21
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

Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle warranty.
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.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:
crepeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
cdriving in dusty conditions
cextensive idling
ctowing a trailer
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE
10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (-18°C) .
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
NISSAN A/C system oil DH-PS 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 system
components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the
earth’s atmosphere, certain government regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
ATI1028
9-6Technical 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

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the Na-
tional Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a
recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236. You may
also write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Trans-
portation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor vehicle
safety from the Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our Con-
sumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at 1-800-
NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call 1-808-836-0888.Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission 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 when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating 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 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 5
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least three
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 se-
lector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast one more time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
Technical and consumer information9-19
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-31
Glove box lock.................2-31
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-23
Head restraints..................1-8
Active head restraint.............1-9
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-19
Heated seats..................2-24
Heated steering wheel.............2-25
Heater
Heater operation..............4-17
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-42
Hood release..................3-10
Horn.......................2-24
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-16, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-18
Increasing fuel economy............5-15
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Instrument brightness control.........2-22
Instrument panel.................2-2Interior light...................2-39
Interior trunk lid release.............3-12
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-38
J
Jump starting...................6-6
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system (See remote keyless
entry system)...................3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Emission control information label.....9-10
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-21
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-38
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-11
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-21, 2-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-28
Charge warning light............2-10Cornering light...............2-23
Fog light switch...............2-23
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-19
Interior light.................2-39
Light bulbs..................8-27
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-11
Personal lights...............2-40
Trunk light..................2-41
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Glove box lock...............2-31
Power door locks...............3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-10
Low fuel warning light.............2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-11
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-30
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-12
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-22
Mirror
Outside mirror control...........3-17
10-3
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

Outside mirrors...............3-17
Vanity mirror.................3-16
Multi-remote control system (See remote
keyless entry system)...............3-5
N
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS).................2-16, 3-2, 5-5
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-3
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-10
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control.............3-17
Outside mirrors.................3-17
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats...........6-9
Owner’s manual order form..........9-20
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-20P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Parking/parking on hills...........5-16
Personal lights.................2-40
Power
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-27
Power rear windows............2-35
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-17
Power windows...............2-34
Rear power windows............2-35
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child restraints.......1-31
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-23
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-9
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting...................6-8
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player.....4-26
Car phone or CB radio...........4-32
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-29
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-31
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-19
Rear power windows..............2-35Rear seat.....................1-6
Rear sun shade.................2-38
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-18
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system..........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Child seat belts...............1-31
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-19
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-25
Infants and small children.........1-26
Injured Person................1-26
Larger children...............1-26
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-23
Pregnant women..............1-26
Seat belt extenders.............1-30
Seat belt maintenance...........1-30
Seat belts..................1-23
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-29
Three-point type with retractor.......1-27
Seat belt warning light.............2-11
Seatback pockets................2-28
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Automatic drive positioner.........3-19
10-4
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X