warning lights NISSAN MAXIMA 2001 A33 / 5.G Owners Manual

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 audible reminders ........ 2-7
Checking bulbs ..................................................... 2-7
Warning lights....................................................... 2-7
Indicator lights ...................................................... 2-9
Audible reminders .............................................. 2-11
Brake pad wear warning .................................... 2-12
Security systems ..................................................... 2-12
Vehivle security system ...................................... 2-12
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System .................. 2-13
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................... 2-14
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defogger switch ....................................................... 2-15
Headlight and turn signal switch ............................. 2-16
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-16
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-18
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ............................. 2-18
Hazard warning flasher switch ................................ 2-19
Horn......................................................................... 2-19Heated seats (if so equipped) ................................. 2-20
Traction control system (TCS) cancel switch
(if so equipped) ....................................................... 2-21
Power outlet ............................................................ 2-21
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (accessory) ............... 2-22
Storage .................................................................... 2-22
Trays................................................................... 2-22
Glasses case ...................................................... 2-23
Cup holder .......................................................... 2-23
Glove box ........................................................... 2-24
Console box ....................................................... 2-25
Cargo net (if so equipped) ................................. 2-25
Windows .................................................................. 2-26
Power windows .................................................. 2-26
Sunroof (if so equipped) ......................................... 2-28
Automatic sunroof .............................................. 2-28
Clock ....................................................................... 2-29
Adjusting the time............................................... 2-29
Interior light ............................................................. 2-29
Ceiling................................................................. 2-29
Personal light .......................................................... 2-30
Vanity mirror light (if so equipped) .......................... 2-31
Trunk light ............................................................... 2-32
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Engine oil pressure warning light
Low washer fluid warning light (if so
equipped)
High beam indicator light (Blue)
Charge warning light
or
Brake warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light
Door open warning light
or
Anti-lock brake warning light
(if so equipped)
Cruise set indicator light
Seat belt warning light
Low fuel warning light
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Supplemental air bag warning light
Overdrive off indicator light
Traction control system indicator light (if
so equipped)
Trunk lid open warning light
Turn signal/hazard indicator light
Slip indicator light (if so equipped)
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 the charging sys-
tem is not functioning properly. Turn the en-
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
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light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
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 greaterpedal 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 that the anti-lock brake
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
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
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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 the
button 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 lever
positions. But the system can upshift the trans-mission only as high as the indicated shift lever
position.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
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
unless the drivers seat belt is securely fas-
tened.
Instruments and controls
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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)
2-18
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Push the switch on to warn other drivers when
you must stop or park under emergency con-
ditions. All turn signal lights will flash.
Some state laws may prohibit the use of the
hazard warning flasher switch while driv-
ing.
WARNING
IIf stopping for an emergency, be sure
to move the vehicle well off the road.IDo not use the hazard warning flash-
ers while moving on the highway un-
less unusual circumstances force
you to drive so slowly that your ve-
hicle might become a hazard to other
traffic.
ITurn signals do not work when the
hazard warning flasher lights are on.
The flasher can be actuated with the ignition
switch either off or on.
To sound the horn, push the center pad area of
the steering wheel.
SIC1232
SIC1280
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
SWITCHHORN
Instruments and controls
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cancel lever is in the CANCEL position.
It can be opened only with the key.
See ªTrunk lidº later in this section for cancel
lever.Using the panic alarmIf you are near your vehicle and feel threat-
ened, you may activate the alarm to call atten-
tion as follows:
1. Push the PANIC button on the remote
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 or the trunk lid release
button is pushed on the multi-remote con-
troller for longer than 0.5 seconds.
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
3-8
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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CAUTION
Store the main sun visor after storing
the extension sun visor.
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.
AUTOMATIC ANTI-DAZZLING
INSIDE MIRROR (if so equipped)The inside mirror is designed so that it auto-
matically changes reflection according to the
intensity of the headlight of the following ve-
hicle.
When the inside mirror is in the AUTO position,
excessive glare from the headlights of the
vehicle behind you will be reduced. When the
switch of the inside mirror is in the OFF
position, the inside mirror will operate nor-
mally.
SPA0991
SPA0470
SPA1109
SUN VISORS MIRRORS3-14
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
IMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, e.g., each time you
check engine oil.
ICheck that all windows and lights are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). (P preferred.)
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) position and into any of the other
gear positions if the key is removed from
the switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if the
selector lever is in one of the driving posi-
tions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position,
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate un-
less the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails
to run, repeat the above procedure.
IIf the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, de-
press the accelerator pedal and hold it
to help start the engine.IIn the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal fully depressed while starting.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving
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Shift lock releaseIf the battery charge is low, the select lever
may not move from the P position even with
the brake pedal depressed and the select lever
button pushed.To move the select lever, push the shift lock
release button and select lever button. The
select lever can be moved to N (Neutral).
To push the shift lock release button using a
screwdriver or other tool, follow the procedure
as illustrated.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park)
have your NISSAN dealer check the automatic
transmission system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved
from the P position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.Accelerator downshift
Ð In D position ÐFor rapid passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts
the transmission down into second gear or first
gear, depending on the vehicle speed.
Overdrive switchEach time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically reset to overdrive ON.
ON: For normal driving the overdrive switch
is engaged. The transmission is up-
shifted into overdrive as the vehicle
speed increases.
The overdrive does not engage until the
engine has warmed up.
OFF: Changed for driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking would be
advantageous, push the overdrive
switch. The O/D OFF light illuminates.
SSD0151
SSD0110
5-10
Starting and driving
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