engine NISSAN MAXIMA 2000 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

ceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, remove
cargo as necessary. If either the front or
rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the load or
remove cargo as necessary.
LOADING TIPSIThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. cer-
tification label.
IDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
IProperly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
IDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles.
This could result in loss of controland cause personal injury.
IOverloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by your
warranty.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place addi-
tional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
Information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required should be ob-
tained from your Nissan dealer. He can obtain
aNissan Trailer Towing Guidefor you.
TI1011M
TOWING A TRAILERTechnical and consumer information
10-15
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trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
IBe certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing be-
fore driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of
the vehicle's behavior, you should practice
turning, stopping and backing up in an area
which is free from traffic. Steering stability, and
braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on aslope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped
with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission selector lever
into the P (Park) position. If you move the
selector lever to the P (Park) position be-
fore blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
IIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
ITrailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often thanat intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule.
IWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
ICrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being passed
by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect
vehicle handling. If swaying does occur,
firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually) re-
duce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
IBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
ITo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
fifth gear (manual transmission) or over-
drive (automatic transmission).10-18
Technical and consumer information
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Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in
what is called the ready condition for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the ready condition can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may
be reset to a not ready condition. Before taking
the I/M test, drive the vehicle through the
following pattern to set the vehicle to the ready
condition. If you cannot or do not want to
perform the driving pattern, an NISSAN dealer
can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions, and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needlepoints between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature).
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed
of 53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least
5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 3 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle (shift lever in the ªPº or ªNº
position).
9. Rev the engine up between 2,500 and
3,500 rpm and hold it for 3 consecutive
minutes, then release the accelerator pedal
completely.
10.Wait 5 second at idle.
11.Rev the engine up between 2,000 and3,000 rpm and maintain it for 5 consecutive
minutes.
12.Turn the engine off.
13.Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the en-
gine until step 7 is completed.READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)
Technical and consumer information
10-21
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11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system) ......................... 5-19
Air bag
Warning labels........................................... 1-18
Warning light ...................................... 1-19, 2-8
Air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ........ 1-13
Side (See supplemental side air bag
system) ...................................................... 1-15
Air cleaner housing filter ................................. 8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ............................. 4-3
Air conditioner service ....................... 4-3, 4-11
Air conditioner specification label .... 4-3, 10-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ...................... 4-3
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-3
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ........................................... 10-6
Air flow charts ................................................... 4-6
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................ 5-4
AM-FM radio with cassette player .................. 4-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player....................................................... 4-12
AM-FM radio with compact disc player .......... 4-12
Ambient temperature switch (AMB), Air
conditioner ...................................................... 4-11Anchor point locations, Top tether strap ........ 1-35
Antenna
Manual ....................................................... 4-24
Power ........................................................ 4-24
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-19
Anti-lock brake warning light............................. 2-9
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................. 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-8
Audio system .................................................. 4-12
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-8
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-29
Transmission selector lever lock release .... 5-9
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-3
B
Battery............................................................. 8-13
Battery replacement, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-7
Battery, Battery saver system ........................ 2-18
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-7
Belts (See drive belts) .................................... 8-15
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................... 5-19Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-12
Brake booster ............................................ 8-21
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-20
Brake pedal check..................................... 8-20
Parking brake check ........................ 5-13, 8-20
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-13
System....................................................... 5-18
Warning light ............................................... 2-9
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-16
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-7
Bulb replacement ............................................ 8-25
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................................. 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-25
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-25
Cassette player (See audio system) .............. 4-16
Cassette tape operation ................................. 4-12
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
Child restraints ................................................ 1-28
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-36
Installation on rear seat outboard or center
positions .................................................... 1-30
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-28
Top tether strap anchor point locations .... 1-35
Child safety ..................................................... 1-22
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Child safety rear door lock................................ 3-4
Chimes ............................................................ 2-11
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray....... 2-23
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-22
Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-30
Clutch
Clutch pedal .............................................. 8-21
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-21
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ........................................................... 4-23
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 4-12
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-35
Console box .................................................... 2-26
Controls
Audio controls............................................ 4-12
Audio controls (rear).................................. 4-12
Audio controls (steering wheel)................. 4-12
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater and semiautomatic air
conditioner ................................................... 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-5
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-5
Cruise control.................................................. 5-14
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-24D
Daytime running light system ......................... 2-19
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defogger switch............................................... 2-16
Dimensions and weights ................................. 10-9
Door open warning light ................................... 2-8
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-21
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ............. 5-11
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................ 5-16
Emission control information label ................ 10-11
Emission control system warranty ................ 10-20
Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-7
Block heater .............................................. 5-22
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-6
Changing engine oil .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil filter ............................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-5
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-5Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation... 10-5
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-5
Engine serial number .............................. 10-11
Engine specifications................................. 10-7
If your engine overheats ........................... 6-10
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-11
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-17
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-20
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-12
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-5
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-12
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-19
Front manual seat adjustment .......................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................ 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Filler cap .................................................... 3-10
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11-2

Filler lid ...................................................... 3-10
Filler lid and cap ........................................ 3-10
Filler lid opener lever................................. 3-10
Fuel economy ............................................ 5-16
Fuel octane rating ..................................... 10-3
Fuel recommendation................................ 10-3
Gauge .......................................................... 2-5
Fuses .............................................................. 8-21
Fusible links .................................................... 8-22
G
Garage door opener, Integrated HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ..................................... 2-33
Gas cap .......................................................... 3-10
Gauge ............................................................... 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 2-5
Fuel gauge .................................................. 2-5
Odometer..................................................... 2-4
Speedometer ............................................... 2-4
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
General maintenance ................................ 9-2, 9-3
Glasses case .................................................. 2-24
Glove box........................................................ 2-25
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-25
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 2-20
Head restraints ................................................. 1-7
Headlamps, (Bulb replacement) ..................... 8-26
Headlights, (Bulb replacement) ...................... 8-26Headlights, Headlight switch........................... 2-17
Heated seats................................................... 2-21
Heater
Engine coolant heater ............................... 5-22
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater operation.......................................... 4-3
Operation, Semiautomatic air conditioner ... 4-4
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver .................. 2-33
Hood, release ................................................... 3-8
Horn ................................................................ 2-20
How to stop alarm, Theft warning .................. 2-13
I
Ignition switch ................................................... 5-4
Automatic transmission models .................. 5-4
Key positions ............................................... 5-6
Manual transmission models....................... 5-5
Immobilizer system ......................................... 2-13
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/indicator
lights and chimes) ............................................. 2-9
Inside mirror .................................................... 3-13
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test................. 10-20
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Integrated HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver ..................................................... 2-33
Interior and cargo light .................................... 2-30
Interior light ..................................................... 2-30
Interior light replacement ................................ 8-27J
Jump starting .................................................... 6-7
K
Keyless entry, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-4
Keys .................................................................. 3-2
L
Label, Air conditioner specification label ...... 10-12
Label, Emission control information label ..... 10-11
Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label.............. 10-11
Labels
Air bag warning labels............................... 1-19
Air conditioner specification label................ 4-3
Engine serial number .............................. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)......... 10-10
License plate, Installing front license plate... 10-13
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 1-18
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-25
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-19
Headlamps (Bulb replacement)................. 8-26
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-17
Headlights (Bulb replacement) .................. 8-26
Interior and cargo light .............................. 2-30
Interior light................................................ 2-30
Personal light............................................. 2-31
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11-3

Replacement ............................................. 8-25
Trunk light.................................................. 2-33
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-32
Warning/indicator lights and chimes .... 2-7, 2-9
Lights, Exterior and interior light
replacement .................................................... 8-27
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................... 10-14
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-2
Glove box lock........................................... 2-25
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Trunk lid lock opener lever.......................... 3-9
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 2-9
Luggage net .................................................... 2-26
M
Maintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-13
Explanation of maintenance items..... 9-3, 9-10
General maintenance........................... 9-2, 9-3
Inside the vehicle ................................. 9-2, 9-3
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
Outside the vehicle .............................. 9-2, 9-3
Periodic maintenance schedules ................ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-27
Under the hood and vehicle ........................ 9-4
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 3-13
Outside mirror............................................ 3-13Outside mirror control................................ 3-13
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-13
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-4
N
Net, Luggage net ............................................ 2-26
New vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-15
Nissan vehicle Immobilizer System ................ 2-12
Engine start ................................................. 5-6
O
Odometer .......................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine oil .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil filter ............................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-5
Outside mirror ................................................. 3-13
Outside mirror control ..................................... 3-13
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-13
Overdrive switch ............................................. 5-10
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats................ 6-10P
Parking
Brake check............................................... 8-20
Parking brake check.................................. 5-13
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-13
Parking on hills .......................................... 5-13
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-17
Periodic maintenance schedules ...................... 9-5
Personal light .................................................. 2-31
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Power steering system .............................. 5-18
Power windows ......................................... 2-27
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-17
Precautions
Braking precautions................................... 5-18
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-13
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
On child restraints ..................................... 1-28
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-20
On supplemental restraint system .............. 1-8
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ..................................................... 6-9
R
Radio, car phone or CB radio......................... 4-25
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(USA only) .................................................... 10-21
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11-4

Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock...... 3-4
Rear seat adjustment ....................................... 1-6
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 2-16
Registering your vehicle in another
country .......................................................... 10-10
Remote keyless entry, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA only) ............ 10-20
Rollover ............................................................. 5-3
S
Safety
Child seat belts.......................................... 1-22
Reporting safety defects (USA only)....... 10-20
Towing safety .......................................... 10-17
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment .................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ...................... 1-4
Rear seat adjustment .................................. 1-6
Seat belt extenders......................................... 1-27
Seat belt maintenance .................................... 1-27
Seat belt warning light .................................... 1-20
Seat belt warning light and chime .................... 2-8
Seat belt(s)
Child safety................................................ 1-22
Infants and small children ......................... 1-23
Injured persons.......................................... 1-24
Larger children .......................................... 1-23
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ................. 1-17
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 1-20
Pregnant women ....................................... 1-23Seat belt cleaning........................................ 7-5
Seat belts .................................................. 1-20
Three-point type with retractor .................. 1-24
Seat(s), Seats ................................................... 1-2
Seats, Heated seats ....................................... 2-21
Security system (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ..................................... 2-13
Security systems (See theft warning) ............. 2-12
Servicing air conditioner .......................... 4-3, 4-11
Shift lock release ............................................ 5-10
Shifting
Automatic transmission ............................... 5-8
Manual transmission ................................. 5-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................... 1-27
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag system) .................................................... 1-16
Spark plugs ..................................................... 8-15
Speedometer .................................................... 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-7
Jump starting ............................................... 6-7
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ............................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-7
Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Power steering system .............................. 5-18
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 3-12
Storage ........................................................... 2-23
Sun shade....................................................... 2-29
Sun visors ....................................................... 3-12
Sunroof, Automatic sunroof ............................ 2-29
Supplemental air bag system ......................... 1-14Supplemental air bag warning labels ............. 1-18
Supplemental air bag warning light ......... 1-19, 2-8
Supplemental restraint system ......................... 1-8
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ......................................................... 1-8
Supplemental side air bag system ................. 1-16
Switch
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-19
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-20
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-17
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models ......................................................... 5-4
Ignition switch manual transmission
models ......................................................... 5-5
Overdrive switch ........................................ 5-10
Power door lock switch ............................... 3-3
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 2-16
Traction control system cancel switch ...... 2-22
Turn signal switch ..................................... 2-19
T
Tachometer ....................................................... 2-4
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant temperature
gauge ................................................................ 2-5
Theft (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start..................................................... 2-13
Theft warning .................................................. 2-12
Three way catalyst ............................................ 5-3
Tilting steering wheel ...................................... 3-12
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11-5

FUEL RECOMMENDATION:Unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 96).
If unleaded premium gasoline is not avail-
able, unleaded regular gasoline with an
octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Research
octane number 91) can be used.
However, for maximum vehicle perfor-
mance, the use of unleaded premium gaso-
line is recommended.
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol systems, and may also affect war-
ranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three way catalyst.
For additional information, see ªCapacities and
recommended fuel/lubricantsº in the ª10.
Technical and consumer informationº section.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION:IAPI Certification Mark
IAPI grade SG/SH, Energy Conserving II or
API grade SJ, Energy Conserving
IILSAC grade GF-II
ISAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30 vis-
cosity oil may be used for ambient tempera-
tures above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
See ªCapacities and recommended fuel/
lubricantsº in the ª10. Technical and consumer
informationº section for engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.COLD TIRE PRESSURES:See tire placard affixed to the center console
lid.NEW VEHICLE BREAK-IN
PROCEDURES
RECOMMENDATION:During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations out-
lined in the ªBreak-in scheduleº Information
found in the ª5. Starting and drivingº section of
this Owner's Manual. Follow these recommen-
dations for the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these rec-
ommendations may result in vehicle damageor shortened engine life.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
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STI0205
Hood release 3-8 Meters and gauges 2-3
Trunk release 3-9
Seat belt 1-20
Key 3-2
Fuel 3-10, 10-2
Spare tire 6-3, 8-35 Audio system 4-12
Air conditioner 4-3 Engine oil 8-7Engine coolant 8-5 Windshield washer fluid 8-12
Seat 1-2
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