engine coolant NISSAN MAXIMA 2006 A34 / 6.G User Guide

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. For manual transmission
models, move the shift lever to N (Neu-
tral) . For automatic transmission mod-
els, move the selector lever to P (Park) .
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
c
Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if the
ignition key is in the OFF position and theengine is not running. To avoid injury,
always disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
c
Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from the fuel tank and battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should beserviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
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1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
5. Air cleaner
6. Battery
7. Fuse/Fusible link box
8. Transmission dipstick (A/T models)
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Radiator cap
11. Drive belt location
12. Fuse block
13. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
14. Engine coolant reservoir
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
WDI0490
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
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The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant to provide year-round anti-
freeze and coolant protection. The anti-freeze
solution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors.
Additional engine cooling system additives are
not necessary.
WARNING
cNever remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Wait until the engine and radiator cool
down. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator. See precautions in “If your
vehicle overheats” found in the “In case
of emergency” section of this manual.
cThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent en-
gine damage, use only a genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
Outside temperature
down toGenuine
NISSAN
Long Life
Antifreeze/
Coolant or
equivalentDemineral-
ized or dis-
tilled water
°C °F
-35 -30 50% 50%
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure
to use only a Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (green) or equivalent
with the proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-
freeze and 50% demineralized or distilled
water. The use of other types of coolant
solutions or coolant colors, such as or-
ange, may damage the engine cooling
system.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold.If the coolant level is below
the MIN level, add coolant to the MAX level. If the
reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in the
radiatorwhen the engine is cold.If there is
insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir up to the MAX level.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WDI0332
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) markssB. This is the normal oper-
ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark
sA, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
opening.Do not overfill
sC.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
LDI0329WDI0175
ENGINE OIL
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WINDOW WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodically.
Add window washer fluid when the low window
washer fluid warning light comes on (if so
equipped) .
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap off the reservoir tank and pour the window
washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio.Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of win-
dow washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
cDo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
cDo not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
cPre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concen-
trate and water.cKeep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a solu-
tion of baking soda and water.
cMake certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
cIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative (-) battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames or
electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas gener-
ated by the battery is explosive. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your skin,
eyes, fabrics or painted surfaces. After
touching a battery or battery cap, do not
touch or rub your eyes. Thoroughly
wash your hands. If the acid contacts
your eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 minutes
and seek medical attention.
cDo not operate the vehicle if the fluid in
the battery is low. Low battery fluid can
cause a higher load on the battery
which can generate heat, reduce bat-
tery life, and in some cases lead to an
explosion.
LDI0335
WINDOW WASHER FLUID BATTERY
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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 75.6 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.2 • API Certification Mark *2 *3
•API grade SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-III*2 *3 Without oil filter change 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
Cooling system
With reservoir 2-1/4 gal 1-7/8 gal 8.5 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Manual transmission gear oil 2-3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API
GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF *4
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*8
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system oil — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S (DH-PS) or equivalent*6
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid
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 viscosity number.”
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the auto-
matic transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ III/MERCON™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
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transmission 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.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.
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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 Light
(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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Clock set
Control panel buttons.........4-4, 4-14
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-21
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-29
Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-34
Control panel buttons
With navigation system...........4-7
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-33
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.................2-25
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-13
Cup holders...................2-32
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-23
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-20
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Display controls
(see control panel buttons).........4-2, 4-7Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-11
Drive belts....................8-15
Drive 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.......9-21
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 pressure warning light.....2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-6English/Metric button...........4-4, 4-14
Control panel buttons.........4-4, 4-14
ENTER button.............4-2, 4-3, 4-7
Enter button
Control panel buttons.......4-2, 4-3, 4-7
Event data recorders..............9-23
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-31
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-25
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
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............8-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-24
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 gauge..................2-6
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Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-11
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-11
FUEL ECON button............4-4, 4-9
Fuel Econ button
Control panel buttons..........4-4, 4-9
Fuses......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-24
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-44
Gascap.....................3-11
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....................2-33
Glove box lock.................2-33
Grocery hooks.................2-36
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-25
Head restraints..................1-8
Active head restraint.............1-9
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-20
Headlight control switch............2-21Heated seats..................2-26
Heated steering wheel.............2-27
Heater
Heater operation..............4-19
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-44
Hood release...................3-9
Horn.......................2-26
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-17, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-17
Increasing fuel economy............5-15
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-10
Instrument brightness control.........2-24
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Interior light...................2-42
Interior trunk lid release.............3-11
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-25
J
Jump starting...................6-6
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-26Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
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.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-50, 2-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-10
Bulb replacement..............8-28
Charge warning light............2-11
Cornering light...............2-25
Fog light switch...............2-24
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Headlight control switch..........2-21
Interior light.................2-42
Light bulbs..................8-27
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-12
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-44
Personal lights...............2-43
Trunk light..................2-44
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-10
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