2004 Nissan Maxima Owners Manual

Use this position for driving up and down long slopes where engine braking would be advanta- geous. 2 (Second gear): Use this position for hill climbing or engine brak- ing on downhill grades.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds above 60 MPH (96 km/h). Do not exceed 60 MPH (96
km/h) in the 2 position. 1 (Low gear): Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly or slow driving through deep snow, sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep downhill grades. Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds above 37 MPH (60 km/h). Do not exceed 37 MPH (60
km/h) in the 1 position.

M5 (Fifth):

Use this position for all normal forward driving. M4 (Fourth):

For driving up or down long slopes where engine braking would be advantageous. M3 (Third) and M2 (Second):

Use for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill grades. M1 (First):

Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly or driving slowly through deep snow, sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep downhill grades. c Remember not to drive at high speeds for extended periods of time in lower than M4
range. This reduces fuel economy.

When shifting up: Move the selector lever to the + (up) side. (Shifts to higher range.) When shifting down: Move the selector lever to the 2 (down) side. (Shifts to lower range.) c The transmission will automatically shift the gears between the 1st and the selected Starting and driving 5-9

LSD0071

Manual shift mode When the selector lever is shifted from D to the manual shift gate with the vehicle stopped or while driving, the transmission enters the manual shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected manu- ally.

In the manual shift mode, the shift range is dis- played on the position indicator in the meter. When shifting the shift lever to the manual shift gate, the position indicator first displays M4
(Fourth)

Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows: M1! M2 ! M3 ! M4 ! M5

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

range. (For example, if you select the 3rd range, the transmission will shift up or down between the 1st and 3rd gears.)

c Moving the selector lever rapidly to the same side twice will shift the ranges in succession.

When canceling the manual shift mode: Return the selector lever to the D position to return the transmission to the normal driving mode. c In the manual shift mode, the transmis- sion may not shift to the selected gear. This helps maintain driving perfor- mance and reduces the chance of ve- hicle damage or loss of control.

c In the manual shift mode, the transmis- sion may shift 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 shifts down and shifts to 1st gear before the vehicle comes to a stop.

5-10 Starting and driving

To push the shift lock release, complete the fol- lowing procedure:

1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position

and remove the key

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. Remove the shift

lock release cover as

shown.

4.

Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock release slot and push down.

5. Move the shift selector lever to the N (Neu- tral) position while holding down the shift lock release.

6. Turn the key to the ON position to unlock the steering wheel. Now the vehicle may be moved to the desired location.

If the shift selector lever cannot be moved out of P (Park), have a NISSAN dealer check the auto- matic transmission system as soon as possible.

WARNING

If the selector lever cannot be moved from the P (Park) position while the engine is running and the brake pedal is depressed, the stop lights may not work. Malfunction- ing stop lights could cause an accident injuring yourself and others.

LSD0072

Shift lock release If the battery is discharged, the shift selector lever may not be moved from the P (Park) position even with the brake pedal depressed. To move the shift selector lever, release the shift lock. The shift selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral). However, the steering wheel will be locked unless the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. This allows the vehicle to be moved if the battery is discharged.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

Accelerator downshift (cid:151) in D position (cid:151) For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel- erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis- sion down into a lower gear, depending on the vehicle speed. Fail-safe When the fail-safe operation occurs, please note that the 4(cid:150)speed automatic transmission will be locked in third gear. For the 5(cid:150)speed automatic transmission, the transmission will be locked in any of the gears according to the condition. If the vehicle is driven under extreme con- ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe system may be activated. This will occur even if all electrical circuits are functioning properly. In this case, turn the ignition key OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the key back to the ON position. The vehicle should return to its normal operating con- dition. If it does not return to its normal operating condition, have a NISSAN dealer check the transmission and repair it if nec- essary.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

WARNING

c Do not downshift abruptly on slippery roads. This may cause a loss of control. c Do not over-rev the engine when shift- ing to a lower gear. This may cause a loss of control or engine damage.

CAUTION

c Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This may cause clutch damage.

c Fully depress the clutch pedal before shifting to help prevent transmission damage.

c Stop your vehicle completely before

shifting into R (Reverse).

c When the vehicle is stopped with the engine running (for example, at a stop light), shift to N (Neutral) and release the clutch pedal with the foot brake applied.

LSD0073

Shifting To change gears, or when upshifting or down- shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into the appropriate gear, then release the clutch slowly and smoothly.

This vehicle is equipped with a short throw shifter manual transmission. To ensure smooth gear changes, fully depress the clutch pedal before operating the shift lever. If the clutch pedal is not fully depressed before the transmission is shifted, a gear noise may be heard. Transmission damage may occur.

Starting and driving 5-11

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

PARKING BRAKE

WARNING

c Be sure the parking brake is fully re- leased before driving. Failure to do so can cause brake failure and lead to an accident.

c Do not release the parking brake from

outside the vehicle.

c Do not use the gear shift in place of the parking brake. When parking, be sure the parking brake is fully engaged.

c Do not leave children unattended in a vehicle. They could release the parking brake and cause an accident.

Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th up to 6th gear in sequence according to vehicle speed.

To back up, lift up on the reverse lever and then move it to the R (Reverse) position after stopping the vehicle completely.

If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R (Reverse) or 1 (1st), shift into N (Neutral), then release the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch pedal again and shift into R (Reverse) or 1 (1st). Suggested upshift speeds The following are suggested vehicle speeds for shifting into a higher gear. These suggestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance. Actual upshift speeds will vary according to road conditions, the weather and individual driving habits. For quick acceleration in low altitude areas (less than 4,000 ft [1,219 m]) and normal accelera- tion in high altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219 m]):

GEAR CHANGE

MPH (km/h)

1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th 5th to 6th

15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (64) 45 (72) 50 (80)

5-12 Starting and driving

For quick acceleration in high altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219 m]): GEAR CHANGE

MPH (km/h)

1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th 5th to 6th

15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (65) 45 (75) 50 (80)

Suggested maximum speed in each gear Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate. Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed (shown below) in any gear. For level road driving, use the highest gear suggested for that speed. Always observe posted speed limits, and drive according to the road conditions, which will en- sure safe operation. Do not over-rev the engine when shifting to a lower gear as it may cause engine damage or loss of vehicle control.

GEAR

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

MPH (km/h)

35 (55) 60 (95)

(cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151)

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

CRUISE CONTROL (if so equipped)

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning

light goes out.

LSD0074

To engage: Pull the lever up sA . To release:

1. Firmly apply the foot brake. 2. Manual transmission models:

Place the shift lever in the N (Neutral) posi- tion. Automatic transmission models: Move the shift selector lever to the P (Park) position.

3. While pulling up on the parking brake lever slightly, push the button and lower com- pletely sB .

LSD0075

ACCEL/RES switch 1. 2. COAST/SET switch 3. ON/OFF switch 4. CANCEL switch PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CONTROL c If the cruise control system malfunctions, it cancels automatically. The SET indicator light in the instrument panel then blinks to warn the driver.

c If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the cruise control main switch off and have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

Starting and driving 5-13

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

pushing

c The SET indicator light may blink when the cruise control main switch is turned ON while ACCEL/RES, COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch (located on the steering wheel). To properly set the cruise control system, use the following pro- cedures.

the

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control when driving under the following conditions: c When it is not possible to keep the

vehicle at a set speed.

c In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in

speed.

c On winding or hilly roads. c On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.). c In very windy areas. Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in an accident.

5-14 Starting and driving

CAUTION

On manual transmission models, do not shift into N (Neutral) without depressing the clutch pedal when the cruise control is set. Should this occur, depress the clutch pedal and turn the main switch off imme- diately. Failure to do so may cause engine damage. CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS The cruise control allows driving at a speed be- tween 30 - 90 MPH (48 - 144 km/h) without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. To turn on the cruise control, push the main switch. The CRUISE indicator light in the instru- ment panel comes on. To set cruising speed, accelerate the vehicle to the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch and release it. The SET indicator light in the instrument panel comes on. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set speed. c To pass another vehicle, depress the ac- celerator pedal. When you release the pedal, the vehicle returns to the previously set speed.

c The vehicle may not maintain the set speed when going up or down steep hills. If this happens, drive without the cruise control.

To cancel the preset speed, use one of the following three methods. c Push the CANCEL button; the SET indicator

light in the instrument panel goes out.

c Tap the brake pedal; the SET indicator light

goes out.

c Turn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE indicator light and SET indicator light in the instrument panel go out.

The cruise control is automatically canceled and the SET light in the instrument panel goes out if: c you depress the brake or clutch pedal while pushing the ACCEL/RES or SET/COAST switch. The preset speed is deleted from memory.

c the vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH

(13 km/h) below the set speed.

c you depress the clutch pedal (manual trans- mission), or move the shift selector lever to N (Neutral) (automatic transmission).

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

To reset at a faster cruising speed, use one of the following three methods. c Depress the accelerator pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed, push and release the COAST/SET switch.

c Push and hold the RES/ACCEL switch. When the vehicle attains the speed you de- sire, release the switch.

c Push and release the RES/ACCEL switch. Each time you do this, the set speed in- creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

To reset at a slower cruising speed, use one of the following three methods. c Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the ve- hicle attains the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch and release it.

c Push and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re- lease the switch when the vehicle slows to the desired speed.

c Push and release the COAST/SET switch. Each time you do this, the set speed de- creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

To resume the preset speed, push and re- lease the RES/ACCEL switch. The vehicle re- turns to the last set cruising speed when the vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48 km/h).

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

CAUTION

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), follow these recommendations to obtain maximum engine performance and en- sure the future reliability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in short- ened engine life and reduced engine performance. c Avoid driving for long periods at constant speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.

c Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear. c Avoid quick starts. c Avoid hard braking as much as possible. c Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km). Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.

c Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain cruising speeds with a constant accelerator position.

c Drive at moderate speeds on the highway. Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy. c Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a safe distance behind other ve- hicles.

c Use a proper gear range which suits road conditions. On level roads, shift into high gear as soon as possible.

c Avoid unnecessary engine idling. c Keep your engine tuned up. c Follow the recommended periodic mainte-

nance schedule.

c Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres- sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

c Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Im- proper alignment increases tire wear and lowers fuel economy.

c Air

conditioner operation

fuel economy. Use the air conditioner only when necessary.

lowers

Starting and driving 5-15

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

c When cruising at highway speeds, it is more economical to use the air conditioner and leave the windows closed to reduce drag.

c Use the recommended viscosity engine oil. See (cid:147)Engine oil and oil filter recommenda- tion(cid:148) in (cid:147)Technical and consumer informa- tion(cid:148) later in this manual.

WARNING

c 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.

WSD0050

c Safe parking procedures require that both the parking brake be set and the transmission placed into P (Park) for automatic transmission models or in an appropriate gear for manual transmis- sion models. Failure to do so could cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll away and result in an accident. Make sure the shift lever has been pushed as far forward as it can go and cannot be moved without depressing the foot brake pedal.

c Never leave the engine running while

the vehicle is unattended.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

5-16 Starting and driving

c HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB: sC Turn the wheels toward the side of the road so the vehicle will move away from the cen- ter of the road if it moves.

4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position

and remove the key.

POWER STEERING

The power assisted steering is designed to use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering. If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you will still have control of the vehicle. However, much greater steering effort is needed, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.

WARNING

If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the steering will not work. Steering will be much harder to operate.

c Do not leave children unattended inside the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac- tivate switches or controls. Unattended children could become involved in seri- ous accidents.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake. 2. Manual transmission models:

Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse) posi- tion. When parking on an uphill grade, place the shift lever in 1st gear. Automatic transmission models:

Move the shift selector lever to the P (Park) position.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good practice to turn the wheels as illustrated. c HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB: sA

Turn the wheels into the curb and move the vehicle forward until the curb side wheel gently touches the curb.

c HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB: sB

Turn the wheels away from the curb and move the vehicle back until the curb side wheel gently touches the curb.

Starting and driving 5-17

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

BRAKE SYSTEM

The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at two wheels. BRAKE PRECAUTIONS Vacuum assisted brakes The brake booster aids braking by using engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis- tance will be longer. Using the brakes Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the brake linings and pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.

To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the brakes from overheating, reduce speed and downshift to a lower gear before going down a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may reduce braking performance and could result in loss of vehicle control.

5-18 Starting and driving

WARNING

c While driving on a slippery surface, be careful when braking, accelerating or downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel- erating could cause the wheels to skid and result in an accident.

c If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the brakes will not work. Braking will be harder.

Wet brakes When the vehicle is washed or driven through water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your braking distance will be longer and the vehicle may pull to one side during braking.

To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes function correctly. Parking brake bedding The parking brake shoes must be (cid:147)bedded down(cid:148) whenever the stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the best brake performance.

This procedure is described in the vehicle service manual and can be performed by a NISSAN dealer. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes so the wheels do not lock when braking abruptly or when braking on slippery surfaces. The system detects the rotation speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing wheel lockup, the system helps the driver main- tain steering control and helps to minimize swerv- ing and spinning on slippery surfaces. Using the system Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.

WARNING

in

result

increased

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may stopping distances. Normal operation The anti-lock brake system does not operate at speeds below 3 - 6 MPH (5 - 10 km/h). (The speeds vary according to road conditions.) When driving, the anti-lock brake system con- trols the wheels so they will not lock when brak-

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

c Tire type and condition of tires may also

affect braking effectiveness.

c When replacing tires, install the speci-

fied size of tires on all four wheels.

c When installing a spare tire, make sure it is the proper size and type as speci- fied on the tire placard. For tire placard location information, refer to (cid:147)Tire plac- ard(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Technical and consumer information(cid:148) section of this manual.

c Refer to (cid:147)Wheels and tires(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) sec- tion of this manual.

ing abruptly or when braking on a slippery road. Thus, difficult steering and swerving of the ve- hicle due to locked wheels is minimized. The system detects the wheel rotation rate and elec- tronically controls the pressure applied to each brake. Slight vibration on the brake pedal accom- panied by noise usually occurs while the ABS system is operating. Such vibration and noise encountered during abrupt braking is not a prob- lem, but indicates that the system is functioning properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that road conditions are hazardous and extra care is required while driving. Self-test feature The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic sensors and hydraulic solenoids controlled by a computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a (cid:145)(cid:145)clunk(cid:146)(cid:146) noise and/or feel a pulsa- tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indication of any malfunction. If the computer senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-lock brake system off and turns on the ABS brake warning light on the instrument panel. The brake system then operates normally, but without anti- lock assistance.

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the anti- lock function will not operate, but the standard vehicle brake system will continue to operate normally. The ABS brake warning light will then come on.

If the light comes on during the self-test or while driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for repair.

WARNING

c The anti-lock brake system is a sophis- ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac- cidents resulting from careless or dan- gerous driving techniques. It can help maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces, but remember that the stopping distance on slippery sur- faces will be longer than on normal surfaces even with the anti-lock brake system. Stopping distances may also be longer on rough, gravel or snow cov- ered roads, or if you are using tire chains. Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness. Always maintain a safe distance from the ve- hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the re- sponsibility for safety of self and others rests in the hands of the driver.

Starting and driving 5-19

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) (if so equipped)

When accelerating on slippery surfaces the tire may spin or slip. With the vehicle traction control system, sensors detect these movements and control the braking and engine output to help improve vehicle stability while accelerating. c When the traction control system is operat- ing, the slip indicator in the instrument panel blinks.

c If the slip indicator blinks, the vehicle is un- der slippery conditions. Be sure to drive carefully. See (cid:147)Slip indicator light(cid:148) and (cid:147)Trac- tion control off indicator light(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Instru- ments and controls(cid:148) section of this manual. c If a malfunction occurs in the system, lights

the come on in the meter panel.

indicator

and

As long as these warning lights are on, the trac- tion control function is canceled. The vehicle will behave like a vehicle without the system.

5-20 Starting and driving

c When driving on extremely inclined sur- faces such as higher banked corners, the traction control system may not op- indicator erate properly and the light may come on. Do not drive on these types of roads.

c If wheels or tires other than the recom- mended ones are used, the traction control system may not operate prop- erly and the indicator light may come on.

c The traction control system is not a sub- stitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.

WARNING

c The traction control system is designed to help improve driving stability but does not prevent accidents due to abrupt steering operation at high speeds or by careless or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be especially careful when driving and cornering on slippery sur- faces and always drive carefully.

c If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not stan- dard equipment or are extremely dete- riorated, the traction control system may not operate properly and the indicator light may come on.

c Do not modify the vehicle(cid:146)s suspension. If suspension parts such as shock ab- sorbers, struts, springs and bushings are not standard equipment or are ex- tremely deteriorated, the traction con- trol system may not operate properly and the indicator light may come on.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)

When accelerating or driving on slippery sur- faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors detect these movements and control the braking and engine output to help improve vehicle stability. c When the vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system is operating, the slip indicator in the instrument panel blinks.

c When only the traction control system (TCS) portion of the vehicle dynamic control sys- tem is operating, the slip indicator will also blink.

c If the slip indicator blinks, the road condi- tions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your speed and driving to these conditions. See (cid:147)Slip indicator light(cid:148), and (cid:147)Vehicle dynamic control off indicator light(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Instruments and controls(cid:148) section.

c Indicator light

and

in the system, indicator lights come

If malfunction occurs the on in the instrument panel. As long as these warning lights are on, the traction control function is canceled.

The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system to improve vehicle traction. The ABLS system works when one of the driving wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The

ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel which distributes the driving power to the other drive wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the vehicle dynamic control system off, all VDC and TCS functions will be turned off. The ABLS system and ABS will still operate with the VDC system OFF. If the ABLS system or the ABS is activated, the slip indicator light will blink and you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal.

While the VDC system is operating, you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from under the hood. This is normal and indicates that the VDC system is working prop- erly.

The computer has a built in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indication of a malfunction.

WARNING

c The vehicle dynamic control system is designed to help improve driving stabil- ity but does not prevent accidents due to abrupt steering operation at high speeds or by careless or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be especially careful when driving and cornering on slippery sur- faces and always drive carefully.

c If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not stan- dard equipment or are extremely dete- riorated, the vehicle dynamic control system may not operate properly and the vehicle dynamic control off indica- tor light may come on.

c Do not modify the vehicle(cid:146)s suspension. If suspension parts such as shock ab- sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars and bushings are not NISSAN approved for your vehicle or are extremely dete- riorated the vehicle dynamic control system may not operate properly. This could adversely affect vehicle handling performance, and the vehicle dynamic control off indicator light may come on.

Starting and driving 5-21

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

c When driving on extremely inclined sur- faces such as higher banked corners, the vehicle dynamic control system may not operate properly and the vehicle dynamic control off indicator light may come on. Do not drive on these types of roads.

c If wheels or tires other than the recom- mended ones are used, the vehicle dy- namic control system may not operate properly and the vehicle dynamic con- trol off indicator light may come on.

c The vehicle dynamic control system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow covered road.

5-22 Starting and driving

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de- icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key hole. ANTI-FREEZE In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem- perature will drop below 32(cid:176)F (0(cid:176)C), check the anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection. For details, see (cid:145)(cid:145)Engine cooling system(cid:146)(cid:146) in the (cid:145)(cid:145)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:146)(cid:146) section of this manual. BATTERY If the battery is not fully charged during extremely cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi- mum efficiency, the battery should be checked regularly. For details, see (cid:145)(cid:145)Battery(cid:146)(cid:146) in the (cid:145)(cid:145)Main- tenance and do-it-yourself(cid:146)(cid:146) section of this manual. DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti- freeze, drain the cooling system, including the engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.

For details, see (cid:145)(cid:145)Changing engine coolant(cid:146)(cid:146) in the (cid:145)(cid:145)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:146)(cid:146) section of this manual. TIRE EQUIPMENT 1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide superior performance on dry pave- ment. However, the performance of these tires will be substantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If you operate your ve- hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom- mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and availability informa- tion.

2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some U.S. states and Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check local, state and provincial laws before installing studded tires.

Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than that of non-studded snow tires. 3. Tire chains may be used.

Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord- ing to location. Check the local laws before installing tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure they are of proper size for

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the chain manufacturer(cid:146)s sug- gestions. Use only SAE Class (cid:147)S(cid:148) chains. Class (cid:147)S(cid:148) chains are used on ve- hicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear- ance. Vehicles that can use Class (cid:147)S(cid:148) chains are designed to meet the minimum clear- ances between the tire and the closest ve- hicle suspension or body component re- quired to accommodate the use of a winter traction device (tire chains or cables). The minimum clearances are determined using the factory equipped tire size. Other types may damage your vehicle. Use chain ten- sioners when recommended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent the possibil- ity of whipping action damage to the fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi- tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance may be adversely affected. Never install tire chains on spare tires. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT It is recommended that the following items be carried in the vehicle during winter: c A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove ice and snow from the windows and wiper blades.

c A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the

jack to give it firm support.

c A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts. c Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-

voir tank.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

c Wet ice (32(cid:176)F, 0(cid:176)C and freezing rain), very cold snow or ice can be slick and very hard to drive on. The vehicle will have much less traction or (cid:147)grip(cid:148) under these conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet the road is salted or sanded.

ice until

c Whatever the condition, drive with cau- tion. Accelerate and slow down with care. If accelerating or downshifting too fast, the drive wheels will lose even more traction.

c Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be started sooner than on dry pavement.

c Allow greater following distances on

slippery roads.

c Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These may appear on an otherwise clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead, brake before reaching it. Try not to brake while on the ice, and avoid any sudden steering maneuvers.

c Do not use the cruise control on slip-

pery roads.

c Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so equipped) An engine block heater to assist in extreme cold temperature starting is available through a NISSAN dealer.

WARNING

Do not use your heater with an ungrounded electrical system or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be injured by an electrical shock if you use an ungrounded connection.

Starting and driving 5-23

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

MEMO

5-24 Starting and driving

6 In case of emergency

Flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Changing a flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Push starting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

If your vehicle overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Towing your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Towing recommended by NISSAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) . . . . . . . . . 6-11

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/20/03—arosenma X

FLAT TIRE

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions be- low. Stopping the vehicle 1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and

away from traffic.

2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Shift the manual transmission into R (Reverse), or the automatic transmission into P (Park).

4. Turn off the engine.

5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to signal professional road assistance person- nel that you need assistance.

6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from traffic and clear of the vehicle.

WARNING

c Make sure the parking brake is securely applied and the manual transmission is shifted into R (Reverse), or the auto- matic transmission into P (Park).

6-2 In case of emergency

c Never change tires when the vehicle is on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This is hazardous.

c Never change tires if oncoming traffic is close to your vehicle. Wait for profes- sional road assistance.

WCE0044

Blocking wheels Place suitable blocks s1 at both the front and back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire s2 to prevent the vehicle from rolling when it is jacked up.

WARNING

Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle may move and result in personal injury.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

LCE0074

LCE0075

LCE0076

Getting the spare tire and tools Open the trunk. Lift the trunk floor carpeting and spare tire cover. Remove the jack s1 and wheel nut wrench s2 from the tool box. Remove the spare tire.

Type A

Type B

In case of emergency 6-3

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

c Use the correct jack-up points. Never use any other part of the vehicle for jack support.

c Never jack up the vehicle more than

necessary.

c Never use blocks on or under the jack. c Do not start or run the engine while vehicle is on the jack. It may cause the vehicle to move. This is especially true for slip differentials.

vehicles

limited

with

c Do not allow passengers to stay in the

vehicle while it is on the jack.

c Never run the engine with a wheel(s) off the ground. It may cause the vehicle to move.

CE1089

Jacking up vehicle and removing the damaged tire

WARNING

c Never get under the vehicle while it is

supported only by the jack.

c Use only the jack provided with your vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use the jack provided with your vehicle on other vehicles. The jack is designed for lifting only your vehicle during a tire change.

6-4 In case of emergency

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

Always refer to the proper illustrations for the correct placement and jack-up points for your specific vehicle model and jack type. Carefully read the caution label attached to the jack body and the following instruc- tions.

1. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns by turning counterclockwise with the wheel nut wrench. Do not remove the wheel nuts until the tire is off the ground.

LCE0020
2. Place the jack directly under the jack-up point as illustrated so the top of the jack contacts the vehicle at the jack-up point. Align the jack head between the two notches in the front or the rear as shown. Also fit the groove of the jack head between the notches as shown. The jack should be used on firm and level ground.

3. To lift the vehicle, securely hold the jack lever and rod with both hands. Carefully raise the vehicle until the tire clears the ground. Re- move the wheel nuts, and then remove the tire.

WCE0056

Installing the spare tire The spare tire is designed for emergency use. See specific instructions under the heading (cid:147)Wheels and tires(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Mainte- nance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) section of this manual.

1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface be-

tween the wheel and hub.

2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten

the wheel nuts finger tight.

3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel nuts alternately and evenly as illustrated until they are tight.

In case of emergency 6-5

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

4. Lower

the vehicle slowly until

the tire touches the ground. Then, with the wheel nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely in the sequence illustrated (sA , sB , sC , sD , sE ). Lower the vehicle completely.

WARNING c Incorrect wheel nuts or

improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose or come off. This could cause an accident.

c Do not use oil or grease on the wheel studs or nuts. This could cause the nuts to become loose.

c Retighten the wheel nuts when the ve- hicle has been driven for 600 miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire, etc.).

As soon as possible, tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque with a torque wrench.

Wheel nut tightening torque:

80 ft-lb (108 N•m)

The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to specification at all is recom- mended that wheel nuts be tightened to specifications at each lubrication interval. 6-6 In case of emergency

times.

It

Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure. COLD pressure: After vehicle has been parked for three hours or more or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire placard affixed to the center console. 5. Securely store the flat tire and jacking equip-

ment in the vehicle.

6. Place the spare tire cover and the trunk floor

carpeting over the damaged tire.

7. Close the trunk.

WARNING

c Always make sure that the spare tire and jacking equipment are properly se- cured after use. Such items can become dangerous projectiles in an accident or sudden stop.

c The spare tire is designed for emer- gency use. See specific instructions un- der the heading (cid:147)Wheels and tires(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) section of this manual.

JUMP STARTING

To start your engine with a booster battery, the instructions and precautions below must be fol- lowed.

WARNING

c If done incorrectly, jump starting can lead to a battery explosion, resulting in severe injury or death. It could also damage your vehicle.

c Explosive hydrogen gas is always present in the vicinity of the battery. Keep all sparks and flames away from the battery.

c Do not allow battery fluid to come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a cor- rosive sulfuric acid solution which can cause severe burns. If the fluid should come into contact with anything, imme- diately flush the contacted area with water.

c Keep battery out of

children.

the reach of

c The booster battery must be rated at 12
volts. Use of an improperly rated battery can damage your vehicle.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

c Whenever working on or near a battery, always wear suitable eye protectors (for example, goggles or industrial safety spectacles) and remove rings, metal bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean over the battery when jump starting.

c Do not attempt to jump start a frozen battery. It could explode and cause se- rious injury.

c Your vehicle has an automatic engine cooling fan. It could come on at any time. Keep hands and other objects away from it.

WARNING

Always follow the instructions below. Failure to do so could result in damage to the charging system and cause personal injury.

1.

If the booster battery is in another vehicle, position the two vehicles to bring their bat- teries near each other. Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.

WCE0054

2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) (manual transmission) or to P (Park) (automatic transmission). Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems (lights, heater, air conditioner, etc.).

3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with an old cloth to reduce explosion hazard.

4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence il-

lustrated (sA , sB , sC , sD ).

In case of emergency 6-7

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/21/03—betty X

8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the vent holes as it may be contaminated with corrosive acid.

PUSH STARTING

WARNING

c Automatic transmission models cannot be push-started or tow-started. This may cause transmission or other ve- hicle damage.

c Three-way catalyst equipped models should not be started by pushing. The three-way catalyst may be damaged.

c Never try to start the vehicle by towing it. When the engine starts, the forward surge could cause the vehicle to collide with the tow vehicle.

CAUTION

c Always connect positive (1) to positive (1) and negative (2) to body ground (for example, strut mounting bolt, engine lift bracket, etc.) (cid:151) not to the battery.

c Make sure the jumper cables do not touch moving parts in the engine com- partment and that the cable clamps do not contact any other metal.

5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and

let it run for a few minutes.

6. Keep the engine speed of the booster ve- hicle at about 2,000 rpm, and start the en- gine of the vehicle being jump started.

CAUTION

Do not keep the starter motor engaged for more than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start right away, turn the key off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying again.

7. After starting the engine, carefully discon- nect the negative cable and then the positive cable.

6-8 In case of emergency

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

6. After the engine cools down, check the cool- ant level in the reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at a NISSAN dealer.

IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an extremely high temperature gauge reading), or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal noise, etc. take the following steps.

WARNING

c Do not continue to drive if your vehicle overheats. Doing so could cause engine damage or a vehicle fire.

c To avoid the danger of being scalded, never remove the radiator cap while the engine is still hot. When the radiator cap is removed, pressurized hot water will spurt out, possibly causing serious injury.

c Do not open the hood if steam is com-

ing out.

1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the shift lever to N (Neutral) (manual transmission) or to P (Park) (automatic transmission). Do not stop the engine.

2. Turn off the air conditioner (if so equipped). Open all the windows, move the heater or air conditioner temperature control to maximum hot and fan control to high speed.

3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator before opening the hood. (If steam or cool- ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not open the hood further until no steam or coolant can be seen.

4. Open the engine hood.

WARNING

If steam or water is coming from the en- gine, stand clear to prevent getting burned.

5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should not leak water. If coolant is leaking, the water pump belt is missing or loose, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the en- gine.

WARNING

Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewelry or clothing to come into contact with, or get caught in, engine belts or the engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan can start at any time when the coolant temperature is high.

In case of emergency 6-9

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in Canada) and local regulations for towing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could dam- age your vehicle. Towing instructions are avail- able from a NISSAN dealer. Local service opera- tors are generally familiar with the applicable laws and procedures for towing. To assure proper towing and to prevent accidental damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a service operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have the service operator carefully read the following precautions:

WARNING

c Never ride in a vehicle that is being

towed.

c Never get under your vehicle after it has

been lifted by a tow truck.

CAUTION

c When towing, make sure that the trans- mission, axles, steering system and powertrain are in working condition. If any unit is damaged, dollies must be used.

c Always attach safety chains before

towing.

6-10 In case of emergency

For information about towing your vehicle behind a recreational vehicle (RV), refer to (cid:147)Flat towing(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Technical and consumer information(cid:148) sec- tion of this manual.

ACE0511

TOWING RECOMMENDED BY NISSAN NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed with the driving (front) wheels off the ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

c When towing automatic transmission models with the front wheels on towing dollies, or when towing manual trans- mission models with the front wheels on the ground: c Turn the ignition key to the OFF po- sition, and secure the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a rope or similar device. Never secure the steering wheel by turning the ig- nition key to the LOCK position. This may damage the steering lock mechanism.

c Move the gearshift lever to the N

(Neutral) position.

c When towing automatic or manual transmission models with the rear wheels on the ground (if you do not use towing dollies): Always release the parking brake.

ACE1001

CAUTION

c Never

tow automatic transmission models with the front wheels on the ground or four wheels on the ground (forward or backward), as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the transmission. If it is necessary to tow the vehicle with the rear wheels raised always use towing dollies under the front wheels.

LCE0077
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck vehicle) Front

WARNING

c Stand clear of a stuck vehicle. c Do not spin your tires at high speed. This could cause them to explode and result in serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could also overheat and be damaged.

In case of emergency 6-11

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

CAUTION

Rear

c Use the towing hook only, not other parts of the vehicle. Otherwise, the ve- hicle body will be damaged.

c Use the towing hook only to free a ve- hicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc. Never tow the vehicle for a long dis- tance using only the towing hook.

c The towing hook is under tremendous force when used to free a stuck vehicle. Always pull the cable straight out from the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull the hook at an angle.

c Pulling devices should be routed so they do not touch any part of the sus- pension, steering, brake or cooling systems.

c Pull devices such as ropes or canvas straps are not recommended for use in vehicle towing or recovery.

WARNING

c Stand clear of a stuck vehicle. c Do not spin your tires at high speed. This could cause them to explode and result in serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could also overheat and be damaged.

CAUTION

c Tow chains or cables must be attached only to the main structural members of the vehicle.

c Pulling devices should be routed so they do not touch any part of the sus- pension, steering, brake or cooling systems.

c Always pull the cable straight out from the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull the vehicle at an angle.

c Pull devices such as ropes or canvas straps are not recommended for use in vehicle towing or recovery.

6-12 In case of emergency

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

7 Appearance and care

Cleaning exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Removing spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Underbody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Aluminum alloy wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Cleaning interior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Corrosion protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Most common factors contributing to vehicle corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
Environmental factors influence the rate of corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
To protect your vehicle from corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/20/03—arosenma X

CLEANING EXTERIOR

In order to maintain the appearance of your ve- hicle, it is important to take proper care of it.

To protect the paint surfaces, please wash your vehicle as soon as you can: c after a rainfall to prevent possible damage

from acid rain.

c after driving on coastal roads. c when contaminants such as soot, bird drop- pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on the paint surface.

c when dust or mud builds up on the surface. Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle inside a garage or in a covered area.

When it is necessary to park outside, park in a shady area or protect the vehicle with a body cover. Be careful not to scratch the paint surface when putting on or removing the body cover. WASHING Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water. 7-2 Appearance and care

CAUTION

c Do not wash the vehicle with strong household soap, strong chemical deter- gents, gasoline or solvents.

c Avoid using tight-napped or

c Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun- light or while the vehicle body is hot, as the surface may become water-spotted. rough cloths, such as washing mitts. Care must removing caked-on dirt or other foreign sub- stances so the paint surface is not scratched or damaged.

taken when

be

Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean water. Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors, hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas must be cleaned regularly. Take care that the drain holes in the lower edge of the door are open. Spray water under the body and in the wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away road salt. A damp chamois can be used to dry the vehicle to avoid water spots.

WAXING Regular waxing protects the paint surface and helps retain new vehicle appearance. After wax- ing, polishing is recommended to remove built-up residue and to avoid a (cid:147)weathered(cid:148) ap- pearance.

A NISSAN dealer can assist you in choosing the proper product. c Wax your vehicle only after a thorough wash- ing. Follow the instructions supplied with the wax.

c Do not use a wax containing any abrasives, cutting compounds or cleaners that may damage the vehicle finish.

c If the surface does not polish easily, use a

(cid:147)road tar(cid:148) remover and wax again.

Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. REMOVING SPOTS Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible from the surface of the paint to avoid lasting damage or staining. Special cleaning products are available at a NISSAN dealer or any automotive accessory store.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

UNDERBODY In areas where road salt is used in winter, it is necessary to clean the underbody regularly in order to prevent dirt and salt from building up and causing the acceleration of corrosion on the un- derbody and suspension. Before the winter pe- riod and again in the spring, the underseal must be checked and, if necessary, retreated.

Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass to become coated with a film after the vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth will easily remove this film.

CAUTION

When cleaning the inside of the windows, do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant cleaners. They could damage the electri- cal conductors, radio antenna elements or rear window defroster elements. ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS Wash the wheels regularly, especially during win- ter months in areas where road salt is used. If not removed, road salt could discolor the wheels. CHROME PARTS Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non- abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.

Appearance and care 7-3

LAI0008

GLASS When cleaning the rear window, it may be easier to clean if the high-mounted stop light is removed first.

Be careful when removing the high-mounted stop light to reduce the risk of damaging the high-mounted stop light wires.

To remove the high-mounted stop light: s1 Push toward rear of vehicle. s2

Lift to remove.

The high-mounted stop light must be properly reinstalled before driving your vehicle.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

CLEANING INTERIOR

Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Wipe the vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth dampened in mild soap solution, then wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth. Before using any fabric protector, read the manufacturer(cid:146)s recommendations. Some fab- ric protectors contain chemicals that may stain or bleach the seat material. Use a cloth dampened only with water to clean the meter and gauge lens.

CAUTION

c Never use benzine, thinner or any simi-

lar material.

c Small dirt particles can be abrasive and damaging to leather surfaces and should be removed promptly. Do not use saddle soap, polishes, oils, clean- ing fluids, solvents, detergents or ammonia-based cleaners as they may damage the leather(cid:146)s natural finish.

c Never use fabric protectors unless rec-

ommended by the manufacturer.

c Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on meter or gauge lens covers. It may dam- age the lens cover.

7-4 Appearance and care

FLOOR MATS The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can ex- tend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it easier to clean the interior. No matter what mats are used, be sure they are fitted for your vehicle and are properly positioned in the footwell to prevent interference with pedal operation. Mats should be maintained with regular cleaning and replaced if they be- come excessively worn.

WAI0006
Floor mat positioning aid (driver(cid:146)s side only) This vehicle includes a front floor mat bracket to act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor mats have been specially designed for your ve- hicle model. The driver(cid:146)s side floor mat has a grommet hole incorporated in it. Position the mat by placing the floor mat bracket hook through the floor mat grommet hole while centering the mat in the footwell. Periodically check to make certain the mats are properly positioned.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/07/03—tbrooks X

SEAT BELTS The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solution. Allow the belts to dry completely in the shade before using them. See (cid:147)Seat belt maintenance(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Safety (cid:150) Seats, seat belts and supplemen- tal air bags(cid:148) section of this manual.

WARNING

Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye or chemical solvents to clean the seat belts, since these materials may severely weaken the seat belt webbing.

CORROSION PROTECTION

MOST COMMON FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE CORROSION 1. The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt and debris in body panel sections, cavities, and other areas.

2. Damage to paint and other protective coat- ings caused by gravel and stone chips or minor traffic accidents.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCE THE RATE OF CORROSION Moisture Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the ve- hicle body underside can accelerate corrosion. Wet floor coverings will not dry completely inside the vehicle, and should be removed for drying to avoid floor panel corrosion. Relative humidity Corrosion will be accelerated: c in areas of high relative humidity. c in areas where the temperatures stay above

freezing.

c where atmospheric pollution exists.

c where road salt is used. Temperature High temperatures accelerate the rate of corro- sion to those parts which are not well ventilated. Air pollution Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use acceler- ates the corrosion process. Road salt also accel- erates the disintegration of paint surfaces. TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM CORROSION c Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep the

vehicle clean.

c Always check for minor damage to the paint

and repair it as soon as possible.

c Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors

open to avoid water accumulation.

c Check the underbody for accumulation of sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water as soon as possible.

Appearance and care 7-5

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/20/03—arosenma X

CAUTION

c NEVER remove dirt, sand or other de- bris from the passenger compartment by washing it out with a hose. Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner or broom.

c Never allow water or other liquids to come in contact with electronic compo- nents inside the vehicle as this may damage them.

Chemicals used for road surface de-icing are extremely corrosive. They accelerate corrosion and deterioration of underbody components such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor pan and fenders. In winter, the underbody must be cleaned periodically. For additional protection against rust and corro- sion, which may be required in some areas, con- sult a NISSAN dealer.

7-6 Appearance and care

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/20/03—arosenma X

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Changing engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Engine oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Changing engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Changing engine oil filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
4-speed automatic transmission fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11
Temperature conditions for checking. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11
5-speed automatic transmission fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Power steering fluid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Clutch fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Window washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Window washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-15
Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16
Drive belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17

Spark plugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
Replacing spark plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17
Air cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
In-cabin microfilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18
Windshield wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21
Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21
Parking brake and brake pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-22
Checking parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-22
Checking brake pedal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-22
Brake booster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-23
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23
Passenger compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-25
Keyfob battery replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-26
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-27
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-27
Exterior and interior lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-28
Wheels and tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-33
Tire pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-33
Tire labeling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-36
Types of tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-39
Tire chains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-39
Changing wheels and tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-40

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/20/03—arosenma X

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Your new NISSAN has been designed to have minimum maintenance requirements with longer service intervals to save you both time and money. However, some day-to-day and regular maintenance is essential to maintain your NIS- SAN(cid:146)s good mechanical condition, as well as its emission and engine performance.

It is the owner(cid:146)s responsibility to make sure that the scheduled maintenance, as well as general maintenance, is performed.

As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who can ensure that your vehicle receives proper maintenance. You are a vital link in the mainte- nance chain. Scheduled maintenance

For your convenience, both required and optional scheduled maintenance items are described and listed in your (cid:147)NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide.(cid:148) You must refer to that guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is performed on your NISSAN at regular intervals. General maintenance

General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during normal day-to-day op- eration. They are essential for proper vehicle op- eration. It is your responsibility to perform these maintenance procedures regularly as prescribed. 8-2 Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Performing general maintenance checks requires minimal mechanical skill and only a few general automotive tools. These checks or inspections can be done by you, a qualified technician, or, if you prefer, a NISSAN dealer. Where to go for service If maintenance service is required or your vehicle appears to malfunction, have the systems checked and corrected by a NISSAN dealer. NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists who are kept up-to-date with the latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership training programs. They are completely qualified to work on NISSAN ve- hicles before they work on your vehicle, rather than after they have worked on it. You can be confident that a NISSAN dealer(cid:146)s service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance requirements on your vehicle (cid:151) in a reliable and economic way.

During the normal day-to-day operation of the vehicle, general maintenance should be per- formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or smells, be sure to check for the cause or have a NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition, you should notify a NISSAN dealer if you think that repairs are required.

When performing any checks or maintenance work, closely observe the (cid:147)Maintenance precau- tions(cid:148) later in this section. EXPLANATION OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS information on the following Additional items with (cid:147)*(cid:148) is found later in this section. 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. Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links as necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the hood from opening when the primary latch is released.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2004 Maxima (max) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 10/20/03—arosenma X

When driving in areas using road salt or other corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently. 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 installed securely. Also check headlight aim. Road wheel nuts* When checking the tires,