2004 NISSAN MAXIMA engine coolant

cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In 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 perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is
not recommended; however, if you must do
so, and if your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion before blocking the wheels and applyingthe parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating. However, for
long steep grades, do not stay in 1st or 2nd
gear when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
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.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen 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.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe 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.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive
(automatic transmission) .
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
9-16Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the Na-
tional Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a
recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236. You may
also write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Trans-
portation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor vehicle
safety from the Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our Con-
sumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at 1-800-
NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call 1-808-836-0888.Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the
I/M test, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 5
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least three
times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission se-
lector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast one more time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
Technical and consumer information9-19
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

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
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

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
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

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
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

V
Vanity mirror...................3-16
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. . .2-26
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-21
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number).................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.............6-11, 6-12
Vehicle security system.............2-14
Vehicle security system (Nissan vehicle immobi-
lizer system) , engine start......2-16, 3-2, 5-5
Visors......................3-16
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-21, 2-11
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-9
Battery charge warning light........2-10
Brake warning light.............2-10
Door open warning light..........2-10
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-10
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-23
Low fuel warning light...........2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-11
Seat belt warning light...........2-11
Vehicle security system...........2-14
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-21Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Warning lights..................2-9
Washer switch
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-17
Weights (See dimensions and weights). . . .9-8
Wheels and tires................8-33
Wheel/tire size..................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................9-9
Window washer fluid..............8-14
Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-35
Power rear windows............2-35
Power windows...............2-34
Rear power windows............2-35
Windshield wiper and washer switch.....2-17
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-17
Wiper blades................8-21
10-6
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X

1. Engine coolant 8-7
2. Window washer fluid 8-14
3. Engine oil 8-8
4. Passenger supplemental front impact air bag
1-9
5. Audio system 4-19; Air conditioner 4-16
6. Supplemental side-impact air bag 1-9
7. Front seats 1-2
8. Spare tire 6-2
9. Fuel filler lid release 3-13; Fuel recommen-
dation 9-3
10. Keys 3-2
11. Supplemental side-impact air bag 1-9
12. Seat belts 1-23
13. Trunk release 3-10
14. Supplemental curtain side-impact air bag
1-9
15. Driver supplemental front impact air bag 1-9
16. Hood release 3-10
17. Meters and gauges 2-3
WGS0016
QUICK REFERENCE
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/20/03Ðarosenma
X