Target Audience:
Technicians and DIY owners servicing the 2003 Maxima sedan
Segment:
Front-wheel drive mid-size sport sedan
Competitive Advantage:
Nissan's flagship sedan, positioned above Altima with the VQ35DE V6 and more upscale equipment
Key Selling Point:
Strong performance-to-price ratio with a 255 hp V6, rare in its class
Coverage:
Complete factory-level service and repair procedures for the 2003 Maxima
Manual Type:
Complete service and repair manual software
Page Count:
Full factory manual set, all pages printable
Delivery Method:
Instant download upon completion of payment
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams, wiring schematics and specifications
Engine:
VQ35DE 3.5L V6 - mechanical, cooling, lubrication
Fuel and Emissions:
Fuel injection, evaporative emissions, exhaust
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transaxle overhaul procedures
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, discs, drums, ABS
Steering:
Power rack and pinion steering
Electrical:
Starting, charging, lighting, gauges, accessories
Wiring:
Complete wiring schematics for all circuits
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, doors, glass, seals
Restraints:
SRS airbag and seat belt systems
Security:
Immobilizer, keyless entry, alarm systems
Diagnostics:
Fault code retrieval and troubleshooting flowcharts
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step disassembly, repair and reassembly
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance and adjustment procedures
Overhaul:
Engine, transmission and component rebuild instructions
Testing:
Component testing and specification checks
Depth:
Factory service manual level - every single detail covered
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams and exploded views
Specifications:
Complete torque values, tolerances and settings
Printability:
All pages printable for use in the garage or workshop
Parts Data:
Part identification and specifications within procedures
Torque Specs:
Torque specifications provided throughout each section
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Primary Engine:
VQ35DE 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6
Bore x Stroke:
95.5 mm x 81.4 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque:
246 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Fuel System:
Sequential multi-port electronic fuel injection
Fuel Requirement:
Premium unleaded gasoline
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable valve timing
NHTSA Crash Tests:
Strong front and side impact ratings for its class (verify with current NHTSA data)
ABS:
4-wheel anti-lock braking system
Traction Control:
Available traction control system
Braking:
Front and rear disc brakes
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags
Restraints:
Three-point seat belts, head restraints
Structure:
Reinforced safety cage body structure
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player; optional Bose premium audio
Climate Control:
Automatic digital climate control on upper trims
Driver Aids:
N/A - no modern driver assistance features on this model era
Instrumentation:
Digital trip computer with outside temperature display
Oil and Filter:
Change every 3,750-5,000 miles (severe/normal service)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles
Coolant:
Replace at 60,000 miles then every 30,000 miles
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30, API certified, approx. 4.25 qt with filter
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Nissan Matic fluid (ATF specified in manual)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Gear oil per manual specification (75W-80/80W-90 class)
Coolant:
Nissan long-life antifreeze/coolant
Known Issues / Common Wear
Common Wear Items:
Front lower control arm bushings, motor mounts, CV axles
Known Issues:
Watch for ignition coil failures and timing chain guide wear at high mileage
Brakes:
Regular inspection of rotors for wear and warping
Manufacturer:
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nameplate Heritage:
Maxima introduced in North America in 1981 (as Datsun 810 Maxima)
Position:
Nissan's flagship '4-Door Sports Car' sedan
Generation:
Fifth generation (A33), launched for model year 2000
2003 Update:
Final year of the A33 generation; VQ35DE replaced the 3.0L V6 in 2002
Successor:
Sixth generation Maxima introduced for model year 2004
Assembly:
Oppama Plant, Japan