service NISSAN MAXIMA 2012 A35 / 7.G Owners Manual

Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilome-
ters) of driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
explains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle. The “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide” explains details
about maintaining and servicing your ve-
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle
best. When you require any service or have any
questions, they will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to them.In addition to factory installed options, your ve-
hicle may also be equipped with additional ac-
cessories installed by NISSAN or by your
NISSAN dealer prior to delivery. It is important
that you familiarize yourself with all disclosures,
warnings, cautions and instructions concerning
proper use of such accessories prior to operating
the vehicle and/or accessory. See a NISSAN
dealer for details concerning the particular ac-
cessories with which your vehicle is equipped.
Before driving your vehicle, please read this
Owner’s Manual carefully. This will ensure famil-
iarity with controls and maintenance require-
ments, assisting you in the safe operation of your
vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RE-
MINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
●
NEVER drive under the influence of al-
cohol or drugs.
● ALWAYS observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for conditions.
●
ALWAYS give your full attention to driving
and avoid using vehicle features or taking
other actions that could distract you.
●ALWAYS use your seat belts and appro-
priate child restraint systems. Preteen
children should be seated in the rear seat.
● ALWAYS provide information about the
proper use of vehicle safety features to
all occupants of the vehicle.
● ALWAYS review this Owner’s Manual
for important safety information.
FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY

NISSAN CARES...
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are
our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.
However, if there is something that your NISSAN
dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to
provide NISSAN directly with comments or
questions, please contact the NISSAN Con-
sumer Affairs Department using our toll-free
number:
For U.S. customers1-800-NISSAN-1
(1-800-647-7261)
For Canadian customers 1-800-387-0122 The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the
following information:
– Your name, address, and telephone number
– Vehicle identification number (attached to the
top of the instrument panel on the driver’s
side)
– Date of purchase
– Current odometer reading
– Your NISSAN dealer’s name
– Your comments or questions
OR You can write to NISSAN with the information at:
For U.S. customers
Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003
For Canadian customers Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
or via e-mail at:
For U.S. customers [email protected]
For Canadian customers [email protected]
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.
NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM

orAnti-lock BrakingSystem (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light illuminates and then turns off. This
indicates the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
“Brake system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the parking
brake is applied. Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level.
If the light comes on while the engine is running
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
● Pressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel. ●
If the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate the
ABS is not functioning properly. Have the brake
system checked, and if necessary, repaired by a
NISSAN dealer promptly. Avoid high-speed driv-
ing and abrupt braking. (See “Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light” in this section.)
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
Instruments and controls2-11

2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF orLOCK position and wait approximately 10
seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device (which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices.
Statement related to Section 15 of FCC
Rules for NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem (CONT ASSY — IMMOBILIZER, ANT
ASSY — IMMOBILIZER)
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause harmful in-
terference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device. CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EX-
PRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RE-
SPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE COULD
VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPER-
ATE THE EQUIPMENT.
Security indicator light
The security indicator light blinks whenever the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC
position. This function indicates the NISSAN Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System is operational.
If the NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System is mal-
functioning, the light will remain on while the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
If the light still remains on and/or the en-
gine will not start, see a NISSAN dealer for
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ser-
vice as soon as possible. Please bring all
registered keys that you have when visiting
your NISSAN dealer for service.
LIC0474
Instruments and controls2-27

Slide Driver Seat Back on Exit:Select to turn
on or turn off the driver’s seat moving backward
for easy exit when the ignition switch is in the OFF
position and the driver’s door is opened. After
getting into the vehicle and placing the ignition
switch in the ACC position, the driver’s seat
moves to the previous position.
Return All Settings to Default: Select to
change all the comfort and convenience systems
to their default settings.
Language & Units:
Use the NISSAN controller to select the “Lan-
guage & Units” key. Select which setting you
want to change using the NISSAN controller and
selecting either the “Select Language” key or the
“Select Units” key.Select Language:
Select the “English” key or the “Français” key to
change the language shown on the display.
If you select the “Français” key, French language
will be displayed, so please use the French Own-
er’s Manual. To obtain a French Owner’s Manual,
please see “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual Or-
der Information” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section.
LHA1250LHA1251
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-29

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.The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. See “Air conditioner system refrigerant
and oil recommendations” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equipment.
RADIO
Place the ignition switch in the ACC or ON
position and press the VOL (volume)/ON·OFF
(power) knob to turn the radio on. If you listen to
the radio with the engine not running, the ignition
switch should be placed in the ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains and other external influ-
ences. Intermittent changes in reception quality
normally are caused by these external influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the ve-
hicle may influence radio reception quality.
Radio reception
Your NISSAN radio system is equipped with
state-of-the-art electronic circuits to enhance ra-
dio reception. These circuits are designed to
extend reception range, and to enhance the qual-
ity of that reception.
However, there are some general characteristics
of both FM and AM radio signals that can affect
radio reception quality in a moving vehicle, even
when the finest equipment is used. These char-
acteristics are completely normal in a given re-
ception area and do not indicate any malfunction
in your NISSAN radio system.
LHA1136
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER AUDIO SYSTEM
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-47

Reception conditions will constantly change be-
cause of vehicle movement. Buildings, terrain,
signal distance and interference from other ve-
hicles can work against ideal reception. De-
scribed below are some of the factors that can
affect your radio reception.
Some cellular phones or other devices may
cause interference or a buzzing noise to come
from the audio system speakers. Storing the de-
vice in a different location may reduce or elimi-
nate the noise.
FM RADIO RECEPTION
Range: FM range is normally limited to 25 – 30 mi
(40 – 48 km) , with monaural (single channel) FM
having slightly more range than stereo FM. Exter-
nal influences may sometimes interfere with FM
station reception even if the FM station is within
25 mi (40 km) . The strength of the FM signal is
directly related to the distance between the
transmitter and receiver. FM signals follow a line-
of-sight path, exhibiting many of the same char-
acteristics as light. For example, they will reflect
off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away from
a station transmitter, the signals will tend to fade
and/or drift.Static and flutter: During signal interference from
buildings, large hills or due to antenna position
(usually in conjunction with increased distance
from the station transmitter) , static or flutter can
be heard. This can be reduced by adjusting the
treble control to reduce treble response.
Multipath reception: Because of the reflective
characteristics of FM signals, direct and reflected
signals reach the receiver at the same time. The
signals may cancel each other, resulting in mo-
mentary flutter or loss of sound.
AM RADIO RECEPTION
AM signals, because of their low frequency, can
bend around objects and skip along the ground.
In addition, the signals can be bounced off the
ionosphere and bent back to earth. Because of
these characteristics, AM signals are also sub-
ject to interference as they travel from transmitter
to receiver.
Fading: Occurs while the vehicle is passing
through freeway underpasses or in areas with
many tall buildings. It can also occur for several
seconds during ionospheric turbulence even in
areas where no obstacles exist.
Static: Caused by thunderstorms, electrical
power lines, electric signs and even traffic lights.
SATELLITE RADIO RECEPTION (if so
equipped)
When the satellite radio is used for the first time
or the battery has been replaced, the satellite
radio may not work properly. This is not a mal-
function. Wait more than 10 minutes with satellite
radio ON and the vehicle outside of any metal or
large building for satellite radio to receive all of
the necessary data.
The satellite radio mode will be skipped unless an
optional satellite receiver and antenna are in-
stalled and an XM* satellite radio service sub-
scription is active. Satellite radio is not available
in Alaska, Hawaii and Guam.
Satellite radio performance may be affected if
cargo carried on the roof blocks the satellite radio
signal.
If possible, do not put cargo over the satellite
antenna.
A build up of ice on the satellite radio antenna can
affect satellite radio performance. Remove the
ice to restore satellite radio reception.
*XM
is a registered trademark of XM Satellite
Radio, Inc.
4-48Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems

When the AUX button is pressed while the igni-
tion switch is in the ACC or ON position, the
radio will come on at the station last played.
The last station played will also come on when
the VOL/ON·OFF control knob is pressed ON.
*When the AUX button is pressed, the satellite
radio mode will be skipped unless an optional
satellite receiver and antenna are installed and an
XMsatellite radio service subscription is active.
Satellite radio is not available in Alaska, Hawaii
and Guam.
If a compact disc is playing when the AUX button
is pressed, the compact disc will automatically be
turned off and the last radio station played will
come on.
TUNE/FOLDER (Tuning) knob:
To manually tune the radio, turn the
TUNE/FOLDER knob to the right or left.
SEEK/CAT and TRACK
tuning buttons:
Press the SEEK/CAT
button or the
TRACK
button to tune from high to low or
low to high frequencies and stop at the next
broadcasting station. SCAN tuning:
Press the SCAN button to stop at each broad-
casting station for 5 seconds. Pressing the
SCAN button again during this five second pe-
riod will stop scan tuning and the radio will remain
tuned to that station. If the SCAN button is not
pressed within 5 seconds, scan tuning moves to
the next station.
1 to 6 Station memory operations:
Six stations can be set for the AM band. Twelve
stations can be set for the FM band (6 for FM1, 6
for FM2) . Eighteen stations can be set for the XM
band (6 for XM1, 6 for XM2, 6 for XM3) .
1. Choose the radio band AM, FM1 or FM2 using the FM·AM select button. Or choose
the satellite band SAT1 or SAT2 using the
AUX button.
2. Tune to the desired station using manual, SEEK or SCAN tuning. Press and hold any
of the desired station memory buttons (1 –
6) until a beep sound is heard.
3. The channel indicator will then come on and the sound will resume. Programming is now
complete.
4. Other buttons can be set in the same man- ner. If the battery cable is disconnected, or if the fuse
opens, the radio memory will be canceled. In that
case, reset the desired stations.
Radio data system (RDS):
RDS stands for Radio Data System, and is a data
information service transmitted by some radio
stations on the FM band (not AM band) . Cur-
rently, most RDS stations are in large cities, but
many stations are now considering broadcasting
RDS data.
RDS can display:
● Station call sign, such as “WHFR 98.3”.
● Station name, such as “The Groove”.
● Music or programming type such as “Clas-
sical”, “Country”, or “Rock”.
When the “Text” key is selected with the NISSAN
controller on the display while the radio is playing,
additional information is displayed on the screen.
If the station broadcasts RDS information, the
RDS icon is displayed.Compact disc (CD) player operation
Place the ignition in the ACC or ON position and
insert the compact disc into the slot with the label
side facing up. The compact disc will be guided
automatically into the slot and start playing.
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-71

●Song displays the ID3 encoded tag of the
song name.
● Album displays the ID3 encoded tag of the
album name.
● Artist displays the ID3 encoded tag of the
artist’s name.
Some of this text might not display while playing a
regular CD.
FM/AM/SAT radio operation
FM/AM band select:
Pressing the FM·AM button will change the band
as follows:
AM →FM1 →FM2 →AM
When the FM·AM button is pressed while the
ignition switch is in the ACC or ON position, the
radio will come on at the station last played.
The last station played will also come on when
the VOL/ON·OFF control knob is pressed ON.
If a compact disc is playing when the FM·AM
button is pressed, the compact disc will auto-
matically be turned off and the last radio station
played will come on.
The FM stereo indicator STEREO will illuminate
during FM stereo reception. When the stereo broadcast signal is weak, the radio will automati-
cally change from stereo to monaural reception.
SAT band select:
Pressing the SAT button will change the band as
follows:
XM1*
→XM2* →XM3* →XM1 (satellite, if so
equipped)
When the SAT button is pressed while the igni-
tion switch is in the ACC or ON position, the
radio will come on at the station last played.
The last station played will also come on when
the VOL/ON·OFF control knob is pressed ON.
*When the SAT button is pressed, the satellite
radio reception will not be available unless an
optional satellite receiver and antenna are in-
stalled and an XM satellite radio service sub-
scription is active. Satellite radio is not available
in Alaska, Hawaii and Guam.
If a compact disc is playing when the SAT button
is pressed, the compact disc will automatically be
turned off and the last radio station played will
come on.
TUNE/FOLDER (Tuning) knob:
To manually tune the radio, turn the
TUNE/FOLDER knob to the right or left.
SEEK/CAT and TRACK
tuning buttons:
For AM or FM:
Press the SEEK/CAT
button or the
TRACK
button to tune from high to low or
low to high frequencies and stop at the next
broadcasting station.
For XM:
Press the SEEK/CAT
button or the
TRACK
button to go to the first channel of
the previous or next category.
SCAN tuning:
Press the SCAN button to stop at each broad-
casting station for 5 seconds. Pressing the
SCAN button again during this five second pe-
riod will stop scan tuning and the radio will remain
tuned to that station. If the SCAN button is not
pressed within 5 seconds, scan tuning moves to
the next station.
1 to 6 Station memory operations:
Six stations can be set for the AM band. Twelve
stations can be set for the FM band (6 for FM1, 6
for FM2) . Eighteen channels can be set for the
SAT radio (6 for XM1, 6 for XM2, 6 for XM3 – if so
equipped) .
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-77

1. Choose the radio band AM, FM1 or FM2using the FM·AM select button, or choose
the satellite band XM1, XM2 or XM3 using
the SAT button.
2. Tune to the desired station using manual, SEEK or SCAN tuning. Press and hold any
of the desired station memory buttons (1 –
6) until the preset number is updated on the
display and the sound is briefly muted.
3. The channel indicator will then come on and the sound will resume. Programming is now
complete.
4. Other buttons can be set in the same man- ner.
If the battery cable is disconnected, or if the fuse
opens, the radio memory will be canceled. In that
case, reset the desired stations.
List (AM and FM)
Select the “List” key using the NISSAN controller
or touchscreen to see a list of the presets in the
AM, FM1 or FM2 preset banks. Menu (XM, if so equipped)
Select the “Menu” key using the NISSAN control-
ler or touchscreen to see a list of options:
● Preset List – Displays the list of presets.
Press and hold the touchscreen or ENTER
button on the NISSAN controller to save a
preset.
● Customize Channel List – deselect chan-
nels to skip while using the TUNE/FOLDER
knob.
● Favorite Artist & Songs
– Tags the current artist or song playing on XM as a favorite. – Turn the Alert ON to indicate whenever a
favorite artist or song is playing on XM.
The audio system must be playing XM
radio for this feature to work.
– Delete a favorite artist or song.
● Categories – Displays a category list for XM
radio. Select a category to select the first
channel for that category.
● Direct Tune – Tune to a channel by entering
the channel number.
Radio data system (RDS):
RDS stands for Radio Data System, and is a data
information service transmitted by some radio
stations on the FM band (not AM band) . Cur-
rently, most RDS stations are in large cities, but
many stations are now considering broadcasting
RDS data.
RDS can display: ● Station call sign, such as “WHFR 98.3”.
● Station name, such as “The Groove”.
● Music or programming type such as “Clas-
sical”, “Country”, or “Rock”.
● Station specific text.
If the station broadcasts RDS information, the
text information is automatically displayed.
LHA1375
4-78Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems