engine coolant NISSAN MAXIMA 2016 A36 / 8.G User Guide

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 ................8-7
Engine cooling system .............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-9
Changing engine coolant ........................8-9
Engine oil ........................................ 8-10
Checking engine oil level .......................8-10
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-12
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ......8-13
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-14
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-15
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-15
Battery .......................................... 8-16
Jump starting ................................. 8-17
Variable voltage control system .....................8-18
Drive belt ........................................ 8-18
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-19Air cleaner
....................................... 8-20
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-20
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-20
Cleaning ..................................... 8-20
Replacing .................................... 8-21
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment .......................8-24
Battery replacement .............................. 8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key® .......................8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Front park/turn signal/side marker light ...........8-27
Fog

lights ..................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-28
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-31
Tire pressure .................................. 8-31
Tire labeling ................................... 8-35
Types of tires .................................. 8-37
Tire chains .................................... 8-38
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-38

Steering wheelCheck 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. NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electronic accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone char-
gers, GPS, DVD players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or only driven short distances. In these cases, the
battery may need to be charged to maintain
battery health.
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. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide)” 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. For
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

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 the transmis-
sion related component harness con-
nector 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.
A Genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. For additional information, refer to “Owner’s
Manual/Service Manual order 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.
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself

VQ35DE engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Drive belt location
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air cleaner
6. Fuse block
7. Fuse block/Fusible links
8. Fusible links
9. Battery
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Radiator cap
12. Power steering fluid reservoir
13. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
LDI2749
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a pre-diluted mixture of 50% Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) and
50% water to provide year-round antifreeze and
coolant protection. The antifreeze solution con-
tains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Additional en-
gine cooling system additives are not necessary.
WARNING
●Never 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. For additional information
on precautions, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.
● The radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent en-
gine damage, use only a Genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
CAUTION
● Never use any cooling system additives
such as radiator sealer. Additives may
clog the cooling system and cause dam-
age to the engine, transmission and/or
cooling system.
● When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent. Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is pre-diluted
to provide antifreeze protection to -34°
F (-37° C) . If additional freeze protection
is needed due to weather where you
operate your vehicle, add Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(blue) concentrate following the direc-
tions on the container. If an equivalent
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is
used, follow the coolant manufacturer’s
instructions to maintain minimum anti-
freeze protection to -34° F (-37° C) . The
use of other types of coolant solutions
other than Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
may damage the engine cooling
system. ●
The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or
7 years. Mixing any other type of cool-
ant other than Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) , includ-
ing Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (green) , or the use
of non-distilled water will reduce the
life expectancy of the factory-fill cool-
ant. For additional information, refer to
the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide”.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
B, add coolant to the MAX level
A. If the reservoir is empty, check the coolant
level in the radiator when 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
A.
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 re-
duce the life expectancy of the factory-fill coolant.
For additional information, refer to the “NISSAN
Service and Maintenance Guide”.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
For additional information on the location of the
engine coolant reservoir, refer to “Engine com-
partment check locations” in this section.
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.
LDI2750
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9

●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.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the brake
fluid is below the MIN line
B, the brake warning
light will illuminate. Add brake fluid up to the MAX
line
A. For additional information on recom-
mended type of brake fluid, refer to “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capacities in the “
Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
If the brake fluid must be added frequently, the
brake system should be thoroughly checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally. Add windshield-washer fluid when the low
windshield-washer fluid warning light comes on.
To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir and pour the windshield-
washer fluid into the reservoir 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
windshield-washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
●
Do not substitute engine antifreeze
coolant for windshield-washer fluid.
This may result in damage to the paint.
● Do not fill the windshield-washer fluid
reservoir with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl al-
cohol based washer fluid concentrates
may permanently stain the grille if
spilled while filling the windshield-
washer reservoir.
● Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the windshield-washer fluid reser-
voir. Do not use the windshield-washer
fluid reservoir to mix the washer fluid
concentrate and water.
LDI2754
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
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 measureLiter
Fuel 18 gal15 gal68 L• For additional information, refer to “Fuel recom-
mendation” in this section of the manual.
Engine oil Drain and refill• For additional information, refer to “Engine oil”
in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
of this manual.
VQ35DE With oil filter
change 5-1/8 qt
4-1/4 qt4.8 L• Genuine NISSAN engine oil or equivalent
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark
• Viscosity SAE 0W-20
• As an alternative to this recommended oil, SAE
5W-30 conventions petroleum oils may be used
and meet all specifications and requirements
necessary to maintain the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
• For additional information, refer to “Changing
engine oil” and “Changing engine oil filter” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
• For additional information, refer to “Engine oil
and oil filter recommendations” in this section of
the manual.
Without oil filter
change 4-3/4 qt
4 qt4.5 L
Cooling system With reservoir2-3/8 gal 2 gal9.2 L • Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS/
LUBRICANTS AND CAPACITIES
9-2Technical and consumer information

Cold weather driving...............5-86
Consolebox...................2-51
Consolelight...................2-59
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . . .5-15 Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid ......................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-15
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-19
Controls Heater and air conditioner controls .....4-26
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-9
Checking engine coolant level ........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Corrosionprotection ...............7-7
Cruisecontrol..................5-40
Cupholders...................2-49
D
Daytime Running Light System .........2-40
Defogger Switch .................2-38
Dimensionsandweights ............9-10
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-41
Door locks .....................3-4
Doors ........................3-3
Drive belt .....................8-18
Drive Mode Selector ...............5-22
Drive positioner, Automatic ....3-30,3-31,3-31
Drive Sport Mode Selector ...........5-22
Driving Cold weather driving .............5-86 Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)
.............5-15
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-4
Driving the vehicle ................5-15
E
Economy - fuel ..................5-76
Emergency engine shutoff ............5-12
Emission control information label .......9-12
Emission control system warranty .......9-19
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-14
Block heater .................5-87
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changingenginecoolant...........8-9
Changingengineoil.............8-11
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level ........8-9
Checking engine oil level ..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations ....8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine cooling system ............8-8
Engineoil...................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .............9-2,9-7
Engine oil pressure warning light .......2-8
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-7
Engine serial number ............9-12
Engine specifications .............9-9
Starting the engine .............5-14
Engine coolant temperature gauge .......2-5
Eventdatarecorders ..............9-21
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-4Explanation of maintenance items
........8-2
Extended storage switch ............2-46
Eyeglass case ..................2-48
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . .6-2
Flat
tire.......................6-3
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-6
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-13
Enginecoolant.................8-8
Engineoil...................8-10
Power steering fluid .............8-14
Windshield-washer fluid ...........8-15
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-12
Foglightswitch .................2-42
Foldingrearseat..................1-5
Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) .......2-9
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-47
Front and rear sonar system ..........5-84
Front power seat adjustment ...........1-3
Frontseats.....................1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-76
Fuel-filler cap .................3-23
Fuel-filler lid .................3-23
Fuelgauge...................2-6
10-2

Fuel octane rating...............9-6
Fuel recommendation ..........9-2,9-5
Loose fuel cap warning ...........2-24
Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) System Tirepressure.................8-31
Fuel-filler door ..................3-23
Fuel gauge .....................2-6
Fuses.......................8-22
Fusible links ...................8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver .........2-60,2-63,2-63,2-64
Gascap .....................3-23
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
Glovebox.....................2-50
Gloveboxlock..................2-50
H
Hazard warning flasher switch ..........6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch ........2-38
Headlightcontrolswitch ............2-38
Headlights....................8-27
Head restraints ..................1-6
Heated seats ...............2-43,2-45 Heated steering wheel
.............2-45
Heater Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped) ...............4-25
Heater and air conditioner controls .....4-26
Heater operation ...............4-27
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) .....4-25
HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver .........2-60,2-63,2-63,2-64
Hood .......................3-20
Horn .......................2-42
I
Ignition Switch Push-Button Ignition Switch ........5-10
Immobilizer system ............2-35,5-13
Important vehicle information label .......9-12
In-cabin microfilter ................8-20
Increasing fuel economy .............5-76
Indicator NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge
indicator ...................5-13
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders) ..................2-7,2-12
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror ........3-28
Instrument brightness control ..........2-41
Instrument panel ...............0-6,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch ........2-41
Intelligent cruise control (ICC) system Brake assist .................5-42
Intelligent Key system Key operating range ..............3-7
Key operation .................3-8 Mechanical key
................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation.......3-11
Troubleshooting guide ............3-16
Warning signals ...............3-16
Interior light ....................2-58
Interior trunk lid release .............3-22
ISOFIX

child restraints .............1-23
J
Jump starting ................6-8,8-17
K
Key.........................3-2
Key fob battery replacement ..........8-25
Keyless entry With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system) .........3-11
Keys NISSAN Intelligent Key® ........3-2,3-6
L
Labels Air conditioner specification label .....9-13
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........9-12
Emission control information label .....9-12
Engine serial number ............9-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-12
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN) .....9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-11
10-3