2006 NISSAN MAXIMA steering

Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting”
in the “In case of emergency” section of this
manual. If the engine does not start by jump
starting, the battery may have to be replaced.
Contact a NISSAN dealer.
1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Crankshaft
3. Generator
4. Air conditioner
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect the belt(s) for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the
belt is in poor condition or is loose, have it
replaced or adjusted by a NISSAN dealer.2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule found in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide”.
WDI0226
DRIVE BELTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 75.6 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.2 • API Certification Mark *2 *3
•API grade SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-III*2 *3 Without oil filter change 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
Cooling system
With reservoir 2-1/4 gal 1-7/8 gal 8.5 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Manual transmission gear oil 2-3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API
GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF *4
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*8
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system oil — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S (DH-PS) or equivalent*6
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid
or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: For further details, see “Recommended SAE viscosity number.”
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the auto-
matic transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ III/MERCON™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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cOverloading not only can shorten
the life of your vehicle and the
tire, but can also cause unsafe
vehicle handling and longer brak-
ing 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 vehicle’s
warranty.WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
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.
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) .
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
NISSAN warranties.
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information9-15
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Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer.
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.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
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. Some states or provinces have spe-
cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
c
Always 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 auto-
matic transmission, first block the wheels and
apply the parking brake, and then move the
9-18Technical and consumer information
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transmission shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position. If you move the shift selector
lever to the P (Park) position before blocking
the wheels and applying the 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.
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) .
cFor the first 500 miles that you do tow, do
not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
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.cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
Technical and consumer information9-19
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10 Index
A
Active head restraint...............1-9
Air bag
(See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-35
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-42
Air bag warning light...........1-50, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter............8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-20
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Servicing air conditioner..........4-20
Alarm system (See vehicle security system). .2-15
Anchor point locations.............1-27
Antenna.....................4-33
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-15
Audio system..................4-20
AM-FM radio with cassette player.....4-28
Cassette player...............4-28
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-30
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-29
FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player
and compact disc (CD) changer......4-24FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player
and compact disc (CD) player.......4-24
Radio....................4-20
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-33
Autolight switch.................2-22
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-19
Automatic power window switch.....2-38
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-10
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-11
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-15
BluetoothThands-free phone system.....4-35
Booster seats..................1-31
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-18
Brake booster................8-22
Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Brake pedal.................8-21
Brake system................5-17
Brake warning light.............2-11
Brake wear indicators........2-15, 8-22
Parking brake check............8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-12Self-adjusting brakes............8-22
Break-in schedule................5-14
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-24
Brightness/Contrast button........4-6, 4-16
Control panel buttons.........4-6, 4-16
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-10
Bulb replacement................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-34
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
Cassette player (See audio system)......4-28
CD care and cleaning.............4-32
CD changer (See audio system)........4-30
CD player (See audio system).........4-29
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-26
Child restraints.......1-12, 1-13, 1-18, 1-25
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-18, 1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-27
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-15
Cigarette lighter.................2-30
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock
(models with navigation system)......4-14
(models without navigation system).....4-4
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Clock set
Control panel buttons.........4-4, 4-14
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-21
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-29
Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-34
Control panel buttons
With navigation system...........4-7
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-33
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.................2-25
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-13
Cup holders...................2-32
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-23
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-20
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Display controls
(see control panel buttons).........4-2, 4-7Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-11
Drive belts....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-19
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-21
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-15
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-21
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 pressure warning light.....2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-6English/Metric button...........4-4, 4-14
Control panel buttons.........4-4, 4-14
ENTER button.............4-2, 4-3, 4-7
Enter button
Control panel buttons.......4-2, 4-3, 4-7
Event data recorders..............9-23
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-31
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-25
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-24
Folding rear seat.................1-6
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-42
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-15
Fuel gauge..................2-6
10-2
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Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-11
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-11
FUEL ECON button............4-4, 4-9
Fuel Econ button
Control panel buttons..........4-4, 4-9
Fuses......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-24
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-44
Gascap.....................3-11
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-33
Glove box lock.................2-33
Grocery hooks.................2-36
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-25
Head restraints..................1-8
Active head restraint.............1-9
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-20
Headlight control switch............2-21Heated seats..................2-26
Heated steering wheel.............2-27
Heater
Heater operation..............4-19
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-44
Hood release...................3-9
Horn.......................2-26
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-17, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-17
Increasing fuel economy............5-15
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-10
Instrument brightness control.........2-24
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Interior light...................2-42
Interior trunk lid release.............3-11
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-25
J
Jump starting...................6-6
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-26Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
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)..........1-49
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-25
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-50, 2-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-10
Bulb replacement..............8-28
Charge warning light............2-11
Cornering light...............2-25
Fog light switch...............2-24
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Headlight control switch..........2-21
Interior light.................2-42
Light bulbs..................8-27
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-12
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-44
Personal lights...............2-43
Trunk light..................2-44
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-10
10-3
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