2003 NISSAN MAXIMA fuel cap

CHANGING ENGINE OIL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
5. Remove the oil filler cap.6. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See later in ªEngine
oilº for changing engine oil filter.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
IWaste oil must be disposed of properly.
ICheck your local regulations.
7. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N×m)
Do not use excessive force.
8. Refill engine with recommended oil and
install the cap securely.
See ªCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricantsº in the ª9. Technical and
consumer informationº section for drain andrefill capacity. The drain and refill capacity
depends on the oil temperature and drain
time. Use these specifications for reference
only. Always use the dipstick to determine
the proper amount of oil in the engine.
9. Start the engine.
Check for leakage around the drain plug.
Correct as required.
10.Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dip-
stick. Add engine oil if necessary.
11.Dispose of waste oil properly.
WARNING
IProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
ITry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
IKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
SDI0974
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11
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9 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ........... 9-2
Fuel recommendation........................................... 9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation .............. 9-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number ................. 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ................................................. 9-6
Specifications ............................................................ 9-7
Engine .................................................................. 9-7
Wheels and tires .................................................. 9-9
Dimensions and weights ...................................... 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ....................................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification ............................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ........... 9-10
Vehicle identification number
(Chassis number) ............................................... 9-10
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .............................. 9-11
Emission control information label ..................... 9-11Tire placard ........................................................ 9-12
Air conditioner specification label ....................... 9-12
Installing front license plate..................................... 9-13
Vehicle loading information ..................................... 9-14
Terms ................................................................. 9-14
Determining vehicle load capacity...................... 9-14
Loading tips ........................................................ 9-15
Towing a trailer ....................................................... 9-15
Maximum load limits ........................................... 9-16
Towing safety ..................................................... 9-17
Uniform tire quality grading ..................................... 9-19
Emission control system warranty .......................... 9-20
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......................... 9-20
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ................................................................. 9-21
Owner's Manual/Service Manual order
information............................................................... 9-22
In the event of a collision ........................................ 9-22
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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

Gas cap .......................................................... 3-12
Gauge ............................................................... 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 2-5
Fuel gauge .................................................. 2-5
Odometer..................................................... 2-4
Speedometer ............................................... 2-4
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
General maintenance ....................................... 8-2
Glove box........................................................ 2-27
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-27
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 2-22
Head restraints ................................................. 1-6
Headlights
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-27
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-19
Xenon headlights....................................... 2-19
Heated seats................................................... 2-23
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped).......... 2-24
Heater
Engine coolant heater ............................... 5-21
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater operation.......................................... 4-3
Heater operation, Semiautomatic air
conditioner ........................................................ 4-4
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver .................. 2-37
Hood, release ................................................. 3-10
Horn ................................................................ 2-22
How to stop alarm, Vehicle security ............... 2-15I
Ignition switch ................................................... 5-4
Automatic transmission models ........... 5-4, 5-8
Key positions ............................................... 5-6
Manual transmission models ............. 5-5, 5-11
Immobilizer system ......................................... 2-15
Indicator lights................................................. 2-12
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test................... 9-21
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Interior light ..................................................... 2-34
Interior light replacement ................................ 8-28
Interior trunk lid release .................................. 3-12
ISOFIX child restraint ..................................... 1-34
J
Jump starting .................................................... 6-6
K
Keyless entry .................................................... 3-4
Keys .................................................................. 3-2
L
Label, Air conditioner specification label ........ 9-12
Label, Emission control information label ....... 9-11
Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label................ 9-11
Labels
Air bag warning labels............................... 1-18
Engine serial number ................................ 9-11Vehicle identification number (VIN)........... 9-10
LATCH system................................................ 1-34
License plate, Installing front license plate..... 9-13
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 1-18
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-26
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-21
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-19
Headlights Bulb replacement .................... 8-27
Interior light................................................ 2-34
Personal light............................................. 2-35
Replacement ............................................. 8-26
Trunk light.................................................. 2-36
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-36
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ........................................... 2-9, 2-12
Xenon headlights....................................... 2-19
Lights, Exterior and interior light
replacement .................................................... 8-28
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ..................................................... 9-14
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-2
Glove box lock........................................... 2-27
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Trunk lid lock opener lever........................ 3-10
Low fuel warning light ..................................... 2-11
M
Maintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-15
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle ........................................ 8-3
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10-3

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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10-4

FUEL RECOMMENDATION:Use unleaded regular gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number
91).
For improved vehicle performance,
NISSAN recommends the use of unleaded
premium gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 91 AKI number (Research octane
number 96).
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol systems, and may also affect war-
ranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three way catalyst.
For additional information, see ªCapacities and
recommended fuel/lubricantsº in the ª9. Tech-
nical and consumer informationº section.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION:IAPI Certification Mark
IAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&II
or API grade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving
IILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III
ISAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30,
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used for am-
bient temperatures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
See ªCapacities and recommended fuel/
lubricantsº in the ª9. Technical and consumer
informationº section for engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.COLD TIRE PRESSURES:See tire placard affixed to the center console
lid.NEW VEHICLE BREAK-IN
PROCEDURES
RECOMMENDATION:During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations out-
lined in the ªBreak-in scheduleº Information
found in the ª5. Starting and drivingº section of
this Owner's Manual.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
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