traction control NISSAN MAXIMA 2005 A34 / 6.G Owners Manual

18. Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch (if so equipped) or Traction
control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-27, P. 2-26)
19. Heated steering wheel switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-26)
20. Outside mirror controls (P. 3-17)
21. Instrument brightness control (P. 2-22)
22. Heated seat switches (if so equipped)
(P. 2-25)
23. Rear sunshade switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-40)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual (if so equipped) .
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
Illustrated table of contents0-7
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Indicator
lightName Page
Malfunction
indicator lamp
(MIL)2-12
Slip indicator
light (if so
equipped)2-13
Traction control
system off indi-
cator light (if
so equipped)2-13
Turn
signal/hazard
indicator lights2-13
Vehicle dy-
namic control
off indicator
light (if so
equipped)2-13
0-10
Illustrated table of contents
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2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer.....................2-4
Tachometer....................................2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-5
Fuel gauge....................................2-6
Compass display (if so equipped)...................2-6
Zone variation change procedure.................2-7
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders.......2-9
Checking bulbs................................2-9
Warning lights.................................2-9
Indicator lights................................2-12
Audible reminders.............................2-14
Security systems.................................2-14
Vehicle security system.........................2-14
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS)........2-16
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-18
Switch operation..............................2-18
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-19
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-19
Xenon headlights (if so equipped)...............2-19
Headlight control switch........................2-20Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-22
Instrument brightness control...................2-22
Turn signal switch.............................2-23
Fog light switch...............................2-23
Cornering light................................2-23
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-24
Horn............................................2-24
Heated seats (if so equipped)......................2-25
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped).............2-26
Traction control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-26
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-27
Power outlet.....................................2-27
Cigarette lighter..................................2-28
Storage.........................................2-29
Map pockets..................................2-29
Seatback pockets.............................2-29
Sunglasses holder.............................2-30
Cup holders..................................2-30
Glove box....................................2-32
Console box..................................2-32
Rear center console (if so equipped).............2-33
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18. Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch (if so equipped) or Traction
control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-27, P. 2-26)
19. Heated steering wheel switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-26)
20. Outside mirror controls (P. 3-17)
21. Instrument brightness control (P. 2-22)
22. Heated seat switches (if so equipped)
(P. 2-25)
23. Rear sunshade switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-40)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual (if so equipped) .
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
1. Warning/indicator lights
2. Speedometer
3. Tachometer
4. Warning/indicator lights
5. Change button for trip odometer
6. Engine coolant temperature gauge7. Odometer (total/twin trip)
8. Fuel gauge
LIC0381
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
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orAnti-lock brake warning lightLow windshield washer fluid warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
Automatic transmission check warning light (if
so equipped)Seat belt warning light and chimeHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
orBrake warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Charge warning lightTrunk lid open warning lightSlip indicator light (if so equipped)
Door open warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator light
(A/T models only)Traction control system off indicator light (if so
equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning lightCRUISE main switch indicator lightTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low fuel warning lightCruise SET switch indicator lightVehicle dynamic control off indicator light (if so
equipped)
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and turn the ignition key to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,or,,,
If equipped, 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
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the anti-lock brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-9
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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
Instruments and controls2-13
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The heated steering wheel system is designed to
operate only when the surface temperature of the
steering wheel is below approximately 68°F
(20°C) .
Push the heated steering wheel switch to warm
the steering wheel after the engine starts. The
indicator light will come on.
If the surface temperature of the steering wheel is
below 68°F (20°C) , the system will heat the
steering wheel to approximately 86°F (30°C) ,
then turn off automatically.
Push the switch again to turn the heated steering
off manually. The indicator light will go off.NOTE:
If the surface temperature of the steering
wheel is above 68°F (20°C) when the switch
is turned on, the system will not heat the
steering wheel. This is not a malfunction.The vehicle should be driven with the Traction Con-
trol System (TCS) on for most driving conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the TCS
reduces the engine output to reduce wheel spin.
The engine speed will be reduced even if the
accelerator is depressed to the floor. If maximum
engine power is needed to free a stuck vehicle,
turn the TCS off.
To turn off the TCS, push the TCS OFF switch.
The
indicator will come on.
Push the “TCS OFF” switch again or restart the
engine to turn ON the system. See “Traction
control system (TCS)” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section.
LIC0421LIC0451
HEATED STEERING WHEEL (if so
equipped)TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)
2-26Instruments and controls
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-3
Ignition switch.....................................5-4
Automatic transmission..........................5-4
Manual transmission............................5-5
Key positions..................................5-5
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS).........5-5
Before starting the engine..........................5-6
Starting the engine................................5-6
Driving the vehicle.................................5-7
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)...........5-7
Manual transmission...........................5-11
Parking brake....................................5-12
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-13
Precautions on cruise control...................5-13
Cruise control operations.......................5-13Break-in schedule................................5-14
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-15
Parking/parking on hills............................5-16
Power steering...................................5-17
Brake system....................................5-17
Brake precautions.............................5-17
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)...................5-18
Traction control system (TCS) (if so equipped).......5-19
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) 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................................5-22
Special winter equipment.......................5-22
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-23
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-23
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cWhen installing a spare tire, make sure
it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the tire placard. For tire placard
location information, refer to “Tire plac-
ard” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
cRefer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.When accelerating on slippery surfaces the tire
may spin or slip. With the vehicle traction control
system (TCS) , sensors detect these movements
and control the braking and engine output to help
improve vehicle stability while accelerating.
cWhen the traction control system is operat-
ing, the slip indicator in the instrument panel
blinks.
cIf the slip indicator blinks, the vehicle is un-
der slippery conditions. Be sure to drive
carefully. See “Slip indicator light” and “Trac-
tion control system (TCS) off indicator light”
in the “Instruments and controls” section of
this manual.
cIf a malfunction occurs in the system,
the
andindicator lights
come on in the meter panel.
As long as these lights are on, the traction control
function is canceled. The vehicle will behave like
a vehicle without the system.
WARNING
cThe traction control system is designed
to help improve driving stability but
does not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when
driving and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
cIf brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not stan-
dard equipment or are extremely dete-
riorated, the traction control system
may not operate properly and the
indicator light may come on.
cDo not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs and bushings
are not standard equipment or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the traction con-
trol system may not operate properly
and the
indicator light may come
on.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-19
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cWhen driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the traction control system may not op-
erate properly and the
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 traction
control system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator light may
come on.
cThe traction control system is not a sub-
stitute for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.When accelerating or driving on slippery sur-
faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors detect
these movements and control the braking and
engine output to help improve vehicle stability.
cWhen the vehicle dynamic control (VDC)
system is operating, the slip indicator in the
instrument panel blinks.
cIf the slip indicator blinks, the road condi-
tions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. See
“Slip indicator light”, and “Vehicle dynamic
control (VDC) off indicator light” in the “In-
struments and controls” section.
cIndicator light
If malfunction occurs in the system,
the
andindicator lights come
on in the instrument panel.
As long as these indicator lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled.
If the vehicle is operated with the vehicle dynamic
control system OFF using the VDC OFF switch,
VDC functions will be turned off. The VDC sys-
tem will still try to transfer power from a slipping
drive wheel to one with more traction when the
VDC system switch is OFF. The Slip indicator will
flash if wheel spin is detected. The ABS will still
operate with the VDC system off.When the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from under the hood. This is normal and
indicates that the VDC system is working prop-
erly.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse
at a slow speed. 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 a malfunction.
WARNING
cThe vehicle dynamic control system is
designed to help improve driving stabil-
ity but does not prevent accidents due
to abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when
driving and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
5-20Starting and driving
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