engine NISSAN MAXIMA 2012 A35 / 7.G Owner's Manual

CAUTION
Use the headlights with the engine run-
ning to avoid discharging the vehicle
battery.
Autolight system
The autolight system allows the headlights to be
set so they turn on and off automatically. The
autolight system can:● Turn on the headlights, front parking, tail,
license plate and instrument panel lights au-
tomatically when it is dark.
● Turn off all the lights when it is light.
● Keep all the lights on for a period of time after
you place the ignition switch in the OFF
position and all doors are closed. To turn on the autolight system:
1. Place the headlight switch in the AUTO po- sition
1.
2. Place ignition in the ON position.
3. The autolight system automatically turns the headlights on and off.
Initially, if the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position and a door is opened and left open, the
headlights remain ON for a period of time. If
another door is opened while the headlights are
on, then the timer is reset.
To turn the autolight system off, turn the switch to
the OFF,
,orposition.LIC1086
Instruments and controls2-31

Be sure you do not put anything on top of
the autolight sensor located on the top side
of the instrument panel. The autolight sen-
sor controls the autolight; if it is covered,
the autolight sensor reacts as if it is dark
out and the headlights will illuminate. If
this occurs while parked with the engine
off and the ignition switch placed in the ON
position, your vehicle’s battery could be-
come discharged.Headlight beam select
1To select the high beam function, push the
lever forward. The high beam lights come on
and the
light illuminates.
2Pull the lever back to select the low beam.
3Pulling and releasing the lever flashes the
headlight high beams on and off.
Battery saver system
If the ignition switch is placed in the OFF position
while the headlight switch is in the
orposition, the headlights will turn off after
a period of time.
CAUTION
Even though the battery saver feature au-
tomatically turns off the headlights after a
period of time, you should turn the head-
light switch to the OFF position when the
engine is not running to avoid discharging
the vehicle battery.
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT SYSTEM
(Canada only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a re-
duced intensity when the engine is started with
the parking brake released. The daytime running
lights operate with the headlight switch in the
OFF position or in the
position. Turn the
headlight switch to the
position for full
illumination when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the engine is
started, the daytime running lights do not illumi-
nate. The daytime running lights illuminate when
the parking brake is released. The daytime run-
ning lights will remain on until the ignition switch
is placed in the OFF position.
WHA1170WIC1438
2-32Instruments and controls

To sound the horn, push near the horn icon of the
steering wheel.
WARNING
Do not disassemble the horn. Doing so
could affect proper operation of the
supplemental front air bag system. Tam-
pering with the supplemental front air bag
system may result in serious personal
injury.The front seats are warmed by built-in heaters.
The switch is located on the center console.
1. Start the engine.
2. Push the LO or HI position of the switch, as desired. The indicator light in the switch will
illuminate.
The heater is controlled by a thermostat,
automatically turning the heater on and off.
The indicator light will remain on as long as
the switch is on.
3. When the seat is warmed or before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch
off.
WARNING
Do not use or allow occupants to use the
seat heater if you or the occupants cannot
monitor elevated seat temperatures or
have an inability to feel pain in body parts
that contact the seat. Use of the seat
heater by such people could result in se-
rious injury.
CAUTION
●Do not use the seat heater for extended
periods or when no one is using the
seat.
● Do not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket, cush-
ion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the seat
may become overheated.
● Do not place anything hard or heavy on
the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
object. This may result in damage to the
heater.
● Any liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with a
dry cloth.
● When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any simi-
lar materials.
LIC1389LIC1543
HORN HEATED SEATS (if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-35

●If any malfunctions are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn the
switch off and have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
● The battery could run down if the seat
heater is operated while the engine is
not running.
The climate controlled seat warms up or cools
down the front seat by blowing warm or cool air
from the surface of the seat. The climate control
switch is located on the center console.
The climate controlled seat can be operated as
follows:1. Start the engine.
2. Turn the control knob to the H (Heat) side or to the C (Cool) side, as desired. The indica-
tor light on the control knob will illuminate.
3. Adjust the desired amount of air using the control knob. The climate controlled seat
blower remains on low speed for approxi- mately 60 seconds after turning the switch
on or selecting the desired temperature.
4. When the vehicle’s interior is warmed or cooled, or before you leave the vehicle, be
sure to turn the control knob to the Off
(center) position
To check the air filter for the climate controlled
seat, contact a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use or allow occupants to use the
seat heater if you or the occupants cannot
monitor elevated seat temperatures or
have an inability to feel pain in body parts
that contact the seat. Use of the seat
heater by such people could result in se-
rious injury.
CAUTION
● The battery could run down if the cli-
mate control seat is operated while the
engine is not running.
● Do not use the climate control seat for
extended periods or when no one is
using the seat.
LIC1410
CLIMATE CONTROL SEAT SWITCH (if
so equipped)
2-36Instruments and controls

●Do not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket, cush-
ion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the seat
may become overheated.
● Do not place anything hard or heavy on
the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
objects. This may result in damage to
the climate controlled seat.
● Any liquid spilled on the seat should be
removed immediately with a dry cloth
● The climate controlled seat has an air
filter. Do not operate the climate con-
trolled seat without an air filter. This
may result in damage to the system.
● When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any simi-
lar materials.
● If any malfunctions are found or the
climate controlled seat does not oper-
ate, turn the switch off and have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer. The heated steering wheel system is designed to
operate only when the surface temperature of the
steering wheel is below 68°F (20°C) .
Push the heated steering wheel switch to warm
the steering wheel after the engine starts. The
indicator light will come on.
If the surface temperature of the steering wheel is
below 68°F (20°C) , the system will heat the
steering wheel and cycle off and on to maintain a
temperature above 68°F (20°C) . The indicator
light will remain on as long as the system is on.
Push the switch again to turn the heated steering
wheel system off manually. The indicator light will
go off. NOTE:
If the surface temperature of the steering
wheel is above 68°F (20°C) when the switch
is turned on, the system will not heat the
steering wheel. This is not a malfunction.
LIC0421
HEATED STEERING WHEEL (if so
equipped)
Instruments and controls2-37

The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most driv-
ing conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the engine output to reduce
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced
even if the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If
maximum engine power is needed to free a stuck
vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. The
indicator will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn on the system. See “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and
driving” section. The power outlets are for powering electrical
accessories such as cellular telephones. They
are rated at 12 Volt, 120 W (10A) maximum.
Type A:
The power outlet
Ain the front consolebox is powered directly by the battery.
Type B:The power outlet
Ain the front consolebox is powered only when the ignition switch is in
the ACC or ON position.
The power outlet
Bon the center console near
the shift selector is powered only when the igni-
tion switch is in the ACC or ON position.
CAUTION
● The outlet and plug may be hot during
or immediately after use.
● Only certain power outlets are designed
for use with a cigarette lighter unit. Do
not use any other power outlet for an
accessory lighter. See your NISSAN
dealer for additional information.
● Do not use with accessories that ex-
ceed a 12 volt, 120W (10A) power draw.
● Do not use double adapters or more
than one electrical accessory.
● Use power outlets with the engine run-
ning to avoid discharging the vehicle
battery.
● Avoid using power outlets when the air
conditioner, headlights or rear window
defroster is on.
● Before inserting or disconnecting a
plug, be sure the electrical accessory
being used is turned OFF.
● Push the plug in as far as it will go. If
good contact is not made, the plug may
overheat or the internal temperature
fuse may open.
LIC1548
Front center console
LIC2204
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH POWER OUTLET
2-38Instruments and controls

The interior light has a three-position switch and
operates regardless of ignition switch position.● When the switch is in the ON position
1,
the front and rear personal lights will illumi-
nate, regardless of door position. The light
will go off after a period of time unless the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
●
When the switch is in the center DOOR po-
sition
2, the front and rear personal lights will
illuminate under the following conditions:
– Driver’s door is unlocked while the igni- tion switch is placed in the OFF position.
Lights remain on for a period of time. – Driver’s door is opened.
Lights remain on for a period of time after
driver’s door is closed.
– Ignition switch is placed in the OFF posi- tion.
The lights will go off when the ignition switch is in
the ON position, or the driver’s door is closed and
locked.
The lights will also go off after a period of time
when all doors are open. ● When the switch is in the OFF position
3,
the front and rear personal lights will not
illuminate, regardless of door position.
NOTE:
The footwell and doorstep lights illuminate
when the driver and passenger doors are
opened regardless of the interior light
switch position. These lights will turn off
automatically after a period of time while
doors are open to prevent the battery from
becoming discharged.
CAUTION
Do not use for extended periods of time
with the engine stopped. This could result
in a discharged battery.
CONSOLE LIGHT
The console light will turn on whenever the park-
ing lights or headlights are illuminated.
The console light brightness can be adjusted
with the illumination brightness control.
WIC1550WIC1476
INTERIOR LIGHT
Instruments and controls2-51

To turn the map lights on, press the switches. To
turn them off, press the switches again.
CAUTION
Do not use for extended periods of time
with the engine stopped. This could result
in a discharged battery.The light illuminates when the trunk lid is opened.
When the trunk lid is closed, the light goes off.
The light will go off after a period of time if the
trunk lid is left open, unless the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
For bulb replacement procedures, refer to “Exte-
rior and interior lights” in the “Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
Models with dual panel moonroof
LIC1409
MAP LIGHTS
TRUNK LIGHT
Instruments and controls2-53

The HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver provides a
convenient way to consolidate the functions of up
to three individual hand-held transmitters into
one built-in device.
HomeLink Universal Transceiver:
● Will operate most Radio Frequency (RF)
devices such as garage doors, gates, home
and office lighting, entry door locks and se-
curity systems.
● Is powered by your vehicle’s battery. No
separate batteries are required. If the vehi-
cle’s battery is discharged or is discon-
nected, HomeLink will retain all program-
ming.
Once the HomeLink Universal Transceiver
is programmed, retain the original trans-
mitter for future programming procedures
(Example: new vehicle purchases) . Upon
sale of the vehicle, the programmed
HomeLink Universal Transceiver buttons
should be erased for security purposes. For
additional information, refer to “Program-
ming HomeLink” later in this section.WARNING
● Do not use the HomeLink Universal
Transceiver with any garage door
opener that lacks safety stop and re-
verse features as required by federal
safety standards. (These standards be-
came effective for opener models
manufactured after April 1, 1982) . A ga-
rage door opener which cannot detect
an object in the path of a closing garage
door and then automatically stop and
reverse, does not meet current federal
safety standards. Using a garage door
opener without these features in-
creases the risk of serious injury or
death.
● During the programming procedure
your garage door or security gate will
open and close (if the transmitter is
within range) . Make sure that people or
objects are clear of the garage door,
gate, etc. that you are programming.
● Your vehicle’s engine should be turned
off while programming the HomeLink
Universal Transceiver.
PROGRAMMING HOMELINK
1. To begin, press and hold the two outer HomeLink buttons (to clear the memory)
until the indicator light
1blinks (after 20
seconds) . Release both buttons.
2. Position the end of the hand-held transmitter 1 - 3 inches (26 - 76 mm) away from the
HomeLink surface.
WIC0986
HOMELINK UNIVERSAL
TRANSCEIVER (if so equipped)
2-54Instruments and controls

WARNING
●Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those who
use a pacemaker should contact the
electric medical equipment manufac-
turer for the possible influences before
use.
● The Intelligent Key transmits radio
waves when the buttons are pushed.
The FAA advises the radio waves may
affect aircraft navigation and communi-
cation systems. Do not operate the In-
telligent Key while on an airplane. Make
sure the buttons are not operated unin-
tentionally when the unit is stored for a
flight.
The Intelligent Key system can operate all the
door locks using the remote controller function or
pushing the request switch on the vehicle without
taking the key out from a pocket or purse. The
operating environment and/or conditions may af-
fect the Intelligent Key system operation.
Be sure to read the following before using the
Intelligent Key system.
CAUTION
● Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key with
you when operating the vehicle.
● Never leave the Intelligent Key in the
vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
The Intelligent Key is always communicating with
the vehicle as it receives radio waves. The Intel-
ligent Key system transmits weak radio waves.
Environmental conditions may interfere with the
operation of the Intelligent Key system under the
following operating conditions. ● When operating near a location where
strong radio waves are transmitted, such as
a TV tower, power station and broadcasting
station.
● When in possession of wireless equipment,
such as a cellular telephone, transceiver,
and CB radio.
● When the Intelligent Key is in contact with or
covered by metallic materials.
● When any type of radio wave remote control
is used nearby.
● When the Intelligent Key is placed near an
electric appliance such as a personal com-
puter. ●
When the vehicle is parked near a parking
meter.
In such cases, correct the operating conditions
before using the Intelligent Key function or use
the mechanical key.
Although the life of the battery varies depending
on the operating conditions, the battery’s life is
approximately 2 years. If the battery is dis-
charged, replace it with a new one.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost dis-
charged, insert the Intelligent Key into the Intelli-
gent Key port to start the engine. Replace the
discharged battery with a new one as soon as
possible. For additional information, see “Push
Button Ignition Switch “ in the “Starting and
Driving” section.
Since the Intelligent Key is continuously receiving
radio waves, if the key is left near equipment
which transmits strong radio waves, such as sig-
nals from a TV and personal computer, the bat-
tery life may become shorter.
For information regarding replacement of a bat-
tery, see “Battery replacement” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
As many as four Intelligent Keys can be regis-
tered and used with one vehicle. For information
about the purchase and use of additional Intelli-
gent Keys, contact a NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY™
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-7