2003 NISSAN MAXIMA check engine

CHECKING PARKING BRAKEFrom the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the number
of clicks is out of the range listed above, see
your NISSAN dealer.
CHECKING BRAKE PEDALWith the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and
the metal floor. If it is out of the range shown
above, see your NISSAN dealer.Self-adjusting brakesYour vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See your NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.Brake pad wear indicatorsThe disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indi-
cator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, oc-
casional brake squeak, squeal or other noise
may be heard. Occasional brake noise during
light to moderate stops is normal and does not
affect the function or performance of the brake
system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For additional information, see
the separate Service and Maintenance Guide.
SDI0125
DI1020MH
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-21
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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
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unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in
these high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, south-
ern Idaho, western South Dakota, western
Nebraska, and that part of Texas which is
directly south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may
cause excessive fuel consumption or damage
to the engine. If any of the above symptoms
are encountered, have your vehicle checked at
a NISSAN dealer or other competent service
facility.However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.9-4
Technical and consumer information
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trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
IBe certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing be-
fore driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability, and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on aslope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped
with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission selector lever
into the P (Park) position. If you move the
selector lever to the P (Park) position be-
fore blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
IIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
ITrailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often thanat intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule.
IWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
ICrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being passed
by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect
vehicle handling. If swaying does occur,
firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually) re-
duce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
IBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
ITo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
fifth gear (manual transmission) or over-
drive (automatic transmission).9-18
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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