2003 NISSAN MAXIMA headlight

Headlight beam selectTo select the high beam, push the lever for-
ward. Pull it back to select the low beam.Passing signalPulling the lever toward you will flash the
headlight high beam.Daytime running light system
(Canada only)The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is started
with the parking brake released. The daytime
running lights operate with the headlight switch
in the OFF position or in the
position.
Turn the headlight switch to theposition
for full illumination when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the
engine is started, the daytime running lights do
not illuminate. The daytime running lights illu-
minate once the parking brake is released.
The daytime running lights will remain on until
the ignition switch is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle are
not on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on
your headlights. Failure to do so could
cause an accident injuring yourself and
others.TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
Turn signalMove the lever up or down to signal the turning
direction. When the turn is completed, the turn
signals cancel automatically.Lane change signalTo indicate a lane change, move the lever up
or down to the point where lights begin flash-
ing.To turn the fog lights on, turn the headlight
switch to the
position, then turn the
switch to theposition. To turn them off,
turn the switch to the OFF position.
The headlights must be on for the fog lights to
operate.
SIC1760
FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if so
equipped)
Instruments and controls
2-21
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

draw. Do not use double adapters or
more than one electrical accessory.
IUse this power outlet with the engine
running. (If the engine is stopped,
this could result in a discharged bat-
tery.)
IAvoid using when the air conditioner,
headlights or rear window defogger
is on.
IBefore inserting or disconnecting a
plug, be sure to turn off the power
switch of electrical accessory being
used or the ACC power of the vehicle.
IPush the plug in as far as it will go. If
good contact is not made, the plug
may overheat or the internal tempera-
ture fuse may blow.
IWhen not in use, be sure to close the
cap. Do not allow water to contact the
socket.The cigarette lighter element is an accessory.
A genuine NISSAN cigarette lighter unit can be
purchased from your local NISSAN dealer.
The cigarette lighter operates when the igni-
tion switch is in the ACC or ON position.
Push the lighter in all the way. When the lighter
is heated, it will spring out.
Return the lighter to its original position after
use.
WARNING
The cigarette lighter should not be used
while driving so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
CAUTION
The cigarette lighter socket is a power
source for the cigarette lighter element
only. The use of the cigarette lighter
socket as a power source for any other
accessory is not recommended.
SIC1233A
CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND
ASHTRAY (accessory)
Instruments and controls
2-25
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

To stop lowering the windows, release the
UNLOCK button.
To start lowering the windows, press the UN-
LOCK button again for 3 more seconds.
This function will operate after the ignition
switch is off and 45 seconds passed or either
the front door is opened.Releasing the trunk lid1. Push the TRUNK button on the keyfob for
longer than 0.5 seconds with the key re-
moved from the ignition key cylinder.
2. The trunk lid opens.
The trunk lid will not open when the trunk lid
cancel lever is in the CANCEL position.
It can be opened only with the key.
See ªTrunk lidº later in this section for cancel
lever.Using the panic alarmIf you are near your vehicle and feel threat-
ened, you may activate the alarm to call atten-
tion as follows:
1. Push the PANIC button on the keyfob for
longer than 0.5 secondswith the key
removed from the ignition key cylinder.
2. The theft warning alarm and headlights willstay on for 30 seconds.
3. The panic alarm stops when:
IIt has run for 30 seconds, or
IThe LOCK or the UNLOCK button is
pressed, or
IThe panic button or the trunk lid release
button is pushed on the keyfob for longer
than 0.5 seconds.
BATTERY REPLACEMENTReplace the battery as follows:
1. Open the lid using a suitable tool.
2. Replace the battery with a new one.
SPA1374
3-8
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

CAUTION
Store the main sun visor after storing
the extension sun visor.
AUTOMATIC ANTI-GLARE INSIDE
MIRROR
WARNING
Use the AUTO position only when nec-
essary, because it reduces rear view
clarity.
The inside mirror is designed so that it auto-
matically changes reflection according to the
intensity of the headlight of the following ve-
hicle.When the mirror switch is in the ON position,
AUTO indicator light remains on and exces-
sive glare from the headlights of the vehicle
behind you will be reduced automatically.
When the switch is in the OFF position, the
inside mirror will operate normally.
SPA0991
SPA1109A
SPA1490
SUN VISORS MIRRORS
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
3-15
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements ........................................ 8-2
General maintenance ................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .......... 8-2
Maintenance precautions .......................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-7
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ............................. 8-8
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................................ 8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter ................................... 8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-12
Temperature conditions for checking ................. 8-13
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-14
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-15
Battery ..................................................................... 8-15
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-17
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ........................................ 8-18Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-19
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-19
Replacing............................................................ 8-20
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-21
Checking parking brake ..................................... 8-21
Checking brake pedal ........................................ 8-21
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-22
Fuses....................................................................... 8-22
Engine compartment .......................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment .................................... 8-24
Keyfob battery replacement .................................... 8-24
Lights ....................................................................... 8-26
Headlights........................................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .................................. 8-28
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 8-33
Tire pressure ...................................................... 8-33
Types of tires...................................................... 8-33
Tire chains .......................................................... 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ................................. 8-35
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balance:If the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight
and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº in the
Warranty Information Booklet (US) or ªTire
Safety Informationº in the Warranty and Road-
side Assistance Information booklet (Canada).
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regu-
lar basis. Check the windshield at least every
six months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hood:Check that all doors
and the engine hood operate smoothly as well
as the trunk lid or back hatch. Also make sure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate if nec-essary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the pri-
mary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
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.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in thesteering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to en-
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if equipped) hold securely
in all latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*:Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
play.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed fully.
Check the brake booster function. Be sure to
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

BRAKE BOOSTERCheck the brake booster function as follows:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake
pedal movement (distance of travel) re-
mains the same from one pedal application
to the next, continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a
little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height should
not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradu-
ally with each depression as the vacuum is
released from the booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, see your
NISSAN dealer.
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
ENGINE COMPARTMENTIf any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fusible link cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
SDI0964
FUSES
8-22
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

PASSENGER COMPARTMENTIf any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Pull to open the fuse box lid.
3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
5. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by your
NISSAN dealer.Replace the battery as follows:
1. Open the lid using a suitable tool.
2. Replace the battery with a new one.
Recommended battery: Sanyo CR2025 or
equivalent
SDI0966
SPA1374
KEYFOB BATTERY
REPLACEMENT
8-24
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X