check engine light NISSAN MAXIMA 2004 A34 / 6.G User Guide

range. (For example, if you select the 3rd
range, the transmission will shift up or down
between the 1st and 3rd gears.)
cMoving the selector lever rapidly to the same
side twice will shift the ranges in succession.
When canceling the manual shift mode:
Return the selector lever to the D position to
return the transmission to the normal driving
mode.
cIn the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving perfor-
mance and reduces the chance of ve-
hicle damage or loss of control.
cIn the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may shift up automatically to a
higher range than selected if the en-
gine speed is too high. When the ve-
hicle speed decreases, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts down and
shifts to 1st gear before the vehicle
comes to a stop.
Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift selector lever
may not be moved from the P (Park) position even
with the brake pedal depressed.
To move the shift selector lever, release the shift
lock. The shift selector lever can be moved to N
(Neutral) . However, the steering wheel will be
locked unless the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position. This allows the vehicle to be moved
if the battery is discharged.To push the shift lock release, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover as
shown.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
release slot and push down.
5. Move the shift selector lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position while holding down the shift
lock release.
6. Turn the key to the ON position to unlock the
steering wheel. Now the vehicle may be
moved to the desired location.
If the shift selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) , have a NISSAN dealer check the auto-
matic transmission system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunction-
ing stop lights could cause an accident
injuring yourself and others.
LSD0072
5-10Starting and driving
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Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, please note
that the 4–speed automatic transmission will be
locked in third gear. For the 5–speed automatic
transmission, the transmission will be locked in
any of the gears according to the condition.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the
key back to the ON position. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating con-
dition. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition, have a NISSAN dealer
check the transmission and repair it if nec-
essary.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WARNING
cDo not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
cDo not over-rev the engine when shift-
ing to a lower gear. This may cause a
loss of control or engine damage.
CAUTION
cDo not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
while driving. This may cause clutch
damage.
cFully depress the clutch pedal before
shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.
cStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse) .
cWhen the vehicle is stopped with the
engine running (for example, at a stop
light) , shift to N (Neutral) and release
the clutch pedal with the foot brake
applied.
Shifting
To change gears, or when upshifting or down-
shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into
the appropriate gear, then release the clutch
slowly and smoothly.
This vehicle is equipped with a short throw shifter
manual transmission. To ensure smooth gear
changes, fully depress the clutch pedal before
operating the shift lever. If the clutch pedal is not
fully depressed before the transmission is shifted,
a gear noise may be heard. Transmission damage
may occur.
LSD0073
Starting and driving5-11
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cWhen driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the vehicle dynamic control system may
not operate properly and the vehicle
dynamic control off indicator light may
come on. Do not drive on these types of
roads.
cIf wheels or tires other than the recom-
mended ones are used, the vehicle dy-
namic control system may not operate
properly and the vehicle dynamic con-
trol off indicator light may come on.
cThe vehicle dynamic control system is
not a substitute for winter tires or tire
chains on a snow covered road.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see ‘‘Engine cooling system’’ in the
‘‘Maintenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see ‘‘Battery’’ in the ‘‘Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.For details, see ‘‘Changing engine coolant’’ in the
‘‘Maintenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size for
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-22Starting and driving
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level...................8-7
Changing engine coolant........................8-8
Engine oil.........................................8-8
Checking engine oil level........................8-8
Changing engine oil............................8-9
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-10
4-speed automatic transmission fluid...............8-11
Temperature conditions for checking.............8-11
5-speed automatic transmission fluid...............8-12
Power steering fluid...............................8-13
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-13
Brake fluid....................................8-13
Clutch fluid...................................8-14
Window washer fluid.............................8-14
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-14
Battery..........................................8-15
Jump starting.................................8-16
Drive belts.......................................8-17Spark plugs......................................8-17
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-17
Air cleaner.......................................8-18
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-18
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-21
Cleaning.....................................8-21
Replacing....................................8-21
Parking brake and brake pedal.....................8-22
Checking parking brake........................8-22
Checking brake pedal..........................8-22
Brake booster.................................8-23
Fuses...........................................8-23
Engine compartment...........................8-23
Passenger compartment.......................8-25
Keyfob battery replacement........................8-26
Lights...........................................8-27
Headlights....................................8-27
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-28
Wheels and tires.................................8-33
Tire pressure..................................8-33
Tire labeling...................................8-36
Types of tires..................................8-39
Tire chains....................................8-39
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-40
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7. Refill engine with recommended oil through
the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual for
drain and refill capacity.
The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine when the proper
amount of oil is in the engine.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage around
the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as re-
quired.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter.
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench
by turning it counterclockwise. Then remove
the oil filter by turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
WDI0218
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear disc-type brakes self-adjust
every time the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See a NISSAN dealer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, a high pitched scraping or screech-
ing sound will be heard when the vehicle is in
motion. The noise will be heard whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect the
function or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regarding
brake inspections, see the appropriate mainte-nance schedule information in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
BRAKE BOOSTER
Check the brake booster function as follows:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake
pedal movement (distance of travel) remains
the same from one pedal application to the
next, continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keep the pedal depressed for about
30 seconds. The pedal height should not
change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without de-
pressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradually
with each depression as the vacuum is re-
leased from the booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than specified on the
fuse box cover. This could damage the
electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not come on,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood.
LDI0327
FUSES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-23
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least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number. How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number in high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft
(1,219 m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New
Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada,
southern Idaho, western South Dakota, western
Nebraska, and the 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 a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
9-4Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
Active head restraint...............1-9
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)......................1-9
Air bag warning light...........1-21, 2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-18
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Servicing air conditioner..........4-18
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-14
Anchor point locations.............1-40
Antenna.....................4-32
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-9
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-14
Audio system..................4-19
AM-FM radio with cassette player.....4-26
Cassette player...............4-26
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-29
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-27
FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player
and compact disc (CD) changer......4-23
FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player
and compact disc (CD) player.......4-23
Radio....................4-19Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-31
Autolight switch.................2-20
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-19
Automatic power window switch.....2-35
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-11
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-10
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-10
Battery replacement (See remote keyless
entry system)................3-9, 8-26
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-17
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-18
Brake booster................8-23
Brake fluid..................8-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Brake pedal.................8-22
Brake system................5-18
Brake warning light.............2-10
Brake wear indicators........2-14, 8-23
Parking brake check............8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Self-adjusting brakes............8-23
Break-in schedule................5-15Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-22
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
Cassette player (See audio system)......4-26
CD care and cleaning.............4-30
CD changer (See audio system)........4-29
CD player (See audio system).........4-27
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator lamp).......2-12
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-39
Child restraints.......1-25, 1-26, 1-31, 1-38
Precautions on child restraints.......1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-40
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-14
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock
(models with navigation system)......4-12
(models without navigation system).....4-4
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Cold weather driving..............5-22
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-27
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Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-31
Control panel buttons
With navigation system...........4-7
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-31
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Cornering light.................2-23
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-13
Cup holders...................2-29
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-21
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-18
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-10
Drive belts....................8-17
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-19
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-22
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2E
Economy - fuel.................5-15
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-18
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-6
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-29
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-23
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-11
Brake fluid..................8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Window washer fluid............8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-23
Folding rear seat.................1-6
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-15
Fuel filler cap................3-13
Fuel filler lid.................3-13
Fuel filler lid and cap............3-13
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-3
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-23
Fusible links...................8-24
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-42
Gascap.....................3-13
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge..................2-6
10-2
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Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-31
Glove box lock.................2-31
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-23
Head restraints..................1-8
Active head restraint.............1-9
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-19
Heated seats..................2-24
Heated steering wheel.............2-25
Heater
Heater operation..............4-17
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-42
Hood release..................3-10
Horn.......................2-24
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-16, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-18
Increasing fuel economy............5-15
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Instrument brightness control.........2-22
Instrument panel.................2-2Interior light...................2-39
Interior trunk lid release.............3-12
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-38
J
Jump starting...................6-6
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system (See remote keyless
entry system)...................3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Emission control information label.....9-10
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-21
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-38
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-11
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-21, 2-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-28
Charge warning light............2-10Cornering light...............2-23
Fog light switch...............2-23
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-19
Interior light.................2-39
Light bulbs..................8-27
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-11
Personal lights...............2-40
Trunk light..................2-41
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Glove box lock...............2-31
Power door locks...............3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-10
Low fuel warning light.............2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-11
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-30
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-12
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-22
Mirror
Outside mirror control...........3-17
10-3
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