tow NISSAN MAXIMA 2000 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

Fastening the seat belts1. Adjust the seat.
2. Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor
and insert the tongue into the buckle until it
snaps.
The retractor is designed to lock during a
sudden stop or on impact. A slow pulling
motion will permit the belt to move, and
allow you some freedom of movement in
the seat.3. Position the lap belt portionlow and snug
on the hipsas shown.
4. Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the
retractor to take up extra slack.
The front passenger and rear seat belts have a
cinching mechanism for child restraint installa-
tion. It is referred to as the automatic locking
mode.
When the cinching mechanism is activated the
seat belt cannot be withdrawn again until the
seat belt tongue is detached from the buckle
and fully retracted. For additional information,
see ªChild restraintsº later in this section.The automatic locking mode should be
used only for child restraint installation.
During normal seat belt use by a passen-
ger, the locking mode should not be acti-
vated. If it is activated it may cause uncom-
fortable seat belt tension.
WARNING
When fastening the seat belts, be certain
that seatbacks are completely secured
in the latched position. If they are not
completely secured in the right position,
passengers may be injured in an acci-
dent or sudden stop.
SSS0102
SSS0061Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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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
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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
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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
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The windshield wiper and washer operates
when the ignition key is in the ON position.
Push the lever down to operate the wiper.
Intermittent operation can be adjusted from 2
to 13 seconds by turning the knob.
(Type B only)
Pull the lever toward you to operate the
washer. Then the wiper will also operate sev-
eral times.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer so-
lution may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to
an accident. Warm the windshield with
the defroster before you wash the wind-
shield.
CAUTION
The following could damage the washer
system:
IDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
IDo not operate the washer if the res-
ervoir tank is empty.
SIC0176
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCH
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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)
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AUTOMATIC SUNROOFThe sunroof will only operate when the ignition
key is in the ON position.
The automatic sunroof is operational for about
45 seconds, even if the ignition key is turned to
the OFF position. If the driver's door or the
front passenger's door is opened during this
period of about 45 seconds, power to the
sunroof is canceled.Sliding the sunroofTo open the roof, press and hold the switch to
the
side.To close the roof, press and hold the switch to
the
side.
Automatic operationTo fully open or close the roof, completely
press the switch to the
or
side and
release it; it need not be held. The roof will
automatically open or close all the way. To
stop the roof, just press the switch toward the
opposite.
A light press on the switch will cause the roof
to open or close until the switch is released.
Auto reverse function (When closing
the sunroof)If the control unit detects something caught in
the sunroof as it moves to the front, the
sunroof will immediately open backward.
The auto reverse function can be activated
when the sunroof is closed by automatic op-
eration when the ignition key is in the ON
position or for about 45 seconds after the
ignition key is turned to the OFF position.
IDepending on the environment or driv-
ing conditions, the auto reverse function
may be activated if an impact or load
similar to something being caught in the
sunroof occurs.
WARNING
There are some small distances imme-
diately before the closed position which
cannot be detected. Make sure that all
passengers have their hands, etc., in-
side the vehicle before closing the sun-
roof.Tilting the sunroofTo tilt up, first close the sunroof, then press
and hold the
side of the tilt switch. To tilt
down the sunroof, press and hold the
side.
Sun shadeOpen or close the sun shade by sliding it
backward or forward.
The shade will open automatically when the
sunroof is opened. However, it must be closed
manually.
SIC1293
SUNROOF (if so equipped)
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d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYSTThe three way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Ex-
haust gases in the converter are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
IThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.
IDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
IDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst's ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
IKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the three way cata-
lyst, causing it to overheat. Do not
keep driving if the engine misfires, or
if noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
IAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
IDo not race the engine while warming
it up.
IDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden steer-
ing maneuvers, because these driving prac-
tices could cause you to lose control of your
vehicle.As with any vehicle, a loss of con-
trol could result in a collision with other
vehicles or objects, or cause the vehicle to
rollover, particularly if the loss of control
causes the vehicle to slide sideways.Be
attentive at all times, and avoid driving when
tired. Never drive when under the influence of
alcohol or drugs (including prescription or
over-the-counter drugs which may cause
drowsiness). Always wear your seat belt. See
ªSeat Beltsº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systemsº section. And
also instruct your passengers to do so.
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DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgment. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likeli-
hood of being involved in an accident
injuring yourself and others. Addition-
ally, if you are injured in the accident,
alcohol can increase the severity of the
injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. But, you
must choose not to drive under the influence of
alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol related accidents.
Although the local laws vary on what is con-
sidered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that
alcohol affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that's true for drugs too (over the counter,
prescription, and illegal drugs). Don't drive ifyour ability to operate your vehicle is impaired
by alcohol, drugs, or some other physical
condition.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONOn automatic transmission models, the igni-
tion lock is designed so that the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the selector
lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the selector lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved toward
LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
SSD0083
IGNITION SWITCH
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LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:
1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3. Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition switch,
the selector lever cannot be moved from P
(Park) position.The selector lever can be
moved if the ignition switch is in the ACC
position. This allows the vehicle to be
moved if the battery is discharged. The
selector lever can also be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position in between LOCK
and ACC, although it does not show on the
lock cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF the
steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn counter-
clockwise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the keyand turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
MANUAL TRANSMISSIONThe switch includes an anti-theft steering lock
device.
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
The ignition key can only be removed when
the switch is in this position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, first turn
the key to OFF and turn the key to LOCK while
pushing the key in.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.
SSD0082C
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