2002 Nissan Maxima Service and Repair Manual

This 2002 Nissan Maxima factory service and repair manual is built around this exact year, trim and the 3.5L V6 (VQ35DE) under its hood, so the torque values and procedures inside match what Nissan actually published for this car instead of an approximation pulled from a nearby model year.

Engines covered

• 3.5L V6 — DOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 4-door sedan

Trims covered

• GLE
• GXE
• SE

Known issues on the 2002 Maxima. Nine recalls are on federal record for this model year. Two cover the frontal passenger air bag inflator, which can rupture on deployment and throw metal fragments at occupants; a related recall covers driver-side inflator replacement service parts with the same explosion risk. Two more cover aftermarket combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies that lack the required amber side reflectors, reducing visibility. The front lower control arm's transverse link pin can break at its frame mount, causing a knocking sound and abnormal steering. A crank or cam position sensor circuit board can develop a faulty solder joint from heat stress, triggering the service engine soon light, a no-start condition, reduced power, or a sudden stall. The electronic throttle's accelerator pedal stopper can allow the pedal to over-travel under excessive force, severely limiting engine speed unexpectedly. And the odometer on traction-control-equipped units registers kilometers without a "KM" label as federal rules require. Owners have filed 220 complaints for the year. The factory diagnostic and repair procedures behind each of those systems are here.

Whether you're inspecting the front suspension pin, tracing a stall back to the cam position sensor, or working through a routine service interval, it keeps you on the OEM procedure and the correct specification for your specific 2002 Maxima.