2003 NISSAN MAXIMA check engine

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze solu-
tion contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional cooling system additives
are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a genuine NISSAN anti-
freeze coolant or equivalent with the
proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze
and 50% demineralized water/distilled
water. The use of other types of coolant
solutions may damage your engine
cooling system.Outside temperature
down to
Anti-
freezeDeminer-
alized
water/
distilled
water ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
INever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator. Wait
until the engine and radiator cool
down.
ISee ªIf your vehicle overheatsº in the
ª6. In case of emergencyº section.
IThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. To prevent engine damage,
use only a genuine NISSAN radiator
cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVELCheck the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX level. If
the reservoir tank is empty, check the coolant
level in the radiatorwhen the engine is cold.
If there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill
the radiator with coolant up to the filler opening
and also add it to the reservoir tank up to the
MAX level.
If the engine cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTIMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by your NISSAN dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.IImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
ITo avoid being scalded, never change
the coolant when the engine is hot.
INever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
IAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
IKeep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
1. Perform the following procedure to open
the heater water cock.
ITurn the ignition key from OFF to ON.
IMove the heater or air conditioner tem-
perature control dial to the maximum hot
position then turn the ignition key to
OFF.
2. Open radiator drain valve at the bottom ofradiator, and remove radiator filler cap.
IBe careful not to allow coolant to con-
tact drive belts.
IWaste coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
3. Close the radiator drain valve securely after
the coolant is drained.
4. Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mix-
ture of anti-freeze solution and demineral-
ized water/distilled water. Fill the reservoir
tank up to the MAX level. Then install the
radiator filler cap.
5. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
Then race the engine 2 or 3 times under no
load.
Watch the engine coolant temperature
gauge for signs of overheating.
6. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up to the
MAX level. Check the drain valve for any
sign of leakage.
7. Recheck the coolant level after the vehicle
has been driven for a day.
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CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H and L
marks. If the oil level is below the L mark,
remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening.Do not
overfill.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating with insufficient amount of oil
can damage the engine, and such dam-
age is not covered by warranty.
SDI0115
SDI0534
ENGINE OIL8-10
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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.
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CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
(Depending on the engine model, a special
cap typewrench may be required. See
your NISSAN dealer if in doubt.) Remove
the oil filter by turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.
4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with clean engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten additionally more than
2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:
10.85 to 15.19 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.6 N×m)
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
8. Turn the engine off and wait several min-
utes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
WARNING
IWhen engine is running, keep hands,
jewelry and clothing away from any
moving parts such as cooling fan and
drive belt.
IAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
SDI0975
SDI1051
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
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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).
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tery which can generate heat, reduce
battery life, and in some cases lead to
an explosion.
IWhen working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
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.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.
1. Remove the cell plugs.
2. Add distilled water up to the MAX level.
3. Tighten cell plugs.
JUMP STARTINGIf jump starting is necessary, see ªJump start-
ingº in 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.
DI0137M
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WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhesion or
looseness. If the belt is in poor condition or
loose, have it replaced or adjusted by your
NISSAN dealer.2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
SDI0141
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUGS
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