Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilome-
ters) of driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
explains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle. The “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide” explains details
about maintaining and servicing your ve-
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle
best. When you require any service or have any
questions, they will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to them.
Before driving your vehicle please read this Own-
er’s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity
with controls and maintenance requirements, as-
sisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RE-
MINDERS FOR SAFETY!

੭
This manual includes information for all options
available on this model. Therefore, you may find
some information that does not apply to your
vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustrations in
this manual are those in effect at the time of
printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
specifications or design without notice and with-
out obligation.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT
THIS MANUAL
You will see various symbols in this manual. They
are used in the following ways:
WARNING
This is used to indicate the presence of a
hazard that could cause death or serious
personal injury. To avoid or reduce the
risk, the procedures must be followed
precisely.
CAUTION
This is used to indicate the presence of a
hazard that could cause minor or moder-
ate personal injury or damage to your ve-
hicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the pro-
cedures must be followed carefully.
If you see this symbol, it means “Do not do this”
or “Do not let this happen.”
If you see a symbol similar to these in an illustra-
tion, it means the arrow points to the front of the

2004 Maxima (max)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna)
11/05/03—tbrooks
੭
Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical
transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a suc-
cessful worldwide company that manufactures cars
and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them
in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world-
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest
automaker in the world. In addition to cars and
trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks, marine
engines, boats and other diversified products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing in-
vestment in North America. NISSAN’s commitment
is over $6 billion dollars in capital investments in
facilities across the continent. Some of the facilities
include the Nissan Manufacturing facilities in Can-
ton, Mississippi and in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle
styling design at Nissan Design America, Inc. in San
Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan Tech-
nical Center North America in Farmington Hills,
Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN employs more than
21,000 people throughout the United States,
Canada, and Mexico. An additional 60,000 people
work for the 1,250 NISSAN and INFINITI dealers

been established by NISSAN.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As you
know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety
systems that will help protect you and your passen-
gers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.
We urge you to use the seat belts every time you
drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement re-
flects our major goal: to provide you, our customer,
with a vehicle that is built with quality and craftsman-
ship — a product that we can be proud to build and
you can be proud to own.
WFW0002
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NISSAN
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Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna)
10/07/03—tbrooks
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NISSAN CARES
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are
our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.
However, if there is something that your NISSAN
dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to
provide NISSAN directly with comments or ques-
tions, please contact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs
Department using our toll-free number:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
1-800-NISSAN-1
(1-800-647-7261)

NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM
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2004 Maxima (max)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna)
10/07/03—tbrooks
੭
Table of
Contents
Illustrated table of contents
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
Instruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and care
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Technical and consumer information
Index
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

9. Seats (P. 1-2)
10. Front head restraint (P. 1-8, P. 1-9)
11. Rear head restraint (P. 1-8)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
LII0001
AIRBAGS, SEAT BELTS AND CHILD
RESTRAINTS
0-2 Illustrated table of contents
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Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna)
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1. Engine hood (P. 3-10)
2. Headlight and turn signal switch
(P. 2-19)
3. Replacing bulbs (P. 8-30)
4. Windshield wiper and washer switch
(P. 2-17)
5. Windshield (P. 8-21)
6. Sunroof (P. 2-36)
7. Power windows (P. 2-34)
8. Door locks, keyfob, keys (P. 3-3, 3-5,
3-2)
9. Mirrors (P. 3-17)
10. Tire pressure (P. 9-11)
11. Flat tire (P. 6-2)
12. Tire chains (P. 8-39)
13. Cornering light (P. 2-19)

Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna)
10/20/03—arosenma
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1. Automatic anti-glare inside mirror
(P. 3-17)
2. Interior lights, illuminated entry (P. 2-39,
P. 2-19)
3. Sun visors (P. 3-16)
4. Glove box (P. 2-31)
5. Sunroof (P. 2-36)
6. Front seat (P. 1-2)
7. Rear console (P. 2-32)
8. Rear seat (P. 1-6)
9. Rear cup holders (P. 2-29)
10. Front console (P. 2-31)
11. Front cup holders (P. 2-29)
12. Park brake, parking on hills (P. 5-12,
P. 5-16)
13. HomeLinkா (P. 2-42)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WII0011
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
Illustrated table of contents 0-5
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Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna)
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1. Headlight and turn signal switch

Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna)
10/20/03—arosenma
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17. Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch (if so equipped) or Traction con-
trol system (TCS) off switch (if so
equipped) (P. 2-26, P. 2-26)
18. Outside mirror controls (P. 3-17)
19. Instrument brightness control (P. 2-22)
20. Heated seat switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-24)
21. Rear sunshade switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-38)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual (if so equipped).
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
Illustrated table of contents 0-7
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1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-13)
2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-8)
3. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-13)
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
(P. 8-14)
5. Air cleaner (P. 8-18)
6. Battery (P. 8-15)

equipped)
2-10
or
Brake warning
light
2-10
Charge warning
light
2-10
Door open
warning light
2-10
Warning
light
Name Page
Engine oil pres-
sure light
2-10
Low fuel warn-
ing light
2-11
Low windshield
washer fluid
warning light
2-11
Seat belt warn-
ing light and
chime
2-11
Supplemental

2-12
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents 0-9
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Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna)
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Indicator
light
Name Page
Slip indicator
light (if so
equipped)
2-13
Traction control
system off indi-
cator light (if
so equipped)
2-13
Turn
signal/hazard
indicator lights
2-13
Vehicle dynam-
ics control off
indicator light
(if so equipped)
2-13
0-10

Child restraints 1-31
Precautions on child restraints 1-31
Installation on rear seat center (5-passenger
models only) or outboard positions 1-33
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) system 1-38
Top tether strap child restraint 1-39
Installation on front passenger seat 1-40
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WARNING
● Do not ride in a moving vehicle when
the seatback is reclined. This can be
dangerous. The shoulder belt will not
be against your body. In an accident,
you could be thrown into it and receive
neck or other serious injuries. You
could also slide under the lap belt and
receive serious internal injuries.
● For the most effective protection when
the vehicle is in motion, the seat should
be upright. Always sit well back in the
seat and adjust the seat properly. See
“Precautions on Seat Belt Usage” later
in this section.
FRONT MANUAL SEAT
ADJUSTMENT — PASSENGER SIDE

rest when the vehicle is stopped.
WARNING
After adjustment, gently rock in the seat to
make sure it is securely locked.
LRS0244 LRS0245
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags 1-3
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੭
FRONT POWER SEAT
ADJUSTMENT (for driver’s seat and if
so equipped for passenger’s seat)
WARNING
● Do not adjust the driver’s seat while
driving so full attention may be given to
vehicle operation. The seat may move
suddenly and could cause loss of con-
trol of the vehicle.
● Do not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls. Unattended
children could become involved in seri-
ous accidents.
Operating tips
● The power seat motor has an auto-reset
overload protection circuit. If the motor
stops during operation, wait 30 seconds,
then reactivate the switch.

Push the front or rear end of the switch up or
down to adjust the angle and height of the seat
cushion.
Lumbar support (driver’s seat)
The lumbar support feature provides lower back
support to the driver. Move the lever up or down
(manual) or move the switch forward or backward
(power) to adjust the seat lumbar area.
WRS0164
Manual
LRS0239
Power
LRS0238
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags 1-5
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੭
FOLDING REAR SEAT (if so
equipped)
Interior trunk access
For models without rear center console, the trunk
can be accessed from the passenger side of the
rear seat for loading and unloading, as shown.
᭺
1
Push down on the button on the rear parcel
shelf.
᭺

jured. Keep the car locked, with the rear
seatback and trunk lid securely latched
when not in use, and prevent children’s
access to car keys.
LRS0246
1-6 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
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To fold down the driver side of the rear seat,reach
through the opening and pull on the strap
᭺
1
located behind the seat.
The rear seats can be locked using the master
key to prevent unauthorized access. The valet key
cannot be used to lock or unlock the release
button.
For models with rear center console, the trunk
can be accessed through the access panel be-
tween the rear seats.
The panel can be locked using the master key to
prevent unauthorized access. The valet key can-
not be used to lock or unlock the access panel.
For more information on keys, refer to ”Keys” in
the Pre-driving checks and adjustments” section
of this manual.
Center armrest

Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna)
10/07/03—tbrooks
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ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT (front
seats)
WARNING
● Always adjust the head restraints prop-
erly as specified in the previous section.
Failure to do so can reduce the effec-
tiveness of the active head restraint.
● Active head restraints are designed to
supplement other safety systems. Al-
ways wear seat belts. No system can
prevent all injuries in any accident.
● Do not attach anything to the head re-
straint stalks. Doing so could impair
active head restraint function.
The head restraint moves forward utilizing the
force that the seatback receives from the occu-
pant in a rear-end collision. The movement of the
head restraint helps support the occupant’s head
by reducing its backward movement and helping
absorb some of the forces that may lead to whip-
lash type injuries.
Active head restraints are effective for collisions
at low to medium speeds in which it is said that
whiplash injury occurs most.
Active head restraints operate only in certain
rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head
restraints return to their original positions.

SPA1025
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags 1-9
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2004 Maxima (max)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna)
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