2016 NISSAN MAXIMA check oil

REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, insects,
and tree sap as quickly as possible from the
surface of the paint to avoid lasting damage or
staining. Special cleaning products are available
at a NISSAN dealer or any automotive accessory
store.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, it is
necessary to clean the underbody regularly in
order to prevent dirt and salt from building up and
causing the acceleration of corrosion on the un-
derbody and suspension. Before the winter pe-
riod and again in the spring, the underseal must
be checked and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASS
When cleaning the rear window, it may be easier
to clean if the high-mounted stop light is removed
first.
Be careful when removing the high-mounted
stop light to reduce the risk of damaging the
high-mounted stop light wires.
To remove the high-mounted stop light:
1Push toward rear of vehicle.
2Lift to remove.
The high-mounted stop light must be properly
reinstalled before driving your vehicle. Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film
from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass to
become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the windows,
do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive
cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant
cleaners. They could damage the electrical
conductors, radio antenna elements or
rear window defroster elements.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS
Wash the wheels regularly with a sponge damp-
ened in a mild soap solution, especially during
winter months in areas where road salt is used. If
not removed, road salt can discolor the wheels.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoid
staining or discoloring the wheels:
●
Do not use a cleaner that uses strong
acid or alkali contents to clean the
wheels.
WAI0007
Appearance and care7-3

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance 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 ...................8-9
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
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ......8-13
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-14
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-15
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-15
Battery .......................................... 8-16
Jump starting ................................. 8-17
Variable voltage control system .....................8-18
Drive belt ........................................ 8-18
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-19Air cleaner
....................................... 8-20
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-20
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-20
Cleaning ..................................... 8-20
Replacing .................................... 8-21
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment .......................8-24
Battery replacement .............................. 8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key® .......................8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Front park/turn signal/side marker light ...........8-27
Fog

lights ..................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-28
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-31
Tire pressure .................................. 8-31
Tire labeling ................................... 8-35
Types of tires .................................. 8-37
Tire chains .................................... 8-38
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-38

Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make sure 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
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery* Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level. NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electronic accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone char-
gers, GPS, DVD players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or only driven short distances. In these cases, the
battery may need to be charged to maintain
battery health.
Brake fluid level* Make sure that the brake fluid
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on the
reservoir.
Engine coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts* Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level* Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide)” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
Fluid leaks
Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
Underbody The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. For
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

VQ35DE engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Drive belt location
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Air cleaner
6. Fuse block
7. Fuse block/Fusible links
8. Fusible links
9. Battery
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Radiator cap
12. Power steering fluid reservoir
13. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
LDI2749
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7

CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and applythe parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than
10 minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re- insert it all the way. 5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) marksB. This is the normal oper-
ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark
A, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
opening. Do not overfill
C.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Op-
erating the engine with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine, and
such damage is not covered by warranty.
LDI2751WDI0214
ENGINE OIL
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself

CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and applythe parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature, then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap
Aby turning it
counterclockwise. 4. Remove clips
Bfrom the under-engine pro-
tector. 5. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
C.
6. Remove the drain plug
Cwith a wrench by
turning it counterclockwise and completely
drain the oil.
If the engine oil filter is to be changed, re-
move and replace it at this time. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Changing engine
oil filter” in this section.
● Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
● Check your local regulations.
LDI2763LDI2558LDI2634
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11

WARNING
●Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
● Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as
soon as possible.
● Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
7. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench. Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torque: 25 ft-lb (34 N·m)
8. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
For additional information on drain and refill
capacity, refer to “Recommended
fluids/lubricants and capacities” in the
“Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual. The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine when the proper
amount of oil is in the engine.
9. Start the engine. Check for leakage around the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as re-
quired.
10. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter
B.
LDI2764
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself

4. Remove pinsAfrom the right engine pro-
tector located inside the right wheel well and
then remove protector. Remove oil filter
B
with an oil filter wrench by turning it counter-
clockwise. Then remove the oil filter by turn-
ing it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
●Be sure to remove any old gasket
material remaining on the sealing
surface of the engine. Failure to do
so could lead to an oil leak and en-
gine damage.
● The dipstick must be inserted in
place to prevent oil spillage from the
dipstick hole when filling the engine
with oil. 6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.
CAUTION
●NISSAN recommends using Genuine
NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 ONLY in
NISSAN CVTs. Do not mix with other
fluids.
● Do not use Automatic Transmission
Fluid (ATF) or Manual transmission
fluid in a NISSAN CVT, as it may damage
the CVT. Damage caused by the use of
fluids other than as recommended is
not covered under NISSAN’s New Ve-
hicle Limited Warranty.
● Using fluids that are not equivalent to
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 may
also damage the CVT. Damage caused
by the use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under NISSAN’s
New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
When checking or replacement of CVT fluid is
required, we recommend a NISSAN dealer for
servicing.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13