2004 NISSAN MAXIMA Owners Manual

When planning to drive your NISSAN ve-
hicle in another country,you should first find
out if the fuel available is suitable for your vehi-
cle’s engine.
Using fuel with an octane rating that is too low
may cause engine damage. All gasoline vehicles
must be operated with unleaded gasoline. There-
fore, avoid taking your vehicle to areas where
appropriate fuel is not available.
When transferring the registration of your
vehicle to another country, state, province
or district,it may be necessary to modify the
vehicle to meet local laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle emis-
sion control and safety standards vary according
to the country, state, province or district; there-
fore, vehicle specifications may differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into an-
other country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, transpor-
tation, and registration are the responsibil-
ity of the user. NISSAN is not responsible
for any inconvenience that may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATE
The vehicle identification number (VIN) plate is
attached as shown. This number is the identifica-
tion for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle
registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)
The vehicle identification number is located as
shown.
LTI0069LTI0070
WHEN TRAVELING OR REGISTERING
YOUR VEHICLE IN ANOTHER
COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
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ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The number is stamped on the engine as shown.
F.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION LABEL
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (F.M-
.V.S.S.) certification label is affixed as shown.
This label contains valuable vehicle information,
such as: Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) ,
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) , month and
year of manufacture, Vehicle Identification Num-
ber (VIN) , etc. Review it carefully.
EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABEL
The emission control information label is at-
tached as shown.
WTI0049LTI0071LTI0072
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TIRE PLACARD
The cold tire pressure is shown on the tire plac-
ard. The tire placard is located under the center
console lid.
AIR CONDITIONER SPECIFICATION
LABEL
The air conditioner specification label is affixed as
shown.
LTI0073LTI0074
LTI0075
INSTALLING FRONT LICENSE PLATE
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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
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3. After loading (cargo and passengers) , re-
weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is ex-
ceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, remove
cargo as necessary. If either the front or rear
GAWR is exceeded, shift the load or remove
cargo as necessary.
LOADING TIPS
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. certi-
fication label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than
the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or col-
lision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage could
occur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result in
loss of control and cause personal
injury.
cOverloading not only can shorten the
life of your vehicle and the tire, but can
also cause unsafe vehicle handling and
longer braking distances. This may
cause a premature tire failure which
could result in a serious accident and
personal injury. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by the ve-
hicle’s warranty.Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only)is
available from a NISSAN dealer. This guide in-
cludes information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the Towing Load/Specification
Chart found later in this section. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
Towing loads greater than specified or using
improper towing equipment could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also
the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced on very steep grades or in low traction
situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps) .
TOWING A TRAILER
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CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures are not covered by
NISSAN warranties. A NISSAN Trailer
Towing Guide (U.S. only) containing infor-
mation on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required may be ob-
tained from a NISSAN dealer.
Tongue load
Keep the tongue load between9-11percent of
the total trailer load within the maximum tongue
load limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle
weight/maximum gross axle weight
The gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) shown on the F. M. V. S. S. certification
label. The gross vehicle weight equals the com-
bined weight of the unloaded vehicle, passen-
gers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and any
other optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed the gross axle
weight rating (GAWR) shown on the F. M. V. S. S.
certification label.
CA0009TI1012M
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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.
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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)
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