2003 NISSAN MAXIMA wiper blades

3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Normally move the temperature control le-
ver to the midpoint between HOT and
COLD.Heating and defoggingThis mode heats the interior and defogs the
windshield.
1. Push the
button in.
2. Turn on the fan control dial.
3. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
Operating tipsIClear snow and ice from the wiper
blades and air inlet in front of the wind-
shield. This will improve heater opera-
tion.
IWhen the
button is pushed, the air
recirculate mode will automatically be
turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging per-
formance.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATIONStart the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (1 to 4) position and push in the air
conditioning button to activate the air condi-
tioner. When the air conditioner is on, cooling
and dehumidifying functions will be added to
the heater operation.CoolingThis mode is used to cool and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the OFF
position.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioning button. The
indicator light will come on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
For quick cooling when the outside tempera-
ture is high, move the air recirculation button to
the ON position. Be sure to return the air
recirculation button to the OFF position for
normal cooling.
Dehumidified heatingThis mode is used to heat and dehumidify.1. Push the air recirculation button to the OFF
position.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioning button. The
indicator light will come on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Dehumidified defoggingThis mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify.
1. Push the
button in.
2. Turn on the fan control dial.
3. Push on the air conditioning button. The
indicator light will come on.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
When thebutton is pushed, the air con-
ditioner will automatically be turned on to de-
fog the windshield, and the air recirculate
mode will automatically be turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger com-
partment to improve the defogging perfor-
mance.
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are in-
stalled according to the chain manufactur-
er's suggestions.Use only SAE Class S
chains.Other types may damage your
vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended by the tire chain manufacturer to
ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire
chain must be secured or removed to pre-
vent the possibility of whipping action dam-
age to the fenders or underbody. If pos-
sible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when
using tire chains. In addition, drive at a
reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected.
Never install tire chains on a T-type spare
tire. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
Ia scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
Ia sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.Ia shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
Iextra window washer fluid to refill the res-
ervoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
IWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have a lot less traction or grip under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
IWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.
IAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
IAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.IWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
IDo not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
ISnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)An engine block heater to assist extreme cold
temperature starting is available through your
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
Starting and driving
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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
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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
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CAUTION
IAfter wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position.
Otherwise it may be damaged when
the engine hood is opened.
IMake sure the wiper blade contacts
the glass, otherwise the arm may be
damaged from wind pressure.
IWorn windshield wiper blades can
damage the windshield and impair
driver vision.CLEANINGIf your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form when
rinsing with clear water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter-gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water. If
your windshield is still not clear after cleaning
the blades and using the wiper, replace the
blades.WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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REPLACINGReplace the wiper blades if they are worn.
1. Pull the wiper arm.
2. Push the lock pin, then remove the wiper
blade.
3. Insert the new wiper blade to the wiper arm
until a click sounds.
If you wax the surface of the hood, be
careful not to let wax get into the washer
nozzle. This may clog the nozzle that could
cause improper windshield washer opera-
tion. If wax gets into the nozzle, unclog it
with a needle or small pin.
DI1018M
SDI0146
8-20
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Trunk
Access through rear seat ............................ 1-5
Interior trunk lid release ............................ 3-12
Lid lock opener lever ................................. 3-10
Light ........................................................... 2-36
Turn signal switch ........................................... 2-21
U
Underbody cleaning .......................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading............................. 9-19
V
Vanity mirror light ............................................ 2-36
Vehicle
Dimensions and weights ............................. 9-9
Identification number (VIN) ....................... 9-10
Loading information ................................... 9-14
Security system ......................................... 2-14
Vehicle recovery, (freeing a stuck vehicle)..... 6-11
Ventilators ......................................................... 4-2
W
Warning labels, Air bag warning labels .......... 1-18
Warning light
Air bag warning light ........................ 1-18, 2-11
Anti-lock brake............................................. 2-9
Brake warning light.................................... 2-10
Door open.................................................. 2-10
Low fuel warning light ............................... 2-11
Seat belt warning light and chime............. 2-11Warning lights ................................................... 2-9
Warning, Hazard warning flasher switch ........ 2-22
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .......................................................... 2-9
Warranty, Emission control system
warranty .......................................................... 9-20
Washer switch, Windshield wiper and washer
switch .............................................................. 2-16
Washing ............................................................ 7-2
Waxing .............................................................. 7-2
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ........... 9-9
Wheel/tire size .................................................. 9-9
Wheels and tires ............................................. 8-33
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels
Window washer fluid ....................................... 8-15
Window(s)
Cleaning ...................................................... 7-3
Power windows ......................................... 2-29
Windshield wiper and washer switch.............. 2-16
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-16
Wiper blades ............................................. 8-19
X
Xenon headlights ............................................ 2-19
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10-6