power steering NISSAN MAXIMA 2020 Owner´s Manual

warning light” in this section and “Tire Pres-
sure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
Door/Trunk Open
This warning illuminates when a door or
the trunk has been opened.
Alarm - Time for a break?
This indicator appears when the driver en-
ables the Timer Alert function within the
Driving Aids settings and the selected set
time is expired. The time is based on igni-
tion on time and can be set up to six hours.
Power will turn off to save the battery
This message appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display af ter a period of time if the
ignition switch is in the ACC or the ON po-
sition and if the vehicle is in P (Park). For
additional information, refer to “Push-
button ignition switch positions” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
Power turned off to save the battery
This message appears af ter the ignition
switch is automatically turned off. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Push-button ig-nition switch positions” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Reminder: Turn OFF Headlights
This warning appears when the headlights
are lef t in the ON position when exiting the
vehicle. Place the headlight switch in the
OFF or AUTO position. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Headlight and turn signal
switch” in this section.
Headlight System Error: See Owner’s
Manual
This warning illuminates when there is an
error with the system. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Headlight and turn signal
switch” in this section.
Rotate the steering and push the start
switch (if so equipped)
This warning appears when the steering
lock cannot be unlocked or is malfunction-
ing. This warning may appear if the steer-
ing wheel is not aligned with the locking
mechanism. If this warning appears, lightly
turn the steering wheel right and lef t to
realign the steering wheel position with the
locking mechanism, and then push the ig-
nition switch to ON. This warning will re-
main on until the steering lock is realigned
with the locking mechanism and the igni-tion switch has been pressed to ON, or until
15 seconds has elapsed. If the warning con-
tinues to appear even af ter realignment,
have the system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
The Master warning light will remain illumi-
nated until the Electrical steering lock re-
lease warning is cleared.
Parking Sensor
This indicator illuminates when the sensor
is activated. Pressing the OK button while
the sonar screen is displayed will dismiss
this message until the next time the sen-
sors are activated. The Parking Sensor sys-
tem will remain on, unless it is disabled in
the vehicle information display. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Front and rear
sonar system” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
Parking Sensor Error: See Owner’s
Manual
This warning illuminates when there is an
error with the system. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Front and rear sonar sys-
tem” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
Instruments and controls2-31

3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys.............................................3-2NISSAN Intelligent Key® .......................3-2
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
keys..........................................3-3
Doors ...........................................3-4
Locking with key ..............................3-5
Locking with inside lock knob .................3-5
Locking with power door lock switch .........3-6
Automatic door locks.........................3-6
Child safety rear door lock ....................3-6
NISSAN Intelligent Key® .......................... 3-7
Operating range ..............................3-8
Door locks/unlocks precaution ...............3-8
NISSAN Intelligent Key® Operation ............3-9
How to use the remote keyless entry
function ..................................... 3-13
Warning signals ............................. 3-15
Troubleshooting guide ......................3-16
Remote Engine Start ........................... 3-18
Remote Engine Start operating range .......3-18
Remote starting the vehicle .................3-19
Extending engine run time ..................3-19
Canceling a Remote Engine Start ............3-19 Conditions the Remote Engine Start will
notwork ....................................
3-20
Hood ........................................... 3-21
Trunk lid ........................................ 3-21
Opener operation ........................... 3-22
Interior trunk lid release .....................3-22
Interior trunk access ........................ 3-22
Fuel-filler door .................................. 3-23
Opening the fuel-filler door ..................3-23
Fuel-filler cap ................................ 3-23
Steering wheel ................................. 3-25
Manual operation (if so equipped) ...........3-26
Automatic operation (if so equipped) ........3-26
Sun visors ...................................... 3-27
Vanity mirrors ............................... 3-28
Mirrors ......................................... 3-28
Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror ........3-28
Outside mirrors ............................. 3-29
Automatic drive positioner (if so equipped) .....3-31
Memor
y storage function (key-link) ..........3-32
Memory storage function ...................3-32
Entry/exit function .......................... 3-33
System operation ........................... 3-34

∙ When thefront defroster button
is pressed, the air conditioner will auto-
matically be turned on at outside tem-
peratures above 36°F (2°C). The air recir-
culate mode automatically turns off,
allowing outside air to be drawn into the
passenger compartment to further im-
prove the defogging performance.
When the air recirculate mode auto-
matically turns off, the air fresh mode
will automatically turn on.
Remote Engine Start with
Intelligent Climate Control (if so
equipped)
Vehicles equipped with automatic climate
controls and Remote Engine Start function
may go into automatic heating or cooling
mode when Remote Engine Start is acti-
vated depending on outside and cabin
temperatures. During this period, the cli-
mate control display and buttons will be
inoperable until the ignition switch is
turned on. In Remote Engine Start defrost-
ing mode, the rear window defroster and
heated steering wheel (if so equipped) may
be activated automatically.
MANUAL OPERATION
Fan speed control
Press thefan speed control buttons
to manually control the fan speed.
Press the AUTO button to return to auto-
matic control of the fan speed.
Temperature control dial
The temperature control dial allows you to
adjust the temperature of the outlet air. To
lower the temperature, turn the dial to the
lef t. To increase the temperature, turn the
dial to the right. Temperature can be ad-
justed on the driver’s and passenger’s side.
Air recirculation
Press theair recirculation button to
recirculate interior air inside the vehicle.
The
indicator light on the button will
come on.
The air recirculation cannot be activated
when the air conditioner is in the
front defrosting mode. When the outside temperature exceeds
70°F (21°C), the air conditioning system may
default to air recirculation mode automati-
cally to reduce overall power consumption.
To exit air recirculation mode, select
the
fresh air intake button (the air re-
circulation indicator will turn off, the fresh
air indicator will turn on) to enter fresh air
mode.
Fresh air intake
Press thefresh air intake button to
draw outside air into the passenger com-
partment.
A/C (air conditioner) button
Start the engine, press thefan speed
control buttons to the desired position and
press the
button to turn on the air
conditioner. To turn off the air conditioner,
press the
button again.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-31

System maintenance........................ 5-99
Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW) . . . 5-101 I-FCW system operation ....................5-103
Turning the I-FCW system on/off ...........5-104
I-FCW system limitations ...................5-105
System temporarily unavailable ............5-109
System malfunction ........................ 5-110
System maintenance ....................... 5-110
Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA) ...............5-112
Intelligent Driver Alertness system
operation ................................... 5-113
How to enable/disable the Intelligent
Driver Alertness (I-DA) system ..............5-114
Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA)
system limitations .......................... 5-114
Break-in schedule ............................. 5-115
Fuel efficient driving tips .......................5-116
Increasing fuel economy .......................5-117
Parking/parking on hills .......................5-118
Power steering ................................ 5-119
Brake system .................................. 5-120
Brake precautions .......................... 5-120
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .............5-120
Brake Assist ................................ 5-121Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
........5-122
Brake force distribution .....................5-124
Integrated Dynamics-control Module ..........5-125
Intelligent Trace Control (I-TC) ...............5-125
Intelligent Engine Brake (I-EB) ...............5-125
Active Ride Control (ARC) ...................5-126
Front and rear sonar system (if so equipped) . . 5-126 System operation .......................... 5-127
How to enable/disable the front and
rear sonar system .......................... 5-129
Cold weather driving .......................... 5-130
Freeing a frozen door lock ..................5-130
Antifreeze .................................. 5-130
Battery..................................... 5-130
Draining of coolant water ...................5-130
Tir
e equipment ............................. 5-130
Special winter equipment ..................5-130
Driving on snow or ice ......................5-130
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ........5-131
Active noise cancellation/Active sound
control (if so equipped) ........................5-132
Active noise cancellation ...................5-132
Active sound control ........................ 5-132

To move the shif t lever, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:1. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Using a protective cloth on the tip of a small (1/8 inch or 3 mm) flat-head
screwdriver, remove the shif t lock re-
lease cover.
∙ If available, a plastic trim tool can also be used.
4. Insert the car key into the shif t lock release slot and press straight down. A
small screwdriver or small trim tool
may also be used.
∙ For additional information, refer to “NISSAN Intelligent Key®” in the “Pre-
driving checks and adjustments”
section of this manual.
5. Move the shif t lever to the N (Neutral) position while holding down the shif t
lock release.
6. Push the ignition switch to the ON po- sition to unlock the steering wheel.
Now the vehicle may be moved to the
desired location. If the shif t lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have the transmission checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
CAUTION
Make sure to take extra care during the
removal of the shif t lock cap as this part
is easily damaged.
WARNING
If the shif t lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and
others.
Accelerator downshif t
— in D (Drive) position and manual
shif t mode
For passing or hill climbing, depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shif ts
the transmission down into lower range,
depending on the vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid tem-
perature protection mode. If the fluid tem-
perature becomes too high (for example,
when climbing steep grades in high tem-
peratures with heavy loads, such as when
towing a trailer), engine power and, under
some conditions, vehicle speed will be de-
creased automatically to reduce the
chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelera-
tor pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed
may be limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel
spinning and subsequent hard braking,
the fail-safe system may be activated.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may come on to indicate the fail-safe
mode is activated. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL)” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section of this manual. This will oc-
cur even if all electrical circuits are func-
tioning properly. In this case, place the
ignition switch in the OFF position and
wait for 10 seconds. Then place the igni-
Starting and driving5-21

∙HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURBA:
Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the curb
side wheel gently touches the curb.
∙ HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB
B:
Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
∙ HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB
C:
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away
from the center of the road if it moves.
4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.
WARNING
∙ If the engine is not running or isturned off while driving, the power as-
sist for the steering will not work.
Steering will be harder to operate.
∙ When the power steering warning light illuminates with the engine run-
ning, there will be no power assist for
the steering. You will still have control
of the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
The power steering system is designed to
provide power assist while driving to oper-
ate the steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated re-
peatedly or continuously while parking or
driving at a very low speed, the power as-
sist for the steering wheel will be reduced.
This is to prevent overheating of the power
steering system and protect it from getting
damaged. While the power assist is re-
duced, steering wheel operation will be-
come heavy. If the steering wheel opera-
tion is still performed, the power steering
may stop and the power steering warning
light will illuminate. In a safe location, stop the engine and push the ignition switch to
the OFF position. The temperature of the
power steering system will go down af ter a
period of time and the power assist level
will return to normal af ter starting the en-
gine. The power steering warning light will
go off. Avoid repeating such steering wheel
operations that could cause the power
steering system to overheat.
You may hear a noise from the front of the
vehicle when the steering wheel is oper-
ated. This is a normal operational noise
and is not a malfunction.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servic-
ing. Have the power steering system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
When the power steering warning light illu-
minates with the engine running, there will
be no power assist for the steering but you
will still have control of the vehicle. At this
time, greater steering effort is required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in
sharp turns and at low speeds.
POWER STEERING
Starting and driving5-119

WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times.The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion.
Under certain driving conditions, the VDC
system helps to perform the following
functions:
∙ Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel
so power is transferred to a non-
slipping drive wheel on the same axle.
∙ Controls brake pressure and engine output to reduce drive wheel slip based
on vehicle speed (traction control func-
tion).
∙ Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
– Understeer (vehicle tends to not fol- low the steered path despite in-
creased steering input)
– Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it can-
not prevent loss of vehicle control in all driv-
ing situations. When the VDC system operates, theindicator light in the instrument panel
flashes to note the following:
∙ The road may be slippery or the system may determine some action is required
to help keep the vehicle on the steered
path.
∙ You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from
under the hood. This is normal and indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.
∙ Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip in-
dicator light” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the
indicator light comes on in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off when the indicator light
is on.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The
, RAB, and AEB with
Pedestrian Detection indicator lights illumi-
nate to indicate the VDC, RAB, and AEB with
Pedestrian Detection systems are off.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-122Starting and driving

When the vehicle information display is
used to turn off the system, the VDC sys-
tem still operates to prevent one drive
wheel from slipping by transferring power
to a non-slipping drive wheel. The
in-
dicator light flashes if this occurs. All other
VDC functions are off and the
indica-
tor light will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to
ON when the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or in reverse at a slow speed. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
WARNING
∙ The VDC system is designed to help the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and
be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and al-
ways drive carefully.
∙ Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen- sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,
the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the
indicator light may flash.
∙ If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and
the
indicator light may
illuminate. ∙ If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the
indica-
tor light may illuminate.
∙ When driving on extremely inclined surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the
indicator light
may flash. Do not drive on these types
of roads.
∙ When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash. This is not a malfunction. Re-
start the engine af ter driving onto a
stable surface.
∙ If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN recommended ones are used,
the VDC system may not operate
properly and the
indicator light
may flash.
∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
Starting and driving5-123

6. Af ter the engine cools down, check thecoolant level in the engine coolant res-
ervoir tank with the engine running.
Add coolant to the engine coolant res-
ervoir tank if necessary. Have your ve-
hicle repaired. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice. When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle.
Towing instructions are available from a
NISSAN dealer. Local service operators are
generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental
damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recom-
mends having a service operator tow your
vehicle. It is advisable to have the service
operator carefully read the following pre-
cautions:
WARNING
∙ Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
∙ Never get under your vehicle af ter it has been lif ted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
∙ When towing, make sure that thetransmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working condi-
tion. If any of these conditions apply,
dollies or a flatbed tow truck must be
used.
∙ Always attach safety chains before towing.
For additional information, refer to “Flat
towing” in the “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section of this manual.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
NISSAN recommends towing your vehicle
based upon the type of drivetrain. For addi-
tional information, refer to the diagrams in
this section to ensure that your vehicle is
properly towed.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-12In case of emergency

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.......................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ...........8-3
Engine cooling system ..........................8-4
Checking engine coolant level ................8-5
Changing engine coolant .....................8-5
Engine oil ........................................8-6
Checking engine oil level .....................8-6
Changing engine oil and oil filter ..............8-6
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid ............................................ 8-10
Power Steering Fluid (PSF) .......................8-11
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-11
Windshield-washer fluid ........................8-12
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ............8-12
Battery......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ............................... 8-14
Drive belt ....................................... 8-15
Spark plugs .................................... 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ....................... 8-15
Air cleaner ...................................... 8-16
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-16Windshield wiper blades
........................8-17
Cleaning .................................... 8-17
Replacing ................................... 8-17
Brakes.......................................... 8-18
Fuses ........................................... 8-19
Engine compartment ....................... 8-19
Passenger compartment ....................8-20
Battery replacement ........................... 8-21
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ......................8-22
Lights .......................................... 8-23
Headlights ................................... 8-23
Front park/turn signal/side marker
light ......................................... 8-23
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-23
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-24
Wheels and tires ................................ 8-26
Tire pressure ................................ 8-26
Tire labeling ................................. 8-30
T

ypes of tires ................................ 8-33
Tire chains .................................. 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-34