power steering fluid NISSAN MAXIMA 2012 A35 / 7.G Owners Manual

1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)
2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)
3. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-13)
4. Air cleaner (P. 8-18)
5. Fuse block (P. 8-21)
6. Battery (P. 8-14)
7. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-21)
8. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-9)
9. Radiator cap (P. 8-7)
10. Drive belt location (P.8-17)
11. Engine coolant reservoir * (P. 8-7)
12. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir *(P. 8-14)
NOTE:
* Side covers removed for clarity.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WDI0662
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents

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 ...................8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................8-9
Engine oil .........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ......8-12
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-12
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid .................................... 8-13
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-14
Battery .......................................... 8-14
Jump starting ................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system .....................8-16
Drive belt ........................................ 8-17Spark plugs
...................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-18
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ..................................... 8-19
Replacing .................................... 8-19
Brakes .......................................... 8-20
Fuses ........................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ........................... 8-21
Passenger compartment .......................8-23
Battery replacement .............................. 8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ .......................8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-26
Headlights .................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-27
Wheels
and tires ................................. 8-31
Tire pressure . . . ............................... 8-31
Tire labeling ................................... 8-35
Types of tires .................................. 8-38
Tire chains .................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-39

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

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

5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface witha clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the sealing surface of the
engine. Failure to do so could lead to
engine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
CAUTION
●Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid
NS-2. Do not mix with other fluids.
● Using transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will
damage the CVT, which is not covered
by the 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.
LDI0557
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself

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. 2. Have the belt checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule found in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide”.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Iridium-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace iridium-tippedA
spark plugs as frequently as conventional type
spark plugs because they last much longer. Fol-
low the maintenance log shown in the “NISSAN
Service and Maintenance Guide”. Do not service
iridium-tipped spark plugs by cleaning or regap-
ping.
● Always replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.
LDI0564SDI1895
DRIVE BELT SPARK PLUGS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-17

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

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

Power steering fluid.............8-12
Windshield-washerfluid...........8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-10
Foglightswitch .................2-34
Foldingrearseat..................1-5
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-44
Frontseats.....................1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-20
Fuel-filler door and cap ...........3-21
Fuel gauge ...................2-6
Fueloctanerating...............9-4
Fuel recommendation .............9-3
Loosefuelcapwarning........2-25,3-21
Fuses.......................8-21
Fusiblelinks ...................8-22
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink Universal
Transceiver....................2-54
Gascap .....................3-21
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Fuel gauge ...................2-6
Odometer ...................2-4
Speedometer .................2-4
Tachometer ..................2-5
Trip odometer .................2-4
Generalmaintenance...............8-2
Glovebox.....................2-42
Gloveboxlock..................2-42 Groceryhooks..................2-43
H
Hands-free phone system,
Bluetooth ...............4- 115, 4-129
Hazard warning flasher switch .........2-34
Headlight and turn signal switch ........2-29
Headlight control switch ............2-30
Headlights ....................8-26
Heated seats ...............2-35,2-37
Heated steering wheel .............2-37
Heater Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-42,4-45
Heater operation ...........4-43,4-46
HomeLink Universal Transceiver ........2-54
Hood release ...................3-18
Horn .......................2-35
I
Ignition Switch Push-Button Ignition Switch .........5-7
Image viewer ...................4-32
Immobilizer system .........2-26,3-3,5-10
Important vehicle information label .......9-10
In-cabin microfilter ................8-18
Increasing fuel economy .............5-20
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-10
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror ........3-26
Instrument brightness control ..........2-33Instrument panel
...............0-6,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch ........2-33
Intelligent Key system Key operating range ..............3-9
Key operation ................3-10
Mechanical key ................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation.......3-13
Troubleshooting guide ............3-17
Warning signals ...............3-17
I

nteriorlight....................2-51
Interior trunk lid release .............3-20
iPod Player................4-91,4-93
ISOFIX child restraints .............1-21
J
Jump starting ...................6-7
K
Keyfob battery replacement ...........8-25
Keyless entry With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system) .........3-13
Keys, For Intelligent Key system .........3-2
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
10-3

Phone, Bluetoothhands-free
system.................4- 115, 4-129
Power Power door locks ...............3-5
Power outlet .................2-38
Power rear windows .............2-45
Power steering fluid .............8-12
Power steering system ...........5-22
Power windows ...............2-44
Rear power windows ............2-45
Precautions Maintenanceprecautions...........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints .........1-19,1-25,1-29,1-33
Precautionsonseatbeltusage.......1-11
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-37
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Programmable features ..........4-9,4-24
Push starting ....................6-9
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ..........4-114
Compact Disc (CD) changer ........4-65
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
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-112
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test .....................9-25
Rear power windows ..............2-45 Rearseat......................1-5
Rearsunshade .................2-50
RearViewMonitor................4-34
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch
.......................2-29
Recorders Eventdata..................9-25
Refrigerant recommendation ...........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country . . .9-9
Reporting safety defects (US only) .......9-24
Resetting the fuel economy ........4-7,4-21
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Child seat belts .....1-19,1-25,1-29,1-33
Reporting safety defects (US only) .....9-24
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment .........1-3
Seatback pockets ................2-39
Seat belt Childsafety..................1-17
Infants and small children ..........1-18
Injured Person ................1-14
Largerchildren................1-18
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-11
Pregnant women ...............1-14
Seatbeltextenders .............1-17
Seatbeltmaintenance............1-17
Seatbelts...................1-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-16
Three-point type with retractor .......1-14
Seat belt warning light ..............2-13 Seats
Adjustment ...................1-2
Automatic drive positioner ..........3-29
Frontseats...................1-2
Heated seats .............2-35,2-37
Rearseat....................1-5
Security indicator light ..............2-15
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start ........2-26,3-3,5-10
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-20
Service manual order form ...........9-26
Servicing air conditioner .............4-47
Setting button ...............
4-9,4-24
Shifting Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT).....................5-13
Shiftlockrelease.................5-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........1-16
Spark plug replacement .............8-17
Speedometer ...................2-4
Spotlights(Seemaplight) ...........2-53
SRSwarninglabel................1-51
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-10
Jump starting .................6-7
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Push starting ..................6-9
Starting the engine .............5-11
Steering Heated steering wheel ...........2-37
Power steering fluid .............8-12
Power steering system ...........5-22
Steering wheel audio control switch .....4-112
Stoplight.....................8-27
Storage......................2-39
Sunglasses case .................2-40
10-5