ESP NISSAN MAXIMA 1999 A32 / 4.G Owners Manual

Supplemental side air bag equipped
models:
IThe supplemental side air bag ordi-
narily will not inflate in the event of a
frontal impact, rear impact or lower
severity side collision. Always wear
your seat belts to help reduce the risk
or severity of injury in various kinds
of accidents.
IThe seat belts and the supplemental
side air bag are most effective when
you are sitting well back and upright
in the seat. Supplemental side air bag
inflates with great force. Do not allow
anyone to place their hand, leg or
face near the supplemental side air
bag on the side of the seatback of the
front seat. Do not allow anyone sit-
ting in the front seat to extend their
hand out of the window or lean
against the door. When sitting in the
rear seat, do not hold onto the seat
back of the front seat. If the supple-
mental side air bag inflates, the occu-
pant may be seriously injured. Be
especially careful with children, who
should always be properly restrained.
IDo not use seat covers on the front
seatbacks. They may interfere with
supplemental side air bag inflation.
SSS0101
SSS0064
1-10
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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tinue to operate properly. Seat belt
assemblies not in use during a colli-
sion should also be inspected and
replaced if either damage or improper
operation is noted.
CHILD SAFETYChildren need adults to help protect them.
They need to be properly restrained.
The proper restraint depends on the child's
size. Generally, infants (up to about 1 year and
less than 20 lb (9 kg) should be placed in rearfacing child restraints. Front facing child re-
straints are available for children who outgrow
rear facing child restraints.
Infants and children need special pro-
tection. The vehicle's seat belts may not
fit them properly. The shoulder belt may
come too close to the face or neck. The
lap belt may not fit over their small hip
bones. In an accident, an improperly
fitting seat belt could cause serious or
fatal injury. Always use appropriate
child restraints.All US states and provinces of Canada require
the use of approved child restraints for infants
and small children. (See ªChild restraintsº later
in this section.)
In addition, there are many types of child
restraints available for larger children which
should be used for maximum protection.
NISSAN recommends that all preteens and
children be restrained in the rear seat if
possible. According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly restrained
in the rear seat than in the front seat.This is especially important because your
vehicle has a supplemental restraint sys-
tem (air bag system) for the front passen-
ger (see ªSupplemental Restraint Systemº
earlier in this section for precautions).
Infants and small childrenNISSAN recommends that infants and small
children be placed in child restraints that com-
ply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dards or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dards. You should choose a child restraint that
fits your vehicle and always follow the manu-
facturer's instructions for installation and use.Larger childrenChildren who are too large for child restraint
systems should be seated and restrained by
the seat belts which are provided.
If the child's seating position has a shoulder
belt that fits close to the face or neck, the use
of a booster seat (commercially available) may
help overcome this. The booster seat should
raise the child so that the shoulder belt is
properly positioned across the top, middle
portion of the shoulder and the lap belt is low
on the hips. The booster seat should fit the
vehicle seat and have a label certifying that it
complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
SSS0014
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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The passenger side switch will open or close
only the corresponding window. To open or
close the window, hold the switch down or up.Locking passenger's windowsWhen the lock button is pushed in, only the
driver side window can be opened or closed.
Push it in again to cancel.
Automatic operationTo fully open the driver side window, com-
pletely push down the switch and release it; it
need not be held. The window will automati-
cally open all the way. To stop the window, just
pull up the switch toward the close side.
A light press on the switch will cause the
window to open until the switch is released.
AUTOMATIC SUNROOFThe sunroof will only operate when the ignition
key is in the ON position.Sliding the sunroofTo open the roof, press and hold the switch to
the
side.
To close the roof, press and hold the switch to
theside.
Tilting the sunroofTo tilt up, first close the sunroof, then press
and hold the
side of the tilt switch. To tilt
SIC0183
SIC0184
IC1432
SUNROOF (if so equipped)
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Instruments and controls
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versal Transceiver button, complete the follow-
ing.
1. Press and hold the desired HomeLink
button.Do notrelease the button until step
4 has been completed.
2. When the indicator light begins to flash
slowly (after 20 seconds), position the
hand-held transmitter 2 to 5 inches (50 to
127 mm) away from the HomeLink
sur-
face.
3. Press and hold the hand-held transmitter
button.
4. The HomeLink
indicator light will flash,
first slowly and then rapidly. When the
indicator light begins to flash rapidly, re-
lease both buttons.
The Integrated HomeLink
Universal Trans-
ceiver button has now been reprogrammed.
The new device can be activated by pushing
the HomeLink
button that was just pro-
grammed. This procedure will not affect any
other programmed HomeLink
buttons.
IF YOUR VEHICLE IS STOLENIf your vehicle is stolen, you should change the
codes of any non-rolling code device that has
been programmed into HomeLink
. Consult
the Owner's Manual of each device or call themanufacturer or dealer of those devices for
additional information.
When your vehicle is recovered, you will
need to reprogram the Integrated
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver with
your new transmitter information.
FCC Notice:
This device complies with FCC rules part
15. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference and (2) This
device must accept any interference that
may be received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
The transmitter has been tested and com-
plies with FCC and DOC/MDC rules.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for com-
pliance could void the user's authority to
operate the device.
DOC: ISTC 1763K1313
FCC I.D.: CB2V67690
Instruments and controls
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with the key in the ignition.
LOCKING WITH POWER DOOR
LOCK SWITCHOperating the lock-unlock switch will lock or
unlock all doors.
CHILD SAFETY REAR DOOR
LOCKChild safety locking helps prevent doors from
being opened accidentally, especially when
small children are in the vehicle.
When the lever is in the lock position, the
rear door can be opened only from the
outside.IBefore opening any door, always look
for and avoid oncoming traffic.
SPA0088
SPA0086
3-4
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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operation.Power antenna (if so equipped)The antenna will automatically extend when
the radio is turned on, and retract when
switched off. If the radio is left on, the antenna
will retract and extend with the ignition key
OFF-ON operation.IBefore turning the radio on, make
sure that there is no one near the
antenna outlet and there is enough
space for it to extend.
ITo prevent damage, be sure that an-
tenna is fully retracted before the
vehicle enters an automated car
wash.
IDirt and other foreign matter on the
power antenna rod may interrupt its
operation. Clean the rod periodically
with a damp cloth. This type of clean-
ing is especially important during the
winter seasons in areas where road
salt and other chemicals may be
spread on road surfaces andsplashed onto the antenna rod.
When installing a CB, ham radio or a car
phone in your NISSAN, be sure to observe the
following cautions, otherwise the new equip-
ment may adversely affect the MFI (Multiport
Fuel Injection) system and other electronic
parts.IKeep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Engine Control Mod-
ule.
IAlso keep the antenna wire more than
8 in (20 cm) away from the MFI har-
ness. Do not route the antenna wire
next to any harness.
IAdjust the antenna standing-wave ra-
tio as recommended by the manufac-
turer.
IConnect the ground wire from the CB
radio chassis to the body.
IFor details, consult a NISSAN dealer.CB RADIO OR CAR PHONE
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). (P preferred.)
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) position and into any of the other
gear positions if the key is removed from
the switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if the
selector lever is in one of the driving posi-
tions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position,
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate un-
less the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails
to run, repeat the above procedure.
IIf the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, de-
press the accelerator pedal and hold it
to help start the engine.IIn 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
10 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise 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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONThe automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module 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 vehicleAfter starting the engine, fully depress the foot
brake pedal and push the selector lever button
before shifting the selector lever to the R, N, D,
2 or 1 position. Be sure the vehicle is fully
stopped before attempting to shift the selector
lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so that the foot brake pedal must be de-
pressed before shifting from P (Park) posi-
tion to any drive position while the ignition
switch is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) position and into any of the other
gear positions if the key is removed from
the switch.
STARTING THE ENGINE DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving
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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
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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
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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
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Starting and driving
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