check engine light NISSAN MAXIMA 2008 A34 / 6.G Owners Manual

0 Illustrated table of contents
Airbags, seat belts and child restraints...............0-2
Exterior front......................................0-3
Exterior rear.......................................0-4
Passenger compartment...........................0-5Instrument panel...................................0-6
Engine compartment check locations................0-8
Warning/indicator lights............................0-9
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

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.................2-8
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders......2-10
Checking bulbs...............................2-10
Warning lights................................2-11
Indicator lights................................2-14
Audible reminders.............................2-17
Security systems.................................2-17
Vehicle security system.........................2-17
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system.............2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-20
Switch operation..............................2-20
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-21
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-22
Xenon headlights (if so equipped)...............2-22
Headlight control switch........................2-23Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-25
Instrument brightness control...................2-26
Turn signal switch.............................2-26
Fog light switch...............................2-26
Cornering light................................2-27
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-27
Horn............................................2-28
Heated seats (if so equipped)......................2-28
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped).............2-29
Traction Control System (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-29
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-30
Rear sonar system off switch (if so equipped)........2-30
Power outlet.....................................2-31
Storage.........................................2-32
Map pockets..................................2-32
Seatback pockets.............................2-32
Sunglasses holder.............................2-32
Cup holders..................................2-33
Glove box....................................2-34
Console box..................................2-34
Covered storage box...........................2-35
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightLow windshield washer fluid warning lightCruise SET switch indicator light
orBrake warning lightP Position selecting warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
Charge warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
Door open warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightMalfunction indicator light (MIL)
Engine oil pressure warning lightTrunk lid open warning lightSlip indicator light (if so equipped)
Intelligent Key system warning lightContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
indicator lightTraction control system off indicator light
(if so equipped)
Low fuel warning lightContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
position indicator lightTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low tire pressure warning lightCRUISE main 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/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-10Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/09/07Ðcathy
X

WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light
illuminates and then turns off. This indicates the
ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
9Brake system9in the9Starting and driving9sec-
tion.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is applied.Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON position, 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 “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning 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.
Instruments and controls2-11
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

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.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
Intelligent Key system warning
light
The Intelligent Key system warning light illumi-
nates green when the ignition switch can be
turned. The Intelligent Key system warning light
illuminates red when the ignition switch cannot
be turned.The Intelligent Key system warning light blinks
red if the Intelligent Key is taken outside of the
vehicle while the ignition switch is in the ACC or
ON position.
cIf the Intelligent Key system warning light
blinks, make sure of the location of the Intel-
ligent Key as soon as possible. The Intelli-
gent Key should be carried by the driver
while operating the vehicle.
cThe Intelligent Key system warning light
turns off about 10 seconds after the Intelli-
gent Key is brought inside the vehicle.
The Intelligent Key system warning light blinks
green indicating that the Intelligent Key battery is
almost discharged.
See “Intelligent Key system” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the fuel
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is conve-
nient, preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty) .There will be a small reserve of fuel
in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E (Empty) .
Low tire pressure warning
light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of low
tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light illuminates for about 1 second
and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire pres-
sure, the warning light will illuminate. If you select
the tire pressure information in the display (if so
equipped) , the LOW PRESSURE warning mes-
sage will be displayed. The tire pressure for each
tire will also be displayed.
When the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates, you should stop and adjust the tire pres-
sure to the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.
The low tire pressure warning light does not
automatically turn off when the tire pressure is
adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the recom-
mended pressure, the vehicle must be driven at
speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) to activate the
2-12Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/09/07Ðcathy
X

Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) position
indicator light
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, this indicator light shows the CVT 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
status 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
restraint system” 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 light
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on steady
or blinks while the engine is running, it may indi-
cate a potential emission control and/or CVT
malfunction.
The malfunction indicator light 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 surethe 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
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light 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 light will come on in
one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system and/or CVT mal-
function has been detected. Check the fuel-
filler cap. If the fuel-filler cap is loose or
missing, tighten or install the cap and con-
tinue to drive the vehicle. The
light
should turn off after a few driving trips. If
the
light 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.
Instruments and controls2-15
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

cMalfunction indicator light blinking — An en-
gine 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 light 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
control 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 operat-
ing.
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 sys-
tem 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” sec-
tion 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
2-16Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

To sound the horn, push the center pad area of
the steering wheel.
WARNING
Do not disassemble the horn. Doing so
could affect proper operation of the
supplemental front air bag system. Tam-
pering with the supplemental front air bag
system may result in serious personal
injury.The front seats are warmed by built-in heaters (if
so equipped) . The switch is located on the center
console.
1. Start the engine.
2. Push the LO or HI position of the switch, as
desired. The indicator light in the switch will
illuminate.
The heater is controlled by a thermostat,
automatically turning the heater on and off.
The indicator light will remain on as long as
the switch is on.
3.
When the seat is warmed or before you leave
the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch off.
CAUTION
cDo not use the seat heater for extended
periods or when no one is using the
seat.
cDo not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket, cush-
ion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the seat
may become overheated.
c
Do not place anything hard or heavy on
the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
object. This may result in damage to the
heater.
cAny liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with a
dry cloth.
cWhen cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any simi-
lar materials.
cIf any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn the
switch off and have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
cThe battery could run down if the seat
heater is operated while the engine is
not running.LIC0395WIC0905
HORN HEATED SEATS (if so equipped)
2-28Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most driv-
ing conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system 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 VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. The
indicator will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn on the system. See “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and
driving” section.
WARNING
The rear sonar system is a convenience
but it is not a substitute for proper back-
ing. Always turn and check that it is safe to
do so before backing up. Always back up
slowly.
The rear sonar system is active when the ignition
is in the ON position and the shift selector lever is
in R (Reverse) .
When sensors detect obstacles within 6 ft (1.8
m) of the rear bumper, a beeping tone is emitted.The rear sonar system can be disabled by push-
ing the OFF switch. When the system is disabled,
the indicator light on the switch will illuminate.
Push the switch again to enable the system. The
indicator light will go off.
The system will automatically reset the next time
the ignition switch is turned on.
See “Rear sonar system” in the “Starting and
driving” section.
WIC0534LIC0471
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)REAR SONAR SYSTEM OFF SWITCH
(if so equipped)
2-30Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

Audible reminder and warning when
the engine stops
When the P position selecting warning light
() in the instrument panel blinks in red:
cMake sure the selector lever is in the P
position.
When the chime sounds intermittently:
cMake sure the selector lever is in the P
position and the ignition switch is turned to
the LOCK position.
If the chime sounds continuously when the driv-
er’s door is opened, check the following:
cThe selector lever is in the P position and the
ignition switch is turned to the LOCK posi-
tion.
cThe mechanical key is not inserted into the
ignition switch.cThe warning chime may stop when one of
the following is performed:
– Returning the ignition switch to the LOCK
position.
– Removing the mechanical key.
– Closing the doors.
Alarm and warning when the engine
starts
When the Intelligent Key system warning light
() blinks red and the outside buzzer
sounds, make sure the Intelligent Key is inside the
vehicle.
Warning for low battery power
When the Intelligent Key battery is low, the Intel-
ligent Key system warning light () will blink
green for about 30 seconds after the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. This warning
is to let you know that the battery of the Intelligent
Key will run down soon. Replace it with a new
one. Refer to “Battery replacement” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.NISSAN recommends replacing the battery at a
NISSAN dealer.
Preventing the Intelligent Key from
being left in the vehicle
If you lock all doors using the power door lock
switch with the Intelligent Key in the vehicle, all of
the doors unlock immediately and the buzzer will
warn you when the door is closed.
3-16Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/09/07Ðcathy
X