2003 NISSAN MAXIMA brake fluid

TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKINGIThe fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the dipstick after the follow-
ing conditions have been met:
a) the engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
b) the vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
c) the automatic transmission fluid should
be warmed to between 122 and 176ÉF
(50 and 80ÉC).
IThe fluid can be checked at fluid tempera-
tures of 86 to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC) using the
COLD range on the dipstick after the en-
gine is warmed up and before driving. How-
ever, the fluid should be re-checked using
the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the selector
lever through each gear range. Move the
selector lever to P (Park) position after you
have moved it through all ranges.3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with
lint-free paper.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the charging pipe
as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading.
If the level is at the low side of either range,
add fluid to the charging pipe.
CAUTION
IDo not overfill.
IUse only NISSAN Matic D (Continen-
tal US and Alaska) or Canada Nissan
automatic transmission fluid.
Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalent
may also be used. Outside the conti-
nental US and Alaska contact a
NISSAN dealer for more information
regarding suitable fluids, including
recommended brand(s) of Dexron
TM
III/Mercon
TM
automatic transmission
fluid.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot be
read. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes).
SDI1343
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-13
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Check the fluid level in the reservoir tank.
The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range at fluid temperatures of 122 to
176ÉF (50 to 80ÉC) or using the COLD range at
fluid temperatures of 32 to 86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).
CAUTION
IDo not overfill.
IUse Genuine Nissan PSFII or equiva-
lent.Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
is below the MIN line or the brake warning light
comes on, addDOT 3fluid up to the MAX line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or con-
taminated fluid may damage the brake
and clutch systems. The use of im-
proper fluids can damage the brake sys-tem and affect the vehicle's stopping
ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, wash with water.
SDI1076
SDI0119
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID8-14
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended
specifications US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 18-1/2 gal 15-3/8 gal 70 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (RON 96)*1
Engine oil*6
Drain and refill
With oil filter change 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0IAPI Certification Mark*2, *3
IAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, En-
ergy Conserving*2, *3
IILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III*2, *3 Without oil filter change 3-7/8 qt 3-1/4 qt 3.7
Cooling system
With reservoir 8-1/8 qt 6-3/4 qt 7.7
Genuine NISSAN anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/5 qt 0.8
Manual transmission gear oil Ð Ð Ð API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-90 or 75W-85
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions
in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section.Nissan Matic ªDº (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid*4
Power steering fluidGenuine Nissan PSFII or equivalent*8
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant Ð Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*7
Air conditioning system lubricants Ð Ð ÐNissan A/C System Oil
Type S or exact equivalent
*1: For additional information, see later in this paragraph for fuel recommendation.
*2: For additional information, see later in this paragraph for engine oil and oil filter recommendation.
*3: For additional information, see later in this paragraph for recommended SAE viscosity number.
*4: Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealer for more information regarding
suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
automatic transmission fluid.
*5: Available in mainland US through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For additional information, see ªEngine oilº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section for changing engine oil.
*7: For additional information, see ªVehicle identificationº in this section for air conditioner specification label.
*8: Genuine Nissan PSFII, Canada Nissan Automatic Transmission fluid, Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS9-2
Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system) ......................... 5-18
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front airbag
system) ...................................................... 1-13
Side (See supplemental side air bag
system) ...................................................... 1-15
Air bag warning labels .................................... 1-18
Air bag warning light.............................. 1-18, 2-11
Air cleaner housing filter ................................. 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ............................. 4-3
Air conditioner service ....................... 4-3, 4-12
Air conditioner specification label.............. 9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ................ 4-12, 9-6
Air filter ...................................................... 4-11
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-3
Air conditioner operation, Semiautomatic ......... 4-5
Air flow charts ................................................... 4-6
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................ 5-4
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap ......................................... 1-35
Antenna........................................................... 4-29
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light............................. 2-9Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................. 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-8
Audible reminders ........................................... 2-13
Audio operation precautions ........................... 4-13
Audio system .................................................. 4-12
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror .............................. 3-15
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-12
Drive positioner ......................................... 3-16
Driving with automatic transmission .... 5-4, 5-8
Seat positioner, seat ................................. 3-17
Transmission selector lever lock
release ....................................................... 5-10
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-3
B
Battery............................................................. 8-15
Battery saver system................................. 2-20
Battery replacement, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-7
Belts (See drive belts) .................................... 8-17
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................... 5-18
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-14
Brake booster ............................................ 8-22Brake pedal ............................................... 8-21
Brake pedal check..................................... 8-21
Brake system............................................. 5-18
Parking brake check ........................ 5-12, 8-21
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-12
Warning light ............................................. 2-10
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-15
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-9
Bulb replacement ............................................ 8-26
C
Cabin air filter ................................................. 4-11
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-30
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ........ 2-28
Cargo net ........................................................ 2-28
Cassette player (See audio system) ..... 4-18, 4-25
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
CD care and cleaning ..................................... 4-28
Child restraints ................................................ 1-27
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-36
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-27
Top tether strap anchor point locations .... 1-35
With top tether strap.................................. 1-35
Child safety ..................................................... 1-22
Child safety rear door lock................................ 3-4
Chimes, Audible reminders............................. 2-13
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-23
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Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-32
Clutch
Fluid ........................................................... 8-14
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-20
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-37
Compass display .............................................. 2-6
Console box .................................................... 2-28
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater and semiautomatic air
conditioner ................................................... 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-5
Cruise control.................................................. 5-13
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-27
D
Daytime running light system ......................... 2-21
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defogger switch............................................... 2-17
Dimensions and weights ................................... 9-9
Door open warning light ................................. 2-10
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-17
Drive positioner, Automatic ............................. 3-16
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-20
Driving with automatic transmission .... 5-4, 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ...... 5-5, 5-11Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................ 5-15
Emission control information label .................. 9-11
Emission control system warranty .................. 9-20
Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-7
Block heater .............................................. 5-21
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-9
Changing engine oil .................................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level .......................... 8-10
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-5
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-7
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-8
Engine oil................................................... 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation..... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ...................................... 9-5
Engine serial number ................................ 9-11
Engine specifications................................... 9-7
If your vehicle overheats ............................. 6-9
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-11
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-18Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-22
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-8
Engine oil................................................... 8-10
Power steering fluid................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-15
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-21
Folding rear seat............................................... 1-5
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................... 1-13
Front manual seat adjustment .......................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................ 1-3
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
filler cap ..................................................... 3-12
filler lid ....................................................... 3-12
Fuel economy ............................................ 5-15
Fuel octane rating ....................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-3
Gauge .......................................................... 2-5
Fuses .............................................................. 8-22
Fusible links .................................................... 8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink
Universal ... 2-37
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10-2

Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-5
Outside the vehicle...................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-26
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Outside mirror control................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-16
N
Net, Cargo net ................................................ 2-28
New vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-15
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ............... 2-15
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Engine
start ................................................................... 5-6
O
Odometer .......................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ..................................................... 9-2
Changing engine oil .................................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level .......................... 8-10
Engine oil................................................... 8-10
Engine oil viscosity ...................................... 9-5
Outside mirror control ..................................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-16
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats.................. 6-9P
Parking
Brake check............................................... 8-21
Parking brake check.................................. 5-12
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-12
Parking on hills .......................................... 5-12
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-16
Personal light .................................................. 2-35
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ....................... 4-30
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-3
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Power outlet .............................................. 2-24
Power steering fluid................................... 8-14
Power steering system .............................. 5-17
Power windows ......................................... 2-29
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-16
Precautions
Audio operation precautions ..................... 4-13
Braking precautions................................... 5-18
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-13
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-5
On child restraints ..................................... 1-27
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-20
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ......................................................... 1-8
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ..................................................... 6-8
R
Radio, Car phone or CB radio ........................ 4-30Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ......................................................... 9-21
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock...... 3-4
Rear power point ............................................ 2-24
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 2-17
Registering your vehicle in another country ... 9-10
Remote keyless entry system........................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only)................. 9-20
Rollover ............................................................. 5-3
S
Safety
Child seat belts.......................................... 1-22
Reporting safety defects (US only) ........... 9-20
Towing safety ............................................ 9-17
Seat
Belt warning light ....................................... 1-20
Belt warning light and chime ..................... 2-11
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment .................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ...................... 1-3
Seat belt(s)
Child safety................................................ 1-22
Infants and small children ......................... 1-22
Injured persons.......................................... 1-23
Larger children .......................................... 1-23
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ................. 1-16
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 1-20
Pregnant women ....................................... 1-23
Seat belt cleaning........................................ 7-5
Seat belt extenders ................................... 1-26
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-26
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Trunk
Access through rear seat ............................ 1-5
Interior trunk lid release ............................ 3-12
Lid lock opener lever ................................. 3-10
Light ........................................................... 2-36
Turn signal switch ........................................... 2-21
U
Underbody cleaning .......................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading............................. 9-19
V
Vanity mirror light ............................................ 2-36
Vehicle
Dimensions and weights ............................. 9-9
Identification number (VIN) ....................... 9-10
Loading information ................................... 9-14
Security system ......................................... 2-14
Vehicle recovery, (freeing a stuck vehicle)..... 6-11
Ventilators ......................................................... 4-2
W
Warning labels, Air bag warning labels .......... 1-18
Warning light
Air bag warning light ........................ 1-18, 2-11
Anti-lock brake............................................. 2-9
Brake warning light.................................... 2-10
Door open.................................................. 2-10
Low fuel warning light ............................... 2-11
Seat belt warning light and chime............. 2-11Warning lights ................................................... 2-9
Warning, Hazard warning flasher switch ........ 2-22
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .......................................................... 2-9
Warranty, Emission control system
warranty .......................................................... 9-20
Washer switch, Windshield wiper and washer
switch .............................................................. 2-16
Washing ............................................................ 7-2
Waxing .............................................................. 7-2
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ........... 9-9
Wheel/tire size .................................................. 9-9
Wheels and tires ............................................. 8-33
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels
Window washer fluid ....................................... 8-15
Window(s)
Cleaning ...................................................... 7-3
Power windows ......................................... 2-29
Windshield wiper and washer switch.............. 2-16
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-16
Wiper blades ............................................. 8-19
X
Xenon headlights ............................................ 2-19
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10-6