Steering system NISSAN MAXIMA 2000 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

Adjust the head restraints so the top is level
with the top of your ears.
ARMRESTPull the armrest forward until it is horizontal.
PRECAUTIONS ON
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEMThis Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
section contains important information con-
cerning the driver and passenger supplemen-
tal air bags, supplemental side air bags and
pre-tensioner seat belts.
Supplemental front air bag system:This
system can help cushion the impact force to
the face and chest of the driver and front
passenger in certain frontal collisions.
Supplemental side air bag system (if so
equipped):This system can help cushion the
impact force to the head and the chest area of
the driver and front passenger in certain side
impact collisions. The supplemental side air
bag is designed to inflate on the side where the
vehicle is impacted.
These supplemental restraint systems are de-
signed tosupplementthe crash protection
provided by the driver and front passenger
seat belts and arenot a substitutefor them.
Seat belts should always be correctly worn
and the driver and front passenger seated a
suitable distance away from the steering
wheel, instrument panel and front door finish-
ers. (See ªSeat beltsº later in this section for
SSS0164
SSS0150
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
1-8
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

instructions and precautions on seat belt us-
age.)
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.
WARNING
IThe supplemental front air bags ordi-
narily will not inflate in the event of a
side impact, rear impact, roll over, or
lower severity frontal collision. Al-
ways wear your seat belts to help
reduce the risk or severity of injury in
various kinds of accidents.
IThe seat belts and the supplemental
front air bags are most effective whenyou are sitting well back and upright
in the seat. Front air bags inflate with
great force. If you are unrestrained,
leaning forward, sitting sideways or
out of position in any way, you are at
greater risk of injury or death in a
crash and may also receive serious
or fatal injuries from the supplemen-
tal front air bag if you are up against
it when it inflates. Always sit back
against the seatback and as far away
as practical from the steering
SSS0131
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
1-9
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

wheel or instrument panel. Always
use the seat belts.
IKeep hands on the outside of the
steering wheel. Placing them inside
the steering wheel rim could increase
the risk that they are injured when the
supplemental front air bag inflates.
SSS0132
1-10
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

Supplemental front air bag systemThe driver supplemental air bag is located in
the center of the steering wheel; the front
passenger supplemental air bag is mounted in
the dashboard above the glove box. These
systems are designed to meet optional certifi-
cation requirements under U.S. regulations.
They are also permitted in Canada. The op-
tional certification allows front air bags to be
designed to inflate somewhat less forcefully
than previously.However, all of the informa-
tion, cautions and warnings in this manual
still apply and must be followed.The front
air bags are designed to inflate in higherseverity frontal collisions, although they may
inflate if the forces in another type of collision
are similar to those of a higher severity frontal
impact. They may not inflate in certain frontal
collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not
always an indication of proper supplemental
air bag operation.
When the supplemental front air bag inflates, a
fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by
release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful
and does not indicate a fire, but care should be
taken not to inhale it, as it may cause irritation
and choking. Those with a history of a breath-
ing condition should get fresh air promptly.Supplemental front air bags along with the use
of seat belts, helps to cushion the impact force
on the face and chest of the front occupants.
They can help save lives and reduce serious
injuries. However, an inflating front air bag
may cause facial abrasions or other injuries.
Front air bags and supplemental side air bags
do not provide restraint to the lower body.
The seat belts should be correctly worn and
the driver and passenger seated upright as far
as practical away from the steering wheel or
dash board. Since the supplemental front air
bags inflates quickly in order to help protect
the front occupants, the force of the front air
bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if
the occupant is too close to or is against the air
bag module during inflation. The air bag will
deflate quickly after the collision is over.
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.
SSS0151B
1-14
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

WARNING
IDo not place any objects on the steer-
ing wheel pad or on the instrument
panel. Also, do not place any objects
between any occupant and the steer-
ing wheel or instrument panel. Such
objects may become dangerous pro-
jectiles and cause injury if the supple-
mental front air bag inflates.
IRight after inflation, several air bag
system components will be hot. Do
not touch them; you may severely
burn yourself.
INo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental front air bag sys-
tem. This is to prevent accidental
inflation of the air bag or damage to
the air bag system.
IDo not make unauthorized changes
to your vehicle's electrical system,
suspension system or front end
structure. This could affect properoperation of the supplemental air bag
system.
ITampering with the supplemental
front air bag system may result in
serious personal injury. Tampering
includes changes to the steering
wheel and the instrument panel as-
sembly by placing material over the
steering wheel pad, above the dash-
board, or by installing additional trim
material around the air bag system.
IWork around and on the supplemen-
tal front air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical equip-
ment should also be done by an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer. The SRS wir-
ing harnesses* should not be
modified or disconnected. Unautho-
rized electrical test equipment and
probing devices should not be used
on the air bag system.
* The SRS wiring harnesses are cov-
ered with yellow insulation either justbefore the harness connectors or
over the complete harness for easy
identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental front
air bag system and guide the buyer to the
appropriate sections in this Owner's Manual.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
1-15
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

Windshield wiper/washer switch (P.2-15)
Instrument brightness control switch (P.2-18)Meters/gauges (P.2-3)Security indicator light (P.2-12) Cruise control main switch (P.5-14)
Headlight, fog light (if so equipped)
and turn signal switch (P.2-17)
Outside mirror remote control (P.3-13)Fuse box cover (P.8-23)
Tilting steering wheel lock lever (P.3-12) Driver supplemental air bag (P.1-8)
Ignition switch/steering lock (P.5-4) Cruise control set switch (P.5-14)
Power outlet (P.2-22) or cigarette lighter (accessory) (P.2-23)
Hazard warning flasher switch (P.2-20)Ventilator (P.4-2)
Heater/air conditioner control (P.4-3)
Clock (P.2-30)
Radio/cassette player (P.4-14)/CD player (P.4-19) Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped) defogger switch (P.2-16)
Passenger supplemental air bag (P.1-8)
Glove box (P.2-25)
Tray (P.2-23) or ashtray (accessory) (P.2-23)
SIC1225
See the page indicated in parentheses for operating details.
Traction control system (TCS) cancel switch (if so equipped) (P.2-22)
INSTRUMENT PANEL2-2
Instruments and controls
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

3 Pre-driving checks and adjustmentsKeys .......................................................................... 3-2
Doors ......................................................................... 3-2
Locking with key ........................................................ 3-3
Locking with inside lock knob ................................... 3-3
Locking with power door lock switch ........................ 3-3
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-4
Multi-remote control system (if so equipped)............ 3-4
How to use multi-remote control system .................. 3-4
Battery replacement .................................................. 3-7
Hood .......................................................................... 3-8
Trunk lid .................................................................... 3-9Opener operation ...................................................... 3-9
Key operation .......................................................... 3-10
Fuel filler lid ............................................................. 3-10
Opener operation .................................................... 3-10
Fuel filler cap ........................................................... 3-11
Steering wheel ........................................................ 3-12
Tilt operation ........................................................... 3-12
Sun visors ............................................................... 3-12
Mirrors ..................................................................... 3-13
Inside mirror ............................................................ 3-13
Outside mirrors ........................................................ 3-13
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

Lightly wipe along the antenna with a
dampened soft cloth.If equipped with a genuine NISSAN cellular
phone, your NISSAN features a non-
directional microphone in the steering column
cover, so it is not necessary to look at or speak
directly into the microphone when calling. To
do so could detract from the driving operation
and cause an accident. See the car phone
manual for operation.
Some models are pre-wired to accept the
genuine NISSAN cellular phone. In addition,
the same model has the phone antenna built
into the rear glass window.
When installing a CB, ham radio or car phone
in your NISSAN, be sure to observe the follow-
ing cautions, otherwise the new equipment
may adversely affect the Engine control sys-
tem and other electronic parts.
WARNING
IA cellular telephone should not be
used while driving so full attention
may be given to vehicle operation.
Some jurisdictions prohibit the use of
cellular telephones while driving.IIf you must make a call while your
vehicle is in motion, the hands free
cellular phone operational mode (if
so equipped) is highly recommended.
Exercise extreme caution at all times
so full attention may be given to ve-
hicle operation.
IIf a conversation in a moving vehicle
requires you to take notes, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop your
vehicle before doing so.
CAUTION
IKeep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Engine Control Module
(ECM).
IKeep the antenna wire more than 8 in
(20 cm) away from the Multiport Fuel
Injection harness. Do not route the
antenna wire next to any harness.
IAdjust the antenna standing-wave ra-
tio as recommended by the manufac-
turer.
CAR PHONE OR CB RADIO
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-25
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ...................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .............................. 5-2
Three way catalyst .................................................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover................................... 5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-4
Ignition switch............................................................ 5-4
Automatic transmission ............................................. 5-4
Manual transmission ................................................. 5-5
Key positions ............................................................. 5-6
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ......................... 5-6
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-7
Starting the engine .................................................... 5-7
Driving the vehicle ..................................................... 5-8
Automatic transmission ............................................. 5-8
Manual transmission ............................................... 5-11
Parking brake .......................................................... 5-13
Cruise control .......................................................... 5-14
Precautions on cruise control.................................. 5-14Cruise control operations ........................................ 5-14
Break-in schedule ................................................... 5-16
Increasing fuel economy ......................................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-17
Power steering ........................................................ 5-18
Brake system .......................................................... 5-18
Braking precautions ................................................ 5-18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................................ 5-19
Traction control system (if so equipped)................. 5-20
Cold weather driving ............................................... 5-21
Freeing a frozen door lock ...................................... 5-21
Anti-freeze ............................................................... 5-21
Battery ..................................................................... 5-21
Draining of coolant water ........................................ 5-21
Tire equipment ........................................................ 5-21
Special winter equipment ........................................ 5-21
Driving on snow or ice ............................................ 5-22
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ...................... 5-22
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. 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.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
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
SYSTEMThe 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, it may
be due to interference caused by another
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key, an
automated toll road device or automated pay-
ment device on the key ring. Restart the en-
gine 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 this procedure allows the engine to start,
NISSAN recommends placing the registered
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key on a
separate key ring to avoid interference from
other devices.
5-6
Starting and driving
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X