starting and driving NISSAN MAXIMA 2009 Owner´s Manual

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
WARNING
●Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be se-
riously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
●Disconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.
●Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-
tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug
the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the
proper extension cord or a grounded
outlet can result in a fire or electrical
shock and cause serious personal
injury.
Engine block heaters are available through
NISSAN dealers to assist in cold temperature
starting. The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20° F (-7° C) or
lower.To use the engine block heater:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block
heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a
grounded 3 wire, 3 pronged extension cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110-
volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in
for at least2-4hours, depending on outside
temperatures, to properly warm the engine
coolant. Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and prop-
erly store the cord to keep it away from
moving parts.
Starting and driving5-27
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10/20/08—debbie


5-28Starting and driving
MEMO

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire pres-
sure of all tires except the spare. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. If
equipped, the system also displays pressure of
all tires (except the spare tire) on the display
screen by sending a signal from a sensor that is
installed in each wheel. If the vehicle is being
driven with low tire pressure, the TPMS will acti-
vate and warn you of it by the low tire pressure
warning light. This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH
(25 km/h) . For more details, refer to
“Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders”
in the “Instruments and controls” section, “Tire
pressure information” in the “Monitor, climate,
audio, phone and voice recognition” section and
“Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the
“Starting and driving” section.
WARNING
●If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage
the tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an acci-
dent and could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Check the tire pressure for
all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
●When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, tire pressure will not be
indicated, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.●Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
●Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pressure
sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions be-
low:
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking
brake. Move the shift selector to P (Park) .
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
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Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure 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 defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.Brake fluid level*Make sure that the brake fluid
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on the
reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie


If you have a flat tire, see the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . It
monitors tire pressure of all tires except
the spare. When the low tire pressure
warning light is lit, one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. If
equipped, the system also displays pres-
sure of all tires (except the spare tire) on
the display screen by sending a signal
from a sensor that is installed in each
wheel.
The TPMS will activate only when the
vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH
(25 km/h) . Also, this system may not de-
tect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for
example a flat tire while driving) .
For more details, refer to “Low tire pres-
sure warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section, “Tire pressure informa-
tion” in the “Monitor, climate, audio, phoneand voice recognition” section, “Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in
the “Starting and driving” section, and
“Flat tire” in the “In case of emergency”
section.Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire pressures (including the
spare) often and always prior to long dis-
tance trips. The recommended tire pres-
sure specifications are shown on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label
or the Tire and Loading Information label
under theCold Tire Pressureheading.
The Tire and Loading Information label is
affixed to the driver side center pillar. Tire
pressures should be checked regularly
because:
●Most tires naturally lose air over time.
●Tires can lose air suddenly when
driven over potholes or other objects
or if the vehicle strikes a curb while
parking.The tire pressures should be checked
when the tires are cold. The tires are
considered COLD after the vehicle has
been parked for 3 or more hours, or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at moderate
speeds.
Set the tire pressure to the normal cold
tire inflation pressure when the vehicle
speed or load is reduced.
Incorrect tire pressure, including un-
der inflation, may adversely affect
tire life and vehicle handling.
WHEELS AND TIRES
8-30Maintenance and do-it-yourself
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
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If any driveability problems such as engine stall-
ing and difficult hot-starting are experienced after
using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately
change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a
low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
E–85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) . Do
not use E-85 in your vehicle. U.S. government
regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square, orange
and black label with the common abbreviation or
the appropriate percentage for that region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended 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.
CAUTION
●Your vehicle is not designed to run on
E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle
not specifically designed for E-85 fuel
can damage fuel system components
and is not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.
●E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85%
fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline.
●U.S. government regulations require
ethanol dispensing pumps to be identi-
fied by a small, square, orange and
black label with the common abbrevia-
tion or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
9-4Technical and consumer information
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie


Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or the
battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be reset to
a “not ready” condition. Before taking the I/M test,
check the vehicle’s inspection/maintenance test
readiness condition. Turn the ignition switch ON
without starting the engine. If the Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds
and then blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test
condition is “not ready”. If the MIL does not blink
after 20 seconds, the I/M test condition is “ready”.
If the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready”
condition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the shift selector in
the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position.9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast one more time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
9-26Technical and consumer information
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
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10/20/08—debbie


C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-87
Cargonet....................2-40
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CDcareandcleaning .............4-83
CD changer (See audio system)....4-53,4-60
CD player (See audio system).........4-68
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-20
Child restraints..........1-12,1-17,1-19
Precautions on child
restraints............1-17,1-25,1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-21
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-16
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock
(models with navigation system) . . .4-9, 4-23
Clockset..................4-9,4-23
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-25
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-68
CompactFlash (CF) player...........4-70
Console box...................2-39
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)......................5-11
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Controlpanelbuttons .............4-14
Brightness/contrastbutton.....4-14,4-28
Enterbutton..............4-2,4-14Setting button.............4-7,4-22
Startup screen...............4-17
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-84
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-37,4-40
Rear audio controls.............4-86
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-42
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changingenginecoolant ..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosionprotection...............7-6
Cruisecontrol..................5-18
Cupholders...................2-38
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-30
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-26
Dimensionsandweights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-31
Display controls
(seecontrolpanelbuttons)........4-2,4-14
Distance to empty.............4-5,4-19
Door locks....................3-4
Drive belt....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-28Driving
Cold weather driving............5-25
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-20
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-25
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Block heater.................5-27
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changingenginecoolant ..........8-8
Changingengineoil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations....8-6
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 pressure warning light.....2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-11
Enter button................4-2,4-14
Eventdatarecorders..............9-27
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
10-2
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
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Outside mirror control.............3-27
Outside mirrors.................3-27
Overheat
Ifyourvehicleoverheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-27
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-27
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Parking/parking on hills...........5-21
Personal lights.................2-50
Phone, Bluetoothhands-free
system..................4-88,4-103
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-36
Power rear windows............2-42
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-22
Power windows...............2-41
Rear power windows............2-42
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints............1-17,1-25,1-31
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-9
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-35
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Programmable features..........4-7,4-22
Push starting..................6-10R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-87
Compact Disc (CD) changer....4-53,4-60
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) changer................4-51
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer.............4-57,4-65
Rear audio controls.............4-86
Steering wheel audio control switch....4-84
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-26
Rearaudiocontrols...............4-86
Rear power windows..............2-42
Rearseat.....................1-5
Rearseatairconditioner............4-42
Rear sun shade.................2-48
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-26
RearViewMonitor................4-28
Recorders
Eventdata..................9-27
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-25
Resetting the fuel economy........4-5,4-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-17,1-25,1-31
Reporting safety defects (US only)....9-25Seat adjustment
Front power seat adjustment........1-3
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-12
Infants and small children.........1-12
Injured Person................1-13
Larger children...............1-12
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-9
Pregnant women..............1-13
Seat belt extenders
.............1-16
Seat belt maintenance...........1-16
Seat belts...................1-9
Shoulderbeltheightadjustment......1-16
Three-point type with retractor.......1-13
Seatbeltwarninglight.............2-13
Seatback pockets................2-37
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Automatic drive positioner.........3-28
Frontseats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-34
Rearseat...................1-5
Security indicator light.............2-15
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-24,3-3,5-10
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-19
Service manual order form...........9-27
Servicing air conditioner............4-43
Setting button...............4-7,4-22
Shift lock release................5-16
Shifting
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) ....................5-13
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-16
Spark plug replacement............8-16
Speedometer...................2-4
10-5
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SRSwarninglabel...............1-49
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-11
Startupscreen .................4-17
Steering
Heated steering wheel...........2-34
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-22
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-84
Stoplight ....................8-26
Storage.....................2-36
Sun visors....................3-24
Sunglassescase................2-37
Sunroof (see Moonroof)............2-44
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-50, 2-13
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-42
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-49
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-35
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-35
Switch
Autolightswitch...............2-29
Automatic power window switch.....2-43
Foglightswitch...............2-31
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-32
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-27
Headlightcontrolswitch..........2-28
Power door lock switch...........3-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-26Turnsignalswitch..............2-31
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch....................2-35
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-25
T
Tachometer....................2-5
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-24,3-3,5-10
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3,8-41
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-11
Tire chains..................8-38
Tireplacard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-30
Tirerotation.................8-38
Types of tires................8-37
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-24
Wheels and tires..............8-30
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-20
Towing
Flattowing..................9-23
Towtrucktowing..............6-11
Towing load/specification.........9-19
Trailer towing................9-16Transceiver
HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver.....2-51
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Selectorleverlockrelease.........5-16
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
Tripodometer...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat....1-5,1-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-19
Trunklight....................2-51
Turn signal switch................2-31
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-24
V
Vanity mirror...................3-25
Variable voltage control system........8-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. . .2-35
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system....5-24
Vehicle electronic system........4-11,4-25
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number).................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate....9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.................6-13
10-6
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