headlights NISSAN MAXIMA 2000 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

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

HEADLIGHT SWITCH
LightingTurn the switch to the AUTO position:
When the ignition key is in the ON or ACCposition, the tail light, headlight, instrument
light and other lights turn on automatically,
depending on the brightness of the surround-
ings. When the ignition key is turned to the
OFF position, the light will turn off automati-
cally.When the light switch is turned to the
position, the headlight low or high beam
will turn off.
Turn the switch to the
position:
The front clearance, side marker, tail, license
plate and instrument lights will come on.
Turn the switch to theposition:
Headlights will come on and all the other lights
remain on.
SIC1229
HEADLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL
SWITCH
Instruments and controls
2-17
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

Be sure not to put anything on top of the
photo sensor located on the top left-hand
side of the instrument panel. The photo
sensor controls the autolamp; if it is cov-
ered, the photo sensor reacts as if it is dark
and the headlights will illuminate.Battery saver systemIWhen the headlight switch is in the
or
position while the ignition switch is in
the ON position, the lights (including the
front fog light) will automatically turn off 45
seconds after the ignition switch has been
turned to the OFF position. However, the
lights will turn off if the driver's or frontpassenger's door is opened in this condi-
tion.
IWhen the headlight switch remains in the
or
position after the lights auto-
matically turn off, the lights will turn on
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position from the OFF position.CAUTION
IWhen you turn on the headlight
switch after the lights automatically
turn off, the lights will not turn off
automatically. Be sure to turn the
light switch to the OFF position when
you leave the vehicle for extended
periods of time, otherwise the battery
will go dead.
INever leave the light switch on when
the engine is not running for ex-
tended periods of time.
Instrument brightness controlThe instrument brightness control operates
when the light switch is in the
or
position.
Turn the control to adjust the brightness of
instrument panel lights (except clock) and
power window switch lights.
When the control is turned to the right until a
click sound is heard, the light intensity will be
at maximum. When the control is turned to the
left until a click sound is heard, the light will be
turned off.
SIC1230
IC1284MA
2-18
Instruments and controls
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

Headlight beam selectTo select the high beam, push the lever for-
ward. Pull it back to select the low beam.Passing signalPulling the lever toward you will flash the
headlight high beam.Daytime running light system
(Canada only)The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is started
with the parking brake released. The daytime
running lights operate with the headlight switch
in the OFF position or in the
position.
Turn the headlight switch to theposition
for full illumination when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the
engine is started, the daytime running lights do
not illuminate. The daytime running lights illu-
minate once the parking brake is released.
The daytime running lights will remain on until
the ignition switch is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle are
not on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on
your headlights. Failure to do so could
cause an accident injuring yourself and
others.TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
Turn signalMove the lever up or down to signal the turning
direction. When the turn is completed, the turn
signals cancel automatically.Lane change signalTo indicate a lane change, move the lever up
or down to the point where lights begin flash-
ing.To turn the fog lights on, turn the headlight
switch to the
position, then turn the
switch to theposition. To turn them off,
turn the switch to the OFF position.
The headlights must be on for the fog lights to
operate.
SIC0880
FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if so
equipped)
Instruments and controls
2-19
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

To cancel the Traction Control System (TCS),
push the TCS cancel switch. The indicator
will come on. Push it again to turn the
system back on.
See ªTraction control systemº in the ª5. Start-
ing and drivingº section.The power outlet is for powering electrical
accessories such as cellular telephones.
CAUTION
IUse caution as the socket and plug
may be hot during or immediately
after use.
IThis power outlet is not designed for
use with a cigarette lighter unit.
IDo not use with accessories that ex-
ceed a 12 volt, 120W (10A) powerdraw. Do not use double adapters or
more than one electrical accessory.
IUse this power outlet with the engine
running. (If the engine is stopped,
this could result in a discharged bat-
tery.)
IAvoid using when the air conditioner,
headlights or rear window defogger
is on.
IBefore inserting or disconnecting a
plug, be sure to turn off the power
switch of electrical accessory being
used or the ACC power of the vehicle.
IPush the plug in as far as it will go. If
good contact is not made, the plug
may overheat or the internal tempera-
ture fuse may blow.
IWhen not in use, be sure to close the
cap. Do not allow water to contact the
socket.
SIC1065
SIC1237
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(TCS) CANCEL SWITCH (if so
equipped)POWER OUTLET2-22
Instruments and controls
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

controller forlonger than 0.5 seconds.
2. The theft warning alarm and headlights will
stay on for 30 seconds.
3. The panic alarm stops when:
IIt has run for 30 seconds, or
IThe LOCK or the UNLOCK button is
pressed, or
IThe panic button is pushed on the multi-
remote controller for longer than 0.5 sec-
onds.
BATTERY REPLACEMENTReplace the battery as follows:
1. Open the lid using a suitable tool.
2. Replace the battery with a new one.Recommended battery: Sanyo CR2025 or
equivalent
Make sure that theÅside faces the
bottom case.
3. Close the lid securely.
4. Push the remote controller button two or
three times to check its operation.
See your NISSAN dealer if you need any
assistance for replacement.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step 4
above.
IBe careful not to touch a circuit board
and a battery terminal.
IAn improperly disposed battery can
harm the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.
IThe remote controller is water-resistant;
however, if it does get wet, immediately
wipe completely dry.
IWhen changing batteries, do not let dust
or oil get on the controller.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer compliance
SPA1046
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
3-7
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

INSIDE MIRRORThe night position will reduce glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
WARNING
Use the night position only when neces-
sary, because it reduces rear view clar-
ity.
OUTSIDE MIRRORS
WARNING
Objects viewed in the outside mirror on
the passenger side are closer than they
appear. Be careful when moving to the
right. Using only this mirror could cause
an accident. Use inside mirror or glance
over your shoulder to properly judge
distances to other objects.
The outside mirror will operate only when theignition switch is in the ACC or ON position.
Turn the control knob to right or left to select
the right or left outside mirror, then adjust.
SPA0470
SPA0987
MIRRORS
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
3-13
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

8 Do-it-yourselfMaintenance precautions .......................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-4
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-5
Checking engine coolant level .................................. 8-5
Changing engine coolant .......................................... 8-6
Engine oil .................................................................. 8-7
Checking engine oil level .......................................... 8-7
Changing engine oil .................................................. 8-8
Changing engine oil filter .......................................... 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-10
Temperature conditions for checking ...................... 8-10
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-11
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-12
Battery ..................................................................... 8-13
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-15
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ............................................. 8-16
Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-17
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-18Cleaning .................................................................. 8-18
Replacement ........................................................... 8-19
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-20
Checking parking brake .......................................... 8-20
Checking brake pedal ............................................. 8-20
Brake booster .......................................................... 8-21
Clutch pedal ............................................................ 8-21
Fuses....................................................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ............................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ......................................... 8-23
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........... 8-24
Lights ....................................................................... 8-25
Headlights ............................................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights ....................................... 8-27
Tires and wheels ..................................................... 8-32
Tire pressure ........................................................... 8-32
Types of tires .......................................................... 8-32
Tire chains............................................................... 8-33
Changing tires and wheels...................................... 8-34
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

HEADLIGHTSThe headlight is a semi-sealed beam type
which uses a replaceable headlight (halogen)
bulb. A bulb can be replaced from inside the
engine compartment without removing the
headlight assembly.
CAUTION
High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
When handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.
Replacing the headlight bulb1. Disconnect the battery negative cable.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector from
the rear end of the bulb.
3. Pull off the rubber cap.
4. Push and turn the retaining pin to loosen it.
5. Remove the headlight bulb. Do not shake
or rotate the bulb when removing it.
6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order of
removal.
Aiming is not necessary after replacing the
bulb. When aiming adjustment is neces-
sary, contact your NISSAN dealer.
SDI0967
8-26
Do-it-yourself
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X