2000 NISSAN MAXIMA battery

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For additional infor-
mation, see ªEngine Cooling Systemº in the ª8.
Do-it-yourselfº section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see ªBatteryº in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. See ªEngine cooling systemº inthe ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section for changing
engine coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design 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
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Please consult your NISSAN dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some prov-
inces and states prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before in-
stalling 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 if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use
of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws beforeinstalling tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are in-
stalled according to the chain manufactur-
er's suggestions.Use only SAE Class S
chains.Other types may damage your
vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended by the tire chain manufacturer to
ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire
chain must be secured or removed to pre-
vent the possibility of whipping action dam-
age to the fenders or underbody. If pos-
sible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a
reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected.
Never install tire chains on a T-type spare
tire. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
Ia scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
Ia sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving
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Stowing the damaged tire and toolsSecurely store the spare tire and jacking
equipment in the vehicle.
WARNING
IAlways make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.
IThe T-type spare tire and small sizespare tire are designed for emer-
gency use. See ªTires and wheelsº in
the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
WARNING
IIf done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting
in severe injury or death. It could also
damage your vehicle.
IExplosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away from
the battery.
IDo not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, cloth or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
IKeep battery out of the reach of
children.
SCE0040
JUMP STARTING
In case of emergency
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IThe booster battery must be rated at
12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
IWhenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye protec-
tors (for example, goggles or indus-
trial safety spectacles) and remove
rings, metal bands, or any other jew-
elry. Do not lean over the battery
when jump starting.
IDo not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
IYour 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 per-
sonal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply parking brake. Move the shift lever tothe N (Neutral) position (On automatic
transmission models, move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position). Switch off all
unnecessary electrical systems (light,
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 as
illustrated.
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6-8
In case of emergency
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CAUTION
IAlways connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (þ) to body
ground (for example, strut mounting
bolt, etc. Ð not to the battery).
IMake sure that cables do not touch
moving parts in the engine compart-
ment and that clamps do not contact
any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and let
it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the other vehicle
at about 2,000 rpm, and start your engine in
the normal manner.
CAUTION
Do not keep 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 your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the posi-
tive cable.
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.
CAUTION
IAutomatic transmission models can-
not be push started. This may cause
transmission damage.
IThree way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three way catalyst may be
damaged.
INever try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.PUSH STARTING
In case of emergency
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8 Do-it-yourselfMaintenance precautions .......................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-4
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-5
Checking engine coolant level .................................. 8-5
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-6
Engine oil .................................................................. 8-7
Checking engine oil level .......................................... 8-7
Changing engine oil .................................................. 8-8
Changing engine oil filter .......................................... 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-10
Temperature conditions for checking ...................... 8-10
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-12
Battery ..................................................................... 8-13
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-15
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ............................................. 8-16
Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-18Cleaning .................................................................. 8-18
Replacement ........................................................... 8-19
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-20
Checking parking brake .......................................... 8-20
Checking brake pedal ............................................. 8-20
Brake booster .......................................................... 8-21
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-21
Fuses....................................................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ............................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ......................................... 8-23
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........... 8-24
Lights ....................................................................... 8-25
Headlights ............................................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights ....................................... 8-27
Tires and wheels ..................................................... 8-32
Tire pressure ........................................................... 8-32
Types of tires .......................................................... 8-32
Tire chains............................................................... 8-33
Changing tires and wheels...................................... 8-34
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When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.
WARNING
IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
N (Neutral) position. For an automatic
transmission, move the selector lever
to P (Park) position.
IBe sure the ignition key is OFF or
LOCK when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.
IYour vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the OFF
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-nect the negative battery cable before
working near the fan.
IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
IIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
INever 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.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the bat-tery.
IOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) System,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
IDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition
key is on.
INever leave the engine or the auto-
matic transmission related compo-
nent harness connector discon-
nected while the ignition key is on.
IAvoid direct contact with used engine
oil. Improperly disposed motor oil
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS8-2
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Type B:
To check the fluid level, use your finger to plug
the center hole of the cap (as shown above),
then remove it from the tank. If there is no fluid
in the tube, add fluid. Add a washer solvent to
the water for better cleaning. In the winter
season, add a windshield washer anti-freeze.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the
mixture ratio.
WARNING
Anti-freeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.IKeep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a
solution of baking soda and water.
IMake certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
IIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the (Ð) negative battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
IDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by battery action is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch or
rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash your
hands. If the acid contacts your eyes,
skin or clothing, immediately flush
with water for at least 15 minutes and
seek medical attention.
IWhen working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
SDI0962
BATTERY
Do-it-yourself
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IBattery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.
IKeep the battery out of the reach of
children.
Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX and MIN lines.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level to the indicator in each
filler opening.Do not overfill.
1. Remove the cell plugs.
2. Add distilled water up to the MAX level.
3. Tighten cell plugs.If jump starting is necessary, see ªJump start-
ingº the ª6. In case of emergencyº section. If
the engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact your
NISSAN dealer.
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