heating NISSAN MAXIMA 2012 A35 / 7.G Owners Manual

NOTE:
If the outside mirror control switch is in the
neutral position, neither mirror will turn
downward when the shift selector is moved
to R (Reverse) .
Move the shift selector to R (Reverse) . Both
mirrors will turn downward.
The mirror surfaces will return to their original
position when any of the following have occurred:● The shift selector is moved to any position
other than R (Reverse) .
● The outside mirror control switch is set to the
neutral or center position.
● The ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position.
Heated mirrors (if so equipped)
The electric control type outside mirrors can be
heated to defrost, defog, or de-ice for improved
visibility. Push the rear window defogger switch
to activate the heating function. Push the switch
again to deactivate, or the heating function will
automatically turn off after approximately 15 min-
utes.
Foldable outside mirrors
Pull the outside mirror toward the door to fold it. The automatic drive positioner system has two
features:
● Memory storage function
● Entry/exit function
MPA0008
AUTOMATIC DRIVE POSITIONER (if
so equipped)
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-29

WARNING
●Positioning of the heating or air condi-
tioning controls and display controls
should not be done while driving in or-
der that full attention may be given to
the driving operation.
● Do not disassemble or modify this sys-
tem. If you do, it may result in accidents,
fire, or electrical shock.
● Do not use this system if you notice any
abnormality, such as a frozen screen or
lack of sound. Continued use of the
system may result in accident, fire or
electric shock.
● In case you notice any foreign object in
the system hardware, spill liquid on it,
or notice smoke or smell coming from
it, stop using the system immediately
and contact your nearest NISSAN
dealer. Ignoring such conditions may
lead to accidents, fire or electrical
shock.
1. STATUS button (P. 4-6)
2. INFO button (P. 4-6)
3. NISSAN controller (P. 4-5)
4.
OFF brightness control button
(P. 4-15) 5. BRIGHT + (brightness control) button
6. BRIGHT – (brightness control) button
7.
BACK (previous) button (P. 4-5)
8. SETTING button (P. 4-9)
LHA1146
CONTROL PANEL BUTTONS — COLOR
SCREEN WITHOUT NAVIGATION
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
4-4Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems

WARNING
●The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
● Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the assistance
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should also not be left alone. They
could accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent operation of
the vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
● Do not use the recirculation mode for
long periods as it may cause the interior
air to become stale and the windows to
fog up.
Start the engine and operate the controls to
activate the air conditioner.
AUTOMATIC OPERATION
Cooling and/or dehumidified heating
(AUTO)
This mode may be used all year round as the
system automatically works to keep a constant temperature. Air flow distribution and fan speed
are also controlled automatically.
1. Press the AUTO button on. (The indicator on the button will illuminate and AUTO will be
displayed.)
2. Operate the driver’s side temperature con- trol buttons.
● Adjust the temperature display to about
75°F (24°C) for normal operation.
● The temperature of the passenger compart-
ment will be maintained automatically. Air
flow distribution and fan speed are also con-
trolled automatically.
● A visible mist may be seen coming from the
ventilators in hot, humid conditions as the air
is cooled rapidly. This does not indicate a
malfunction.
3. You can individually set driver’s and front passenger’s side temperature using each
temperature control button. When the DUAL
button or passenger’s side temperature but-
ton is pressed, the DUAL indicator will come
on. To turn off the passenger’s side tempera-
ture control, press the DUAL button.Heating (A/C OFF)
The air conditioner does not activate. When you
need to heat only, use this mode. 1. Press the A/C button. (A/C OFF will be
displayed and A/C indicator will turn off.)
2. Operate the temperature control buttons to set the desired temperature.
● The temperature of the passenger compart-
ment will be maintained automatically. Air
flow distribution and fan speed are also con-
trolled automatically.
● Do not set the temperature lower than the
outside air temperature. Otherwise the sys-
tem may not work properly.
● Not recommended if windows fog up.
Dehumidified defrosting or defogging
1. Press thefront defroster button on.
(The indicator light on the button will come
on.)
2. Operate the temperature control buttons to set the desired temperature.
● To quickly remove ice from the outside of the
windows, use the fan speed control dial to
set the fan speed to maximum.
● As soon as possible after the windshield is
clean, press the AUTO button to return to
the automatic mode.
4-42Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems

WARNING
●The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
● Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the assistance
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should also not be left alone. They
could accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent operation of
the vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
● Do not use the recirculation mode for
long periods as it may cause the interior
air to become stale and the windows to
fog up.
Start the engine and operate the controls to
activate the air conditioner.
AUTOMATIC OPERATION
Cooling and/or dehumidified heating
(AUTO)
This mode may be used all year round as the
system automatically works to keep a constant temperature. Air flow distribution and fan speed
are also controlled automatically.
1. Press the AUTO button on. (The indicator on the button will illuminate and AUTO will be
displayed.)
2. Turn the temperature control dial to the left or right to set the desired temperature.
● Adjust the temperature display to about
75°F (24°C) for normal operation.
● The temperature of the passenger compart-
ment will be maintained automatically. Air
flow distribution and fan speed are also con-
trolled automatically.
● A visible mist may be seen coming from the
vents in hot, humid conditions as the air is
cooled rapidly. This does not indicate a mal-
function.
3. You can individually set driver’s and front passenger’s side temperature using each
temperature control dial. When the DUAL
button or passenger’s side temperature dial
is turned, the DUAL indicator will come on.
To turn off the passenger’s side temperature
control, press the DUAL button.Heating (A/C OFF)
The air conditioner does not activate. When you
need to heat only, use this mode. 1. Press the A/C button. (A/C OFF will be
displayed and A/C indicator will turn off.)
2. Turn the temperature control dial to set the desired temperature.
● The temperature of the passenger compart-
ment will be maintained automatically. Air
flow distribution and fan speed are also con-
trolled automatically.
● Do not set the temperature lower than the
outside air temperature. Otherwise the sys-
tem may not work properly.
● Not recommended if windows fog up.
Dehumidified defrosting or defogging
1. Press thefront defroster button on.
(The indicator light on the button will come
on.)
2. Turn the temperature control dial to set the desired temperature.
● To quickly remove ice from the outside of the
windows, use the fan speed control dial to
set the fan speed to maximum.
● As soon as possible after the windshield is
clean, press the AUTO button to return to
the automatic mode.
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-45

The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, especially
in sharp turns and at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
harder to operate.The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at 2 wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
●
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
● If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best brake performance.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-22Starting and driving

●Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that the cable clamps do
not contact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster ve- hicle at about 2,000 rpm and start the en-
gine of the vehicle being jump started.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine does
not start right away, place the ignition
switch in the OFF position and wait 3 to 4
seconds before trying again.
7. After starting the engine, carefully discon- nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped) . Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.
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.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-9

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

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
9-16Technical and consumer information

●When 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. ● While 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.
● If 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.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
● Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) . ●
For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
● When 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.
● Crosswinds 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.
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.
Technical and consumer information9-21