engine coolant NISSAN MAXIMA 2023 User Guide

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.......................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ...........8-3
Engine cooling system ..........................8-4
Checking engine coolant level ................8-5
Changing engine coolant ....................8-5
Engine oil .......................................8-6
Checking engine oil level .....................8-6
Changing engine oil and oil filter ..............8-7
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid ............................................. 8-11
Power Steering Fluid (PSF) .......................8-11
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-12
Windshield-washer fluid ........................8-12
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...........8-12
Battery......................................... 8-14
Jump starting ............................... 8-15
Drive belt ....................................... 8-16
Spark plugs .................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs .......................8-16
Air cleaner ..................................... 8-17
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-17Windshield wiper blades
........................8-18
Cleaning .................................... 8-18
Replacing ................................... 8-18
Brakes ......................................... 8-19
Fuses .......................................... 8-20
Engine compartment .......................8-20
Passenger compartment ...................8-21
Battery replacement ........................... 8-22
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ......................8-22
Lights .......................................... 8-24
Headlights .................................. 8-24
Front park/turn signal/side marker
light ......................................... 8-24
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-24
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-25
Wheels and tires ............................... 8-27
Tire pressure ................................ 8-27
Tire labeling .................................
8-32
T

ypes of tires ................................ 8-35
Tire chains .................................. 8-36
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-36

When performing any inspection or main-
tenance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The fol-
lowing are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
• Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Move the shif t le-
ver to P (Park).
• Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when perform-
ing 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 when-
ever you work on your vehicle. •
Your vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without
warning, even if the ignition switch is
in the OFF position 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 nec-
essary 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.
It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service be-
cause 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. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
• Never leave the engine or the trans-
mission related component harness
connector disconnected while the ig-
nition switch is in the ON position.
• Never connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
This “Do-it-yourself ” section gives instruc-
tions regarding only those items which are
relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A Genuine NISSAN service manual is also
available. For additional information, see
“Owner's Manual/Service Manual order in-
formation” (P. 10-23).
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself

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, it is recommended
that you have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
3.5L 6 cylinder (VQ35DE engine model)
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Drive belt location
3. Engine oil filler cap 4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air cleaner
6. Fuse box
7. Fuse box/Fusible links
LDI3419
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Do-it-yourself8-3

8. Fusible links
9. Battery
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Radiator cap
12. Power steering fluid reservoir
13. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
NOTE:
Your vehicle may not be equipped
with an engine cover.
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 pro-
tection. The antifreeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors. Additional
engine 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 escap-
ing from the radiator. For additional
information, see “If your vehicle over-
heats” (P. 6-11).
• 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 addi-
tives such as radiator sealer. Addi-
tives may clog the cooling system
and cause damage 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 protec-
tion to -34° F (-37° C). If additional
freeze protection is needed due to
weather where you operate your ve-
hicle, add Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) concen-
trate following the directions on the
container. If an equivalent coolant
other than Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) is used, fol-
low the coolant manufacturer’s in-
structions to maintain minimum an-
tifreeze protection to -34° F (-37° C).
The use of other types of coolant so-
lutions other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent may damage the en-
gine cooling system.
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-4Do-it-yourself

•The life expectancy of the factory-fill
coolant is 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
or 7 years. Mixing any other type of
coolant other than Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) (or
equivalent coolant), including Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant
(green), or the use of non-distilled wa-
ter may reduce the life expectancy of
the factory-fill coolant. For additional
information, see the “Maintenance
and schedules” section of this manual.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir
when the engine is cold. If the coolant
level is below the MIN level
OB, add coolant
to the MAX level
OA. If the reservoir is empty,
check the coolant level in the radiator
when the engine is cold. If there is insuffi-
cient 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
OA. This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue). The life ex-
pectancy 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 ex-
pectancy of the factory-fill coolant. For ad-
ditional information, see the “Maintenance
and schedules” section of this manual.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, it is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.
For additional information on the location
of the engine coolant reservoir, see “Engine
compartment check locations” (P. 8-3).
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 over-
heating.
LDI2750
Do-it-yourself8-5

WARNING
• To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
• Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns could
be caused by high pressure fluid es-
caping 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 prop-
erly. 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. Reinsert it all the way. 5. Remove the dipstick again and check
the oil level. It should be between the H
(High) and L (Low) marksOB. This is the
normal operating oil level range. If the oil
level is below the L (Low) mark
OA,re-
move the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening. Do not
overfill
OC.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the sever-
ity of operating conditions.
LDI2751WDI0214
ENGINE OIL
8-6Do-it-yourself

Add a washer solvent to the washer for
better cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield-washer antifreeze. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for the mix-
ture ratio.
Refill the reservoir more frequently when
driving conditions require an increased
amount of windshield-washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN
Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner &
Antifreeze 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 con-
centrates at full strength. Some
methyl alcohol based washer fluid
concentrates may permanently stain
the grille if spilled while filling the
windshield-washer fluid reservoir. •
Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates
with water to the manufacturer's
recommended levels before pouring
the fluid into the windshield-washer
fluid reservoir. Do not use the
windshield-washer fluid reservoir to
mix the washer fluid concentrate and
water.
Do-it-yourself8-13

immediately. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. Keep
the floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
C
ontinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
P (Park) position mechanism:On a fairly
steep hill check that the vehicle is held se-
curely with the shif t lever in the P (Park)
position without applying any brakes.
Parking brake:
Check the parking brake op-
eration regularly. The vehicle should be se-
curely held on a fairly steep hill with only the
parking brake applied. If the parking brake
needs adjustment, it is recommended 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
running (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

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:
Engine 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
capacities” (P. 10-2).
Fuel tank vapor vent system*: Check
vapor lines for leaks or looseness. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
Fuel lines/connection*: Check the fuel
hoses, piping and connections for leaks,
looseness, or deterioration. Tighten con-
nections or replace 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.
9-6Maintenance and schedules

3.5L 6 CYLINDER (VQ35DE engine
model)
The following shows the maintenance
schedule.
Choose the maintenance schedule needed
based on your vehicle driving conditions.
Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time interval.
5,000 miles/(8,000 km)/6 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Not Applicable. Proceed to next interval
Severe use maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake pads & rotors
• Exhaust system
• Front drive shaf t boots
• Steering gear & linkage
• Axle & suspension parts
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/hood lif t supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Hose inspections
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
Essential:
• Replace engine oil & filter
7,500 miles/(12,000 km)/6 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Horn, lights, signals, wipers, rear hatch/ hood lif t supports
• All fluids inspected (engine, wiper, brake, power steering, coolant)
• Hose inspections
• Engine air filter
• Suspension components (shocks, sub- frame, tie rods)
• Battery terminals and cables, battery test
• Tire pressure, treadwear and depth
Essential:
• Replace engine oil & filter
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Not Applicable. Proceed to next interval
9-8Maintenance and schedules