🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Nissan

Model:

Maxima

Year:

2016

Chassis Code:

A36

Engine Code Primary:

VQ35DE (3.5L V6)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size sedan, often marketed as a '4-Door Sports Car'.

Competitors:

Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Buick LaCrosse.

Key Selling Points:

Sporty styling, powerful V6 engine, comfortable ride, advanced technology for its class.

Model Generation:

This manual covers the 7th generation (A36) Maxima, introduced for the 2016 model year.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive service and repair for 2016 Nissan Maxima (A36 chassis).

Estimated Pages:

2500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, oil pump, lubrication.

Engine Performance:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, cooling system, turbocharger (if applicable, though not standard for 2016 Maxima), engine management systems (ECM).

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) repair, maintenance, fluid replacement, solenoids, torque converter, electronic controls.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) system, drive shafts, CV joints, differential (integrated within CVT).

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (discs), ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, hydraulic system, parking brake (electronic), caliper and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front struts, rear shocks, springs, control arms, bushings, stabilizer bars, steering knuckle, wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system (electric power steering - EPS), steering column, tie rods, power steering pump (if applicable for model variant), rack and pinion assembly.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, fuse box diagrams, relay locations, wiring diagrams for all major systems.

Lighting:

Headlights (HID/LED), taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, bulb replacement procedures, aiming specifications.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system (R134a/R1234yf), refrigerant recharge, compressor, evaporator, condenser, heater core, climate control unit, blower motor.

Body And Trim:

Exterior panels, interior trim removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, mirrors, bumpers, hood, trunk lid.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pre-tensioners, ABS diagnostics, traction control (TCS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

Infotainment And Nav:

Audio system, navigation unit, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, backup camera, display units.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection, spark plug replacement intervals.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) P-, B-, C-, U- codes, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagram interpretation.

Engine Repair:

Engine removal/installation, cylinder head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing inspection, valve adjustment.

Transmission Repair:

CVT valve body inspection, solenoid replacement, control unit programming, clutch pack inspection (if applicable), seal replacement.

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, bleeding procedures for ABS systems.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm bushing replacement, ball joint replacement, power steering motor replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring harness repair, component testing, sensor diagnostics, power/ground circuit checks, ECM/BCM programming procedures.

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant evacuation and recharge, compressor clutch adjustment, leak detection, blower motor replacement, cabin air filter replacement.

Body Repair:

Panel alignment, door hinge adjustment, window regulator repair, mirror replacement, bumper repair/replacement.

Depth:

Full factory-level diagnostics, repair procedures, and specifications for all systems.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures, including use of Nissan CONSULT-III Plus or equivalent scan tools.

Rebuilds:

Component-level rebuild procedures for engine, transmission, and other major assemblies.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Searchable PDF with hyperlinked sections for easy navigation.

Resolution:

High-resolution images, diagrams, and text for clear viewing and printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

VQ35DD - 3.5L DOHC 24-valve V6 Atkinson Cycle

Displacement:

3498 cc (3.5 Liters)

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque:

261 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Nissan Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) with multi-port injection backup.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

ECM Type:

Engine Control Module (ECM) with integrated transmission control.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

Drive Wheels:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Shift Modes:

D-mode, Manual Shift Mode (with 7 simulated gears), Sport Mode.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3

Cvt Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7.5-8.0 liters (service fill, check dipstick/procedure).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

192.8 inches (4897 mm)

Width:

73.2 inches (1859 mm)

Height:

57.9 inches (1471 mm)

Wheelbase:

109.3 inches (2776 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,524 - 3,602 lbs (1599 - 1634 kg) depending on trim.

Trunk Volume:

15.4 cu ft (436 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for 2016 model year, check specific testing data).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

Driver Assistance Tech:

Available Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Airbags:

Front, side-impact, and curtain airbags. Knee airbags for driver and front passenger.

Seatbelts:

3-point active seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

NissanConnect with Navigation and mobile apps. Available 8-inch color touchscreen display.

Audio System:

Bose Premium Audio System with 8 speakers and subwoofer available on higher trims.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) is available.

Parking Assistance:

Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD) and front/rear sonar parking sensors.

Bluetooth:

Standard Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System and Streaming Audio.

Usb Ports:

Multiple USB ports for charging and media connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the Intelligent Maintenance System (IMS), using synthetic oil.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, or as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum spark plugs: 105,000 miles.

Cv Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 30,000 miles (check manual for specific conditions, often considered lifetime by some but fluid degradation occurs).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SN, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 0W-20 Synthetic Engine Oil.

Coolant Type:

Nissan Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, orange-colored HOAT coolant.

Engine Oil Capacity:

5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 10.1 US quarts (9.6 Liters).

Cv Transmission Reliability:

While generally improved, some CVT models can experience issues with hesitation, juddering, or failure if not properly maintained. Fluid changes are critical.

Engine Mounts:

Some owners report premature wear of engine and transmission mounts, leading to increased vibration at idle.

Eps Issues:

Rare reports of Electric Power Steering (EPS) failure or intermittent operation.

📚 Vehicle History

Nissan Sedan Legacy:

Nissan has a long history of producing executive and sporty sedans, with the Maxima positioned as its flagship sedan for decades.

Seventh Generation:

The 2016 model represents the first year of the 7th generation (A36), marking a significant redesign with bolder styling and updated technology compared to the previous generation (A35).

Manufacturing Location:

Smyrna, Tennessee, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward 10 Best Engines:

The VQ-series engine family (including variants used in the Maxima) has historically been a multiple recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines award.

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Depending on specific equipment and testing, the 2016 Maxima often achieved high safety ratings, including potential IIHS Top Safety Pick designations.