tow NISSAN MAXIMA 2005 A34 / 6.G Owners Manual

1. Engine hood (P. 3-9)
2. Headlight and turn signal switch
(P. 2-19)
3. Replacing bulbs (P. 8-28)
4. Windshield wiper and washer switch
(P. 2-18)
5. Windshield (P. 8-19)
6. Sunroof (if so equipped) (P. 2-38)
7. Power windows (P. 2-36)
8. Door locks, keyfob, keys
(P. 3-3, 3-5, 3-2)
9. Mirrors (P. 3-16)
10. Tire pressure (P. 9-11)
11. Flat tire (P. 6-2)
12. Tire chains (P. 8-37)
13. Cornering light (P. 2-19)
14. Fog light switch (P. 2-19)
15. Tie down/towing hooks (P. 6-11)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
LII0002
EXTERIOR FRONT
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1. Rear window defroster switch (P. 2-19)
2. Rear sun shade (if so equipped)
(P. 2-40)
3. Interior trunk lid release (P. 3-11)
4. Trunk lid (P. 3-9)
5. Vehicle loading (P. 9-12)
6. Tie-down/towing hook (P. 6-12)
7. Replacing bulbs (P. 8-28)
8. Fuel filler cap, fuel recommendation
(P. 3-12, P. 9-3)
9. Fuel filler lid (P. 3-12)
10. Child safety locks (P. 3-5)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
LII0003
EXTERIOR REAR
0-4Illustrated table of contents
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s2Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor
and insert the tongue into the buckle until
you hear and feel the latch engage.
cThe retractor is designed to lock during
a sudden stop or on impact. A slow
pulling motion permits the seat belt to
move, and allows you some freedom of
movement in the seat.
cIf the seat belt cannot be pulled from
its fully retracted position, firmly pull
the belt and release it. Then smoothly
pull the belt out of the retractor.s3Position the lap belt portionlow and snug
on the hipsas shown.
s4Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the
retractor to take up extra slack. Be sure the
shoulder belt is routed over your shoulder
and across your chest.
The front passenger seat and the rear seating
positions three-point seat belts have a locking
mechanism for child restraint installation. It is
referred to as the automatic locking mode or child
restraint mode.
When automatic locking mechanism is activated
the seat belt cannot be extended again until the
seat belt tongue is detached from the buckle andfully retracted. Once retracted, the seat belt is in
the emergency locking mode. See “Child re-
straints” later in this section for more information.
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. It can also
change the operation of the front passen-
ger air bag. See “Front passenger air bag
and status light” later in this section.
WARNING
When fastening the seat belts, be certain
that the seatbacks are completely se-
cured in the latched position. If they are
not completely secured, passengers may
be injured in an accident or sudden stop.WRS0137WRS0138
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PRECAUTIONS ON BOOSTER
SEATS
WARNING
cInfants and small children should al-
ways be placed in an appropriate child
restraint while riding in the vehicle.
Failure to use a child restraint or
booster seat can result in serious injury
or death.
cInfants and small children should never
be carried on your lap. It is not possible
for even the strongest adult to resist the
forces of a severe accident. The child
could be crushed between the adult and
parts of the vehicle. Also, do not put the
same seat belt around both your child
and yourself.
cNISSAN recommends that the booster
seat be installed in the rear seat. Ac-
cording to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seat than in the front seat.cA booster seat must only be installed in
a seating position that has a
lap/shoulder belt. Failure to use a
three-point type seat belt with a
booster seat can result in a serious in-
jury in sudden stop or collision.
cAn improperly installed booster seat
could lead to serious injury or death in
an accident.
WARNING
cDo not use towels, books, pillows or
other items in place of a booster seat.
Items such as these may move during
normal driving or a collision and result
in serious injury or death. Booster seats
are designed to be used with a
lap/shoulder belt. Booster seats are de-
signed to properly route the lap and
shoulder portions of the seat belt over
the strongest portions of a child’s body
to provide the maximum protection dur-
ing a collision.
LRS0455
BOOSTER SEATS
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2. The booster seat should be positioned on
the vehicle seat so that it is stable. If neces-
sary, adjust or remove the head restraint to
obtain the correct booster seat fit. See
“Head restraint adjustment” earlier in this
section. If the head restraint is removed,
store it in a secure place. Be sure to install
the head restraint when the booster seat is
removed. If the seating position does not
have an adjustable head restraint and it is
interfering with the proper booster seat fit,
try another seating position or a different
booster seat.
3. Position the lap portion of the seat belt low
and snug on the child’s hips. Be sure to
follow the booster seat manufacturer’s in-
structions for adjusting the belt routing.
4. Pull the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt
toward the retractor to take up extra slack.
Be sure the shoulder belt is positioned
across the top, middle portion of the child’s
shoulder. Be sure to follow the booster seat
manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting the
belt routing.
5. Follow the warnings, cautions and instruc-
tions for properly fastening a seat belt
shown in the “Three-point seat belt with
retractor” earlier in this section.
Booster seat installation on front pas-
senger seat
WARNING
NISSAN recommends that child restraints
be installed in the rear seat. However, if
you must install a booster seat in the front
passenger seat, move the passenger seat
to the rearmost position.
If you must install a booster seat in the front seat,
follow these steps:
1. Move the seat to the rear-most position.2. Position the booster seat on the seat. Only
place it in a front facing direction. Always
follow the booster seat manufacturer’s in-
structions.
3. The booster seat should be positioned on
the vehicle seat so that it is stable. If neces-
sary, adjust or remove the head restraint to
obtain the correct booster seat fit. See
“Head restraint adjustment” earlier in this
section. If the head restraint is removed,
store it in a secure place. Be sure to install
the head restraint when the booster seat is
removed. If the seating position does not
have an adjustable head restraint and it is
interfering with the proper booster seat fit,
try another seating position or a different
booster seat.
4. Position the lap portion of the seat belt low
and snug on the child’s hips. Be sure to
follow the booster seat manufacturer’s in-
structions for adjusting the belt routing.
5. Pull the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt
toward the retractor to take up extra slack.
Be sure the shoulder belt is positioned
across the top, middle portion of the child’s
shoulder. Be sure to follow the booster seat
manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting the
belt routing.
LRS0454
1-34Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
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heavy objects placed on the seat could result in
air bag inflation, because of the object’s weight
detected by the weight sensor. Other conditions
could also result in air bag inflation, such as if a
child is standing on the seat, or if two children are
on the seat, contrary to the instructions in this
manual. Always be sure that you and all vehicle
occupants are seated and restrained properly.
Using the passenger air bag status light, you can
monitor when the front passenger air bag is au-
tomatically turned OFF. The light will illuminate
(indicating the air bag is OFF and will not inflate)
when the front passenger seat is not occupied.
If an adult occupant is in the seat and the pas-
senger air bag status light is illuminated (indicat-
ing that the air bag is OFF) , it could be that the
person is a small adult, or is not sitting on the seat
or not using the seat belt properly. If a child
restraint must be used in the front seat, but the
status light is not lit (indicating that the air bag
might inflate in a crash) , it could be that the child
restraint or seat belt is not being used properly. If
such situations happen, properly position and
restrain the occupant or child restraint. Other-
wise reposition the occupant or child restraint in
a rear seat.
If a malfunction occurs in the front passenger air
bag system, the supplemental air bag warning
light
, located in the meter and gauges areain the center of the instrument panel, will blink.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Other supplemental front air bag precau-
tions
WARNING
cDo not place any objects on the steer-
ing wheel pad or on the instrument
panel. Also, do not place any objects
between any occupant and the steering
wheel or instrument panel. Such ob-
jects may become dangerous projec-
tiles and cause injury if the supplemen-
tal front air bag inflates.
cImmediately after inflation, several
front air bag system components will be
hot. Do not touch them; you may se-
verely burn yourself.
cNo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental air bag system. This is
to prevent accidental inflation of the
supplemental air bag or damage to the
supplemental air bag system.cDo not make unauthorized changes to
your vehicle’s electrical system, sus-
pension system or front end structure.
This could affect proper operation of
the supplemental front air bag system.
cTampering with the supplemental front
air bag system may result in serious
personal injury. Tampering includes
changes to the steering wheel and the
instrument panel assembly by placing
material over the steering wheel pad
and above the instrument panel or by
installing additional trim material
around the air bag system.
cModifying or tampering with the front
passenger seat may result in serious
personal injury. For example, do not
change the front seats by placing mate-
rial on the seat cushion or by installing
additional trim material, such as seat
covers, on the seat that are not specifi-
cally designed to assure proper air bag
operation. Additionally, do not stow any
objects under the front passenger seat
or the seat cushion and seatback. Such
objects may interfere with the proper
operation of the occupant classifica-
tion system (weight sensor) .
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3. The display will show all segments, and re-
turn to the normal compass mode within 10
seconds of no switch activity.
4. If the vehicle changes zone, repeat steps 1
through 3. See map.
cIf the compass deviates from the correct
indication soon after repeated adjustment,
have the compass checked at an authorized
dealer.
cThe compass may not indicate the correct
compass point in tunnels or while driving up
or down a steep hill. (The compass returns
to the correct compass point when the ve-
hicle moves to an area where the geomag-
netism is stabilized.)
CAUTION
cDo not install a ski rack, antenna, etc.,
which are attached to the vehicle by
means of a magnet. They affect the op-
eration of the compass.
cWhen cleaning the mirror, use a paper
towel or similar material dampened
with glass cleaner. Do not spray glass
cleaner directly on the mirror as it may
cause the liquid cleaner to enter the
mirror housing.
2-8Instruments and controls
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If an abnormality occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function ceases, but the regular braking
system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact a NISSAN dealer for repair.
Automatic transmission check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is turned ON, the light
comes on for about 2 seconds. If the light comes
on at any other time, it may indicate the automatic
transmission system is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is applied,
and also 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 “Brake and clutch fluid” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
brake system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are not
closed securely while the ignition key is in the ON
position.
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 engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level.Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
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INDICATOR LIGHTS
Automatic transmission posi-
tion indicator light (if so
equipped)
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, the indicator in the speedometer shows the
automatic transmission selector lever position.
See “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
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 switch 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 may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Front passenger air bag sta-
tus light
The front passenger air bag status light ()
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger seat
is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
air bags” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If this indicator lamp comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
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 vehicle has at least 3 gallons (11.4
liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator lamp comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator lamp on steady — 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 the
vehicle. The
lamp should turn off after
a few driving trips. If thelamp does
not turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
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cMalfunction indicator lamp blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– 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 a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This indicator light will blink when the traction con-
trol system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery road
conditions may exist if the slip indicator blinks on. If
this happens, adjust your driving accordingly.
The slip indicator light also comes on when you
turn the ignition key to the ON position. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational. If the light does not come on or does
not go off, have the traction control system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Traction control system off
indicator light (if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the traction
control off switch is pushed to OFF. This indi-
cates the traction control system is not operating.
Push the traction control off switch again or re-
start the engine and the system will operate nor-
mally. See “Traction control system (TCS)” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
The traction control light also comes on when you
turn the ignition key to the ON position. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the traction
control system (TCS) is operational. If the light
stays on or comes on along with the SLIP indica-
tor light while you are driving, have the traction
control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.While the traction control system is operating,
you might feel slight vibration or hear the system
working when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing, but this is normal.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle dynamic control off
indicator light (if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the vehicle
dynamic control off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates the vehicle dynamic control system is
not operating.
Push the vehicle dynamic control off switch again
or restart the engine and the system will operate
normally. See “Vehicle dynamic control (VDC)
system” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
The vehicle dynamic control light also comes on
when you turn the ignition key to the ON position.
The light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
system is operational. If the light stays on or
comes on along with the SLIP indicator light
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