check engine light NISSAN MAXIMA 2000 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

2 Instruments and controlsInstrument panel ....................................................... 2-2
Meters and gauges ................................................... 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ..................................... 2-4
Tachometer ............................................................... 2-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........................... 2-5
Fuel gauge ................................................................ 2-5
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ......................... 2-7
Checking bulbs.......................................................... 2-7
Warning lights ........................................................... 2-7
Indicator lights ........................................................... 2-9
Chimes .................................................................... 2-11
Security systems ..................................................... 2-12
Theft warning (if so equipped) ................................ 2-12
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ....................... 2-13
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................... 2-15
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defogger switch ....................................................... 2-16
Headlight and turn signal switch ............................. 2-17
Headlight switch ...................................................... 2-17
Turn signal switch ................................................... 2-19
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ............................. 2-19
Hazard warning flasher switch ................................ 2-20
Horn......................................................................... 2-20
Heated seats (if so equipped) ................................. 2-21Traction control system (TCS) cancel switch
(if so equipped) ....................................................... 2-22
Power outlet ............................................................ 2-22
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (accessory) ............... 2-23
Storage .................................................................... 2-23
Trays ....................................................................... 2-23
Glasses case........................................................... 2-24
Cup holder............................................................... 2-24
Glove box ................................................................ 2-25
Console box ............................................................ 2-26
Luggage net (if so equipped) .................................. 2-26
Windows .................................................................. 2-27
Power windows ....................................................... 2-27
Sunroof (if so equipped) ......................................... 2-29
Automatic sunroof ................................................... 2-29
Clock ....................................................................... 2-30
Adjusting the time ................................................... 2-30
Interior light ............................................................. 2-30
Ceiling ..................................................................... 2-30
Personal light .......................................................... 2-31
Vanity mirror light (if so equipped) .......................... 2-32
Trunk light ............................................................... 2-33
Integrated HomeLink
Universal Transceiver
(if so equipped) ....................................................... 2-33
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

Engine oil pressure warning light
or
Brake warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light
Charge warning light
or
Anti-lock brake warning light
(if so equipped)
Cruise set indicator light
Door open warning light
Low fuel warning light
Malfunction indicator lamp (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)
High beam indicator light (Blue)
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.
CAUTION
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
2-7
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

engine off and check the alternator belt. If the
belt is loose, broken, missing or if the light
remains on, see your NISSAN dealer immedi-
ately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are
not closed securely while the ignition key is
ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the igni-
tion key is turned to ON, and will remain
illuminated until the driver's seat belt is fas-
tened. At the same time, the chime will sound
for about 6 seconds unless the driver's seat
belt is securely fastened.
See ªSeat beltsº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systemsº section for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the supplemental air bag warning light will
illuminate. The supplemental air bag warning
light will turn off after about 7 seconds if the
system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side
air bag and pre-tensioner seat belt needs
servicing and your vehicle must be taken to
your nearest authorized NISSAN dealer.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 seconds.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemen-
tal Restraint System and/or the pre-tensioner
seat belt may not function properly. For addi-
tional information, see ªSupplemental restraint
systemº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and supple-
mental air bag systemsº section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal air bag system, supplemental side air
bag system (if so equipped) and/or pre-
tensioner seat belt will not operate in an
accident.
Low washer fluid warning
light (if so equipped)
This light comes on when the washer tank fluid
is at a low level. Add washer fluid as neces-
sary. See ªWindow washer fluidº in the ª8.
Do-it-yourselfº section.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
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.
2-8
Instruments and controls
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

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.
WARNING
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 because driving it could be
dangerous.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal 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 ordinary
brakes 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-
lows the vehicle to be driven even in the event
of damage to the electrical circuits. If this
Instruments and controls
2-9
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

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 main switch indicator
light
The light comes on when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The light goes out
when the main switch is pushed again. When
the cruise main switch indicator light comes
on, the cruise control system is operational.
Cruise set indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it mayindicate there is something wrong with the
cruise control system. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control prob-
lem.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also come
on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose or
missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the ve-
hicle has at least three gallons of fuel in the
fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system problem exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:
IMalfunction indicator lamp on steady Ð An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If
the fuel filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive thevehicle. The
lamp should turn off after
a few driving trips. If the
lamp does
not turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
IMalfunction indicator lamp 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 lamp 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.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
2-10
Instruments and controls
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

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
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 thebutton 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 traction
control 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 leverpositions. 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 chimeThe headlights will turn off when the front door
is opened with the light switch on unless the
ignition key is in the ON position.
When you turn the headlight switch ON again
after the lights automatically turn off and when
you open the driver's door, the lights will not
turn off automatically and a chime will sound
instead. See the battery saver system under
ªHeadlight switchº in this section for details.
Make sure to turn the light switch off when you
leave the vehicle.Seat belt warning chimeThe chime will sound for about 6 seconds
Instruments and controls
2-11
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

The system can be activated even if the
windows are open.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Close and lock all doors, hood and trunk lid.
The doors can be locked either with or
without the key.
Multi-remote controller equipped models:
Close and lock all doors, hood and trunk lid.
Lock all doors by the key or pressing the
LOCK button on the multi-remote controller.
At this time, the hazard indicators flash
twice to indicate all doors are locked.
4. Confirm that the SECURITY indicator light
comes on. The SECURITY light glows for
about 30 seconds and then blink. The sys-
tem is now activated. If, during this 30
second time period, the door is unlocked by
the key or the multi-remote controller, or the
ignition key is turned to ACC or ON, the
system will not activate.
IIf the key is turned slowly toward the
front of the vehicle when locking the
door, the system may not activate. If the
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 dooronce 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
UNLOCK button on the multi-remote con-
troller.
The alarm is activated by:
IOpening the door without using the key or
multi-remote controller.
IOpening the trunk lid without using the key
or multi-remote controller or opening the
trunk lid by operating the opener release
button.IOpening the hood.
How to stop alarmThe alarm will stop only by unlocking a door or
trunk lid with the key, or by pressing the
UNLOCK 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, 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
Instruments and controls
2-13
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

The front seats are warmed by built-in heaters.
The switches located on the center console
can be operated independently of each other.
1. Start the engine.
2. Select heat range.
IFor low heat, press the top of the switch.
IFor high heat, press the bottom of the
switch.
IFor no heat, the switch has a center OFF
position between low and high.
The indicator light in the switch will illumi-
nate when low or high is selected.The heater is controlled by a thermostat,
automatically turning the heater on and off.
The indicator light will remain on as long as
the switch is on.
3. When the vehicle's interior is warmed, or
before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn
the switch off.
CAUTION
IThe battery could run down if the seat
heater is operated while the engine is
not running.
IDo not use the seat heater for ex-
tended periods or when no one is
using the seat.
IDo not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket,
cushion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise,
the seat may become overheated.
IDo not place anything hard or heavy
on the seat or pierce it with a pin or
similar object. This may result in
damage to the heater.IAny liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with
a dry cloth.
IWhen cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, thinner, or any similar ma-
terials.
IIf any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn
the switch off and have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
SIC0693
HEATED SEATS (if so equipped)
Instruments and controls
2-21
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment. This device complies with
Part 15 of the FCC Rules and RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This de-
vice may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
1. Pull the hood lock release handle
q1
lo-
cated below the instrument panel; the hood
will then spring up slightly.
2. Move the lever
q2
at the front of the hood
with your fingertips and raise the hood.
3. When closing the hood, slowly close the
hood and make sure it locks into place.
WARNING
IMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the hood
to fly open and result in an accident.
IIf you see steam or smoke coming
from the engine compartment, to
avoid injury do not open the hood.
SPA0984
HOOD
3-8
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

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.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.
CAUTION
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.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving
5-7
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X