2003 NISSAN MAXIMA radiator cap

on, this could cause the three way
catalyst to overheat and be damaged.
To avoid this, the TCS will automati-
cally turn off. Shifting the gear selec-
tor to D will reactivate the TCS.
WARNING
This system is designed to prevent the
wheels from spinning. However, it does
not prevent vehicle slipping or spinning
due to abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Be especially care-
ful when driving on slippery surfaces
and always drive safely.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, see ªEngine Cool-
ing Systemº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourselfº section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see ªBatteryº in the ª8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourselfº section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. See ªEngine cooling systemº in
the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº sectionfor changing engine coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Please consult your NISSAN dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some prov-
inces and states prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before in-
stalling studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use
of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
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WARNING
IDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
ITo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the radia-
tor cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
IDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the shift lever
to the N (Neutral) position (automatic trans-
mission to the P (Park) position).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
the windows, move the heater or air condi-tioner temperature control to maximum hot
and fan control to high speed.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before pro-
ceeding.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
The radiator hoses and radiator should not
leak water.
If coolant is leaking or the cooling fan does
not run, stop the engine.
WARNING
IBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come intocontact with, or to get caught in the
cooling fan, or drive belt.
IThe engine cooling fan can start at
any time when the coolant tempera-
ture is high.
6. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle re-
paired at the nearest NISSAN dealer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency
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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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ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM8-8
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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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