lock NISSAN MAXIMA 1999 A32 / 4.G Service Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 1999, Model line: MAXIMA, Model: NISSAN MAXIMA 1999 A32 / 4.GPages: 233, PDF Size: 1.96 MB
Page 118 of 233

5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ...................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .............................. 5-2
Three way catalyst .................................................... 5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover................................... 5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-3
Ignition switch............................................................ 5-4
Automatic transmission ............................................. 5-4
Manual transmission ................................................. 5-5
Key positions ............................................................. 5-6
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System (if so
equipped) .................................................................. 5-6
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-6
Starting the engine .................................................... 5-7
Driving the vehicle ..................................................... 5-7
Automatic transmission ............................................. 5-7
Manual transmission ............................................... 5-11
Parking brake .......................................................... 5-12
Cruise control .......................................................... 5-13
Precautions on cruise control.................................. 5-13Cruise 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 .......................................................... 5-18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if so equipped) ....................................................... 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
Z
01.1.22/A32-D/V5.0
X
Page 121 of 233

NISSAN is committed to safe driving. But, you
must choose not to drive under the influence of
alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol related accidents.
Although the local laws vary on what is con-
sidered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that
alcohol affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that's true for drugs too (over the counter,
prescription, and illegal drugs). Don't drive if
your ability to operate your vehicle is impaired
by alcohol, drugs, or some other physical
condition.
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONOn automatic transmission models, the igni-
tion lock is designed so that the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the selector
lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the selector lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved toward
LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
SSD0055
IGNITION SWITCH
5-4
Starting and driving
Z
01.1.22/A32-D/V5.0
X
Page 122 of 233

LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:
1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3. Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition switch,
the selector lever cannot be moved from P
(Park) position.The selector lever can be
moved if the ignition switch is in the ACC
position. This allows the vehicle to be
moved if the battery is discharged. The
selector lever can also be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position in between LOCK
and ACC, although it does not show on the
lock cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF the
steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn counter-
clockwise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-ing wheel slightly right and left.
MANUAL TRANSMISSIONOn manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, turn the
key to OFF and press in the key release
button, then turn the key to LOCK.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn counter-
clockwise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
SSD0021
Starting and driving
5-5
Z
01.1.22/A32-D/V5.0
X
Page 123 of 233

KEY POSITIONSThe switch includes an anti-theft steering lock
device.
LOCK (Normal parking position) (0)
The ignition key can only be removed when
the switch is in this position.
OFF (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not
running.
ON (Normal operating position) (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and
the electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position activates the starter motor, start-
ing the engine.NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (if so equipped)The Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System will
not allow the engine to start without the use ofthe registered Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key (for
example, when interference is caused by an-
other Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key,
an automated toll road device or automated
payment device on the key ring), restart the
engine using the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position and wait approximately 5 seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 again.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered Nissan Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System key.
If the no start condition still occurs, NISSAN
recommends placing the registered Nissan
Vehicle Immobilizer System key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from
other devices.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 ON (3) position.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-6
Starting and driving
Z
01.1.22/A32-D/V5.0
X
Page 126 of 233

the parking brake first, then shift the lever into
the P (Park) position.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. With the
brake pedal depressed, push in the select
lever button and move the lever to the R
(Reverse) position
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to N (Neutral) position and restart a
stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
2 (Second gear):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on
downhill grades.
Do not exceed 73 MPH (117 km/h) in the 2
(Second gear) position.
1 (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking
on steep downhill grades.Do not exceed 40 MPH (65 km/h) in the 1 (Low
gear) position.
Shifting from P (Park)If the ignition switch is in the ON position and
the foot brake pedal is depressed, but the
selector lever still cannot be moved out of P
(Park) position, follow these instructions:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn it clock-
wise to the ACC position.
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the selector
lever to N (Neutral) position and start the
engine.
5. Check stop light operation.If the selector lever cannot be moved
from the P (Park) position while the
engine is running and the brake pedal
depressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.These instructions for starting the vehicle in N(Neutral) position should only be used until
service can be obtained. Never drive the ve-
hicle if the stop lights are not operating prop-
erly.
Accelerator downshift
Ð In D position ÐFor rapid passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts
the transmission down into second gear or first
gear, depending on the vehicle speed.
Starting and driving
5-9
Z
01.1.22/A32-D/V5.0
X
Page 127 of 233

Overdrive switchEach time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically reset to overdrive ON.
ON: For normal driving the overdrive switch
is engaged. The transmission is up-
shifted into overdrive as the vehicle
speed increases.
The overdrive does not engage until the
engine has warmed up.OFF: Changed for driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking would be
advantageous, push the overdrive
switch. The O/D OFF light illuminates.
When cruising at a low speed or climb-
ing a gentle slope, you may feel uncom-
fortable shift shocks as the transmission
shifts between third and overdrive re-
peatedly. In this case, press the over-
drive switch. The O/D OFF indicator light
comes on at this time.
When driving conditions change, press the
overdrive switch again. The O/D OFF indicator
light goes out.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the O/D OFF
light illuminated. This reduces the fuel
economy.
Fail-safeWhen the fail-safe operation occurs, the next
time the key is turned to the ON position, the
O/D OFF light will blink for approximately 8
seconds after coming on for 2 seconds. While
the vehicle can be driven under these circum-
stances please note that the gears in the
automatic transmission will be locked in third
gear.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the
key back to the ON position. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating con-
dition. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition, have your NISSAN
dealer check the transmission and repair if
necessary.
SSD0110
5-10
Starting and driving
Z
01.1.22/A32-D/V5.0
X
Page 134 of 233

ISafe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park) for
automatic transmission models or in
an appropriate gear for manual trans-
mission models. Failure to do so
could cause the vehicle to move un-
expectedly or roll away and result in
an accident.
IMake sure the automatic transmis-
sion selector lever has been pushed
as far forward as it can go and cannot
be moved without depressing the
button at the end of the lever.3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a sloping drive
way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels
as illustrated.
IHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
q1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.IHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
q2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
q3
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. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns or at low speeds.
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
much harder to operate.POWER STEERING
Starting and driving
5-17
Z
01.1.22/A32-D/V5.0
X
Page 135 of 233

The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit develops a problem, you
will still have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using en-
gine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop
the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal.
However, greater foot pressure on the brake
pedal will be required to stop the vehicle and
the stopping distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result,
your braking distance will be longer and the
vehicle may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat-up the brakes. Do this until the brakes
return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at
high speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This overheats the brakes, in-
creases wear on the brake linings and pads,
and reduces gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed anddownshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result
in loss of vehicle control.
IWhile driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerating
or downshifting. Abrupt braking or
accelerating could cause the wheels
to skid and result in an accident.
IIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
(if so equipped)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 systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.Normal operationThe 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.
BRAKE SYSTEM5-18
Starting and driving
Z
01.1.22/A32-D/V5.0
X
Page 136 of 233

Self-test featureThe 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 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
indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the ABS
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 it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember thatthe stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces, even with the anti-lock sys-
tem. 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 of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.
IWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
IWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. See ªVe-
hicle identificationº in the ª10. Tech-
nical and consumer informationº sec-
tion for tire placard location.
On slippery surfaces such as wet asphalt
roads, vehicle wheels may spin when the
vehicle is accelerated. This wheel spin re-
duces acceleration, or causes the vehicle to
swerve, thus decreasing vehicle stability.
The traction control system helps limit wheel
spin on slippery roads. The system operates
only if it senses one or both of the front wheels
spinning or beginning to lose traction. When
this happens, the system reduces engine
power and may also upshift the transmission
to help limit wheel spin.
IIndicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the traction con-
trol system, the SLIP and
indicator
lights come on in the meter panel.
As long as these warning lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled. The
vehicle will behaves like a model without
the traction control system.
IThe traction control system is most
effective when the transmission gear
selector is in the D position.
IIf you drive in gear 1 or 2 with the TCS
on, this could cause the three way
catalyst to overheat and be damaged.TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
Starting and driving
5-19
Z
01.1.22/A32-D/V5.0
X
Page 137 of 233

To avoid this, the TCS will automati-
cally turn off. Shifting the gear selec-
tor to D will reactivate the TCS.
This system is designed to prevent the
wheels from spinning. However, it does
not prevent vehicle slipping or spinning
due to abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Be especially care-
ful when driving on slippery surfaces
and always drive safely.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For additional infor-
mation, see ªEngine Cooling Systemº in the ª8.
Do-it-yourselfº section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during ex-
tremely cold weather conditions, the battery
fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To
maintain maximum efficiency, the battery
should be checked regularly. For additional
information, see ªBatteryº in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by open-
ing the drain valves located under the radiator
and on the engine block. Refill before operat-
ing the vehicle. See ªEngine cooling systemº inthe ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section for changing
engine coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your
vehicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN
recommends the use of MUD & SNOW or
ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels.
Please consult your NISSAN dealer for the
tire type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some prov-
inces and states prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before in-
stalling studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
the chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use
of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-20
Starting and driving
Z
01.1.22/A32-D/V5.0
X