engine NISSAN MAXIMA 2000 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ABOUT THIS MANUALYou will see various symbols in this manual.
They are used in the following ways:
WARNING
This is used to indicate the presence of a
hazard that could cause death or serious
personal injury. To avoid or reduce the
risk, the procedures must be followed
precisely.
CAUTION
This is used to indicate the presence of a
hazard that could cause minor or moder-
ate personal injury or damage to your
vehicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the
procedures must be followed carefully.If you see this symbol, it meansDo not do
thisorDo not let this happen.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING
WARNING
Engine Exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to State
of California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
2000 NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
TOKYO, JAPANAll rights reserved. No part of this Owner's Manual may
be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, or trans-
mitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, me-
chanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without
the prior written permission of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
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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 140 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 and trans-portation services to the supply of lubricants,
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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Lumbar support (Driver's seat)The lumbar support feature provides lower
back support to the driver. Move the lever up
or down to adjust the seat lumbar area.
FRONT POWER SEAT
ADJUSTMENT
WARNING
IDo not adjust the driver's seat while
driving so full attention may be given
to vehicle operation.
IDo not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches or controls.
Unattended children could become
involved in serious accidents.Operating tipsIThe motor has an auto-reset overload pro-
tection circuit. If the motor stops during
operation, wait 30 seconds, then reactivate
the switch.
IDo not operate the power support seat
for a long period of time when the engine is
off. This will discharge the battery.
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Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires
and anchors work properly. If loose parts,
deterioration, cuts or other damage on the
webbing is found, the entire belt assembly
should be replaced.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD
RESTRAINTS
WARNING
IInfants and small children should al-
ways be placed in an appropriate
child restraint while riding in the ve-
hicle. Failure to use a child restraint
can result in serious injury or death.
IInfants and small children should
never be carried on your lap. It is not
possible for even the strongest adult
to resist the forces of a severe acci-
dent. The child could be crushed be-
tween the adult and parts of the ve-
hicle. Also, do not put the same seat
belt around both your child and your-
self.
INever install a rear facing child re-
straint in the front seat. An inflating
supplemental air bag could seriously
injure or kill your child. A rear facing
child restraint must only be used in
the rear seat.INISSAN recommends that the child
restraint be installed in the rear seat.
According to accident statistics, chil-
dren are safer when properly re-
strained in the rear seat than in the
front seat.
IAn improperly installed child re-
straint could lead to serious injury or
death in an accident.
In general, child restraints are designed to be
installed with the lap portion of a three-point
type seat belt.
Child restraints for infants and children of
various sizes are offered by several manufac-
turers. When selecting any child restraint,
keep the following points in mind:
Ichoose only a restraint with a label certify-
ing that it complies with Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
Icheck the child restraint in your vehicle to
be sure it is compatible with the vehicle's
seat and seat belt system. Choose a child
restraint that meets the guidelines of the
Society of Automotive Engineers recom-CHILD RESTRAINTS
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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
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SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER
SpeedometerThe speedometer indicates vehicle speed.Odometer/Twin trip odometerThe odometer/twin trip odometer are displayed
when the ignition key is in the ON position.
The odometer records the total distance the
vehicle has been driven.
The twin trip odometer records the distance of
individual trips.Changing the display:
Pushing the reset knob changes the display as
follows:
TRIP A,TRIP B,TRIP A
Resetting the trip odometer:
Pushing the reset knob for more than 1 second
resets the trip odometer to zero.
You can change the display of the trip odom-
eter between A and B and reset them while the
odometers are illuminated for about 30 sec-
onds after the ignition switch has been turned
off.
TACHOMETERThe tachometer indicates engine speed in
revolutions per minute (r/min).
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the red
zone, shift to a higher gear. Operating
the engine in the red zone may cause
serious engine damage.
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ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGEThe gauge indicates the engine coolant tem-
perature.
The engine coolant temperature will vary with
the outside air temperature and driving condi-
tions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature over the normal range, stop
the vehicle as soon as safely possible. If
the engine is overheated, continued op-
eration of the vehicle may seriously
damage the engine. See ªIf your vehicle
overheatsº in the ª6. In case of emer-
gencyº section for immediate action re-
quired.
FUEL GAUGEThe gauge indicates the approximate fuel level
in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hill.
The gauge needle is designed to move to the
E (Empty) position when the ignition key is
turned to the OFF position.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge regis-
ters Empty.
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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
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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.
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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
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