transmission NISSAN MAXIMA 2010 Owner´s Manual

Temperature conditions also can affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside
temperatures on graded roads can affect engine
performance and cause overheating. The trans-
mission high fluid temperature protection mode,
which helps reduce the chance of transmission
damage, could activate and automatically de-
crease engine power. Under some conditions,
engine and vehicle speed could be reduced. Plan
your trip carefully to account for trailer and vehicle
load, weather, and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and lower vehicle speed. Also,
when the high temperature mode oper-
ates, engine and vehicle speed may be
gradually reduced. On highways, the re-
duced speed may be lower than other traf-
fic which could increase the chance of a
collision. Be especially careful when driv-
ing. If the vehicle cannot maintain a safe
driving speed, pull to the side of the road
in a safe area and allow the engine to cool
or the transmission to return to normal
operation. See “If your vehicle overheats”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
NISSAN warranties.
Tongue load
Keep the tongue load between 10 - 15 percent of
the total trailer load or use the trailer tongue load
specified by the trailer manufacturer. The tongue
load must be within the maximum tongue load
limits shown in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
WTI0160
Technical and consumer information9-17

cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill
side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly
release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Turn off the engine.To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
cWhile going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and use the manual shift mode (M5) . Avoid
long or repeated use of the brakes when
descending a hill, as this reduces their effec-
tiveness and could cause overheating. Shift-
ing the manual shift mode to M5 (5th) pro-
vides “engine braking” and reduces the need
to brake as frequently.
cIf the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
9-22Technical and consumer information

Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle.
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cUse the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cNISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.When towing a trailer, transmission fluid
should be changed more frequently. For
additional information, see the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section earlier in
this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
Technical and consumer information9-23

CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Continuously Variable Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with a continuously
variable transmission, an appropriate vehicle
dollyMUSTbe placed under the towed vehicle’s
drive wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufac-
turer’s recommendations when using their prod-
uct.DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
The temperature grades are A (the highest) , B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat, and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces-
sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
9-24Technical and consumer information

10 Index
A
Air bag
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-39
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-46
Air bag warning light...........1-53, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-48
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-41, 4-44
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-47
Servicing air conditioner..........4-48
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-24
Anchor point locations.............1-25
Antenna....................4-116
Anti-lock brake warning light......2-10, 2-11
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-23
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders...............2-16
Audio system..................4-48
BluetoothTaudio.............4-109
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-66
Compact disc (CD) player.....4-72, 4-79
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-64FM/AM/SAT radio with CD/DVD player . .4-75
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-69
Audio System
iPodTPlayer.............4-92, 4-93
Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system...............4-96, 4-102
Audio system
Radio....................4-48
Rear audio controls............4-115
Audio System
Settings...............4-70, 4-76
Audio system
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-113
USB interface............4-87, 4-88
Autolight switch.................2-30
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-29
Automatic power window switch.....2-43
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-14
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-16
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-25
Automatic door locks..............3-6
AUX jack....................4-68
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-11
Before starting the engine...........5-10Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15
Block heater
Engine....................5-27
BluetoothTaudio...............4-109
BluetoothThands-free phone
system.................4-117, 4-132
Booster seats..................1-36
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-23
Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-26
Brake system................5-22
Brake warning light.............2-11
Brake wear indicators........2-16, 8-19
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Self-adjusting brakes............8-19
Brakes......................8-19
Break-in schedule...............5-19
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-32
Brightness/contrast button.......4-15, 4-31
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-10
Bulb replacement................8-26
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio............4-117
Cargo net....................2-41
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-112

CD changer (See audio system)........4-66
CD player (See audio system)......4-72, 4-79
Child restraint with top tether strap.......1-25
Child restraints.......1-20, 1-20, 1-21, 1-23
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-21, 1-28, 1-32, 1-36
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-25
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-16
Cleaning exterior and interior...........7-2
Clock
(models with navigation system) . . .4-12, 4-26
Clock set.................4-12, 4-26
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-25
Compact disc (CD) player........4-72, 4-79
Console box...................2-40
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). . .5-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Transmission selector lever lock release . .5-16
Control panel buttons..............4-16
Brightness/contrast button......4-15, 4-31
Enter button...............4-4, 4-16
Setting button.............4-9, 4-24
Without navigation system..........4-4
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-113
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-41, 4-44
Rear audio controls............4-115
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-47Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant...........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosion protection...............7-6
Cruise control..................5-18
Cup holders...................2-38
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-31
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-27
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player.......4-84
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-32
Display controls
(see control panel buttons)........4-4, 4-16
Distance to empty.............4-7, 4-21
Door locks.....................3-4
Drive belt.....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-29
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-25
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Precautions when starting and driving. . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel..................5-20Emission 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
Changing engine coolant...........8-8
Changing engine oil..............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......2-12
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-10
Enter button.................4-4, 4-16
Event data recorders..............9-27
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).........5-2
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-33
Flat tire.......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
10-2

Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-11
Engine coolant.................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label...........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-32
Folding rear seat..................1-5
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system)......1-46
Front seats.....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-20
Fuel gauge...................2-6
Fuel octane rating...............9-4
Fuel recommendation.............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-21
Fuses.......................8-20
Fusible links...................8-21
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver....................2-52
Gascap .....................3-21
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge...................2-6
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance...............8-2
Glove box.....................2-39
Glove box lock..................2-39
Grocery hooks..................2-40
H
Hands-free phone system,
BluetoothT...............4-117, 4-132
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-33
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-28
Headlight control switch............2-29
Headlights....................8-25
Heated seats...................2-35
Heated steering wheel.............2-35
Heater
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-41, 4-44
Heater operation...........4-42, 4-45
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-47
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver........2-52
Hood release...................3-18
Horn.......................2-33
I
Ignition Switch
Push-Button Ignition Switch.........5-7
Image viewer...................4-31
Immobilizer system..........2-25, 3-3, 5-9
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter................8-17Increasing fuel economy.............5-20
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-10
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror........3-25
Instrument brightness control..........2-32
Instrument panel...............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-32
Intelligent Key system
Key operating range..............3-9
Key operation................3-10
Mechanical key................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation.......3-13
Troubleshooting guide............3-16
Warning signals...............3-16
Interior light....................2-49
Interior trunk lid release.............3-20
iPodTPlayer................4-92, 4-93
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-23
J
Jump starting...................6-8
K
Keyfob battery replacement...........8-23
Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system).........3-13
Keys, For Intelligent Key system.........3-2
10-3

P
Parking
Parking brake operation...........5-17
Parking/parking on hills...........5-21
Personal lights..................2-50
Phone, BluetoothThands-free
system.................4-117, 4-132
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-36
Power rear windows.............2-43
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-22
Power windows...............2-42
Rear power windows............2-43
Precautions
Maintenance precautions...........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-21, 1-28, 1-32, 1-36
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-13
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-39
Precautions when starting and driving. . . .5-2
Programmable features..........4-9, 4-24
Push starting...................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio..........4-117
Compact Disc (CD) changer........4-66
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer....................4-64FM/AM/SAT radio with CD/DVD player . .4-75
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player.....................4-69
Rear audio controls............4-115
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-113
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-26
Rear audio controls..............4-115
Rear power windows..............2-43
Rear seat......................1-5
Rear seat air conditioner............4-47
Rear sun shade.................2-48
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.......................2-27
RearView Monitor................4-34
Recorders
Event data..................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........4-7, 4-21
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts.....1-21, 1-28, 1-32, 1-36
Reporting safety defects (US only).....9-25
Seat adjustment
Front power seat adjustment.........1-3
Seat belt
Child safety..................1-20
Infants and small children..........1-20
Injured Person................1-16
Larger children................1-21Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-13
Pregnant women...............1-16
Seat belt extenders.............1-19
Seat belt maintenance............1-19
Seat belts...................1-13
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-18
Three-point type with retractor.......1-16
Seat belt warning light..............2-13
Seatback pockets................2-37
Seats
Adjustment...................1-2
Automatic drive positioner..........3-29
Front seats...................1-2
Heated seats.................2-35
Rear seat....................1-5
Security indicator light..............2-16
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-25, 3-3, 5-9
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-19
Service manual order form...........9-27
Servicing air conditioner.............4-48
Setting button...............4-9, 4-24
Shift lock release.................5-16
Shifting
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT).....................5-13
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-18
Spark plug replacement.............8-16
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label................1-53
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.............5-10
10-5

Steering
Heated steering wheel...........2-35
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-22
Steering wheel audio control switch.....4-113
Stop light.....................8-26
Storage......................2-37
Sun visors....................3-24
Sunglasses case.................2-38
Sunroof (see Moonroof).............2-44
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-53, 2-14
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-46
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-53
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-39
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-39
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-30
Automatic power window switch......2-43
Fog light switch...............2-32
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-33
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-28
Headlight control switch..........2-29
Power door lock switch............3-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-27
Turn signal switch..............2-32
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch.....................2-36
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-26T
Tachometer....................2-5
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start..............2-25, 3-3, 5-9
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
Tire placard..................9-11
Tire pressure.................8-30
Tire rotation..................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.........1-25
Towing
Flat towing..................9-23
Tow truck towing...............6-11
Towing load/specification..........9-19
Trailer towing.................9-16
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver......2-52
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-11Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Selector lever lock release.........5-16
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
Trip odometer...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat.....1-5, 1-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever............3-19
Trunk light....................2-52
Turn signal switch................2-32
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-24
USB interface
Audio file operation..........4-87, 4-88
Video file operation.............4-90
V
Vanity mirror...................3-25
Variable voltage control system.........8-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights.........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch . . .2-36
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system.....5-24
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
Vehicle security system.............2-24
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle immobi-
lizer system) , engine start......2-25, 3-3, 5-9
10-6