Start NISSAN MAXIMA 1999 A32 / 4.G Owners Manual

Welcome To The World Of NISSANYour new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come the fifth largest automaker in the world. In
addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes
textile machinery, fork-lift trucks, marine engines,
boats and other products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960 and continuing with the production of somecars and trucks at one of the world's most
modern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design
International in San Diego, California, and engi-
neering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
NISSAN and its dealers indirectly employ about
60,000 Americans.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 150 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply NISSAN and
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from operation of port facilities andtransportation services to the supply of lubri-
cants, parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN
to your dealer for maintenance, the service tech-
nician will perform his work according to the
quality standards that have been established by
the factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
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Table of
Contents
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systemsInstruments and controlsPre-driving checks and adjustmentsHeater, air conditioner and audio systemsStarting and drivingIn case of emergencyAppearance and careDo-it-yourselfMaintenanceTechnical and consumer informationIndex
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INo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the pre-tensioner seat belt system.
This is to prevent accidental activa-
tion of the pre-tensioner seat belt or
damage to the pre-tensioner seat belt
operation. Tampering with the pre-
tensioner seat belt system may result
in serious personal injury.
IWork around and on the pre-
tensioner system should be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. Instal-
lation of electrical equipment should
also be done by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. Unauthorized electri-
cal test equipment and probing de-
vices should not be used on the pre-
tensioner seat belt system.
IIf you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, con-
tact an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Correct pre-tensioner disposal proce-
dures are set forth in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual. Incorrect
disposal procedures could cause
personal injury.
The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system
activates in conjunction with the supplemental
air bag. Working with the seat belt retractor, it
helps tighten the seat belt the instant the
vehicle becomes involved in certain types of
collisions, thereby restraining seat occupants.
The pre-tensioner is encased with the seat
belt's retractor. These seat belts are used the
same as conventional seat belts.
When the pre-tensioner seat belt activates,
smoke is released and a loud noise may be
heard. The smoke is not harmful, but care
should be taken not to inhale it as it may cause
irritation and choking.
If any abnormality occurs in the pre-tensioner
system, the seat belt warning light
will
flash intermittently after the ignition key is
turned to the ON or START position. In this
case, the pre-tensioner seat belt will not func-
tion properly.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the pre-tensioner seat
belt system and guide the buyer to the appro-
priate sections in this Owner's Manual.
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Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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Engine oil pressure warning light
or
Brake warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)
Charge warning light
or
Anti-lock brake warning light
(if so equipped)
Cruise indicator light
Door open warning light
Low fuel warning light
Malfunction indicator light (MIL)
Seat belt warning light
Overdrive off indicator light
Traction control system indicator light (if
so equipped)
Supplemental air bag warning light
Turn signal/hazard indicator light
Slip indicator light (if so equipped)
Low washer fluid warning light (if so
equipped)
CHECKING BULBSApply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights will come on:
,
or
,
,
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then
go off:
or
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-
trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer
or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See ªEngine
oilº in the ª8. Do-it-yourselfº section.
Running the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause serious
damage to the engine almost immedi-
ately. Turn off the engine as soon as it is
safe to do so.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate that there is something
wrong with the charging system. Turn the
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls
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and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ªBrake and clutch fluidº
in the ªDo-it-yourselfº section.IYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greaterpedal effort as well as greater pedal
travel.
IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir,
do not drive until the brake system
has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light (if so
equipped)
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the light will illuminate. The light will turn
off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate there is something
wrong with the anti-lock portion of the brake
system. Have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer. However if the light illumi-
nates while starting the engine, it does not
indicate a system malfunction.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinarybrakes will continue to operate normally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank is
getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E.
There will be a small reserve of fuel remain-
ing in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E.INDICATOR LIGHTS
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on during driving when the
overdrive switch is pressed to prevent over-
drive operation.
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on for 2
seconds each time the ignition key is turned
ON. This shows the light is functioning prop-
erly.If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds after coming on for
2 seconds, have your NISSAN dealer check
the transmission and repair it if necessary.The automatic transmission is equipped with
an electronic fail-safe mode. This system al-
Instruments and controls
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lows the vehicle to be driven even in the event
of damage to the electrical circuits. If this
occurs, the gears automatically engage and
lock into third gear.
See the ªDriving the vehicleº in the ª5. Starting
and drivingº section for fail-safe before visiting
your NISSAN dealer.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam is
selected.
Cruise indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light flickers while the engine is running, it may
indicate there is something wrong with the
cruise control system. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control prob-
lem.
The malfunction indicator light may also come
on steady or blink if the fuel filler cap has not
been closed tightly or if the fuel tank is nearly
empty. Check to make sure the fuel cap is
secure and that you have at least 3 US gallons
(14 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After driving for a while, the light should remain
off if no other potential emission control sys-
tem problem exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
IMalfunction indicator light on steady Ð An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Have the vehicle inspected
by an authorized NISSAN dealer. You do
not need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.
IMalfunction indicator light blinking Ð An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control system.To reduce or avoid emission control system
damage:
a) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
b) Avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) Avoid steep uphill grades.
d) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Traction control system
indicator light (if so equipped)
The traction control system indicator light
should come on when you turn the ignition key
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to ON. The light will go off as you start the
engine. If the indicator light does not come on
or go off, have the TCS checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
If the light stays on or comes on when you are
driving, there may be a problem with your
traction control system and it may not operate
properly. Have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
The traction control system indicator light may
come on for the following reasons.
a) If the system is turned off by pressing
the button on the instrument panel, the
indicator light will come on and stay on.
To turn the system back on, press the
button again. The indicator light will go
off.
b) If engine speed is above 4,000 rpm in a
selected gear. Use D range on low fric-
tion road surfaces.
If the traction control system indicator light
comes on and stays on for an extended period
of time when the system is turned on, have
your vehicle checked by your NISSAN dealer.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light will blink on when your tractioncontrol system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if the slip indicator
light blinks on. If this happens, adjust your
driving accordingly.
You may feel or hear the system working, but
this is normal.
The light will blink on for a few seconds after
the traction control system stops limiting wheel
spin.
The slip indicator light also comes on when
you turn the ignition key to ON. The light will go
off as you start the engine. If the light does not
come on or go off, have the TCS checked by
your NISSAN dealer. The traction control sys-
tem operates in all transmission shift lever
positions. But the system can upshift the trans-
mission only as high as the indicated shift lever
position.
CHIMES
Key reminder chimeThe chime will sound if the driver side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch (ignition switch is turned off). Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Light reminder chimeA chime will sound when the driver side door is
opened if the light switch is in the
or
position (ignition switch is turned off).
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Brake pad wear warningThe disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement,
it will make a high pitched scraping sound
when the vehicle is in motion whether or not
the brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the warning
sound is heard.
Instruments and controls
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key is returned beyond the vertical po-
sition toward the rear of the vehicle to
remove the key, the system may be
deactivated. If the indicator light fails to
glow for 30 seconds, unlock the door
once and lock it again.
IEven when the driver and/or passengers
are in the vehicle, the system will acti-
vate with all doors, hood and trunk lid
locked and ignition key off. Turn the
ignition key to ACC to turn the system
off.
Theft warning system operationThe warning system will give the following
alarm:
IThe headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
IThe alarm automatically turns off after 2 to
3 minutes. However, the alarm reactivates
if the vehicle is tampered with again. The
alarm can be shut off by unlocking a door or
trunk lid with the key, or by pressing the
button on the multi-remote controller.
The alarm is activated by:
IOpening the door or trunk lid without using
the key (even if the door is unlocked by
releasing the door inside lock switch) oropening the trunk lid by operating the
opener release button.
IOpening the hood.
IPushing in or pulling out of the key cylinder
on the door or trunk lid.
How to stop alarmThe alarm will stop only by unlocking a door or
trunk lid with the key, or by pressing the
button on multi-remote controller. The
alarm will not stop if the ignition switch is
turned to ACC or ON.
If the system does not operate as de-
scribed above, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEMThe Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System will
not allow the engine to start without the use of
the 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 theengine 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.
Statement related to section 15 of FCC
rules for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem (CONT UNIT-IMMOBILIZER, ANT
ASSY-IMMOBILIZER)
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause hanmful
interference, and (2) this device must ac-
cept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired op-
eration.
Instruments and controls
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Security indicator lightThis light blinks whenever the ignition switch is
in the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This
function indicates the security systems
equipped on the vehicle are operational.
If Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System is mal-
functioning, this light will remain on while the
ignition key is in the ON position.
If the light still remains on and/or the en-
gine will not start, see your NISSAN dealer
for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ser-
vice as soon as possible. Please bring all
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System keysthat you have when visiting your NISSAN
dealer for service.
SIC0175
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To defog/defrost the rear window glass and
outside mirrors, start the engine and push the
switch on. The indicator light will come on.
Push the switch again to turn the defogger off.
It will automatically turn off in approximately 15
minutes.
When cleaning the inner side of the rear
window, be careful not to scratch or
damage the rear window defogger.
SIC0177
REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE
MIRROR (if so equipped)
DEFOGGER SWITCH2-16
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