brake fluid NISSAN MAXIMA 2012 A35 / 7.G User Guide

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 wheel Check for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make 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 defroster Check 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 system Make 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 leaks Check 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 lines
Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses Check 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.
Underbody The 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.
Windshield-washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

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
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift selector to
P (Park) .
● Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
● If 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.
● It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
● Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle. ●
Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition switch is in the OFF posi-
tion and the engine is not running. To
avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working
near the fan.
● If 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.
● Never 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.
● Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
● On gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced by
a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
● Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
● Avoid 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.
● Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
● Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5

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. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
NOTE:
Side covers removed for clarity.
WDI0662
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself

This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) . The life expectancy of
the factory-fill coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000
km) or 7 years. Mixing any other type of coolant or
the use of non-distilled water will reduce the life
expectancy of the factory-fill coolant. Refer to the
NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide for
more details.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
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
●To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
● Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator. ●
Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
● Keep 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.
WDI0663
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9

CAUTION
●DO NOT OVERFILL.
● Recommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent. For further brake fluid specification information,
refer to “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
WARNING
●
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can damage
the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
● Clean the filler cap before removing.
● Brake fluid is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.
BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN
Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT
3 fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
LDI0558
BRAKE FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13

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 gal16-5/8 gal 75.6 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (RON 96) *1
Engine oil *7 Drain and RefillWith oil filter change 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
Engine oil with API Certification Mark *2, *3
Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *2, *3
Without oil filter change 4-3/4 qt 4 qt 4.5
Cooling system With reservoir 2-3/8 gal 2 gal 9.0Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
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 instructions in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*8
Brake fluid Genuine 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 —— —Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *6
Windshield-washer fluid 1-1/4 gal 1 gal4.5Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or
equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation” in this section.
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” in this section.
*3: NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil available at a 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 a NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations” in this section.
*7: For further details, see “Engine Oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
*8: DEXRON™ VI type ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply thebrakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal- anced as described earlier in this section.
● Be 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.
● Use the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer. ●
Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
● When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, transmission fluid
should be changed more frequently. For
additional information, see the “Mainte-
nance 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
● Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
● DO 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.
● For emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Continuously Variable Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with a continuously
variable transmission , an appropriate vehicle
dolly MUST be placed under the towed vehicle’s
drive wheels. Alwaysfollow the dolly manufac-
turer’s recommendations when using their prod-
uct.
9-22Technical and consumer information

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-37
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-44
Airbagwarninglight...........1-51,2-14
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-47
Air conditioner specification label .....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-42,4-45
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-47
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-25
Anchor point locations .............1-23
Antenna....................4-114
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 ..................4-47
Bluetooth audio.............4-108
Compact Disc (CD) changer .......4-65
Compact disc (CD) player .....4-71,4-79
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) changer ................4-63
FM/AM/SAT radio with CD/DVD player . .4-75 FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player
.................4-68
Audio System iPod Player .............4-91,4-93
Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system ...............4-96,4-101
Audio system Radio ....................4-47
Audio System Settings ...............4-69,4-75
Audio system Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-112
USB interface ............4-86,4-87
Autolight switch .................2-31
Automatic Automatic drive positioner .........3-29
Automatic power window switch .....2-45
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-14
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-16
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-26
Automatic door locks ..............3-6
AUXjack ....................4-67
B
Battery ......................8-14
Chargewarninglight............2-11
Before starting the engine ...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-17
Block heater Engine ....................5-27 Bluetooth
audio...............4-108
Bluetooth hands-free phone
system .................4- 115, 4-129
Boosterseats..................1-33
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-23
Brakefluid..................8-13
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-27
Brake system ................5-22
Brake warning light .............2-11
Brake wear indicators ........2-16,8-20
Parking brake operation ..........5-17
Self-adjusting

brakes ............8-20
Brakes ......................8-20
Break-inschedule ...............5-19
Brightness/contrast button .......4-15,4-31
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-33
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-10
Bulbreplacement................8-27
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargonet....................2-43
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CarphoneorCBradio............4-114
CDcareandcleaning.............4-111
CD changer (See audio system) .......4-65
CD player (See audio system) .....4-71,4-79
Check tire pressure ...............2-25

Child restraints.......1-17,1-18,1-19,1-21
Precautions on child
restraints .........1-19,1-25,1-29,1-33
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-23
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-16
Cleaningexteriorandinterior...........7-2
Clock (models with navigation system) . . .4-11, 4-26
Clockset .................4-11,4-26
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-10
Cold weather driving ..............5-26
Compact disc (CD) player ........4-71,4-79
Console box ...................2-42
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). . .5-11 Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ..................8-12
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-11
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-16
Controlpanelbuttons..............4-16 Brightness/contrast button ......4-15,4-31
Enterbutton...............4-4,4-16
Setting button .............4-9,4-24
Without navigation system ..........4-4
Controls Audiocontrols(steeringwheel)......4-112
Heater and air conditioner
controls ................4-42,4-45
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-9
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Corrosionprotection ...............7-6 Cruisecontrol..................5-18
Cupholders................2-40,2-41
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-32
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-29
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player .......4-83
Dimensionsandweights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-33
Display controls
(seecontrolpanelbuttons) ........4-4,4-16
Distance to empty .............4-7,4-21
Door locks .....................3-4
Drive belt .....................8-17
Drive positioner, Automatic ...........3-29
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-26
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-11
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
E
Economy - fuel ..................5-20
Emission control information label .......9-10
Emission control system warranty .......9-24
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-10
Block heater .................5-27
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2 Changingenginecoolant...........8-9
Changingengineoil.............8-10
Changing engine oil filter
..........8-11
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engine compartment check locations ....8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine cooling system ............8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
Engine

oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-12
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-5
Engine serial number ............9-10
Engine specifications .............9-7
Starting the engine .............5-11
Enterbutton.................4-4,4-16
Eventdatarecorders ..............9-25
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Extended storage switch ............8-24
Eyeglass case ..................2-40
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) ......2-34
Flat tire .......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)fluid..................8-12
Engine coolant .................8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
10-2

F.M.V.S.S. certification label.........9-10
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-51
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System ......................1-21
License plate Installing the license plate ..........9-11
Light Airbagwarninglight.........1-51,2-14
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-27
Bulb check/instrument panel ........2-10
Bulb replacement ..............8-27
Chargewarninglight ............2-11
Foglightswitch ...............2-34
Headlight and turn signal switch ......2-29
Headlightcontrolswitch ..........2-30
Headlights..................8-26
Interiorlight..................2-51
Lightbulbs..................8-26
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-12
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light......................2-24
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-46
Security indicator light ............2-15
Spotlights (See map light) .........2-53
Trunklight ..................2-53
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...................2-10
Lights Maplights ..................2-53
Lock Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Door locks ...................3-4
Gloveboxlock................2-42
Power door locks ...............3-5 Trunk lid lock opener lever
..........3-19
Loose fuel cap warning ..........2-25,3-21
Lowfuelwarninglight ..........2-13,2-24
Low tire pressure warning light .........2-12
Low windshield-washer fluid warning light . . .2-24
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance Changing the maintenance interval . .4-8, 4-22
Displaying the maintenance notice
reminder .................4-8,4-23
Generalmaintenance.............8-2
Insidethevehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions ...........8-5
Outside the vehicle ..............8-2
Resetting the maintenance interval . .4-8, 4-22
Seatbeltmaintenance............1-17
Setting .................4-8,4-22
Underthehoodandvehicle .........8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............2-15
Maplights ....................2-53
Map pocket ....................2-39
Meters and gauges ................2-3
Instrument brightness control ........2-33
Mirror Automatic anti-glare inside mirror ......3-26
Outside mirror control ............3-28
Outside mirrors ...............3-28
Vanity mirror .................3-25
Moonroof .....................2-46
Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system ..................4-96,4-101 N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ .............3-7
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system ................2-26,3-3,5-10
NISSAN voice recognition system ......4-140
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ......9-4
Odometer .....................2-4
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changingengineoil.............8-10
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-11
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engine oil ...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity ..............
9-5
Outside mirror control ..............3-28
Outside mirrors .................3-28
Overheat If your vehicle overheats ...........6-9
Owner’s manual order form ...........9-26
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information ....................9-26
P
Parking Parking brake operation ...........5-17
Parking/parking on hills ...........5-21
10-4