engine NISSAN MAXIMA 2005 A34 / 6.G Owners Manual

When planning to drive your NISSAN ve-
hicle in another country,you should first find
out if the fuel available is suitable for your vehi-
cle’s engine.
Using fuel with an octane rating that is too low
may cause engine damage. All gasoline vehicles
must be operated with unleaded gasoline. There-
fore, 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 emis-
sion control and safety standards vary according
to the country, state, province or district; there-
fore, 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) PLATE
The vehicle identification number (VIN) plate is
attached as shown. This number is the identifica-
tion for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle
registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)
The vehicle identification number is located as
shown.
LTI0069LTI0070
WHEN TRAVELING OR REGISTERING
YOUR VEHICLE IN ANOTHER
COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Technical and consumer information9-9
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ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The number is stamped on the engine as shown.
F.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION LABEL
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (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 Num-
ber (VIN) , etc. Review it carefully.
EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABEL
The emission control information label is at-
tached as shown.
WTI0049LTI0071LTI0072
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3. After loading (cargo and passengers) , re-
weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is ex-
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 TIPS
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. certi-
fication label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than
the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or col-
lision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage could
occur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result in
loss of control and cause personal
injury.
cOverloading not only can shorten the
life of your vehicle and the tire, but can
also cause unsafe vehicle handling and
longer braking distances. This may
cause a premature tire failure which
could result in a serious accident and
personal injury. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by the ve-
hicle’s warranty.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only)is
available from a NISSAN dealer. This guide in-
cludes information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required for proper towing.
TOWING A TRAILER
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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. Some states or provinces have spe-
cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
c
Always 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 auto-
matic transmission, first block the wheels and
apply the parking brake, and then move thetransmission shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position. If you move the shift selector
lever to the P (Park) position before blocking
the wheels and applying the 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.
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) .
cFor the first 500 miles that you do tow, do
not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
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.
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cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
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 (805 km) , start and
idle the engine with the transmission in Neu-
tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing
may cause damage 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
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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, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Turn the ignition switch ON without starting
the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and then
blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test condition is
9not ready9. If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is9ready.9If the
MIL indicates the vehicle is in a9not ready9con-
dition, 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 10 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 9
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 10 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.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
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10 Index
A
Active head restraint...............1-9
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-35
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-42
Air bag warning light...........1-49, 2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-20
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Servicing air conditioner..........4-20
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-14
Anchor point locations.............1-27
Antenna.....................4-33
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-9
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-14
Audio system..................4-20
AM-FM radio with cassette player.....4-27
Cassette player...............4-27
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-30
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-28
FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) changer........4-24FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player.........4-24
Radio....................4-20
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-32
Autolight switch.................2-20
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-19
Automatic power window switch.....2-37
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock release .5-10
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-10
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system)......8-25
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-15
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-18
Brake booster................8-21
Brake fluid..................8-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-26
Brake pedal.................8-20
Brake system................5-17
Brake warning light.............2-10
Brake wear indicators........2-14, 8-21
Parking brake check............8-20
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Self-adjusting brakes............8-21Break-in schedule................5-14
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-22
Brightness/Contrast button........4-6, 4-16
Control panel buttons.........4-6, 4-16
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-26
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants. .9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-33
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
Cassette player (See audio system)......4-27
CD care and cleaning.............4-31
CD changer (See audio system)........4-30
CD player (See audio system).........4-28
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator lamp).......2-12
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-26
Child restraints.......1-12, 1-13, 1-18, 1-25
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-18, 1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-27
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-14
Cigarette lighter.................2-28
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock
(models with navigation system)......4-14
(models without navigation system).....4-4
Clock set
Control panel buttons.........4-4, 4-14
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Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Cold weather driving..............5-21
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-28
Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-32
Control panel buttons
With navigation system...........4-7
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-32
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...................2-30
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-22
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-19
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Display controls
(see control panel buttons).........4-2, 4-7
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-10
Drive belts....................8-15Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-19
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-21
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-15
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-19
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
English/Metric button...........4-4, 4-14
Control panel buttons.........4-4, 4-14
ENTER button.............4-2, 4-3, 4-7Enter button
Control panel buttons.......4-2, 4-3, 4-7
Event data recorders..............9-21
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-30
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-24
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-11
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-23
Folding rear seat.................1-6
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-42
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-15
Fuel filler cap................3-12
Fuel filler lid.................3-12
Fuel filler lid and cap............3-12
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
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Fuel recommendation............9-3
FUEL ECON button............4-4, 4-9
Fuel Econ button
Control panel buttons..........4-4, 4-9
Fuses......................8-21
Fusible links...................8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-43
Gascap.....................3-12
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-32
Glove box lock.................2-32
Grocery hooks.................2-34
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-24
Head restraints..................1-8
Active head restraint.............1-9
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-19
Heated seats..................2-25
Heated steering wheel.............2-26
Heater
Heater operation..............4-18HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-43
Hood release...................3-9
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...............8-16
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.................2-2
Interior light...................2-41
Interior trunk lid release.............3-11
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-25
J
Jump starting...................6-6
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system (See remote keyless entry
system)......................3-5L
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)..........1-49
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-25
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-11
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-49, 2-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-26
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-26
Charge warning light............2-10
Cornering light...............2-23
Fog light switch...............2-23
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-19
Interior light.................2-41
Light bulbs..................8-26
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-11
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-43
Personal lights...............2-42
Security indicator light...........1-43
Trunk light..................2-43
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Glove box lock...............2-32
10-3
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Power door locks...............3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever..........3-9
Low fuel warning light.............2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-11
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maint (maintenance) button
Control panel buttons..........4-5, 4-9
Maint (Maintenance) button, control panel
display....................4-5, 4-9
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-17
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-12
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map pocket...................2-29
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-22
Mirror
Outside mirror control...........3-17
Outside mirrors...............3-17
Vanity mirror.................3-16
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5N
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS) . .2-16,
3-2, 5-5
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
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..........9-22
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-22
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-20
Parking brake operation..........5-12Parking/parking on hills...........5-16
Personal lights.................2-42
Power
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-27
Power rear windows............2-37
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-17
Power windows...............2-36
Rear power windows............2-37
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-18, 1-31
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-35
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
PREV button.................4-3, 4-8
Prev button
Control panel buttons..........4-3, 4-8
Programmable features.......4-8, 4-5, 4-11
Push starting...................6-8
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player.....4-27
Car phone or CB radio...........4-33
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-30
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-32
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-20
Rear power windows..............2-37
Rear seat.....................1-6
Rear sun shade.................2-40
10-4
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