power steering NISSAN MAXIMA 2010 Owner´s Manual

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level...................8-7
Changing engine coolant........................8-8
Engine oil.........................................8-8
Checking engine oil level........................8-8
Changing engine oil............................8-9
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-10
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid......8-11
Power steering fluid...............................8-11
Brake fluid.......................................8-12
Brake fluid....................................8-12
Window washer fluid.............................8-12
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-12
Battery..........................................8-13
Jump starting.................................8-14
Variable voltage control system.....................8-15
Drive belt........................................8-15Spark plugs......................................8-16
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-16
Air cleaner.......................................8-17
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-17
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-18
Cleaning.....................................8-18
Replacing....................................8-18
Brakes..........................................8-19
Fuses...........................................8-20
Engine compartment...........................8-20
Passenger compartment.......................8-22
Battery replacement..............................8-23
NISSAN Intelligent Key™.......................8-24
Lights...........................................8-25
Headlights....................................8-25
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-26
Wheels and tires.................................8-30
Tire pressure..................................8-30
Tire labeling...................................8-34
Types of tires..................................8-37
Tire chains....................................8-38
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-38

Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.Brake fluid level*Make sure that the brake fluid
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on the
reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Window washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Fuse block
6. Battery
7. Fuse/Fusible link box
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Radiator cap
10. Drive belt location
11. Engine coolant reservoir*
12. Window washer fluid reservoir*
NOTE:
Side covers removed for clarity.
WDI0662
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself

CAUTION
cUse only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid
NS-2. Do not mix with other fluids.
cUsing transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will
damage the CVT, which is not covered
by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
When checking or replacement of CVT fluid is
required, we recommend your NISSAN dealer for
servicing.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122° - 176°F (50° -
80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the
power steering fluid reservoir at fluid tempera-
tures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) .
If the fluid is at or below the MIN line, add Genu-
ine NISSAN PSF to HOT MAX or COLD MAX
depending on system fluid temperature. Remove
the cap and fill through the opening.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
LDI0557
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11

CAUTION
cDo not ground accessories directly to
the battery terminal. Doing so will by-
pass the variable voltage control sys-
tem and the vehicle battery may not
charge completely.
cUse electrical accessories with the en-
gine running to avoid discharging the
vehicle battery.
Your vehicle is equipped with a variable voltage
control system. This system measures the
amount of electrical discharge from the battery
and controls voltage generated by the generator.
The current sensor
sAis located near the battery
along the negative battery cable. If you add elec-
trical accessories to your vehicle, be sure to
ground them to a suitable body ground such as
the frame or engine block area.1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Generator
3. Air conditioner compressor
4. Crankshaft pulley
WARNING
Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or
LOCK position before servicing drive belt.
The engine could rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect the belt for signs of unusual
wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the belt is
in poor condition or is loose, have it replaced
or adjusted by a NISSAN dealer.LDI0694
LDI0564
VARIABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL
SYSTEMDRIVE BELT
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly 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 91 AKI (RON 96) *1
Engine oil *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark *2, *3
• Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *2, *3 Without oil filter
change4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.3
Cooling system
With reservoir 2-1/8 gal 1-3/4 gal 8.2 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
CVT fluid See a NISSAN dealer for service. Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 *4
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper level according to the instruc-
tions in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*8
Brake 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 or equivalent *6
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation”.
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendation”.
*3:NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil available at your NISSAN dealer.
*4:Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT, 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 system refrigerant and oil recommendations”.
*7: For further details, see “Engine Oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
*8: DEXRON™ VI type ATF may be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cKeep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.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.
cDetermine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
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.
cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
Technical and consumer information9-21

10 Index
A
Air bag
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-39
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-46
Air bag warning light...........1-53, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-48
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-41, 4-44
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-47
Servicing air conditioner..........4-48
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-24
Anchor point locations.............1-25
Antenna....................4-116
Anti-lock brake warning light......2-10, 2-11
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-23
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders...............2-16
Audio system..................4-48
BluetoothTaudio.............4-109
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-66
Compact disc (CD) player.....4-72, 4-79
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-64FM/AM/SAT radio with CD/DVD player . .4-75
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-69
Audio System
iPodTPlayer.............4-92, 4-93
Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system...............4-96, 4-102
Audio system
Radio....................4-48
Rear audio controls............4-115
Audio System
Settings...............4-70, 4-76
Audio system
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-113
USB interface............4-87, 4-88
Autolight switch.................2-30
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-29
Automatic power window switch.....2-43
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-14
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-16
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-25
Automatic door locks..............3-6
AUX jack....................4-68
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-11
Before starting the engine...........5-10Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15
Block heater
Engine....................5-27
BluetoothTaudio...............4-109
BluetoothThands-free phone
system.................4-117, 4-132
Booster seats..................1-36
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-23
Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-26
Brake system................5-22
Brake warning light.............2-11
Brake wear indicators........2-16, 8-19
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Self-adjusting brakes............8-19
Brakes......................8-19
Break-in schedule...............5-19
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-32
Brightness/contrast button.......4-15, 4-31
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-10
Bulb replacement................8-26
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio............4-117
Cargo net....................2-41
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-112

Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-11
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.................2-32
Folding rear seat..................1-5
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system)......1-46
Front seats.....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-20
Fuel gauge...................2-6
Fuel octane rating...............9-4
Fuel recommendation.............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-21
Fuses.......................8-20
Fusible links...................8-21
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver....................2-52
Gascap .....................3-21
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge...................2-6
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance...............8-2
Glove box.....................2-39
Glove box lock..................2-39
Grocery hooks..................2-40
H
Hands-free phone system,
BluetoothT...............4-117, 4-132
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-33
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-28
Headlight control switch............2-29
Headlights....................8-25
Heated seats...................2-35
Heated steering wheel.............2-35
Heater
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-41, 4-44
Heater operation...........4-42, 4-45
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-47
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver........2-52
Hood release...................3-18
Horn.......................2-33
I
Ignition Switch
Push-Button Ignition Switch.........5-7
Image viewer...................4-31
Immobilizer system..........2-25, 3-3, 5-9
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter................8-17Increasing fuel economy.............5-20
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-10
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror........3-25
Instrument brightness control..........2-32
Instrument panel...............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-32
Intelligent Key system
Key operating range..............3-9
Key operation................3-10
Mechanical key................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation.......3-13
Troubleshooting guide............3-16
Warning signals...............3-16
Interior light....................2-49
Interior trunk lid release.............3-20
iPodTPlayer................4-92, 4-93
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-23
J
Jump starting...................6-8
K
Keyfob battery replacement...........8-23
Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system).........3-13
Keys, For Intelligent Key system.........3-2
10-3

P
Parking
Parking brake operation...........5-17
Parking/parking on hills...........5-21
Personal lights..................2-50
Phone, BluetoothThands-free
system.................4-117, 4-132
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-36
Power rear windows.............2-43
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-22
Power windows...............2-42
Rear power windows............2-43
Precautions
Maintenance precautions...........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-21, 1-28, 1-32, 1-36
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-13
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-39
Precautions when starting and driving. . . .5-2
Programmable features..........4-9, 4-24
Push starting...................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio..........4-117
Compact Disc (CD) changer........4-66
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer....................4-64FM/AM/SAT radio with CD/DVD player . .4-75
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player.....................4-69
Rear audio controls............4-115
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-113
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-26
Rear audio controls..............4-115
Rear power windows..............2-43
Rear seat......................1-5
Rear seat air conditioner............4-47
Rear sun shade.................2-48
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.......................2-27
RearView Monitor................4-34
Recorders
Event data..................9-27
Refrigerant recommendation...........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country . . .9-9
Reporting safety defects (US only).......9-25
Resetting the fuel economy........4-7, 4-21
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts.....1-21, 1-28, 1-32, 1-36
Reporting safety defects (US only).....9-25
Seat adjustment
Front power seat adjustment.........1-3
Seat belt
Child safety..................1-20
Infants and small children..........1-20
Injured Person................1-16
Larger children................1-21Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-13
Pregnant women...............1-16
Seat belt extenders.............1-19
Seat belt maintenance............1-19
Seat belts...................1-13
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-18
Three-point type with retractor.......1-16
Seat belt warning light..............2-13
Seatback pockets................2-37
Seats
Adjustment...................1-2
Automatic drive positioner..........3-29
Front seats...................1-2
Heated seats.................2-35
Rear seat....................1-5
Security indicator light..............2-16
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-25, 3-3, 5-9
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-19
Service manual order form...........9-27
Servicing air conditioner.............4-48
Setting button...............4-9, 4-24
Shift lock release.................5-16
Shifting
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT).....................5-13
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-18
Spark plug replacement.............8-16
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label................1-53
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-10
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving. . . .5-2
Push starting.................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-10
10-5