check engine NISSAN MAXIMA 2021 Owner´s Manual

Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Doors and engine hood:
Check that the
doors and engine hood operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely. Lu-
bricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure that the sec-
ondary latch keeps the hood from opening
when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Check that the gas stays or struts properly
and securely hold the hood, trunk, or rear
hatch fully open. If the hood, trunk, or rear
hatch is not held open, have the gas stays
or struts replaced.
Lights*: Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and in-
stalled securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary. Tire rotation*:
Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance
schedule.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
of ten and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires, including the spare, to the pressure
specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the
TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core
and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance: If the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may
be a need for wheel alignment. If the steer-
ing wheel or seat vibrates at normal high-
way speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam- age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility. It is recom-
mended that you have a damaged wind-
shield repaired by a NISSAN dealer, or a
NISSAN Certified Collision Center. To locate
a collision center in your area, refer to
http://collision.nissanusa.com.
Windshield wiper blades*:
Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, have your vehicle checked imme-
diately. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. Keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Maintenance and schedules9-3

Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) P (Park) position mechanism: On a
fairly steep hill check that the vehicle is held
securely with the shif t lever in the P (Park)
position without applying any brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Seats: Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints/headrests
move up and down smoothly and the locks
(if so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Seat belts: Check 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 webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage. Steering wheel:
Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washer operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.
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* (for maintenance free batter-
ies): This vehicle is equipped with a sealed
maintenance free battery. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
service.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the engine is not run-
ning (Phone chargers, 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 MAX and MIN 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 af ter
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
9-4Maintenance and schedules

Engine valve clearance*:Inspect only if
valve noise increases.
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, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. For additional infor-
mation, see “Exhaust gas (carbon monox-
ide)” (P. 5-4).
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks af ter the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner af ter use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
fuel fumes are evident, check for the cause
and have it corrected immediately.
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, defor-
mation, rot or loose connections. Underbody:
The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust may form on the
floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the
exhaust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. For additional information, see
“Cleaning exterior” (P. 7-2).
Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that
there is adequate fluid in the reservoir. The following descriptions are provided to
give you a better understanding of the
scheduled maintenance items that should
be regularly checked or replaced. The
maintenance schedule indicates at which
mileage/time intervals each item requires
service.
In addition to scheduled maintenance,
your vehicle requires that some items be
checked during normal day-to-day opera-
tion. For additional information, see “Gen-
eral maintenance” (P. 9-2).
Items marked with
“*”are recommended
by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation.
You are not required to perform mainte-
nance on these items in order to maintain
the warranties which come with your
NISSAN. Other maintenance items and in-
tervals are required.
When applicable, additional information
can be found in the “Do-it-yourself ” section
of this manual.
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Maintenance and schedules9-5

NOTE:
NISSAN does not advocate the use of
non-OEM approved af termarket flush-
ing systems and strongly advises
against performing these services on a
NISSAN product. Many of the af termar-
ket flushing systems use non-OEM ap-
proved chemicals or solvents, the use of
which has not been validated by NISSAN.
For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,
grease, and refrigerant, see “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capaci-
ties” (P. 10-2).
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE:
Drive belts*:Check engine drive belts for
wear, fraying or cracking and for proper
tension. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Engine air filter: Replace at specified inter-
vals. When driving for prolonged periods in
dusty conditions, check/replace the filter
more frequently.
Engine coolant*: Replace coolant at the
specified interval. When adding or replac-
ing coolant, be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent with the proper mixture. (For additional information on the proper mix-
ture for your area, see “Engine cooling sys-
tem” (P. 8-5.)
NOTE: Mixing any other type of coolant or
the use of non-distilled water may reduce
the recommended service interval of the
coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter:
Replace engine oil
and oil filter at the specified intervals. For
recommended oil grade and viscosity, see
“Recommended fluids/lubricants and ca-
pacities” (P. 10-2).
Fuel lines*: Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness, or
deterioration. Tighten connections or re-
place parts as necessary.
Spark plugs: Replace at specified intervals.
Install new plugs of the same type as origi-
nally equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake lines and cables: Visually inspect for
proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and signs of leaking.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately. Brake pads and rotors:
Check for wear, de-
terioration and fluid leaks. Replace any dete-
riorated or damaged parts immediately.
Exhaust system: Visually inspect the ex-
haust pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks,
cracks, deterioration, and damage. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
In-cabin microfilter: Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaf t boots: Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently.
Tire rotation: Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance sched-
ule. When rotating tires, check for damage
and uneven wear. Replace if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil: Visually inspect for
signs of leakage at specified intervals.
If using a car-top carrier, or driving on rough
or muddy roads, replace the CVT fluid every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or request the
dealer to inspect the fluid deterioration data
using a CONSULT. If the deterioration data is
more than 210000, replace the CVT fluid.
9-6Maintenance and schedules

Fuel containing MMT
MMT, or methylcyclopentadienyl manga-
nese tricarbonyl, is an octane boosting ad-
ditive. NISSAN does not recommend the
use of fuel containing MMT. Such fuel may
adversely affect vehicle performance, in-
cluding the emissions control system. Note
that while some fuel pumps label MMT
content, not all do, so you may have to
consult your gasoline retailer for more
details.
Af termarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any af termarket fuel additives (for ex-
ample, fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers,
etc.) which are sold commercially. Many of
these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active sol-
vents or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can
cause persistent, heavy “spark knock.”
(“Spark knock” is a metallic rapping
noise.) If severe, this can lead to engine
damage. If you detect a persistent heavy
spark knock even when using gasoline
of the stated octane rating, or if you hear
steady spark knock while holding a
steady speed on level roads, it is recom-
mended that you have a NISSAN dealer
correct the condition. Failure to correct
the condition is misuse of the vehicle, for
which NISSAN is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in
spark knock, af ter-run and/or overheating,
which may cause excessive fuel consump-
tion or engine damage. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for servicing.However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not
a cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
Technical and consumer information10-5

You may contact Transport Canada's
Defect Investigations and Recalls
Division toll free at 1-800-333-0510.
You may also report safety defects
online at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/
motorvehiclesafety/menu.htm (Eng-
lish speakers) or http://www.tc.gc.ca/
fra/securiteautomobile/menu.htm
(French speakers)
Or contact Transport Canada by
mail at:
Transport Canada Motor Vehicle
Safety Investigations Laboratory
80 Noel Street Gatineau, QC J8Z0A1Additional information concerning
motor vehicle safety may be ob-
tained from Transport Canada's
Road Safety Information Centre at
1-800-333-0371 or online at
www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety (English
speakers) or www.tc.gc.ca/
securiteroutiere (French speakers).
To notif y NISSAN of any safety con-
cerns please contact our Consumer
Information Centre toll free at
1-800-387-0122.
Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in what is called the
“ready condition” 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 re-
paired or the battery is disconnected, the
vehicle may be reset to a “not ready ” condi-
tion. Before taking the I/M test, check the
vehicle's inspection/maintenance test
readiness condition. Place the ignition
switch in the ON position 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 “not ready”. If the MIL does not
blink af ter 20 seconds, the I/M test condi-
tion is “ready ”. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer to set the “ready con-
dition” or to prepare the vehicle for testing.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
Technical and consumer information10-21

11 Index
A
Active noise cancellationActive sound enhancement......5-121Active Ride Control (ARC).........5-116Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).................... .1-43Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system)
................1-51Air bag warning light.........1-64, 2-10Air bag warning light,
supplemental.............1-64, 2-10Air cleaner...................8-16Air cleaner housing filter..........8-16Air conditionerAir conditioner operation........4-29Air conditioner specification label. .10-12Air conditioner system refrigerant
recommendations.........10-2, 10-7Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations.........10-2, 10-7Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped)..............4-28Heater and air conditioner controls.4-29Servicing air conditioner........4-32Alarm system (See vehicle security
system)................... .2-39Anchor point locations...........1-27Antenna....................4-32Antifreeze...................5-120
Armrests.....................1-7Autolight switch...............2-46Automatic
Automatic power window switch. . .2-67Automatic anti-glare inside mirror. . . .3-27Automatic door locks.............3-6Automatic Emergency Braking
(AEB)....................2-11,2-15Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with
Pedestrian Detection............5-85
B
Battery.................5- 120, 8-13Charge warning light...........2-10Battery replacement.............8-21Key fob...................8-21NISSAN Intelligent Key®.........8-22Before starting the engine.........5-14Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15Blind Spot Warning (BSW)..........5-36Booster seats.................1-40Brake
Brake fluid..................8-11Brake light (See stop light).......8-24Brake warning light............2-9Brake wear indicators.......2-16,8-18Parking brake operation.........5-21Self-adjusting brakes...........8-18Brake fluid...................8-11
Brakes.....................8-18Break-in schedule.............5-109Brightness controlInstrument panel.............2-50Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9Bulb replacement..............8-24
C
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.........10-11Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants................10-2Car phone or CB radio...........4-33Cargo (See vehicle loading
information)................ .10-14Check tire pressure.............2-29Child restraints.......1-20,1-21,1-22,1-24LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System.............1-24Precautions on child
restraints...........1-29,1-35, 1-40Top tether strap anchor point
locations..................1-27Child safety rear door lock..........3-6Cleaning exterior and interior.....7-2,7-5Climate control seat switch........2-52Cold weather driving............5-120Console box................. .2-63Console light.................2-72

Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT).......................5-16Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-10Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)............5-16Control panel and vehicle information
display interaction..............2-32ControlsHeater and air conditioner controls. .4-29CoolantCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-5Checking engine coolant level......8-5Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Corrosion protection..............7-9Cruise control................ .5-54Cup holders................. .2-64
D
Daytime Running Light System......2-50Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch
..............2-45Dimensions and weights..........10-9Dimmer switch for instrument panel. . .2-50DisplayInformation display............2-17Door locks................... .3-4Drive belt....................8-15Drive Mode Selector..............5-21
Drive Sport Mode Selector..........5-21Driving
Cold weather driving...........5-120Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)............5-16Precautions when starting and
driving.................... .5-4Driving the vehicle...............5-16Dynamic driver assistance switch.....2-56
E
E-call (SOS) Button..............2-59Economy - fuel................5-110Emergency engine shutoff.......5-13,6-2Emission control information label. . . .10-11Emission control system warranty. . . .10-20Engine
Before starting the engine........5-14Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-5Changing engine oil............8-6Changing engine oil filter.........8-6Checking engine coolant level......8-5Checking engine oil level.........8-6Engine compartment check
locations.................. .8-3Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Engine cooling system...........8-4Engine oil...................8-6Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation..........10-2, 10-6
Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-10Engine oil viscosity.............10-6Engine serial number...........10-11Engine specifications...........10-8Starting the engine............5-14Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-6Event Data recorders............10-22Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)......5-4Explanation of maintenance items.....9-2Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items...................... .9-5Extended storage switch..........2-60Eyeglass case.................2-63
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label.........10-11Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch)......................6-2Flat tire.................. .6-3, 6-4Floor mat positioning aid...........7-8Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-11Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-10Engine coolant................8-4Engine oil.................. .8-6Power steering fluid............8-11Windshield-washer fluid.........8-12Fog light switch................2-51Folding rear seat................1-5
11-2

J
Jump starting..............6-9, 8-15
K
Key.........................3-2Key fob battery replacement........8-21Keyless entryWith Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)
.......3-13KeysNISSAN Intelligent Key®........3-2,3-7NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
keys..................... .3-4
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label. . .10-12C.M.V.S.S. certification label.......10-11Emission control information label. .10-11Engine serial number...........10-11F.M.V.S.S. certification label........10-11Tire and Loading Information label. .10-12Vehicle identification number (VIN). .10-10Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate.................... .10-10Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-64Lane Departure Warning (LDW).......5-25LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System...............1-24
License plate
Installing the license plate........10-13LightAir bag warning light........1-64, 2-10Brake light (See stop light)........8-24Bulb check/instrument panel......2-9Bulb replacement.............8-24Charge warning light...........2-10Console light................2-72Exterior and Interior lights........8-24Fog light switch...............2-51Fog lights..................8-23Headlight and turn signal switch. . . .2-45Headlight control switch.........2-45Headlights..................8-23Interior light.................2-71Light bulbs.................8-23Low tire pressure warning light.....2-12Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light......................2-27Personal lights...............2-73Security indicator light..........2-10Spotlights (See map light)........2-72Trunk light..................2-73Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders.................. .2-8Lights......................8-23Map lights..................2-72Lock
Child safety rear door lock.........3-6Door locks................. .3-4Glove box lock...............2-62Power door locks..............3-6Trunk lid lock opener lever........3-21
Loose fuel cap warning...........2-27Low fuel warning light......2-10,2-14,2-27Low tire pressure warning light.......2-12Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light........................2-27Luggage (See vehicle loading
information)..................10-14
M
Maintenance
General maintenance...........9-2Inside the vehicle..............9-3Maintenance precautions.........8-2Outside the vehicle.............9-3Seat belt maintenance..........1-19Under the hood and vehicle.......9-4Maintenance requirements..........9-2Maintenance schedules............9-7Malfunction indicator light..........2-13Map lights....................2-72Memory seat..............3-30, 3-32Meters and gauges..............2-4Instrument brightness control.....2-50MirrorAutomatic anti-glare inside mirror. . .3-27Outside mirror control..........3-28Outside mirrors..............3-28Vanity mirror................3-27Mirrors......................3-27Moonroof................ .2-68, 7-7Moving Object Detection (MOD)......4-22
11-4

N
NISSAN Intelligent Key®..........3-2,3-7NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge
indicator.....................5-13NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System..................2-41, 5-14NissanConnect® Owner's Manual......4-2
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating). .10-5Odometer................... .2-5Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine oil............8-6Changing engine oil filter.........8-6Checking engine oil level.........8-6Engine oil.................. .8-6Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation..........10-2, 10-6Engine oil viscosity.............10-6Outside mirror control............3-28Outside mirrors................3-28Overhead sunglasses holder........2-63Overheat
If your vehicle overheats.........6-11Owner's manual order form........10-22Owner's manual/service manual order
information................. .10-22
P
Parking
Parking brake operation.........5-21Parking/parking on hills.........5-111Parking brake..................5-21Personal lights.................2-73PowerPower door locks..............3-6Power outlet................2-59Powerrearwindows...........2-66Power steering fluid............8-11Power steering system.........5-112Power windows..............2-65Rear power windows...........2-66Power outlet................. .2-59Power steering................5-112Power steering fluid..............8-11Precautions
Maintenance precautions.........8-2Precautions on booster
seats...............1-29, 1-35, 1-40Precautions on child
restraints............1-29,1-35, 1-40Precautions on seat belt usage.....1-11Precautions on supplemental restraint
system................... .1-43Precautions when starting and driving.5-4Push starting..................6-11
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio..........4-33Rain-sensing auto wiper system.....2-44Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test...................... .10-21Rear Automatic Braking (RAB).......5-80Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).......5-45Rear Door Alert.........2-26,2-27,2-58Rear power sunshade............2-70Rear power windows.............2-66Rear seat.................... .1-5Rear sun shade................2-70Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch..................... .2-45RearView Monitor................4-3Recommended Fluids............10-2Recorders
Event Data................ .10-22Refrigerant recommendation. . . .10-2, 10-7Registering a vehicle in another
country.................... .10-10Remote Engine Start..........3-18,5-15Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .10-20
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock.........3-6Child seat belts.....1-22,1-29, 1-35, 1-40Reporting safety defects (US only). .10-20
11-5