warning light NISSAN MAXIMA 1996 A32 / 4.G User Guide

Caution and warning labels about the air bag
system are placed in the vehicle.The air bag light, displaying ªAIR BAGº in the
instrument panel, monitors the circuits of the
air bag. The circuits monitored by the air bag
light are the diagnosis sensor unit, air bag
modules and all related wiring.
When the ignition key is in the ªONº or
ªSTARTº position, the air bag light will illumi-
nate for about 7 seconds and then turn off.
This means the system is operational.
SPA0104SPA0105
CAUTION AND WARNING
LABELSAIR BAG WARNING LIGHT
2-21
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
IMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, e.g., each time you
check engine oil.
ICheck that all windows and lights are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ªON (3)º position.The automatic transmission in your vehicle (if
so equipped) is electronically controlled by a
microcomputer to produce maximum power
and smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this trans-
mission. Follow these procedures for maxi-
mum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
IAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal and push the shift lever
button before shifting the selector lever to
the ªRº, ªNº, ªDº, ª2º or ª1º position. Be sure
the vehicle is fully stopped before attempt-
ing to shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so that the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from ªPº to any
drive position while the ignition switch is
ªONº.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of ªPº
and into any of the other gear positions if
the key is turned to the ªLOCKº position or
if the key is removed from the switch.
1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
push the shift lever button to shift into a
driving gear.2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
When the battery charge is low, the shift
lever can be moved if the ignition switch is
in the ªACCº position.
ICold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
IAvoid revving up the engine while the
vehicle is stopped. This could cause
unexpected vehicle movement.
Driving precautions
To help prevent transmission damage:
IDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from ªPº or ªNº to ªRº,
ªDº, ª2º or ª1º. Always depress the
brake pedal until shifting is completed.
INever shift to ªPº or ªRº while vehicle is
moving.
IWhen stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
4-6
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Ð In the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal fully depressed while starting.
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, wait 10 seconds before crank-
ing again, otherwise the starter could be
damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.To apply:pull the lever up.
To release:pull the lever up slightly, push the
button and lower completely. Before driving,
be sure the parking brake warning light goes
out.SSD0018
PARKING BRAKE
4-11
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
at each wheel so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation
speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid
pressure to prevent each wheel from locking
and sliding. By preventing wheel lockup, the
system helps the driver maintain steering con-
trol and helps to minimize swerving and spin-
ning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.It is
not necessary to pump the brake pedal.
Doing so may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
(under the hood) rapidly applies and releases
hydraulic pressure (like pumping the brakes
very quickly). While the actuator is working,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from the actuator
under the hood. This is normal and indicates
that the anti-lock system is working properly.However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic
solenoids controlled by a computer. The com-
puter has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests
the system each time you start the engine and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the ªself-testº occurs, you may
hear a ªclunkº noise and/or feel a ªpulsationº in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the ªABSº
brake warning light in the dashboard. The
brake system will then behave normally, but
without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at
your earliest convenience.
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but is cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-lock
system. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of self and
others rests in the hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
IWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.
IWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
4-17
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
is below the Min. line or the brake warning light
comes on, addDOT 3fluid up to the Max. line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by your NIS-
SAN dealer.
IUse only new fluid. Old, inferior, or
contaminated fluid may damage the
brake and clutch systems. The use of
improper fluids can damage thebrake system and affect the vehicle's
stopping ability.
IDo not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash with water.
Type A
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. Add a washer solvent to the
water for better cleaning. In the winter season,
add a windshield washer anti-freeze. Follow
the manufacturer's instructions for the mixture
ratio.
SDI0119SDI0189
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID WINDOW WASHER FLUID
7-11
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have
your NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition,
you should notify your NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the precautions in the
ªDo-it-yourself operationsº section.
Additional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ªDo-it-
yourself operationsº section.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge peri-
odically when at a service station, including the
spare, and adjust to the specified pressure if
necessary. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*When checking the tires, make
sure no nuts are missing, and check for any
loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight
and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hoodCheck that all doors
and the engine hood operate smoothly as well
as the trunk lid or back hatch. Also make sure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate if nec-
essary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the pri-
mary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Lights*Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Warning lights and buzzers/chimesMake
sure that all warning lights and buzzers/chimes
are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck that it has the specified
play. Be sure to check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive play,
hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to make
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-3
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

10 Index
A
Air bag warning light ....................................... 2-21
Air cleaner filter ............................................... 7-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ............................. 3-5
Air conditioner specification label.............. 9-11
Automatic air conditioner............................. 3-9
Air flow chart ..................................................... 3-6
AM-FM radio with cassette player .................. 3-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player (Bose audio system) .................... 3-16
Antenna........................................................... 3-22
Anti-lock brake system ................................... 4-17
Automatic
Automatic air conditioner............................. 3-9
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-6
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 4-3
B
Battery............................................................. 7-12
Battery replacement.......................................... 2-7
Before starting the engine ................................ 4-6
Brake
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-17
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11
Brake booster ............................................ 7-20Brake pedal ............................................... 7-19
Brake wear indicators ........................ 1-8, 7-19
Parking brake ................................... 4-11, 7-18
Break-in schedule ........................................... 4-13
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants... 9-2
Caution and warning labels ............................ 2-21
CB radio or car phone .................................... 3-23
Changing
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-7
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-8
Checking engine coolant level .......................... 7-4
Checking engine oil level .................................. 7-6
Child restraints for infants and small children .... 2-
29
Child safety ..................................................... 2-23
Child safety rear door lock................................ 2-3
Cigarette lighter and ash trays ....................... 1-17
Cleaning exterior and interior ........................... 6-2
Clock ............................................................... 1-21
Clutch pedal .................................................... 7-20
Cold weather driving cautions ........................ 4-18
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 3-21
Controls............................................................. 3-3
Coolant
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Checking engine coolant level .................... 7-4Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Cornering light ................................................ 1-14
Corrosion protection ......................................... 6-5
Cruise control.................................................. 4-12
Cup and card holders ..................................... 1-18
DDefogger switch
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 1-12
Dimensions and weights ................................... 9-8
Door lock operation .......................................... 2-6
Door locks ......................................................... 2-2
Door unlock operation ...................................... 2-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................... 4-4
Drive belts ....................................................... 7-13
Driving
Cold weather driving cautions ................... 4-18
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............. 4-4
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ............... 4-9
Precautions when driving .......................... 4-16
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
E
Economy hints ................................................ 4-14
Emission control information label .................. 9-10
Emission control system warranty .................. 9-18
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Engine ............................................................... 9-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Changing engine coolant ............................ 7-5
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-7
Checking engine coolant level .................... 7-4
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 7-4
Engine oil..................................................... 7-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-4
Engine serial number ................................ 9-10
Starting the engine .................................... 4-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 4-2
Explanation of maintenance items.................. 8-10
F
Flat tire .............................................................. 5-2
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 7-11
Power steering fluid................................... 7-10
Window washer fluid ................................. 7-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........................... 9-10
Foldable outside mirrors ................................. 2-36
Front fog light switch ...................................... 1-15
Front personal light ......................................... 1-22
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .............................................. 9-2
Fuel filler cap ............................................. 2-10
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5Fuel recommendation.................................. 9-2
Fuses .............................................................. 7-20
Fusible links .................................................... 7-22
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 1-4
Fuel gauge .................................................. 1-5
Meters and gauges ..................................... 1-3
General maintenance ....................................... 8-3
Glove box lock .................................................. 2-8
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 1-15
Head restraint ................................................. 2-15
Headlight and turn signal switch..................... 1-13
Headlights ....................................................... 7-22
Heated seat .................................................... 1-16
Heater operation ............................................... 3-4
Hood release .................................................... 2-8
I
If your vehicle overheats .................................. 5-8
Ignition switch ................................................... 4-4
Inside mirror .................................................... 2-36
Installing license plate .................................... 9-11
Instrument brightness control ......................... 1-14
Interior light ..................................................... 1-21J
Jump starting ........................................... 5-6, 7-13
K
Key .................................................................... 2-2
L
License plate
Installing license plate ............................... 9-11
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 2-21
Cigarette lighter and ash trays .................. 1-17
Cornering light ........................................... 1-14
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-15
Front personal light ................................... 1-22
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-13
Headlights.................................................. 7-22
Interior light................................................ 1-21
Light bulbs ................................................. 7-22
Trunk light.................................................. 1-23
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-22
Warning/indicator light and buzzer.............. 1-6
Lock
Anti-lock brake system .............................. 4-17
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
Clock.......................................................... 1-21
Door lock operation ..................................... 2-6
Door locks ................................................... 2-2
Door unlock operation ................................. 2-6
Fuel filler lid lock ....................................... 2-10
Glove box lock............................................. 2-8
10-2
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Power door lock .......................................... 2-4
Trunk lid lock ............................................... 2-9
M
Maintenance
Explanation of maintenance items ............ 8-10
General maintenance .................................. 8-3
Periodic maintenance .................................. 8-5
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 2-29
Meters and gauges ........................................... 1-3
Mirror
Foldable outside mirrors............................ 2-36
Inside mirror .............................................. 2-36
Outside mirror remote control ................... 2-36
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 1-12
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 1-22
Multi-remote control system.............................. 2-5
O
Odometer .......................................................... 1-4
Oil
Changing engine oil .................................... 7-7
Changing oil filter ........................................ 7-8
Checking engine oil level ............................ 7-6
Engine oil..................................................... 7-6
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .......................................... 9-4
Opener cancel lever for trunk lid .................... 2-10
Opening the driver's and front passenger's
window .............................................................. 2-6
Outside mirror remote control ......................... 2-36Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ............................. 5-8
P
Panic alarm operation ....................................... 2-6
Parking
Parking brake ................................... 4-11, 7-18
Parking/parking on hills ............................. 4-15
Periodic maintenance ....................................... 8-5
Pocket ............................................................. 1-17
Power
Power antenna .......................................... 3-22
Power door lock .......................................... 2-4
Power steering fluid................................... 7-10
Power window ........................................... 1-19
Precautions ....................................................... 7-2
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 2-23
Precautions when driving .......................... 4-16
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
Push starting ..................................................... 5-8
R
Radio............................................................... 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player ............ 3-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player (Bose audio system) ............... 3-16
CB radio or car phone............................... 3-23
Radio operation ......................................... 3-17
Rear seat ........................................................ 2-16
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 1-12
Recommended SAE viscosity number ............. 9-5Refrigerant recommendation ............................ 9-6
Reporting safety defects (For U.S.A.) ............ 9-18
S
Safety
Child safety................................................ 2-23
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-3
Reporting safety defects (For U.S.A.) ....... 9-18
Seat belt
2-point type without ................................... 2-27
3-point type seat belt with retractor .......... 2-25
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 2-23
Seat belt extenders ................................... 2-28
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 2-29
Seat belts .................................................. 2-23
Seats ............................................................... 2-12
Spark plug replacement .................................. 7-14
Speedometer .................................................... 1-4
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-6
Jump starting ..................................... 5-6, 7-13
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 4-2
Push starting ............................................... 5-8
Starting the engine .................................... 4-10
Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 7-10
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 2-35
Sunroof ........................................................... 1-20
Supplemental restraint system (Air bag
system) ........................................................... 2-17
Switch
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-15
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-15
10-3
Z01.2.1/A32-DX

Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-13
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 1-12
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-11
T
Tachometer ....................................................... 1-4
Theft warning .................................................... 1-9
Three way catalyst ............................................ 4-2
Tilting steering wheel ...................................... 2-35
Timing chain ..................................................... 9-7
Tire
Flat tire ........................................................ 5-2
Tire chains ................................................. 7-30
Tire placard ............................................... 9-11
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-15
Wheels and tires ................................ 7-29, 9-8
Tow truck towing ............................................... 5-9
Towing
Tow truck towing ......................................... 5-9
Towing load/specification chart ................. 9-14
Trailer towing ............................................. 9-13
Trailer towing .................................................. 9-13
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid ....................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission............ 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ............... 4-9
Trip odometer ................................................... 1-4
Trunk lid lock .................................................... 2-9
Trunk lid opener operation ............................... 2-6
Trunk light ....................................................... 1-23U
Uniform tire quality grading............................. 9-17
V
Vanity mirror light ............................................ 1-22
Vehicle identification ......................................... 9-9
Vehicle identification number (Chassis
number) ....................................................... 9-9
Vehicle identification number plate ............. 9-9
Vehicle loading information............................. 9-12
Vehicle recovery (Freeing a stuck
vehicle)............................................................ 5-10
Ventilator ........................................................... 3-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ................................. 2-21
Caution and warning labels....................... 2-21
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-15
Theft warning............................................... 1-9
Warning/indicator light and buzzer.............. 1-6
Wheels and tires ..................................... 7-29, 9-8
Window washer fluid ....................................... 7-11
Windshield wiper and washer switch.............. 1-11
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-11
Wiper blades ............................................. 7-17
10-4
Z01.2.1/A32-DX