brake NISSAN MAXIMA 2003 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

or
Anti-lock brake warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)
A/T check warning light (A/T models)
Seat belt warning light
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
or
Brake warning light
Stop/tail warning light
Slip indicator light
Charge warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Traction control system indicator light
Door open warning light
Trunk lid open warning light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light
Low fuel warning light
Cruise set indicator light
CHECKING BULBSApply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights will come on:
,
or
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then
go off:
,
or
,
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the light will illuminate. The light will turn
off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational.
If the light comes on while the engine isrunning, it may indicate that the anti-lock brake
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
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A/T check warning light (A/T
models)
When the ignition switch is turned ON, the light
comes on for 2 seconds. If the light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds, it may indicate the
automatic transmission system is not function-
ing properly. Have your NISSAN dealer check
and repair the transmission.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ªBrake and clutch fluidº
in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
section.
WARNING
IYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be
dangerous.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as greater pedal
travel.
IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir,
do not drive until the brake system
has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging sys-
tem is not functioning properly. Turn the en-
gine off and check the alternator belt. If the belt
is loose, broken, missing or if the light remains
on, see your NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are
not closed securely while the ignition key is
ON.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer
or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See ªEngine
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oilº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause serious
damage to the engine almost immedi-
ately. Turn off the engine as soon as it is
safe to do so.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank is
getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E.
There will be a small reserve of fuel remain-
ing in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E.
Low washer fluid warning
light (if so equipped)
This light comes on when the washer tank fluid
is at a low level. Add washer fluid as neces-
sary. See ªWindow washer fluidº in the ª8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the igni-
tion key is turned to ON, and will remain
illuminated until the driver's seat belt is fas-
tened. At the same time, the chime will sound
for about 6 seconds unless the driver's seat
belt is securely fastened.
See ªSeat beltsº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systemsº section for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Stop/tail warning light
If the light comes on with the engine running
when the light switch is on or the brake pedal
is depressed, one or more stop/tail light bulbs
are burned out. Replace the stop/tail light bulb.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the supplemental air bag warning light will
illuminate. The supplemental air bag warning
light will turn off after about 7 seconds if the
system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental sideair bag (if so equipped) and pre-tensioner seat
belt needs servicing and your vehicle must be
taken to your nearest authorized NISSAN
dealer.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 seconds.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemen-
tal Restraint System and/or the pre-tensioner
seat belt may not function properly. For addi-
tional information, see ªSupplemental restraint
systemº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and supple-
mental air bag systemsº section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal air bag system, supplemental side air
bag system (if so equipped) and/or pre-
tensioner seat belt system will not oper-
ate in an accident.
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fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light will blink on when your traction
control system (TCS) is limiting wheel spin.
Slippery road conditions may exist if the slip
indicator light blinks on. If this happens, adjust
your driving accordingly.
You may feel or hear the system working, but
this is normal.
The light will blink on for a few seconds after
the traction control system stops limiting wheel
spin.
The slip indicator light also comes on when
you turn the ignition key to ON. The light will
turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational. If the light does not come on or go
off, have the traction control system checked
by your NISSAN dealer. The system operates
in all transmission shift lever positions. But the
system can upshift the transmission only as
high as the indicated shift lever position.
Traction control system
indicator light (if so equipped)
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the light will illuminate. The light will turn
off after about 2 seconds if the traction control
system (TCS) is operational.
If the light stays on or comes on when you are
driving, it may indicate the traction control
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
The traction control system indicator light may
come on for the following reasons.
a) If the system is turned off by pressing
the button on the instrument panel, the
indicator light will come on and stay on.
To turn the system back on, press the
button again. The indicator light will go
off.
b) If engine speed is above 4,000 rpm in a
selected gear. Use D range on low fric-
tion road surfaces.
If the traction control system indicator light
comes on and stays on for an extended period
of time when the system is turned on, have
your vehicle checked by your NISSAN dealer.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chimeThe chime will sound if the driver's side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch (ignition switch is turned off). Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.Light reminder chimeThe chime will sound when the front door is
opened with the headlight switch on unless the
ignition key is in the ON position.
Make sure to turn the light switch off when you
leave the vehicle.Seat belt warning chimeThe chime will sound for about 6 seconds
unless the drivers seat belt is securely fas-
tened.Brake pad wear warningThe disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement,
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it will make a high pitched scraping sound
when the vehicle is in motion whether or not
the brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the warning
sound is heard.
Your vehicle has two types of security sys-
tems, as follows:
IVehicle Security System
INissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
The security condition will be shown by the
security indicator light.
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEMThe vehicle security system provides visual
and audio alarm signals if parts of the vehicle
are disturbed.
How to activate the vehicle security
system1. Close all windows.
The system can be activated even if the
windows are open.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Close and lock all doors, hood and trunk lid.
Lock all doors by pressing the LOCK button
on the keyfob. When using the keyfob, the
hazard indicators flash twice to indicate all
doors are locked.
4. Confirm that the SECURITY indicator light
IC0005
SIC1228
SECURITY SYSTEMS
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Headlight beam selectTo select the high beam, push the lever for-
ward. Pull it back to select the low beam.Passing signalPulling the lever toward you will flash the
headlight high beam.Daytime running light system
(Canada only)The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is started
with the parking brake released. The daytime
running lights operate with the headlight switch
in the OFF position or in the
position.
Turn the headlight switch to theposition
for full illumination when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the
engine is started, the daytime running lights do
not illuminate. The daytime running lights illu-
minate once the parking brake is released.
The daytime running lights will remain on until
the ignition switch is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle are
not on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on
your headlights. Failure to do so could
cause an accident injuring yourself and
others.TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
Turn signalMove the lever up or down to signal the turning
direction. When the turn is completed, the turn
signals cancel automatically.Lane change signalTo indicate a lane change, move the lever up
or down to the point where lights begin flash-
ing.To turn the fog lights on, turn the headlight
switch to the
position, then turn the
switch to theposition. To turn them off,
turn the switch to the OFF position.
The headlights must be on for the fog lights to
operate.
SIC1760
FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if so
equipped)
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AUTOMATIC SEAT POSITIONER
OPERATION (A/T models only)This system is designed so that the driver's
seat will automatically move when the auto-
matic transmission selector lever is in the P
(Park) position. This allows the driver to get in
and out of the driver's seat more easily.
When one of the following conditions is met,
the driver's seat will slide backward:
IWhen the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
IWhen the driver's door is opened with the
key turned to ACC or LOCK.
IWhen the key is turned from ON to ACC
with the driver's door open.
When one of the following conditions is met,
the driver's seat will return to the positions
before being set.
IWhen the key is inserted into the ignition
switch.
IWhen the driver's door is closed with the
key turned to LOCK.
PROCEDURE FOR STORING
MEMORYTwo positions can be stored in the automatic
driver's seat positioner memory.Follow these
procedures to use the memory system.
1. A/T models:
Set the automatic transmission selector
lever to the P (Park) position.
M/T models:
Apply the parking brake securely when the
vehicle is stopped.
2. Turn the ignition ON.
3. Adjust the driver's seat and steering column
to the desired positions by manually oper-
ating each adjusting switch. For additional
information, see ªSeatsº in the ª1. Seats,
restraints and supplemental air bag sys-
temsº section and ªSteering wheelº earlier
in this section.
SPA1385
AUTOMATIC SEAT POSITIONER
(if so equipped)
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During this step, do not turn the ignition to
any positions other than ON.
4. Push the SET switch and, within 5 seconds,
push the memory switch 1 or 2 fully for at
least 1 second.
The indicator light for the pushed memory
switch will come on and stay on for approxi-
mately 5 seconds after pushing the switch.
After the indicator light goes off, the se-
lected positions are stored in the selected
memory (1 or 2).
If memory is stored in the same memory
switch, the previous memory will be de-
leted.
Confirming memory storageITurn the ignition ON and push the SET
switch. If the main memory has not been
stored, the indicator light will come on for
approximately 0.5 seconds. When the
memory has stored the position, the indica-
tor light will stay on for approximately 5
seconds.
IIf the battery cable is disconnected, or if the
fuse blows, the memory will be canceled. In
such a case, reset the desired positions
using the following procedures.
1. Open and close the driver's door more thantwo times with the ignition key in the LOCK
position.
2. Reset the desired position using the previ-
ous procedure.
Selecting the memorized position1. A/T models:
Set the automatic transmission selector le-
ver to the P (Park) position.
M/T models:
Apply the parking brake securely when the
vehicle is stopped.
2. Turn the ignition ON.
3. Push the memory switch 1 or 2 fully for at
least 1 second.
The driver's seat will move to the memo-
rized position with the indicator light flash-
ing. Then the light will stay on for approxi-
mately 5 seconds.
When memory switch 1 or 2 is pushed with the
driver's door open and then the key inserted
into the ignition switch within approximately 1
minute, the driver's seat will move to the
memorized position. Ð A/T models only
System operationThe automatic drive positioner system will not
work or will stop operating under the following
conditions:
Iwhen the vehicle speed is above 4 MPH (7
km/h).
Iwhen any two or more of the memory
switches are simultaneously pressed while
the automatic drive positioner is operating.
Iwhen the adjusting switch for the driver's
seat is turned on while the automatic drive
positioner is operating.
Iwhen the cancel switch located on the
instrument panel is pushed to cancel.
Iwhen the memory switch 1 or 2 is not
pushed for at least 1 second.
Iwhen the seat has already been moved to
the memorized position.
Iwhen no seat position is stored in the
memory switch.
Iwhen the parking brake is not applied. Ð
M/T models
Iwhen the vehicle speed is above 4 MPH (7
km/h) while the parking brake is applied. Ð
M/T models
To restart the drive positioner system,
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move the parking brake to off and on.
Iwhen the engine is started while moving the
automatic drive positioner. Ð M/T models
CANCEL SWITCHWhen the CANCEL side of the switch is
pushed, the automatic drive positioner system
will not function.
When the AUTO side of the switch is pushed,
the system will function.
SPA1386
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ...................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).......................... 5-2
Three way catalyst ............................................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover .............................. 5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ....................... 5-4
Ignition switch............................................................ 5-4
Automatic transmission ........................................ 5-4
Manual transmission ............................................ 5-5
Key positions ........................................................ 5-6
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System .................... 5-6
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-7
Starting the engine .................................................... 5-7
Driving the vehicle ..................................................... 5-8
Automatic transmission ........................................ 5-8
Manual transmission .......................................... 5-11
Parking brake .......................................................... 5-12
Cruise control .......................................................... 5-13
Precautions on cruise control ............................. 5-13
Cruise control operations ................................... 5-14
Break-in schedule ................................................... 5-15
Increasing fuel economy ......................................... 5-15
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-16
Power steering ........................................................ 5-17
Brake system .......................................................... 5-18Braking precautions............................................ 5-18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ........................... 5-18
Traction control system (if so equipped)................. 5-19
Cold weather driving ............................................... 5-20
Freeing a frozen door lock ................................. 5-20
Anti-freeze .......................................................... 5-20
Battery ................................................................ 5-20
Draining of coolant water ................................... 5-20
Tire equipment ................................................... 5-20
Special winter equipment ................................... 5-21
Driving on snow or ice ....................................... 5-21
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ................. 5-21
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