2003 NISSAN MAXIMA service

ForewordWelcome to the growing family of new
NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to
you with confidence. It was produced using
the latest techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of
driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Service and Maintenance Guide
and Warranty Information Booklet explains
details about the warranties covering your
vehicle and vehicle maintenance sched-
ules. Additionally, a separate Customer
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state's
lemon law.
Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best.
When you require any service or have any
questions, he will be glad to assist you with
the extensive resources available to him.READ FIRST Ð THEN DRIVE
SAFELYBefore driving your vehicle please read
your Owner's Manual carefully. This will
ensure familiarity with controls and main-
tenance requirements, assisting you in thesafe operation of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMA-
TION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
INever drive under the influence of al-
cohol or drugs.
IAlways observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for condi-
tions.
IAlways use your seat belts and appro-
priate child restraint systems. Preteen
children should be seated in the rear
seat.
IAlways provide information about the
proper use of vehicle safety features
to all occupants of the vehicle.
IAlways review this Owner's Manual
for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR
VEHICLEThis vehicle should not be modified. Modi-
fication could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate
governmental regulations. In addition,
damage or performance problems result-
ing from modification may not be covered
under NISSAN warranties.WHEN READING THE MANUALThis manual includes information for all
options available on this model. Therefore,
you may find some information that does
not apply to your vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustrations
in this manual are those in effect at the time of
printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
specifications or design at any time without
notice.
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

Welcome To The World Of NISSANYour new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come the fifth largest automaker in the world. In
addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes
forklift trucks, marine engines, boats and other
diversified products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America. NISSAN'S commit-
ment is nearly $4 billion dollars in capital invest-
ments in facilities across the continent. Some ofthe facilities include the Nissan Manufacturing
facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle styling
design at Nissan Design America in San Diego,
California, and engineering at Nissan Technical
Center North America in Farmington Hills, Michi-
gan. Additionally, NISSAN employs nearly
18,000 people throughout the United States,
Canada, and Mexico. An additional 71,000
people work for the 1,500 NISSAN and INFINITI
dealers across North America.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 140 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply NISSAN and
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from operation of port facilities and trans-portation services to the supply of lubricants,
parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN
to your dealer for maintenance, the service tech-
nician will perform his work according to the
quality standards that have been established by
the factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
WFW0002Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM
NISSAN CARES ...
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN
dealer are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.
However, if there is something that your
NISSAN dealer cannot assist you with or you
would like to provide NISSAN directly with
comments or questions, please contact our
(NISSAN's) Consumer Affairs Department us-
ing our toll-free number:For U.S. mainland customers
1-800-NISSAN-1
(1-800-647-7261)
For Hawaii customers
(808) 836-0888 (Oahu Number)
For Canadian customers
1-800-387-0122
The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for
the following information:
Ð Your name, address, and telephone
number
Ð Vehicle identification number (on dash
panel)
Ð Date of purchase
Ð Current odometer reading
Ð Your NISSAN dealer's name
Ð Your comments or questions
ORYou can write to NISSAN with the information
on the left at:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, California 90248-0191
For Hawaii customers
Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii
2880 Kilihau St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
For Canada customers
Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

INo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the pre-tensioner seat belt system.
This is to prevent accidental activa-
tion of the pre-tensioner seat belt or
damage to the pre-tensioner seat belt
operation. Tampering with the pre-
tensioner seat belt system may result
in serious personal injury.
IWork around and on the pre-
tensioner system should be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. Instal-
lation of electrical equipment should
also be done by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. Unauthorized electri-
cal test equipment and probing de-
vices should not be used on the pre-
tensioner seat belt system.
IIf you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, con-
tact an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Correct pre-tensioner disposal proce-
dures are set forth in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual. Incorrect
disposal procedures could cause
personal injury.The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system
activates in conjunction with the supplemental
front air bag. Working with the seat belt retrac-
tor, it helps tighten the seat belt the instant the
vehicle becomes involved in certain types of
collisions, thereby restraining seat occupants.
The pre-tensioner is encased with the seat
belt's retractor. These seat belts are used the
same as conventional seat belts.
When the pre-tensioner seat belt activates,
smoke is released and a loud noise may be
heard. The smoke is not harmful, but care
should be taken not to inhale it as it may cause
irritation and choking. Those with a history of a
breathing condition should get fresh air
promptly.
If any abnormality occurs in the pre-tensioner
system, the supplemental air bag warning light
will not come on, will flash intermittently
or will turn on for 7 seconds and remain on
after the ignition key has been turned to the
ON or START position. In this case, the pre-
tensioner seat belt may not function properly.
The system should be inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the pre-tensioner seat
belt system and guide the buyer to the appro-
priate sections in this Owner's Manual.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
1-17
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

A/T check warning light (A/T
models)
When the ignition switch is turned ON, the light
comes on for 2 seconds. If the light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds, it may indicate the
automatic transmission system is not function-
ing properly. Have your NISSAN dealer check
and repair the transmission.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ªBrake and clutch fluidº
in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
section.
WARNING
IYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be
dangerous.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as greater pedal
travel.
IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir,
do not drive until the brake system
has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging sys-
tem is not functioning properly. Turn the en-
gine off and check the alternator belt. If the belt
is loose, broken, missing or if the light remains
on, see your NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are
not closed securely while the ignition key is
ON.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer
or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See ªEngine
2-10
Instruments and controls
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

tem (CONT ASSY-IMMOBILIZER, ANT
ASSY-IMMOBILIZER)
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must ac-
cept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired op-
eration of the device.
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EX-
PRESSLY APPROVED BY THE MANUFAC-
TURE FOR COMPLIANCE COULD VOID
THE USER'S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE
THE EQUIPMENT.
Security indicator lightIf Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System is mal-
functioning, this light will remain on while the
ignition key is in the ON position.
If the light still remains on and/or the en-
gine will not start, see your NISSAN dealer
for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ser-
vice as soon as possible. Please bring all
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System keys
that you have when visiting your NISSAN
dealer for service.The windshield wiper and washer operates
when the ignition key is in the ON position.
Push the lever down to operate the wiper.
Intermittent operation can be adjusted from 2
to 13 seconds by turning the knob.
Pull the lever toward you to operate the
washer. The wipers will automatically operate
several times when the washer is activated.
Push the lever up to cycle the wipers one time.
SIC1228
SIC1739
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCH
2-16
Instruments and controls
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

OPERATING TIPSWhen the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. However, this is not
a malfunction. After the coolant temperature
warms up, the air flow from the foot outlets will
operate normally.
The sensor on the instrument panel helps
maintain a constant temperature; do not put
anything on or around this sensor.
IN-CABIN MICROFILTERThe air conditioning system is equipped with
an in-cabin microfilter which collects dirt, pol-
len, dust, etc. To make sure air conditioner
heats, defogs, and ventilates efficiently, re-
place the filter according to the maintenance
intervals. See the separate Service and Main-
tenance Guide. To replace the filter, contact
your NISSAN dealer.
The filter should be replaced if air flowdecreases significantly or if windows fog
up easily when operating the heater or air
conditioning system.
HA1011
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-11
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

The air conditioning system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a refrigerant designed
with the environment in mind.This refrigerant
will not harm the earth's ozone layer.How-
ever, special charging equipment and lubricant
are required when servicing your NISSAN air
conditioner. Using improper refrigerants or lu-
bricants will cause severe damage to your air
conditioning system. See ªCapacities and rec-
ommended fuel/lubricantsº in the ª9. Technical
and consumer informationº section for air con-
ditioning system refrigerant and lubricant rec-
ommendations.
Your NISSAN dealer will be able to service
your environmentally friendly air conditioning
system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equip-
ment.Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON and press
the power on switch to turn on the radio. If you
listen to the radio with the engine not running,
the key should be turned to the ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains and other external
influences. Intermittent changes in reception
quality normally are caused by these external
influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the ve-
hicle may influence radio reception quality.
Radio receptionYour radio system is equipped with state-of-
the-art electronic circuits to enhance radio
reception. These circuits are designed to ex-
tend reception range, and to enhance the
quality of that reception.
However there are some general characteris-
tics of both FM and AM radio signals that can
affect radio reception quality in a moving ve-
hicle, even when the finest equipment is used.
These characteristics are completely normal in
a given reception area, and do not indicate any
malfunction in your radio system.
Remember that a moving vehicle is not the
ideal place to listen to a radio. Because of the
movement, reception conditions will constantlychange. Buildings, terrain, signal distance and
interference from other vehicles can work
against ideal reception. Described below are
some of the factors that can affect your radio
reception.
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER AUDIO SYSTEM4-12
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X