fuel NISSAN MAXIMA 2000 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

Welcome To The World Of NISSANYour new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come the fifth largest automaker in the world. In
addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes
textile machinery, fork-lift trucks, marine engines,
boats and other products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960 and continuing with the production of somecars and trucks at one of the world's most
modern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design
International in San Diego, California, and engi-
neering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
NISSAN and its dealers indirectly employ about
60,000 Americans.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 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.
AFW0001Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

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 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.
SIC0173
SIC0879
Instruments and controls
2-5
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

The low fuel warning light comes on when
the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon
as it is convenient, preferably before the
gauge reaches E. There will be a small
reserve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E.
CAUTION
IIf the vehicle runs out of fuel, the
malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon as
possible. After a few driving trips, thelamp should turn off. If the lamp
remains on after a few driving trips,
have the vehicle inspected by an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer.
IFor additional information, see the
ªMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)º
later in this section.
2-6
Instruments and controls
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

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

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

KEY OPERATIONTo open the trunk lid, turn the key clockwise.
To close, lower and push the trunk lid down
securely.
OPENER OPERATIONTo open the fuel filler lid, push the opener
switch. To lock, close the fuel filler lid securely.
SPA0992
SPA0986
FUEL FILLER LID
3-10
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X