heating NISSAN MAXIMA 2000 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

WARNING
IThe air conditioner cooling function
operates only when the engine is run-
ning.
IDo not leave children, impaired
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
On hot, sunny days, temperatures in
a closed vehicle could quickly be-
come high enough to cause severe or
possibly fatal injuries to people oranimals.
IDo not use the recirculation mode for
long periods as it may cause the
interior air to become stale and the
windows to fog up.
IPositioning of the heating or air con-
ditioning controls should not be done
while driving, so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
CONTROLS
Fan control dialThis dial turns the fan on and off, and controls
fan speed.Air flow control buttonsThese buttons allow you to select the air flow
outlets.
Ð Air flows from center and side venti-
lators.Ð Air flows from center and side venti-
lators and foot outlets.Ð Air flows mainly from foot outlets.Ð Air flows from defroster outlets and
foot outlets.Ð Air flows mainly from defroster out-
lets.
Temperature control leverThis lever allows you to adjust the temperature
of the outlet air.
SAA0383
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER (Manual)
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Air recirculation buttonOFF position:
Outside air is drawn into the passenger com-
partment.
Use the off position for normal heater, or air
conditioner operation.
ON position (Indicator light ON):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Push the air recirculation button to the ON
position when driving on a dusty road or to
avoid traffic fumes and for maximum cooling
when using the air conditioner.Air conditioning buttonThis button is provided only for vehicles with
air conditioner.
Start the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (1 to 4) position and push the air
conditioning button to turn on the air condi-
tioner. The indicator light will come on when
the air conditioner is on. To stop the air con-
ditioner, push the switch again to return it to
the original position.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
HEATER OPERATION
HeatingThis mode is used to direct hot air from the
floor outlets. Some air will also come from the
defrost vents.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the OFF
position for normal heating.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
For quick heating, move the air recirculation
button to the ON position. Be sure to return the
air recirculation button to the OFF position for
normal heating.
VentilationThis mode directs outside air from the side and
center vents.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the OFF
position.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Defrosting or defoggingThis mode is used to defrost/defog the win-
dows.
1. Push the
button in.
2. Turn on the fan control dial.
3. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
ITo quickly remove ice or fog from the
windows, turn on the fan control dial to 4
and the temperature control lever to the full
HOT position.
IWhen thebutton is pushed, the air
conditioner will automatically be turned on
to defog the windshield, and the air recircu-
late mode will automatically be turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging per-
formance.
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Bi-level heatingThis mode directs outside air from the side and
center vents and hot air from the floor outlets.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the OFF
position.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Normally move the temperature control le-
ver to the midpoint between HOT and
COLD.
Heating and defoggingThis mode heats the interior and defogs the
windshield.
1. Push the
button in.
2. Turn on the fan control dial.
3. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
Operating tipsIClear snow and ice from the wiper
blades and air inlet in front of the wind-
shield. This will improve heater opera-
tion.
IWhen the
button is pushed, the airrecirculate mode will automatically be
turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging per-
formance.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATIONStart the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (1 to 4) position and push in the air
conditioning button to activate the air condi-
tioner. When the air conditioner is on, cooling
and dehumidifying functions will be added to
the heater operation.CoolingThis mode is used to cool and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the OFF
position.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioning button. The
indicator light will come on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
For quick cooling when the outside tempera-
ture is high, move the air recirculation button to
the ON position. Be sure to return the airrecirculation button to the OFF position for
normal cooling.
Dehumidified heatingThis mode is used to heat and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the OFF
position.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Turn on the fan control dial.
4. Push on the air conditioning button. The
indicator light will come on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Dehumidified defoggingThis mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify.
1. Push the
button in.
2. Turn on the fan control dial.
3. Push on the air conditioning button. The
indicator light will come on.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
When thebutton is pushed, the air con-
ditioner will automatically be turned on to de-
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fog the windshield, and the air recirculate
mode will automatically be turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger com-
partment to improve the defogging perfor-
mance.Operating tipsIKeep the windows and sun roof closed
while the air conditioner is in operation.
IAfter parking in the sun, drive for 2 or 3
minutes with the windows open to vent hot
air from the passenger compartment. Then,
close the windows. This will allow the air
conditioner to cool the interior more quickly.
IThe air conditioning system should be
operated for about 10 minutes at least
once a month. This helps prevent dam-
age to the system due to lack of lubrica-
tion.
IIf the coolant temperature gauge exceeds
the HOT position, turn the air conditioning
off. For additional information, see ªIf your
vehicle overheatsº in the ª6. In case of
emergencyº section.AIR FLOW CHARTSThe charts on the following pages show the
button and lever positions formaximum andquickheating, cooling or defrosting.
The air recirculation button should be in
the OFF position for normal cooling, heat-
ing and defrosting.4-6
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WARNING
IThe air conditioner cooling function
operates only when the engine is run-ning.
IDo not leave children, impaired
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.On hot, sunny days, temperatures in
a closed vehicle could quickly be-
come high enough to cause severe or
possibly fatal injuries to people or
animals.
IDo not use the recirculation mode for
long periods as it may cause the
interior air to become stale and the
windows to fog up.
IPositioning of the heating or air con-
ditioning controls should not be done
while driving, so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
Start the engine and operate the controls to
activate the air conditioner.
AUTOMATIC OPERATION
Cooling and/or dehumidified heating
(AUTO)This mode may be normally used all year
round as the system automatically works to
keep a constant temperature. Air flow distribu-
tion and fan speed are also controlled auto-
matically.
SAA0379
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER
(Automatic) (if so equipped)
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1. Push the AUTO button on. (AUTO will be
displayed.)
2. Turn the temperature set dial to the left or
right to set the desired temperature.
IAdjust the temperature set dial to about
75ÉF (24ÉC) for normal operation.
IThe temperature of the passenger compart-
ment will be maintained automatically. Air
flow distribution and fan speed are also
controlled automatically.Heating (ECON)The air conditioner does not activate. When
you need to heat only, use this mode.
1. Push the ECON (Economy) button on.
(ECON will be displayed.)
2. Turn the temperature set dial to the left or
right to set the desired temperature.
IThe temperature of the passenger compart-
ment will be maintained automatically. Air
flow distribution and fan speed are also
controlled automatically.
IDo not set the temperature lower than the
outside air temperature. Otherwise the sys-
tem may not work properly.
INot recommended if windows fog up.
Dehumidified defogging1. Push the DEF button
on. (The indica-
tor light on the button will come on.)
2. Turn the temperature set dial to the left or
right to set the desired temperature.
ITo quickly remove ice or fog from the
outside of the windows, push the manual
fan control button
and set to the maxi-
mum position
.
IAs soon as possible after the windshield is
clean, push the AUTO button to return to
the auto mode.
IWhen the DEF button
is pushed, the
air conditioner will automatically be turned
on at outside temperatures above 23ÉF
(þ5ÉC) to defog the windshield, and the air
recirculate mode will automatically be
turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging per-
formance.
MANUAL OPERATION
Fan speed controlPush the fan control button
to manually
control the fan speed.Push the AUTO button to return to automatic
control of the fan speed.
Air recirculationPush the air recirculation button
to recir-
culate interior air inside the vehicle. The indi-
cator light on the switch will come on.
Push it again to make the air inlet controlled
automatically (FRESH, REC/FRE and
RECIRCULATION). The indicator will go out.
The air recirculation button will not be acti-
vated when the air conditioner is in DEF mode.
Air flow controlPushing the manual air flow control button
selects the air outlet to:
: Air flows from center and side ventila-
tors.: Air flows from center and side ventila-
tors and foot outlets.: Air flows mainly from foot outlets.: Air flow from defroster and foot out-
lets.
To turn system offPush the OFF button.
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To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result
in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
IWhile driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerating
or downshifting. Abrupt braking or
accelerating could cause the wheels
to skid and result in an accident.
IIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
at each wheel so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation
speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid
pressure to prevent each wheel from locking
and sliding. By preventing wheel lockup, thesystem helps the driver maintain steering con-
trol and helps to minimize swerving and spin-
ning on slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
(under the hood) rapidly applies and releases
hydraulic pressure (like pumping the brakes
very quickly). While the actuator is working,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from the actuator
under the hood. This is normal and indicates
that the anti-lock system is working properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that roadconditions are hazardous and extra care is
required while driving.
Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic
solenoids controlled by a computer. The com-
puter has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests
the system each time you start the engine and
move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the ABS
warning light in the dashboard. The brake
system will then behave normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at
your earliest convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
Starting and driving
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WARNING
IDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
ITo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the radia-
tor cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
IDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or
if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the shift lever
to the N (Neutral) position (automatic trans-
mission to the P (Park) position).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
the windows, move the heater or air condi-tioner temperature control to maximum hot
and fan control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing
a long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a
fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the
temperature gauge indication returns to
normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. Wait until no
steam or coolant can be seen before pro-
ceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
The radiator hoses and radiator should not
leak water.
If coolant is leaking or the cooling fan does
not run, stop the engine.
WARNING
IBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or to get caught in the
cooling fan, or drive belt.
IThe engine cooling fan can start at
any time when the coolant tempera-
ture is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir
tank if necessary. Have your vehicle re-
paired at the nearest NISSAN dealer.
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6. Start the engine, and warm it up until the
radiator fan operates. Then race the engine
two or three times under no load. Watch the
coolant temperature gauge for signs of
overheating.
7. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up to the
MAX level.
8. Check the radiator drain plug and the drain
plug on the engine block for any sign of
leakage.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.
SDI0973
SDI0115
ENGINE OIL
Do-it-yourself
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Octane rating tipsIn most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in
these high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, south-
ern Idaho, western South Dakota, western
Nebraska, and that part of Texas which is
directly south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may
cause excessive fuel consumption or damage
to the engine. If any of the above symptomsare encountered, have your vehicle checked at
a NISSAN dealer or other competent service
facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.10-4
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