coolant temperature NISSAN MAXIMA 2009 Owner´s Manual

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
Compass display...............................2-7
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders......2-10
Checking bulbs...............................2-10
Warning lights................................2-10
Indicator lights................................2-14
Audible reminders.............................2-16
Vehicle information display.........................2-16
How to use the vehicle information display.......2-17
Security systems.................................2-23
Vehicle security system.........................2-23
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system.............2-24
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-25
Switch operation..............................2-25
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-26
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-27Xenon headlights (if so equipped)...............2-27
Headlight control switch........................2-28
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-30
Instrument brightness control...................2-31
Turn signal switch.............................2-31
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-31
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-32
Horn............................................2-32
Climate control seat switch (if so equipped).........2-33
Heated seats (if so equipped)......................2-34
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped).............2-34
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch.........2-35
Power outlet.....................................2-36
Storage.........................................2-36
Map pockets..................................2-36
Seatback pockets.............................2-37
Sunglasses holder (if so equipped)..............2-37
Cup holders..................................2-38
Glove box....................................2-39
Console box..................................2-39
Grocery hooks................................2-40
Cargo nets (if so equipped).....................2-40
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/21/08—tbrooks


24. Rear control cancel switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-47)
25. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch (P. 2-35)
26. Outside mirror controls (P. 3-27)
27. Heated steering wheel switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-34)
28. Trunk lid release switch (P. 3-20)
* Refer to the separate Navigation System
Owner’s Manual (if so equipped) .
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
1. Tachometer
2. Speedometer
3. Warning/indicator lights
4. Fuel gauge
5. Odometer/twin trip odometer
6. Trip odometer change button7. Engine coolant temperature gauge
8. Vehicle information display
LIC1381
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
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TACHOMETER
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revo-
lutions per minute (rpm) . Do not rev the engine
into the red zone
1.
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the red
zone, shift to a higher gear or reduce en-
gine speed. Operating the engine in the
red zone may cause serious engine
damage.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine coolant tempera-
ture. The engine coolant temperature is within the
normal range
1when the gauge needle points
within the zone shown in the illustration.
The engine coolant temperature varies with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates coolant tempera-
ture near the hot (H) end of the normal
range, reduce vehicle speed to decrease
temperature. If the gauge is over the nor-
mal range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible. If the engine is over-
heated, continued operation of the ve-
hicle may seriously damage the engine.
See “If your vehicle overheats” in the “In
case of emergency” section for immediate
action required.
LIC1384LIC1386
Instruments and controls2-5
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
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The air recirculation cannot be activated when
the air conditioner is in the
front defrosting
mode or the
front defrosting and foot out-
let mode.
Fresh air intake
Push thefresh air intake button to draw
outside air into the passenger compartment.
The
indicator light on the button will come
on.
Automatic intake air control
In the AUTO mode, the intake air will be con-
trolled automatically. To manually control the in-
take air, push the
air recirculation button.
To return to the automatic control mode, push
and hold the
air recirculation button or
push and hold the
fresh air intake button
for about 2 seconds. The indicator lights (both air
recirculation and fresh air intake buttons) will
flash twice, and then the intake air will be con-
trolled automatically.
Air flow control
Pushing the MODE button manually controls air
flow and selects the air outlet:
— Air flows from center and side
ventilators.
— Air flows from center and side
ventilators and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
— Air flows from defroster and foot
outlets.
— Air flows from defroster outlets.
To turn system off
Press the OFF button.
OPERATING TIPS
●When the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. However, this is
not a malfunction. After the coolant tempera-
ture warms up, air flow from the foot outlets
will operate normally.The sunload sensor, located on the top driver’s
side of the instrument panel, helps the system
maintain a constant temperature. Do not put any-
thing on or around this sensor.
LHA1136
4-38Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
11/03/08—debbie


The air recirculation cannot be activated when
the air conditioner is in the
front defrosting
mode or the
front defrosting and foot out-
let mode.
Fresh air intake
Push thefresh air intake button to draw
outside air into the passenger compartment.
The
indicator light on the button will come
on.
Automatic intake air control
In the AUTO mode, the intake air will be con-
trolled automatically. To manually control the in-
take air, push the
air recirculation button.
To return to the automatic control mode, push
and hold the
air recirculation button or
push and hold the
fresh air intake button
for about 2 seconds. The indicator lights (both air
recirculation and fresh air intake buttons) will
flash twice, and then the intake air will be con-
trolled automatically.
Air flow control
Pushing the MODE button manually controls air
flow and selects the air outlet:
— Air flows from center and side
ventilators.
— Air flows from center and side
ventilators and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
— Air flows from defroster and foot
outlets.
— Air flows from defroster outlets.
To turn system off
Press the OFF button.
OPERATING TIPS
●When the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. However, this is
not a malfunction. After the coolant tempera-
ture warms up, air flow from the foot outlets
will operate normally.The sunload sensor, located on the top driver’s
side of the instrument panel, helps the system
maintain a constant temperature. Do not put any-
thing on or around this sensor.
LHA1136
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-41
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
11/03/08—debbie


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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CAUTION
●CVT models cannot be push-started or
tow-started. Attempting to do so may
cause transmission damage.
●Do not push start this vehicle. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading) or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc., take the following steps.
WARNING
●Do not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
●To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator
cap is removed, pressurized hot water
will spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
●Do not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the shift selector
to P (Park) .
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiatorbefore opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not
open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the engine,
stand clear to prevent getting burned.
5.Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking, the
water pump belt is missing or loose, or the
cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling
fan can start at any time.
6.
After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the engine coolant reservoir tank
with the engine running. Add coolant to the
engine coolant reservoir tank if necessary.
Have your vehicle repaired at a NISSAN
dealer.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie


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


The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant to provide year-round anti-
freeze and coolant protection. The anti-freeze
solution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors.
Additional engine cooling system additives are
not necessary.
WARNING
●Never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Wait until the engine and radiator cool
down. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator. See precautions in “If your
vehicle overheats” found in the “In case
of emergency” section of this manual.
●The radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent en-
gine damage, use only a genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be sure
to use only a Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (green) or equivalent
with the proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-
freeze and 50% demineralized or distilled
water. The use of other types of coolant
solutions or coolant colors, such as or-
ange, may damage the engine cooling
system.
Outside temperature
down toGenuine
NISSAN
Long Life
Antifreeze/
Coolant or
equivalentDemineral-
ized or dis-
tilled water
°C °F
-34 -29.2 50% 50%
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold.If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
B, add coolant to the MAX level
A. If the reservoir is empty, check the coolant
level in the radiatorwhen the engine is cold.If
there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the
radiator with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir up to the MAX level
A.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
LDI0554
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
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10/20/08—debbie


CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
●To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
●Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
●Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
●Keep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) marksB. This is the normal oper-
ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark
A, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
opening.Do not overfill
C.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
WDI0663WDI0214
ENGINE OIL
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie