2004 NISSAN MAXIMA light

least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number. How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number in high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft
(1,219 m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New
Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada,
southern Idaho, western South Dakota, western
Nebraska, and the 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 a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
9-4Technical and consumer information
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Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
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Use the following steps to mount the front license
plate:
Before mounting the license plate, confirm that
the following parts are enclosed in the plastic
bag:
cLicense plate bracket
cLicense plate bracket screws x 2
cLicense plate screws x 2
cScrew grommets x 2
1. Make a shallow hole in the bumper fascia at
the location marks (small dimples) using a
0.39 in (10 mm) drill. To avoid damaging the
area behind the fascia, apply only light pres-
sure to the drill.
2. Insert the grommets into the holes in the
bumper fascia.
3. Insert a small flat-bladed screwdriver into
the grommet hole to turn the threaded part of
the grommet 90°.
4. Mount the license plate bracket using the
two longer screws.
5. Use the two shorter hex head screws to
mount the license plate to the license plate
bracket.WARNING
cIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside a vehicle. In a colli-
sion, people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
cDo not allow people to ride in any area
of your vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and seat belts.
cBe sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
seat and using a seat belt properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself with the fol-
lowing terms before loading your vehicle:
cCurb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle)
- vehicle weight including: standard and op-
tional equipment, fluids, emergency tools,
and spare tire assembly. This weightdoes
notinclude passengers and cargo.
cGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb weight
plus the combined weight of passengers
and cargo.
cGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total weight (load) limit specified
for the vehicle.cGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the
front or rear axle.
DETERMINING VEHICLE LOAD
CAPACITY
The load capacity of this vehicle is determined by
weight, not by available cargo space. For ex-
ample, a luggage rack, bike carrier, cartop carrier
or similar equipment does not increase load car-
rying capacity of your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using a
commercial-grade scale, found at places such as
a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain elevator, or a
scrap metal recycling facility.
1. Determine the curb weight of your vehicle.
2. Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to deter-
mine how much more weight your vehicle
can carry.
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
9-12Technical and consumer information
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
CHART
TOWING LOAD / SPECIFICATION CHART
UNIT: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM TOWING
LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM TONGUE
LOAD100 (45)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer.
A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is available from
your NISSAN dealer. Make sure the trailer hitch is
securely attached to the vehicle, to help avoid
personal injury or property damage due to sway
caused by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or
passing trucks.
CAUTION
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch and/or receiver when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the bolt
holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water
or dust from entering the passenger
compartment.
cRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the tire placard.
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturer’s
specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup into
the vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
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 possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
Technical and consumer information9-15
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10 Index
A
Active head restraint...............1-9
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)......................1-9
Air bag warning light...........1-21, 2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-18
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Servicing air conditioner..........4-18
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-14
Anchor point locations.............1-40
Antenna.....................4-32
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-9
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-14
Audio system..................4-19
AM-FM radio with cassette player.....4-26
Cassette player...............4-26
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-29
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-27
FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player
and compact disc (CD) changer......4-23
FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player
and compact disc (CD) player.......4-23
Radio....................4-19Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-31
Autolight switch.................2-20
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-19
Automatic power window switch.....2-35
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-11
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-10
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-10
Battery replacement (See remote keyless
entry system)................3-9, 8-26
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-17
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-18
Brake booster................8-23
Brake fluid..................8-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Brake pedal.................8-22
Brake system................5-18
Brake warning light.............2-10
Brake wear indicators........2-14, 8-23
Parking brake check............8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Self-adjusting brakes............8-23
Break-in schedule................5-15Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-22
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
Cassette player (See audio system)......4-26
CD care and cleaning.............4-30
CD changer (See audio system)........4-29
CD player (See audio system).........4-27
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator lamp).......2-12
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-39
Child restraints.......1-25, 1-26, 1-31, 1-38
Precautions on child restraints.......1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-40
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-14
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock
(models with navigation system)......4-12
(models without navigation system).....4-4
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Cold weather driving..............5-22
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-27
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Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-31
Control panel buttons
With navigation system...........4-7
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-31
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Cornering light.................2-23
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-13
Cup holders...................2-29
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-21
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-18
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-10
Drive belts....................8-17
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-19
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-22
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2E
Economy - fuel.................5-15
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-18
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-6
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-29
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-23
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-11
Brake fluid..................8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Window washer fluid............8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-23
Folding rear seat.................1-6
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-15
Fuel filler cap................3-13
Fuel filler lid.................3-13
Fuel filler lid and cap............3-13
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-3
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-23
Fusible links...................8-24
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-42
Gascap.....................3-13
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge..................2-6
10-2
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Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-31
Glove box lock.................2-31
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-23
Head restraints..................1-8
Active head restraint.............1-9
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-19
Heated seats..................2-24
Heated steering wheel.............2-25
Heater
Heater operation..............4-17
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-42
Hood release..................3-10
Horn.......................2-24
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-16, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-18
Increasing fuel economy............5-15
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Instrument brightness control.........2-22
Instrument panel.................2-2Interior light...................2-39
Interior trunk lid release.............3-12
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-38
J
Jump starting...................6-6
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system (See remote keyless
entry system)...................3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Emission control information label.....9-10
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-21
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-38
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-11
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-21, 2-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-28
Charge warning light............2-10Cornering light...............2-23
Fog light switch...............2-23
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-19
Interior light.................2-39
Light bulbs..................8-27
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-11
Personal lights...............2-40
Trunk light..................2-41
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Glove box lock...............2-31
Power door locks...............3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-10
Low fuel warning light.............2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-11
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-30
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-12
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-22
Mirror
Outside mirror control...........3-17
10-3
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Outside mirrors...............3-17
Vanity mirror.................3-16
Multi-remote control system (See remote
keyless entry system)...............3-5
N
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS).................2-16, 3-2, 5-5
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-3
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-10
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control.............3-17
Outside mirrors.................3-17
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats...........6-9
Owner’s manual order form..........9-20
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-20P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Parking/parking on hills...........5-16
Personal lights.................2-40
Power
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-27
Power rear windows............2-35
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-17
Power windows...............2-34
Rear power windows............2-35
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child restraints.......1-31
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-23
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-9
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting...................6-8
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player.....4-26
Car phone or CB radio...........4-32
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-29
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-31
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-19
Rear power windows..............2-35Rear seat.....................1-6
Rear sun shade.................2-38
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-18
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system..........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Child seat belts...............1-31
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-19
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-25
Infants and small children.........1-26
Injured Person................1-26
Larger children...............1-26
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-23
Pregnant women..............1-26
Seat belt extenders.............1-30
Seat belt maintenance...........1-30
Seat belts..................1-23
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-29
Three-point type with retractor.......1-27
Seat belt warning light.............2-11
Seatback pockets................2-28
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Automatic drive positioner.........3-19
10-4
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Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-24
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat...................1-6
Security system (Nissan vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-16, 3-2, 5-5
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-23
Service manual order form...........9-20
Servicing air conditioner............4-18
Shift lock release................5-10
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-8
Manual transmission............5-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-29
Spark plug replacement............8-17
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-21
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Jump starting.................6-6
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting.................6-8
Starting the engine..............5-6
Steering
Heated steering wheel...........2-25
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-17
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-31
Stop light....................8-28
Storage.....................2-28
Sun visors....................3-16
Sunglasses case................2-29
Sunglasses holder...............2-29
Sunroof.....................2-36
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-21, 2-11Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-21
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-9
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-9
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-20
Automatic power window switch.....2-35
Fog light switch...............2-23
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-23
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-19
Ignition switch................5-4
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-18
Traction control system (TCS) off
switch....................2-26
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch....................2-26
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-17
T
Tachometer....................2-5
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-10
Theft (Nissan vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start..............2-16, 3-2, 5-5
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-42Tire chains..................8-39
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-33
Tire rotation.................8-40
Types of tires................8-39
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-17
Wheels and tires..............8-33
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-39
Towing
Flat towing..................9-17
Tow truck towing..............6-10
Towing load/specification chart......9-15
Trailer towing................9-13
Traction control system (TCS) off switch . . .2-26
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-42
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-11
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-11
Selector lever lock release.........5-10
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country).................9-9
Trip odometer...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat.......1-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-10
Trunk light....................2-41
Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch)............2-19, 2-22
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-17
10-5
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Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
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