2000 NISSAN MAXIMA maintenance

ForewordWelcome to the growing family of new
NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to
you with confidence. It was produced using
the latest techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of
driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information and Main-
tenance Log Booklet (in U.S.), Warranty
and Roadside Assistance Information
booklet (in Canada) explains details about
the warranties covering your vehicle and
vehicle maintenance schedules. Addition-
ally, a separate Customer Care/Lemon Law
Booklet (U.S. only) will explain how to
resolve any concerns you may have with
your vehicle, as well as clarify your rights
under your state's lemon law.
Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best.
When you require any service or have any
questions, he will be glad to assist you with
the extensive resources available to him.READ FIRST Ð THEN DRIVE
SAFELYBefore driving your vehicle please read
your Owner's Manual carefully. This will
ensure familiarity with controls and main-tenance requirements, assisting you in the
safe operation of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMA-
TION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
INever drive under the influence of al-
cohol or drugs.
IAlways observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for condi-
tions.
IAlways use your seat belts and appro-
priate child restraint systems. Preteen
children should be seated in the rear
seat.
IAlways provide information about the
proper use of vehicle safety features
to all occupants of the vehicle.
IAlways review this Owner's Manual
for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR
VEHICLEThis vehicle should not be modified. Modi-
fication could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate
governmental regulations. In addition,
damage or performance problems result-
ing from modification may not be covered
under NISSAN warranties.WHEN READING THE MANUALThis manual includes information for all
options available on this model. Therefore,
you may find some information that does
not apply to your vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustrations
in this manual are those in effect at the time of
printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
specifications or design at any time without
notice.
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Welcome To The World Of NISSANYour new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come the fifth largest automaker in the world. In
addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes
textile machinery, fork-lift trucks, marine engines,
boats and other products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960 and continuing with the production of somecars and trucks at one of the world's most
modern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design
International in San Diego, California, and engi-
neering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
NISSAN and its dealers indirectly employ about
60,000 Americans.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 140 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply NISSAN and
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from operation of port facilities and trans-portation services to the supply of lubricants,
parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN
to your dealer for maintenance, the service tech-
nician will perform his work according to the
quality standards that have been established by
the factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
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Table of
Contents
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systemsInstruments and controlsPre-driving checks and adjustmentsHeater, air conditioner and audio systemsStarting and drivingIn case of emergencyAppearance and careDo-it-yourselfMaintenanceTechnical and consumer informationIndex
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1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag
systemsSeats ......................................................................... 1-2
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-2
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-4
Folding rear seat ...................................................... 1-6
Head restraint adjustment ......................................... 1-7
Armrest ...................................................................... 1-8
Supplemental restraint system .................................. 1-8
Precautions on supplemental restraint system ......... 1-8
Supplemental air bag warning labels ...................... 1-18
Supplemental air bag warning light......................... 1-19
Seat belts ................................................................ 1-20
Precautions on seat belt usage .............................. 1-20Child safety ............................................................. 1-22
Pregnant women ..................................................... 1-23
Injured persons ....................................................... 1-24
Three-point type seat belt with retractor ................. 1-24
Seat belt extenders ................................................. 1-27
Seat belt maintenance ............................................ 1-27
Child restraints ........................................................ 1-28
Precautions on child restraints ................................ 1-28
Installation on rear seat outboard or center
positions .................................................................. 1-30
Top tether strap child restraint (if so equipped)...... 1-35
Installation on front passenger seat ........................ 1-36
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SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHTThe supplemental air bag warning light, dis-
playing
in the instrument panel, monitors
the circuits of the supplemental front air bag
and supplemental side air bag systems, and
pre-tensioner seat belt. The circuits monitored
by the air bag warning light are the diagnosis
sensor unit, satellite sensors, front air bag
modules, side air bag modules and all related
wiring, and pre-tensioner seat belt.
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the supplemental air bag warning light
illuminates. The supplemental air bag warninglight will turn off after about 7 seconds if the
system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag system, supple-
mental side air bag system, and pre-tensioner
seat belt need servicing:
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 seconds.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental front
air bags, supplemental side air bags and/or
pre-tensioner seat belt may not operate prop-
erly. They must be checked and repaired.
Take your vehicle to the nearest authorized
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal front air bag system, supplemental
side air bag system and/or pre-tensioner
seat belt will not operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedureThe supplemental front air bags, supplemental
side air bags and pre-tensioner seat belt are
designed to inflate on a one-time-only basis.
As a reminder, unless it is damaged, the
supplemental air bag warning light will remain
illuminated after inflation has occurred. Repair
and replacement of these systems should be
done only by authorized NISSAN dealers.
To ensure long-term functioning, these
systems must be inspected 10 years after
the date of manufacture noted on the cer-
tification label located on the driver side
center pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental front air bags,
supplemental side air bags, related parts and
pre-tensioner seat belt should be pointed out
to the person conducting the maintenance.
The ignition key should always be in the LOCK
position when working under the hood or in-
side the vehicle.
WARNING
IOnce the supplemental front air bag,
supplemental side air bag and/or pre-
SPA1097
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
1-19
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Shoulder belt height adjustment
(For front seats)The shoulder belt anchor height should be
adjusted to the position best suited for you.
(See ªPrecautions on seat belt usageº earlier
in this section.) To lower, push the release
button, and then move the shoulder belt an-
chor to the desired position, so that the belt
passes over the shoulder. Release the adjust-
ment button to lock the shoulder belt anchor
into position.
To raise, move the adjuster up to the desired
position without pushing the button.
WARNING
IAfter adjustment, release the adjust-
ment button and try to move the
shoulder belt down to make sure it is
securely fixed in position.
IThe shoulder belt anchor height
should be adjusted to the position
best for you. Failure to do so may
reduce the effectiveness of the entire
restraint system and increase the
chance or severity of injury in an
accident.SEAT BELT EXTENDERSIf, because of body size or driving position, it is
not possible to properly fit the lap-shoulder belt
and fasten it, an extender is available which is
compatible with the installed seat belts. The
extender adds approximately 8 inches (200
mm) of length and may be used for either the
driver or front passenger seating position. See
your NISSAN dealer for assistance if the ex-
tender is required.
WARNING
IOnly NISSAN belt extenders, made by
the same company which made the
original equipment belts, should be
used with NISSAN belts.
IPersons who can use the standard
seat belt should not use an extender.
Such unnecessary use could result in
serious personal injury in the event of
an accident.SEAT BELT MAINTENANCEITo clean the seat belt webbings,apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpets.
Then brush the webbing, wipe it with a cloth
and allow it to dry in the shade. Do not allow
the seat belts to retract until they are com-
pletely dry.
IIf dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide of
the seat belt anchors, the seat belts may
retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide
with a clean, dry cloth.
IPeriodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal componentssuch as
SSS0152
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
1-27
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IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
IMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, e.g., each time you
check engine oil.
ICheck that all windows and lights are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). (P preferred.)
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) position and into any of the other
gear positions if the key is removed from
the switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if the
selector lever is in one of the driving posi-
tions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position,
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate un-
less the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails
to run, repeat the above procedure.
IIf the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, de-
press the accelerator pedal and hold it
to help start the engine.IIn the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal fully depressed while starting.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
10 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving
5-7
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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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