Nissan Maxima (2018 year). Instruction

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL

Check the coolant level in the reservoir
when the engine is cold. If the coolant
level is below the MIN level

䊊

, add coolant

to the MAX level

䊊

. If the reservoir is empty,

check the coolant level in the radiator
when the engine is cold. If there is insuffi-
cient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator
with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir up to the MAX
level

䊊

This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long
Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue). The life ex-
pectancy of the factory-fill coolant is
105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years. Mixing
any other type of coolant or the use of
non-distilled water will reduce the life ex-
pectancy of the factory-fill coolant. For ad-
ditional information, refer to the “Mainte-
nance and schedules” section of this
manual.

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, it is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.

For additional information on the location
of the engine coolant reservoir, refer to “En-
gine compartment check locations” in this
section.

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT

A NISSAN dealer can change the engine
coolant. The service procedure can be
found in the NISSAN Service Manual.

Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.

WARNING

∙ To avoid the danger of being scalded,

never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.

∙ Never remove the radiator cap when

the engine is hot. Serious burns could
be caused by high pressure fluid es-
caping from the radiator.

∙ Avoid direct skin contact with used

coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.

∙ Keep coolant out of the reach of chil-

dren and pets.

Engine coolant must be disposed of prop-
erly. Check your local regulations.

LDI2750

Do-it-yourself

8-5

CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and

apply the 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.

Reinsert it all the way.

5. Remove the dipstick again and check

the oil level. It should be between the H
(High) and L (Low) marks

䊊

. This is the

normal operating oil level range. If the
oil level is below the L (Low) mark

䊊

remove the oil filler cap and pour rec-
ommended oil through the opening.
Do not overfill

䊊

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 sever-
ity of operating conditions.

CAUTION

Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the en-
gine, and such damage is not covered
by warranty.

LDI2751

WDI0214

ENGINE OIL

8-6

Do-it-yourself

CHANGING ENGINE OIL

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and

apply the 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

䊊

by turning it

counterclockwise.

4. Remove clips

䊊

from the under-

engine protector.

5. Place a large drain pan under the drain

plug

䊊

6. Remove the drain plug

䊊

with a

wrench by turning it counterclockwise
and completely drain the oil.

If the engine oil filter is to be changed,
remove and replace it at this time. For
additional

information,

refer

“Changing engine oil filter” in this sec-
tion.

∙ Waste oil must be disposed of prop-

erly.

∙ Check your local regulations.

LDI2763

LDI2558

LDI2634

Do-it-yourself

8-7

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 en-
gine 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 exces-
sive force.

Drain plug tightening torque:

25 ft-lb (34 N·m)

8. Refill engine with recommended oil

through the oil filler opening, then in-
stall the oil filler cap securely.

For additional information on drain
and refill capacity, refer to “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capaci-

ties” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section 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 deter-
mine when the proper amount of oil is
in the engine.

9. Start the engine. Check for leakage

around the drain plug and oil filter. Cor-
rect as required.

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.

LDI2764

8-8

Do-it-yourself

3. Place a large drain pan under the oil

filter

䊊

4. Remove clips

䊊

from the right engine

protector located inside the right
wheel well and then remove protector.
Remove oil filter

䊊

with an oil filter

wrench by turning it counterclockwise.
Then remove the oil filter by turning it
by hand.

CAUTION

Be careful not to burn yourself. The en-
gine 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 resis-

tance 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 en-
gine oil if necessary.

CAUTION

∙ NISSAN recommends using Genuine

NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or equivalent)
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 dam-
age the CVT. Damage caused by the
use of fluids other than as recom-
mended

not

covered

under

NISSAN’s

New

Vehicle

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 rec-
ommended is not covered under
NISSAN’s

New

Vehicle

Limited

Warranty.

When checking or replacement of CVT fluid
is required, it is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service.

CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID

Do-it-yourself

8-9

Check the fluid level in the reservoir.

The fluid level should be checked when the
fluid is cold at fluid temperatures of 32 to
86ºF (0 to 30ºC). The fluid level can be
checked with the level gauge which is at-
tached to the cap. To check the fluid level,
remove the cap. The fluid level should be
between the MAX

䊊

and MIN

䊊

lines.

If the fluid is below the MIN

䊊

line, add

Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent. Re-
move the cap and fill through the opening.

WARNING

Power steering fluid is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked
containers out of the reach of children.

CAUTION

∙ DO NOT OVERFILL.

∙ Use of a power steering fluid other

than

Genuine

NISSAN

E-PSF

equivalent will prevent the power
steering

system

from

operating

properly.

For additional information on brake fluid
specification,

refer

“Recommended

fluids/lubricants and capacities” in the
“Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.

WARNING

∙ Use only new fluid from a sealed con-

tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can dam-
age the brake system and affect the
vehicle’s stopping ability.

∙ Clean the filler cap before removing.

LDI2752

LDI2753

POWER STEERING FLUID

BRAKE FLUID

8-10

Do-it-yourself

∙ Brake fluid is poisonous and should

be stored carefully in marked contain-
ers out of reach of children.

CAUTION

Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.

Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the
brake fluid is below the MIN line

䊊

, the

brake warning light will illuminate. Add
brake fluid up to the MAX line

䊊

. For addi-

tional information on recommended type
of brake fluid, refer to “Recommended
fluids/lubricants and capacities" in the “
Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.

If the brake fluid must be added frequently,
the brake system should be thoroughly
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.

WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR

Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir
periodically. Add windshield-washer fluid
when the “Low Washer Fluid” warning mes-
sage shows on the vehicle information dis-
play.

To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir,
lift the cap off the reservoir and pour the
windshield-washer fluid into the reservoir
opening.

Add a washer solvent to the washer for
better cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield-washer antifreeze. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the mix-
ture ratio.

Refill the reservoir more frequently when
driving conditions require an increased
amount of windshield-washer fluid.

Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN
Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner &
Anti-freeze or equivalent.

CAUTION

∙ Do not substitute engine antifreeze

coolant for windshield-washer fluid.
This may result in damage to the
paint.

∙ Do not fill the windshield-washer fluid

reservoir with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl
alcohol based washer fluid concen-
trates may permanently stain the
grille

spilled

while

filling

the

windshield-washer fluid reservoir.

LDI2754

WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID

Do-it-yourself

8-11

∙ Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates

with water to the manufacturer’s rec-
ommended levels before pouring the
fluid into the windshield-washer fluid
reservoir. Do not use the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir to mix the
washer fluid concentrate and water.

∙ Keep the battery surface clean and dry.

Clean the battery with a solution of bak-
ing soda and water.

∙ Make certain the terminal connections

are clean and securely tightened.

∙ If the vehicle is not to be used for

30 days or longer, disconnect the nega-
tive (-) battery terminal cable to prevent
discharge.

NOTE:

Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:

1. Installation or extended use of elec-

tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the engine is not
running (Phone chargers, 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.

WARNING

∙ Do not expose the battery to flames,

an electrical spark or a cigarette. Hy-
drogen gas generated by the battery
is explosive. Explosive gases can
cause blindness or injury. Do not allow
battery fluid to contact your skin,
eyes, fabrics or painted surfaces. Sul-
furic acid can cause blindness or in-
jury. After touching a battery or bat-
tery cap, do not touch or rub your
eyes. Thoroughly wash your hands. If
the acid contacts your eyes, skin or
clothing, immediately flush with wa-
ter for at least 15 minutes and seek
medical attention.

∙ Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid

in the battery is low. Low battery fluid
can cause a higher load on the battery
which can generate heat, reduce bat-
tery life, and in some cases lead to an
explosion.

∙ When working on or near a battery,

always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.

BATTERY

8-12

Do-it-yourself

∙ Battery posts, terminals and related

accessories contain lead and lead
compounds.

Wash

hands

after

handling.

∙ Keep battery out of the reach of

children.

∙ Do not tip the battery. Keep the vent

caps tight and the battery level.

1. Remove the vent caps with a screw-

driver as shown. Use a cloth to protect
the battery case.

2. Check the fluid level in each cell. If it is

necessary to add fluid, add only dis-
tilled water to bring the level up to the
bottom of the filler opening. Do not
overfill. Reinstall the vent caps.

WDI0224

WDI0529

Do-it-yourself

8-13

Vehicles operated in high temperatures or
under severe conditions require frequent
checks of the battery fluid level.

JUMP STARTING

If jump starting is necessary, refer to “Jump
starting” in the “In case of emergency” sec-
tion of this manual. If the engine does not
start by jump starting, the battery may
have to be replaced. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice.

Crankshaft pulley

Drive belt automatic tensioner pul-
ley

Generator pulley

Air conditioner compressor pulley

WARNING

Be sure the ignition switch is placed in
the OFF or LOCK position before servic-
ing drive belt. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.

1. Visually inspect the belt 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. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.

2. Have the belt checked regularly for

condition and tension in accordance
with the maintenance schedule found
in the “Maintenance and schedules”
section of this manual.

VQ35DE engine

LDI2131

DRIVE BELT

8-14

Do-it-yourself

REPLACING SPARK PLUGS

Iridium-tipped spark plugs

It is not necessary to replace iridium-
tipped

䊊

spark plugs as frequently as con-

ventional type spark plugs because they
last much longer. Follow the maintenance
log shown in the “Maintenance and sched-
ules” section of this manual. Do not service
iridium-tipped spark plugs by cleaning or
regapping.

∙ Always replace spark plugs with rec-

ommended or equivalent ones.

WARNING

Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.

CAUTION

Be sure to use the correct socket to re-
move the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.

If replacement is required, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.

The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned
and reused. Replace it according to the
maintenance log shown in the “Mainte-
nance and schedules” section of this
manual. When replacing the filter, wipe the
inside of the air cleaner filter housing and
the cover with a damp cloth.

To remove the air cleaner filter:

∙ Unlatch the clips

䊊

and move the air

cleaner cover upward.

∙ Remove the air cleaner filter.

∙ Wipe the inside of the air cleaner filter

housing and cover with a damp cloth.

SDI1895

LDI2756

SPARK PLUGS

AIR CLEANER

Do-it-yourself

8-15

WARNING

∙ Operating the engine with the air

cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops the
flame if the engine backfires. If it isn’t
there, and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Do not drive with the
air cleaner removed, and be careful
when working on the engine with the
air cleaner removed.

∙ Never pour fuel into the throttle body

or attempt to start the engine with
the air cleaner removed. Doing so
could result in serious injury.

IN-CABIN MICROFILTER

The in-cabin microfilter restricts the entry
of airborne dust and pollen particles and
reduces

some

objectionable

outside

odors. The filter is located behind the glove
box. For additional information, refer to the
“Maintenance and schedules” section of
this manual for change intervals.

If replacement is required, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.

CLEANING

If your windshield is not clear after using
the windshield-washer or if a wiper blade
chatters when running, wax or other mate-
rial may be on the blade or windshield.

Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form
when rinsing with clear water.

Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild de-
tergent. Then rinse the blades with clear
water. If your windshield is still not clear
after cleaning the blades and using the
wiper, replace the blades.

CAUTION

Worn windshield wiper blades can
damage the windshield and impair
driver vision.

REPLACING

Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.

To replace the windshield wiper blades, fol-
low the procedure below:

1. Lift the wiper arm away from the wind-

shield.

2. Push the release tab

䊊

3. Move the wiper blade

䊊

down and re-

move.

4. Insert the new wiper blade onto the

wiper arm until it clicks into place.

5. Push wiper on to windshield.

LDI2757

WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES

8-16

Do-it-yourself

CAUTION

∙ After wiper blade replacement, return

the wiper arm to its original position;
otherwise it may be damaged when
the hood is opened.

∙ Make sure the wiper blades contact

the glass; otherwise the arms may be
damaged from wind pressure.

If you wax the surface of the hood, be care-
ful not to let wax get into the washer nozzle

䊊

. This may cause clogging or improper

windshield-washer operation. If wax gets
into the nozzle, remove it with a needle or
small pin

䊊

If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice.

Self-adjusting brakes

Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.

The front and rear disc-type brakes self-
adjust every time the brake pedal is ap-
plied.

WARNING

Have your brake system checked if the
brake pedal height does not return to
normal. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

Brake pad wear indicators

The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires

replacement,

high

pitched

scraping or screeching sound will be heard
when the vehicle is in motion. The noise will
be heard whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.

LDI2731

BRAKES

Do-it-yourself

8-17

Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.

Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed. For additional information re-
garding brake inspections, refer to the ap-
propriate maintenance schedule informa-
tion in the “Maintenance and schedules”
section of this manual.”

If any electrical equipment does not oper-
ate, check for an open fuse.

Fuses are used in the passenger and en-
gine compartment. Spare fuses are pro-
vided and can be found in the passenger
compartment fuse box.

When installing a fuse make sure the fuse is
installed in the fuse box securely.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT

WARNING

Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or electronic con-
trol units or cause a fire.

If any electrical equipment does not come
on, check for an open fuse.

1. Be sure the ignition switch and the

headlight switch are in the OFF posi-
tion.

LDI2385

LDI2636

FUSES

8-18

Do-it-yourself

2. Open the engine hood.

3. Remove the fuse box cover by pushing

the tab and lifting the cover up.

4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.

The fuse puller is located in the center
of the fuse block in the passenger
compartment.

5. If the fuse is open

䊊

, replace it with a

new fuse

䊊

6. If a new fuse also opens, have the elec-

trical system checked and repaired. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.

Fusible links

If the electrical equipment does not oper-
ate and fuses are in good condition, check
the fusible links. If any of these fusible links
are melted, replace with only Genuine
NISSAN parts.

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

WARNING

Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or electronic con-
trol units or cause a fire.

LDI0456

LDI2758

Do-it-yourself

8-19

If any electrical equipment does not oper-
ate, check for an open fuse.

1. Be sure the ignition switch and the head-

light switch are in the OFF position.

2. Pull the fuse box cover to remove.

3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller

䊊

4. If the fuse is open

䊊

, replace it with an

equivalent good fuse

䊊

5. Push the fuse box cover to install.

6. If a new fuse also opens, have the elec-

trical system checked and repaired. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.

LDI2759

LDI2760

8-20

Do-it-yourself

Nissan Maxima (2018 year). Instruction - part 22