ECU NISSAN MAXIMA 2010 Owner´s Manual

5. Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this re-
duces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm
that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle.
See “Measurement of Weights” later in
this section.
Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. See the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label.LOADING TIPS
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR
or GAWR as specified on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to
the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the
GVWR.
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with
ropes or straps to help prevent it
from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
cDo not load your vehicle any
heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear GAWRs.
If you do, parts of your vehicle
can break, tire damage could oc-
cur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result
in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury.cOverloading not only can shorten
the life of your vehicle and the
tire, but can also cause unsafe
vehicle handling and longer brak-
ing distances. This may cause a
premature tire failure which
could result in a serious accident
and personal injury. Failures
caused by overloading are not
covered by the vehicle’s
warranty.MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of your
vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded, drive
to a scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axle
loads. Individual axle loads should not ex-
ceed either of the gross axle weight rat-
ings (GAWR) . The total of the axle loads
should not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) . These ratings are
given on the vehicle certification label. If
weight ratings are exceeded, move or re-
move items to bring all weights below the
ratings.
Technical and consumer information9-15

4,546 lb. (2062 kg) GVWR
– 4,446 lb. (2016 kg) GVW
= 100 lb. (45 kg) Available for tongue
weight
1,000 lb. (454 kg) Capacity available for
towing
100 lb. (45 kg) Available tongue weight
/ 1,000 lb. (454 kg) Available capacity
= 10 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the passen-
ger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within the
trailer tongue load specification recommended
by the trailer manufacturer. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to ob-
tain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed the
maximum tongue weight specification shown in
the “Towing load/specification” chart even if the
calculated available tongue weight is greater
than 15%. If the calculated tongue weight is less
than 10% , reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.Always verify that available capacities are within
the required ratings.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
TOWING LOAD / SPECIFICATION
UNIT: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM TOWING
LOAD *11,000 (454)
MAXIMUM TONGUE
LOAD100 (45)
*1: The towing capacity values are calculated
assuming a base vehicle with driver and any
options required to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment
will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your
vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer.
Make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached to
the vehicle, to help avoid personal injury or prop-
erty damage due to sway caused by crosswinds,
rough road surfaces or passing trucks.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than the
weight rating of the hitch components.
Never exceed the weight rating of the hitch
components. Doing so can cause serious
personal injury or property damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:
cThe required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
cChoose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
cThe diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.
cThe threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Technical and consumer information9-19

Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver.
Choose a proper class ball mount based on the
trailer weight. Additionally, the ball mount should
be chosen to keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. If you choose to use one,
contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to make
sure the sway control device will work with the
vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake sys-
tem. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg) .You may add Class I trailer hitch equipment that
has a 2,000 lb (909 kg) maximum weight rating to
the vehicle, but your vehicle is only capable of
towing the maximum trailer weights shown in the
Towing Load/Specification Chart earlier in this
section.
CAUTION
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
receiver when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the bolt
holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water
or dust from entering the passenger
compartment.
cRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturer’s specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
9-20Technical and consumer information

Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cKeep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
cDetermine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
Technical and consumer information9-21

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

L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Emission control information label.....9-10
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label.........9-10
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-53
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-23
License plate
Installing the license plate..........9-11
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-53, 2-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-26
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-10
Bulb replacement..............8-26
Charge warning light............2-11
Fog light switch...............2-32
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-28
Headlight control switch..........2-29
Headlights..................8-25
Interior light..................2-49
Light bulbs..................8-25
Low tire pressure warning light.......2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-23
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-48
Personal lights................2-50
Security indicator light............2-16
Trunk light..................2-52
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-10Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Door locks...................3-4
Glove box lock................2-39
Power door locks...............3-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever..........3-19
Low fuel warning light..........2-13, 2-23
Low tire pressure warning light.........2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-23
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
Changing the maintenance interval . .4-8, 4-22
Displaying the maintenance notice
reminder.................4-9, 4-23
General maintenance.............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions...........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Resetting the maintenance interval . .4-8, 4-22
Seat belt maintenance............1-19
Setting.................4-8, 4-22
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light............2-15
Map pocket....................2-37
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control........2-32
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror......3-25
Outside mirror control............3-27
Outside mirrors...............3-27
Vanity mirror.................3-25
Moonroof.....................2-44Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system..................4-96, 4-102
N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™.............3-7
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system.................2-25, 3-3, 5-9
NISSAN voice recognition system......4-144
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating)......9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil..............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine oil level...........8-8
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control..............3-27
Outside mirrors.................3-27
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats...........6-10
Owner’s manual order form...........9-27
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-27
10-4

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

Ventilators....................4-40
Visors.......................3-24
Voice recognition system...........4-144
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-53, 2-14
Anti-lock brake warning light.....2-10, 2-11
Battery charge warning light........2-11
Brake warning light.............2-11
Engine oil pressure warning light......2-12
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-33
Low fuel warning light........2-13, 2-23
Low tire pressure warning light.......2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-23
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-48
Seat belt warning light............2-13
Vehicle security system...........2-24
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-53
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-10
Warning lights..................2-10
Washer switch
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-26
Weights (See dimensions and weights).....9-8
Wheels and tires.................8-30
Wheel/tire size...................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................9-9
Window washer fluid..............8-12
Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-43
Power rear windows.............2-43
Power windows...............2-42Rear power windows............2-43
Windshield wiper and washer switch.....2-26
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-26
Wiper blades.................8-18
10-7