transmission fluid NISSAN MAXIMA 2023 Owners Manual

•When this situation occurs, the Con-
tinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
position indicator will blink and the
chime will sound.
• In the manual shif t mode, the trans-
mission may shif t up automatically to a
higher range than selected if the en-
gine speed is too high. When the ve-
hicle speed decreases, the transmis-
sion automatically shif ts down and
shif ts to 1st gear before the vehicle
comes to a stop.
• CVT operation is limited to automatic drive mode when CVT fluid temperature
is extremely low even if manual shif t
mode is selected. This is not a malfunc-
tion. When CVT fluid warms up, manual
mode can be selected.
• When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the shif t range may upshif t in lower rpm
than usual. This is not a malfunction.
Shif t lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the shif t lever may not be moved from the
P (Park) position even with the brake pedal
depressed and the shif t lever button
pressed.
It will be necessary to jump start or have
your battery charged. For additional infor-
mation, see “Jump starting” (P. 6-9). It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
or a professional towing service. To move the shif t lever, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK
position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Using a protective cloth on the tip of a small (1/8 inch or 3 mm) flat-head
screwdriver, remove the shif t lock re-
lease cover.
• If available, a plastic trim tool can also be used.
4. Insert the car key into the shif t lock re- lease slot and press straight down.
A small screwdriver or small trim tool
may also be used.
•For additional information, see “NISSAN
Intelligent Key®” (P. 3-2).
5. Move the shif t lever to the N (Neutral) position while holding down the shif t
lock release.
6. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi- tion to unlock the steering wheel. Now
the vehicle may be moved to the desired
location.
LSD2360
5-20Starting and driving

If the shif t lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have the transmission checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
CAUTION
Make sure to take extra care during the
removal of the shif t lock cap as this
part is easily damaged.
WARNING
If the shif t lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and
others.
Accelerator downshif t
— in D (Drive) position and manual
shif t mode
For passing or hill climbing, depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shif ts
the transmission down into lower range,
depending on the vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid tem-
perature protection mode. If the fluid tem-
perature becomes too high (for example,
when climbing steep grades in high tem-
peratures with heavy loads, such as when
towing a trailer), engine power and, under
some conditions, vehicle speed will be
decreased automatically to reduce the
chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelera-
tor pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed
may be limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel
spinning and subsequent hard braking,
the fail-safe system may be activated.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may come on to indicate the fail-safe
mode is activated. For additional infor-
mation, see “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” (P. 2-13). This will occur even if all
electrical circuits are functioning prop-
erly. In this case, place the ignition switch
in the OFF position and wait for 10 sec- onds. Then place the ignition switch
back in the ON position. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating
condition. If it does not return to its nor-
mal operating condition, have the trans-
mission checked and repaired, if neces-
sary. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature pro-
tection mode or fail-safe operation oc-
curs, vehicle speed may be gradually
reduced. The reduced speed may be
lower than other traffic, which could in-
crease the chance of a collision. Be es-
pecially careful when driving. If neces-
sary, pull to the side of the road at a safe
place and allow the transmission to re-
turn to normal operation, or have it re-
paired if necessary.
Starting and driving5-21

• Keep your engine tuned up.
• Follow the recommended scheduledmaintenance.
• Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres- sure. Low tire pressure increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
• Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Improper alignment increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
• Use the recommended viscosity engine oil. For additional information, see “Rec-
ommended fluids/lubricants and capaci-
ties” (P. 10-2).
WARNING
• Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire. •
Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park).
Failure to do so could cause the ve-
hicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in an accident. Make
sure the shif t lever has been pushed
as far forward as it can go and cannot
be moved without depressing the
foot brake pedal.
• Never leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
WSD0050
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Starting and driving5-111

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

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

CAUTION
• NISSAN recommends using Genuine
NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or equiva-
lent) ONLY in NISSAN CVTs. Do not mix
with other fluids.
• Do not use Automatic Transmission
Fluid (ATF) or manual transmission
fluid in a NISSAN CVT, as it may dam-
age the CVT. Damage caused by the
use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under
NISSAN's New Vehicle Limited War-
ranty outlined in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
• Using fluids that are not equivalent
to Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3
may also damage the CVT. Damage
caused by the use of fluids other than
as recommended is not covered un-
der NISSAN's New Vehicle Limited
Warranty outlined in your Warranty
Information Booklet.
When checking or replacement of CVT fluid
is required, it is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked when the
fluid is cold at fluid temperatures of 32 to
86ºF (0 to 30ºC). The fluid level can be
checked with the level gauge which is at-
tached to the cap. To check the fluid level,
remove the cap. The fluid level should be
between the MAX
OAand MINOBlines.
If the fluid is below the MIN
OBline, add
Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent. Re-
move the cap and fill through the opening.
WARNING
Power steering fluid is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked
containers out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
• DO NOT OVERFILL.
•
Use of a power steering fluid other
than Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equiva-
lent will prevent the power steering
system from operating properly.
LDI2752
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID POWER STEERING FLUID (PSF)
Do-it-yourself8-11

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

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 re-
quest the dealer to inspect the fluid dete-
rioration data using a CONSULT. If the dete-
rioration data is more than 210000, replace
the CVT fluid. To help ensure smooth, safe and economi-
cal driving, NISSAN provides two main-
tenance schedules that may be used,
depending upon the conditions in which
you usually drive. These schedules contain
both distance and time intervals, up to
120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96 months. For
most people, the odometer reading will
indicate when service is needed. However,
if you drive very little, your vehicle should be
serviced at the regular time intervals
shown in the schedule.
Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/96
months, continue maintenance at the
same mileage/time intervals.
ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE
ITEMS FOR SEVERE OPERATING
CONDITIONS
Additional maintenance items for severe
operating conditions
should be per-
formed on vehicles that are driven under
especially demanding conditions. Addi-
tional maintenance items should be per-
formed if you primarily operate your vehicle
under the following conditions:
• Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8 km). • Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles
(16 km) with outside temperatures re-
maining below freezing.
• Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic.
• Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for long distances, such as police, taxi or
door-to-door delivery use.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread roads.
• Using a car-top carrier.
If your vehicle is mainly operated under the
severe conditions, follow the severe use
maintenance intervals shown in the main-
tenance schedule.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Maintenance and schedules9-7

10,000 miles/(16,000 km)/
12 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
• Replace brake fluid
15,000 miles/(24,000 km)/
12 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• CVT transmission fluid
• Front drive shaf t boots
• 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
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Not Applicable. Proceed to next interval
15,000 miles/(24,000 km)/
18 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
Maintenance and schedules9-9

25,000 miles/(40,000 km)/
30 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
30,000 miles/(48,000 km)/
24 months
Perform at number of miles, kilometers or
months, whichever comes first.
Standard maintenance:
Inspections:
• Brake lines and cables
• Brake pads and rotors
• CVT transmission fluid
• Fuel tank vapor vent system*
• Fuel lines/connections*
• Exhaust system
• Front drive shaf t boots
• Steering gear and linkage
• Axle and 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
• Replace Engine air filter (1)
• Replace in-cabin microfilter
• Replace brake fluid
• Tire rotation
Severe use maintenance:
Not Applicable. Proceed to next interval
(1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions,
more frequent maintenance may be
required.
* Maintenance items and intervals with “*”
are recommended by NISSAN for reliable
vehicle operation. The owner need not per-
form such maintenance in order to main-
tain the emission warranty or manufac-
turer recall liability. Other maintenance
items and intervals are required.
Maintenance and schedules9-11