Maintenance: Other Nissan Maxima A34

Precautions for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER"

The Supplemental Restraint System such as "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER", used along with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain types of collision. This system includes seat belt switch inputs and dual stage front air bag modules. The SRS system uses the seat belt switches to determine the front air bag deployment, and may only deploy one front air bag, depending on the severity of a collision and whether the front occupants are belted or unbelted.

Information necessary to service the system safely is included in SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) and SEAT BELTS .

Special Service Tool

The actual shapes of Kent-Moore tools may differ from those of special service tools illustrated here.

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General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during the normal day-to-day operation of the vehicle. They are essential if the vehicle is to continue operating properly. The owners can perform checks and inspections themselves or have their NISSAN dealers do them.

OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE

The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified.

OUTSIDE VEHICLE ITEM REFERENCE CHART

INSIDE THE VEHICLE

The maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as when performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the vehicle, etc.

INSIDE VEHICLE ITEM REFERENCE CHART

UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE

The maintenance items listed here should be checked periodically (e.g. each time you check the engine oil or refuel).

UNDER HOOD AND VEHICLE ITEM REFERENCE CHART

Two different maintenance schedules are provided, and should be used, depending upon the conditions in which the vehicle is mainly operated. After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, continue the periodic maintenance at the same mileage/time intervals.

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Abbreviations: R = Replace. I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only

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Note. After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if found damaged. If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required. Maintenance-free item. For service procedures, go to FUEL SYSTEM . After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months. If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance. * Maintenance items and intervals with "*" are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.

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Note. If towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty. Refer to GENERAL MAINTENANCE .

Abbreviations: R = Replace. I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only

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Note. After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Replace the drive belts if found damaged. Maintenance-free item. For service procedures, go to FUEL SYSTEM . After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months. If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance. * Maintenance items and intervals with "*" are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.

Abbreviations: R = Replace. I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary.

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Note. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty. Refer to GENERAL MAINTENANCE

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1. SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 and 10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if the ambient temperature is above -18°C (0°F).
2. Use of 5W-30 viscosity oil will increase fuel economy.

ANTI-FREEZE COOLANT MIXTURE RATIO

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a high-quality, long life, year-round, anti-freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze solution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Therefore, additional cooling system additives are not necessary.

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CHECKING DRIVE BELTS

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1. Inspect belt for cracks, fraying, wear or oil adhesion. If necessary, replace with a new one.
2. Inspect drive belt deflections by applying 98 N (10 kg, 22 lb) on the belt midway between pulleys as shown.
3. Measure the belt tension using Tool at the locations shown. Tool number: BT-3373-F NOTE: Inspect drive belt deflection or tension when engine is cold. Adjust if belt deflections exceed the limit or if belt tension is not within specifications. CAUTION: When checking belt deflection or tension immediately after installation, first adjust it to the specification value. Then, after turning the crankshaft two turns or more, readjust to the specified value to avoid variation in deflection between pulleys. Tighten idler pulley lock nut by hand and measure deflection or tension without looseness.

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Changing Engine Coolant

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1. Remove engine undercover.
2. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of radiator and remove the radiator filler cap. This is the only step required for a partial cooling system drain.
3. For a complete cooling system drain, remove the reservoir tank and drain the coolant, and then clean the reservoir tank before installation. Do not allow coolant to spill on the drive belts.
4. When performing a complete cooling system drain (to remove the engine or for engine repair), remove the cylinder block front drain plug and the cylinder block RH drain plug.
5. Check the drained coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration. If contaminated, flush the engine cooling system. Refer to «FLUSHING COOLING SYSTEM»(ref-233644-S26082425652006052600000) .

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1. Install the radiator drain plug. If the cooling system was drained completely, install the reservoir tank and the cylinder block drain plugs. The radiator must be completely empty of coolant and water. Apply sealant to the threads of the cylinder block drain plugs. Use Genuine High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-233642-S07555866002006052600000) . Radiator drain plug: 7.8 - 11.8 N.m (0.8 - 1.2 kg-m, 69 - 104 in-lb) Cylinder block front drain plug: 8 - 11 N.m (0.8 - 1.2 kg-m, 70 - 104 in-lb) Cylinder block RH drain plug: 24.5 - 29.4 N.m (2.5 - 2.9 kg-m, 18 - 21 ft-lb)
2. If disconnected, reattach the upper radiator hose at the engine side.
3. Set the vehicle heater controls to the full HOT and heater ON position. Turn the vehicle ignition ON with the engine OFF as necessary to activate the heater mode.
4. Install the Tool by installing the radiator cap adapter onto the radiator neck opening. Then attach the gauge body assembly with the refill tube and the venturi assembly to the radiator cap adapter.
5. Insert the refill hose into the coolant mixture container that is placed at floor level. Make sure the ball valve is in the closed position. Use Genuine NISSAN Long Life Anti-Freeze Coolant or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water or demineralized water. Refer to «ANTI-FREEZE COOLANT MIXTURE RATIO»(ref-233644-S33847895872006052600000) . Engine coolant capacity (without reservoir tank): 7.5 l (7 7/8 US qt, 6 5/8 Imp qt) Reservoir tank: 0.7 l (3/4 US qt, 5/8 Imp qt)
6. Install an air hose to the venturi assembly, the air pressure must be within specification. Compressed air supply pressure: 5.7 - 8.5 kPa (5.6 - 8.4 kg/cm 2 , 80 - 120 psi) CAUTION: The compressed air supply must be equipped with an air dryer.
7. The vacuum gauge will begin to rise and there will be an audible hissing noise. During this process open the ball valve on the refill hose slightly. Coolant will be visible rising in the refill hose. Once the refill hose is full of coolant, close the ball valve. This will purge any air trapped in the refill hose.
8. Continue to draw the vacuum until the gauge reaches 28 inches of vacuum. The gauge may not reach 28 inches in high altitude locations, refer to the vacuum specifications based on the altitude above sea level. Altitude above sea level Vacuum gauge reading 0 - 100 m (328 ft): 28 inches of vacuum 300 m (984 ft): 27 inches of vacuum 500 m (1,641 ft): 26 inches of vacuum 1,000 m (3,281 ft): 24 - 25 inches of vacuum
9. When the vacuum gauge has reached the specified amount, disconnect the air hose and wait 20 seconds to see if the system loses any vacuum. If the vacuum level drops, perform any necessary repairs to the system and repeat steps 6 - 8 to bring the vacuum to the specified amount. Recheck for any leaks.
10. Place the coolant container (with the refill hose inserted) at the same level as the top of the radiator. Then open the ball valve on the refill hose so the coolant will be drawn up to fill the cooling system. The cooling system is full when the vacuum gauge reads zero. CAUTION: Do not allow the coolant container to get too low when filling, to avoid air from being drawn into the cooling system.
11. Remove the Tool from the radiator neck opening.
12. Fill the cooling system to the specified level and install the radiator cap. Run the engine to warm up the cooling system and top up the system as necessary.

Checking Fuel Lines

Inspect the fuel lines and fuel tank for improper hose attachment, leaks, cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing, or deterioration. If necessary, repair or replace faulty parts.

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VISCOUS PAPER TYPE

Note. The viscous paper type filter does not need cleaning between replacement intervals. Refer to PERIODIC MAINTENANCE .

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1. Loosen the clamp between the mass air flow sensor and the air cleaner to electric throttle control actuator tube.
2. Release the air cleaner case (upper) clamps.
3. Remove the air cleaner case (upper).
4. Remove the air cleaner filter.
5. Install a new air cleaner filter.
6. Installation of remaining components is in the reverse order of removal.

Changing Engine Oil

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1. Position the vehicle so it is level on the hoist.
2. Warm up the engine, and check for oil leaks from the engine.
3. Stop the engine and wait at least 10 minutes.
4. Remove the oil drain plug and oil filler cap.
5. Drain the engine oil.
6. Install the oil drain plug. CAUTION: Clean the drain plug and use a new washer for installation. Oil pan drain plug: 29 - 39 N.m (3.0 - 4.0 kg-m, 22 - 29 ft-lb)
7. Refill the engine with new engine oil. Refer to «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-233644-S09981660282006052600000) . CAUTION: The refill oil 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. Oil Capacity (Approximate): Unit: l (US qt, Imp qt) OIL CAPACITY REFERENCE CHART Drain and refill With oil filter change 4.0 (4 1/4, 3 1/2) Without oil filter change 3.7 (3 7/8, 3 1/4) Dry engine (engine overhaul) 5.0 (5 1/4, 4 3/8)
8. Start the engine and run it at idle to warm up, then check the oil drain plug and oil filter for oil leaks.
9. Stop the engine and wait at least 10 minutes.
10. Check the engine oil level using the dipstick as shown. Refer to «OIL LEVEL»(ref-233656-S34918209412006052600000) .

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1. Remove the RH splash shield.
2. Remove the oil filter using Tool. Tool number: KV10115801 (J-38956) CAUTION: The oil filter is provided with a relief valve. Use a Genuine NISSAN oil filter. Be careful not to get burned when the engine and engine oil are hot. When draining the oil, use a shop cloth to absorb any oil leaks and spills. Do not allow engine oil to contaminate the drive belts. Wipe off any oil that spills on the engine and vehicle.
3. Clean the oil filter mounting surface on the cylinder block. Coat the rubber seal of new oil filter with engine oil as shown.
4. Screw the oil filter manually until it touches the engine block sealing surface, then tighten the oil filter by turning it another 2/3 turn, or tighten to specification. Oil filter: 14.7 - 20.5 N.m (1.5 - 2.1 kg-m, 11 - 15 ft-lb)
5. Check the engine oil level using the dipstick as shown.
6. After running the engine at idle until it warms up, check for engine oil leaks and correct as necessary.

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1. Remove the engine cover using power tool.
2. Remove the intake manifold collector. Refer to «REMOVAL»(ref-233643-S13203608332006052600000) .
3. Remove the ignition coils. Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-233643-S19080929522006052600000) .
4. Remove the spark plugs.
5. Install the new spark plugs. Check the gap before installing the new spark, the gap is not adjustable, replace the spark plug as necessary. Spark plug: 20 - 29 N.m (2.0 - 3.0 kg-m, 14 - 22 ft-lb) Gap (nominal): 1.1 mm (0.043 in) Spark Plug Types SPARK PLUG TYPES SPECIFICATION Make NGK Standard type PLFR5A-11 Hot type PLFR4A-11 Cold type PLFR6A-11 Use the standard type spark plugs for normal driving conditions. The hot type spark plug is suitable when fouling occurs with the standard type spark plug under conditions such as: Frequent engine starts Low ambient temperatures The cold type spark plug is suitable when spark knock occurs with the standard type spark plug under conditions such as: Extended highway driving Frequent high engine revolution If the spark plug tip is covered with carbon, a spark plug cleaner may be used. Cleaner air pressure: Less than 588 kPa (6 kg/cm 2 , 85 psi) Cleaning time: Less than 20 seconds CAUTION: Do not use a wire brush for cleaning the spark plug tip. Checking and adjusting the spark plug gap is not required between change intervals, replace the spark plugs as necessary.
6. Install the ignition coils. Refer to «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-233643-S19080929522006052600000) . Ignition coil bolt: 6.37 - 7.54 N.m (0.65 - 0.77 kg-m, 56 - 67 in-lb)

Checking EVAP Vapor Lines

1. Visually inspect the EVAP vapor lines for cracks, damage, loose connections, chafing, and deterioration. Replace the lines as necessary.
2. Inspect the fuel tank filler cap vacuum relief valve for clogging and sticking. Fix or replace as necessary.

Checking Exhaust System

Check the exhaust pipes, muffler, and exhaust mounts for improper attachment, leaks, cracks, damage, chafing, or deterioration.

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Checking M/T Oil

Check for oil leaks. Check that the oil level is at the correct level through the filler plug hole as shown.

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1. Never start the engine while checking the oil level. Filler plug: 30 - 39 N.m (3.1 - 4.0 kg-m, 23 - 28 ft-lb)

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1. Drain the MTF by removing the drain plug.
2. Install the drain plug using a new washer. Drain plug: 30 - 39 N.m (3.1 - 4.0 kg-m, 23 - 28 ft-lb)
3. Remove the filler plug and fill the transaxle with new MTF through the filler plug hole. Check the MTF level as shown. Manual Transmission Fluid specification: Refer to «FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-233644-S09981660282006052600000) . Capacity (RS6F51A & RS6F51A): 2.2 l (2 3/8 US qt, 2 Imp qt)
4. Install the filler plug using a new washer. Filler plug: 30 - 39 N.m (3.1 - 4.0 kg-m, 23 - 28 ft-lb)

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1. Warm up the engine.
2. Check for any transaxle fluid leaks.
3. Before driving, the fluid level can be checked at fluid temperatures of 30° - 50°C (86° - 122°F) using the "COLD" range on the A/T fluid level gauge. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set parking brake. Start the engine and move the transaxle selector lever through each gear position. Leave the selector lever in the "P" park position. Check the fluid level with the engine idling. Remove the A/T fluid level gauge and wipe it clean with a lint-free paper. Re-insert the A/T fluid level gauge into the charging pipe as far as it will go. Remove the A/T fluid level gauge and note the reading. If the reading is at or below the low side of the range, add the necessary specified A/T fluid through the A/T fluid charging pipe. CAUTION: Do not overfill the transaxle.
4. Drive the vehicle for approximately 5 minutes at moderate speeds.
5. Re-check the fluid level at fluid temperatures of 50° - 80°C (122° - 176°F) using the "HOT" range on the A/T fluid level gauge. CAUTION: Firmly fix the A/T fluid level gauge into the A/T fluid charging pipe using the attached stopper, this will provide an accurate reading on the gauge, and will keep the gauge in position while driving.
6. Check the fluid for the following conditions: If the fluid is very dark or smells burned, refer to the «AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE»(ref-233658) for checking the operation of the transaxle. Flush the AT fluid cooling system after repairing the transaxle.

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1. Run the engine to warm up the transaxle until the fluid is at full operating temperature of 50° - 80°C (122° - 176°F).
2. Stop the engine.
3. Drain the A/T fluid by removing the drain plug. Reinstall the drain plug to the specified tightness using a new drain washer. Drain plug: 23.5 - 54.9 N.m (2.4 - 5.5 kg-m, 18 - 40 ft-lb)
4. Refill the transaxle with new specified A/T fluid through the A/T fluid charging pipe. Always refill the transaxle with the same volume amount that was drained out. CAUTION: Do not overfill the transaxle. Fluid grade and capacity: Refer to «RECOMMENDED FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-233644-S09981660282006052600000) .
5. Run the engine at idle speed for five minutes.
6. Check fluid level and condition. Refer to «CHECKING A/T FLUID»(ref-233644-S11791814522006052600000) . If the fluid is still contaminated, repeat step 2 through 5.

Checking Brake Lines and Cables

Check the brake fluid lines and parking brake cables for improper attachment, leaks, chafing, abrasions, deterioration, and damage.

Repair or replace parts as necessary.

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ROTOR

Check the rotor condition and thickness. Resurface or replace the rotor as necessary.

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CALIPER

Check the caliper for leakage.

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PAD

Check the brake pads for wear or damage.

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STEERING LINKAGE

Check the ball joint, dust cover and other component parts for looseness, wear, damage and grease leakage.

Axle and Suspension Parts

Check the front and rear axle and suspension parts for excessive play, cracks, wear, or other damage.

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1. Shake each wheel as shown to check for excessive play.
2. Rotate each wheel to check for abnormal noise.
3. Check the strut mount nuts for looseness.
4. Check the axle and suspension nuts and bolts for looseness.
5. Check the struts for oil leakage or other damage.
6. Check suspension ball joint for grease leakage and ball joint dust cover for cracks or other damage.

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1. Check the boot and drive shaft for cracks, wear, damage and grease leakage as shown.

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SPARK PLUGS (PLATINUM-TIPPED TYPE)

Spark Plugs Service Data & Specification

BELT DEFLECTION AND TENSION

Belt Deflection & Tension Service Data & Specification

WHEEL BALANCE

WHEEL BALANCE SPECIFICATION