headlights NISSAN MAXIMA 2003 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
Compass display (if so equipped)............................. 2-6
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ........ 2-9
Checking bulbs ..................................................... 2-9
Warning lights....................................................... 2-9
Indicator lights .................................................... 2-12
Audible reminders .............................................. 2-13
Security systems ..................................................... 2-14
Vehivle security system ...................................... 2-14
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System .................. 2-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................... 2-16
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defogger switch ....................................................... 2-17
Headlight and turn signal switch ............................. 2-18
Xenon headlights................................................ 2-19
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-19
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-21
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ............................. 2-21
Hazard warning flasher switch ................................ 2-22Horn......................................................................... 2-22
Heated seats (if so equipped) ................................. 2-23
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped) .................. 2-24
Traction control system (TCS) cancel switch
(if so equipped) ....................................................... 2-24
Power outlet ............................................................ 2-24
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (accessory) ............... 2-25
Storage .................................................................... 2-26
Trays................................................................... 2-26
Sunglasses holder .............................................. 2-26
Cup holder .......................................................... 2-27
Glove box ........................................................... 2-27
Console box ....................................................... 2-28
Cargo net (if so equipped) ................................. 2-28
Windows .................................................................. 2-29
Power windows .................................................. 2-29
Sunroof (if so equipped) ......................................... 2-31
Automatic sunroof .............................................. 2-31
Clock ....................................................................... 2-32
Adjusting the time............................................... 2-32
Trip computer .......................................................... 2-32
Interior light ............................................................. 2-34
Ceiling................................................................. 2-34
Personal light .......................................................... 2-35
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comes on. The SECURITY indicator light
glows for about 30 seconds and then blinks.
The system is now activated. If, during this
30 second time period, the door is unlocked
by the key or the keyfob, 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 door
once 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.
Vehicle security system operationThe security system will give the following
alarm:
IThe headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
IThe alarm automatically turns off after ap-proximately 1 minute. However, the alarm
reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by unlock-
ing a door or trunk lid with the key, or by
pressing the UNLOCK button on the key-
fob.
The alarm is activated by:
IOpening the door without using the key or
keyfob.
IOpening the trunk lid without using the key
or keyfob.
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 keyfob. 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 ofthe 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
position and wait approximately 10 sec-
onds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 again.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered Nissan Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,
NISSAN recommends placing the regis-
tered Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
key on a separate key ring to avoid inter-
ference from other devices.
Statement related to section 15 of FCC
rules for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
Instruments and controls
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XENON HEADLIGHTS
WARNINGHIGH VOLTAGE
IWhen xenon headlights are on, they
produce a high voltage. To prevent an
electric shock, never attempt to
modify or disassemble. Always have
your xenon headlights replaced at an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
IXenon headlights provide consider-
ably more light than conventional
headlights. If they are not correctly
aimed, they might temporarily blind
an oncoming driver or the driver
ahead of you and cause a serious
accident. If headlights are not aimed
correctly, immediately take your ve-
hicle to an authorized NISSAN dealer
and have the headlights adjusted cor-
rectly.
When the xenon headlight is initially turned on,
its brightness or color varies slightly. However,
the color and brightness will soon stabilize.IThe life of xenon headlights will be
shortened by frequent on-off operation.
It is generally desirable not to turn off
the headlights for short intervals, (for
example, when the vehicle stops at a
traffic signal). Even when the daytime
running lights are active (Canada only),
the xenon headlights do not turn on.
This way the life of the xenon headlights
is not reduced.
IIf the xenon headlight bulb is close to
burning out, the brightness will drasti-
cally decrease, the light will start blink-
ing, or the color of the light will become
reddish. If one or more of the above
signs appear, contact a NISSAN dealer.
HEADLIGHT SWITCH
LightingTurn the switch to the AUTO position:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
tail light, headlight, instrument light and other
lights turn on automatically, depending on the
brightness of the surroundings. The headlight
will automatically turn off 5 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned to the OFF position
and the driver's or front passenger's door is
opened.The headlight will also automatically turn off 45
seconds after a front door is opened and
closed.
When the light switch is turned to the
po-
sition, 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.
Instruments and controls
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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 5
minutes after the ignition switch has been
turned to the OFF position.IWhen the headlight switch remains in the
or
position after the lights auto-
matically turn off, the lights will turn on for 5
minutes when the headlight switch is turned
to the OFF position and turn to the
or
position.
CAUTION
IBe sure to turn the light switch to the
OFF position when you leave the ve-
hicle 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 even if the
headlights turn off automatically.
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
2-20
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.
SIC1760
FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if so
equipped)
Instruments and controls
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draw. 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.The cigarette lighter element is an accessory.
A genuine NISSAN cigarette lighter unit can be
purchased from your local NISSAN dealer.
The cigarette lighter operates when the igni-
tion switch is in the ACC or ON position.
Push the lighter in all the way. When the lighter
is heated, it will spring out.
Return the lighter to its original position after
use.
WARNING
The cigarette lighter should not be used
while driving so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
CAUTION
The cigarette lighter socket is a power
source for the cigarette lighter element
only. The use of the cigarette lighter
socket as a power source for any other
accessory is not recommended.
SIC1233A
CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND
ASHTRAY (accessory)
Instruments and controls
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To stop lowering the windows, release the
UNLOCK button.
To start lowering the windows, press the UN-
LOCK button again for 3 more seconds.
This function will operate after the ignition
switch is off and 45 seconds passed or either
the front door is opened.Releasing the trunk lid1. Push the TRUNK button on the keyfob for
longer than 0.5 seconds with the key re-
moved from the ignition key cylinder.
2. The trunk lid opens.
The trunk lid will not open when the trunk lid
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 keyfob for
longer than 0.5 secondswith the key
removed from the ignition key cylinder.
2. The theft warning alarm and headlights willstay 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 keyfob 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.
SPA1374
3-8
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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CAUTION
Store the main sun visor after storing
the extension sun visor.
AUTOMATIC ANTI-GLARE INSIDE
MIRROR
WARNING
Use the AUTO position only when nec-
essary, because it reduces rear view
clarity.
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 mirror switch is in the ON position,
AUTO indicator light remains on and exces-
sive glare from the headlights of the vehicle
behind you will be reduced automatically.
When the switch is in the OFF position, the
inside mirror will operate normally.
SPA0991
SPA1109A
SPA1490
SUN VISORS MIRRORS
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements ........................................ 8-2
General maintenance ................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .......... 8-2
Maintenance precautions .......................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-7
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ............................. 8-8
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................................ 8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter ................................... 8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-12
Temperature conditions for checking ................. 8-13
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-14
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-15
Battery ..................................................................... 8-15
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-17
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ........................................ 8-18Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-19
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-19
Replacing............................................................ 8-20
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-21
Checking parking brake ..................................... 8-21
Checking brake pedal ........................................ 8-21
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-22
Fuses....................................................................... 8-22
Engine compartment .......................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment .................................... 8-24
Keyfob battery replacement .................................... 8-24
Lights ....................................................................... 8-26
Headlights........................................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .................................. 8-28
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 8-33
Tire pressure ...................................................... 8-33
Types of tires...................................................... 8-33
Tire chains .......................................................... 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ................................. 8-35
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loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balance:If the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight
and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer
to ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº in the
Warranty Information Booklet (US) or ªTire
Safety Informationº in the Warranty and Road-
side Assistance Information booklet (Canada).
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regu-
lar basis. Check the windshield at least every
six months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified
repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hood:Check that all doors
and the engine hood operate smoothly as well
as the trunk lid or back hatch. Also make sure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate if nec-essary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the pri-
mary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in thesteering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to en-
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if equipped) hold securely
in all latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort. Keep
the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*:Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
play.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed fully.
Check the brake booster function. Be sure to
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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