ABS NISSAN MAXIMA 2001 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

Adjust the head restraints so the center is level
with the center of your ears.
ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT (front
seats)
WARNING
IAlways adjust the head restraints
properly as specified in the previous
section. Failure to do so can reduce
the effectiveness of the active head
restraint.IActive head restraints are designed
to supplement other safety systems.
Always wear seat belts. No system
can prevent all injuries in any acci-
dent.
IDo not attach anything to the head
restraint stalks. Doing so could im-
pair active head restraint function.
The head restraint moves forward utilizing the
force that the seatback receives from the oc-
cupant in a rear-end collision. The movement
of the head restraint helps support the occu-
pant's head by reducing its backward move-
ment and helping absorb some of the forces
that may lead to whiplash type injuries.
Active head restraints are effective for colli-
sions at low to medium speeds in which it is
said that whiplash injury occurs most.
Active head restraints operate only in certain
rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head
restraints return to their original positions.
Properly adjust the active head restraints as
described in the previous section.
SSS0178
SPA1025
1-8
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ...................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).......................... 5-2
Three way catalyst ............................................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover .............................. 5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ....................... 5-4
Ignition switch............................................................ 5-4
Automatic transmission ........................................ 5-4
Manual transmission ............................................ 5-5
Key positions ........................................................ 5-6
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System .................... 5-6
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-7
Starting the engine .................................................... 5-7
Driving the vehicle ..................................................... 5-8
Automatic transmission ........................................ 5-8
Manual transmission .......................................... 5-11
Parking brake .......................................................... 5-13
Cruise control .......................................................... 5-13
Precautions on cruise control ............................. 5-14Cruise control operations ................................... 5-14
Break-in schedule ................................................... 5-15
Increasing fuel economy ......................................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-17
Power steering ........................................................ 5-18
Brake system .......................................................... 5-18
Braking precautions............................................ 5-18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ........................... 5-19
Traction control system (if so equipped)................. 5-20
Cold weather driving ............................................... 5-21
Freeing a frozen door lock ................................. 5-21
Anti-freeze .......................................................... 5-21
Battery ................................................................ 5-21
Draining of coolant water ................................... 5-21
Tire equipment ................................................... 5-21
Special winter equipment ................................... 5-21
Driving on snow or ice ....................................... 5-22
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ................. 5-22
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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
5-19
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD110 (49)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchChoose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is avail-
able from your NISSAN dealer (Canada only).
Make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached
to the vehicle, to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by
crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.
CAUTION
IDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
IThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.IDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
ITo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch and/or receiver when not in use.
After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
IRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressuresIWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the tire placard (located on the
inside of the center console lid).
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in ac-
cordance with the trailer and tire manufac-
turers' specifications.Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between yourvehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point
between the sensor and stop light or light
switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tipsIBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloadedTechnical and consumer information
10-17
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11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system) ......................... 5-19
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front airbag
system) ...................................................... 1-14
Side (See supplemental side air bag
system) ...................................................... 1-16
Air bag warning labels .................................... 1-19
Air bag warning light................................ 1-19, 2-8
Air cleaner housing filter ................................. 8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ............................. 4-3
Air conditioner service ....................... 4-3, 4-11
Air conditioner specification label .... 4-3, 10-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ...................... 4-3
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-3
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ........................................... 10-6
Air flow charts ................................................... 4-6
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................ 5-4
AM-FM radio with cassette player .................. 4-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact
disc player....................................................... 4-12
AM-FM radio with compact disc player .......... 4-12
Ambient temperature switch (AMB), Air
conditioner ...................................................... 4-11Anchor point locations
Top tether strap ......................................... 1-36
Antenna
Manual ....................................................... 4-25
Power ........................................................ 4-25
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-19
Anti-lock brake warning light............................. 2-9
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................. 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-9
Audible reminders ........................................... 2-11
Audio system .................................................. 4-12
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-8
Transmission selector lever lock
release ....................................................... 5-10
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-3
B
Battery............................................................. 8-13
Battery saver system................................. 2-17
Battery replacement, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-7
Belts (See drive belts) .................................... 8-15Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................... 5-19
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-12
Brake booster ............................................ 8-19
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-18
Brake pedal check..................................... 8-18
Parking brake check ........................ 5-13, 8-18
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-13
System....................................................... 5-18
Warning light ............................................... 2-8
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-15
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-7
Bulb replacement ............................................ 8-23
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................................. 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-25
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-25
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ........ 2-25
Cargo net ........................................................ 2-25
Cassette player (See audio system) .............. 4-16
Cassette tape operation ................................. 4-12
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
CD care and cleaning ..................................... 4-24
Child restraints ................................................ 1-28
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-37
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-28
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