brakes NISSAN MAXIMA 2017 A36 / 8.G Owners Manual

Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC (if so
equipped) position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates that
the security systems equipped on the vehicle are
operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security sys-
tems” in this section.
Side light and headlightindicator light (green)
The side light and headlight indicator light illumi-
nates when the side light or headlights are on
(not including daytime running or signature
lights) . If the headlight switch is in the AUTO
position, the side light and headlight indicator
light will illuminate when the headlights turn on.
For additional information, refer to “Headlight and
turn signal switch” in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system is
operating, thus alerting the driver to the fact that
the road surface is slippery and the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits. You may feel or hear the system working; this is
normal.
The light will blink for a few seconds after the
VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.
The
indicator light also comes on when
you place the ignition switch in the ON position.
The light will turn off after approximately 2 sec-
onds if the system is operational. If the light does
not come on have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the VDC OFF
switch is pushed to off. This indicates the VDC
system has been turned off.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine and the system will operate normally. For
additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section of this manual.
The VDC indicator light also comes on when you
place the ignition switch in the ON position. The
light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
system is operational. If the light stays on or
comes on along with the
indicator light
while you are driving, have the VDC system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
While the VDC system is operating, you might
feel a slight vibration or hear the system working
when starting the vehicle or accelerating, but this
is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
2-14Instruments and controls

Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in colli-
sions and rollovers.In a rollover crash, an
unbelted or improperly belted person is
significantly more likely to be injured or
killed than a person properly wearing a
seat belt.
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY
While driving, the right side or left side wheels
may unintentionally leave the road surface. If this
occurs, maintain control of the vehicle by follow-
ing the procedure below. Please note that this
procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle
must be driven as appropriate based on the con-
ditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the accel- erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the ve- hicle to follow the road while vehicle speed
is reduced. Do not attempt to drive the ve-
hicle back onto the road surface until vehicle
speed is reduced. 6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the
steering wheel until both tires return to the
road surface. When all tires are on the road
surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the ap-
propriate driving lane.
● If you decide that it is not safe to return the
vehicle to the road surface based on vehicle,
road or traffic conditions, gradually slow the
vehicle to a stop in a safe place off the road.
RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can occur
if the tire is punctured or is damaged due to
hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure loss
can also be caused by driving on under-inflated
tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at highway
speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by maintain-
ing the correct air pressure and visually inspect
the tires for wear and damage. For additional
information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Do-it-yourself” section of this manual. If a tire
rapidly loses air pressure or “blows-out” while
driving, maintain control of the vehicle by follow-
ing the procedure below. Please note that this
procedure is only a general guide. The vehicle must be driven as appropriate based on the con-
ditions of the vehicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
If there is a sudden loss of tire air pres-
sure, the vehicle will generally move or
pull in the direction of the flat tire. In this
situation, losing control of the vehicle may
cause a collision and result in personal
injury.
To help avoid loss of control:
●
Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
● Do not rapidly release the accelerator
pedal.
● Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the accel- erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from traffic if possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually stop the vehicle.
Starting and driving5-9

●When the shift lever is not in the D (Drive) or
Manual mode
● When the parking brake is applied
● When the brakes are operated by the driver
When the SET– switch is pushed under the
following conditions, the system cannot be set.
A warning chime will sound and a message will
pop up:
● When the VDC system is off (To use the ICC
system, turn on the VDC system. Push the
CRUISE
switch to turn off the ICC
system and reset the ICC switch by pushing
the CRUISE
switch again.)
For additional information about the VDC
system, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” in this section.
● When ABS or VDC (including the TCS) is
operating
● When a wheel is slipping (To use the ICC
system, make sure the wheels are no longer
slipping. Push the CRUISE
switch to
turn off the ICC system, and reset the ICC
system by pushing the
CRUISE
switch again.)
1System set display with vehicle ahead
2System set display without vehicle ahead
Vehicle detected ahead
When a vehicle is detected in the lane ahead, the
ICC system decelerates the vehicle by control-
ling the throttle and applying the brakes to match
the speed of a slower vehicle ahead. The system
then controls the vehicle speed based on the
speed of the vehicle ahead to maintain the driver
selected distance. NOTE:
● The stoplights of the vehicle come on
when braking is performed by the ICC
system.
● When the brake operates, a noise may
be heard. This is not a malfunction.
When a vehicle ahead is detected, the vehicle
ahead detection indicator comes on. The ICC
system will also display the set speed and se-
lected distance.
Vehicle ahead not detected
When a vehicle is no longer detected ahead, the
ICC system gradually accelerates your vehicle to
resume the previously set vehicle speed. The ICC
system then maintains the set speed.
When a vehicle is no longer detected, the vehicle
ahead detection indicator turns off.
If a vehicle ahead appears during acceleration to
the set vehicle speed or any time the ICC system
is in operation, the system controls the distance
to that vehicle.
When a vehicle is no longer detected under
approximately 15 mph (24 km/h), the system will
be canceled.
LSD2288
Starting and driving5-47

●The system may not detect the vehicle
in front of you in certain road or weather
conditions. To avoid accidents, never
use the ICC system under the following
conditions:
– On roads where the traffic is heavy or there are sharp curves
– On slippery road surfaces such as on ice or snow, etc.
– During bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.)
– When rain, snow or dirt adhere to the bumper around the distance sensor
– On steep downhill roads (the vehicle may go beyond the set vehicle speed
and frequent braking may result in
overheating the brakes)
– On repeated uphill and downhill roads
– When traffic conditions make it diffi- cult to keep a proper distance be-
tween vehicles because of frequent
acceleration or deceleration
– Interference by other radar sources. ●
Do not use the ICC system if you are
towing a trailer. The system may not
detect a vehicle ahead.
● In some road or traffic conditions, a
vehicle or object can unexpectedly
come into the sensor detection zone
and cause automatic braking. Always
stay alert and avoid using the ICC sys-
tem where not recommended in this
warning section.
The radar sensor will not detect the following
objects: ● Stationary and slow moving vehicles
● Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
● Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
● Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel lane
The following are some conditions in which the
sensor cannot properly detect a vehicle ahead
and the system may not operate properly: ● When snow or road spray from traveling
vehicles reduces the sensor’s detection.
● When excessively heavy baggage is loaded
in the rear seat or the trunk of your vehicle. The ICC system is designed to automatically
check the sensor’s operation within the limita-
tions of the system.
The detection zone of the radar sensor is limited.
A vehicle ahead must be in the detection zone to
maintain the selected distance from the vehicle
ahead.
A vehicle ahead may move outside of the detec-
tion zone due to its position within the same lane
of travel. Motorcycles may not be detected in the
same lane ahead if they are traveling offset from
the centerline of the lane. A vehicle that is enter-
ing the lane ahead may not be detected until the
vehicle has completely moved into the lane.
If this occurs, the ICC system may warn you
by blinking the system indicator and
sounding the chime. The driver may have to
manually control the proper distance away
from the vehicle traveling ahead.
5-52Starting and driving

1. Vehicle ahead detection indicator
2. FEB warning indicator
3. FEB system warning light
FEB SYSTEM OPERATION
The FEB system will function when your vehicle is
driven at speeds above approximately 3 mph
(5 km/h).
If a risk of a forward collision is detected, the FEB
system will provide an initial warning to the driver
by both a visual and audible alert.
If the driver applies the brakes quickly and force-
fully after the warning, and the FEB system de-
tects that there is still the possibility of a forward
collision, the system will automatically increase
the braking force. If the driver does not take
action, the FEB system issues the second visual
warning (red) and audible warning and also ap-
plies partial braking.
If the risk of a collision becomes imminent, the
FEB system applies harder braking automatically.
LSD2650
5-58Starting and driving

NOTE:
The vehicle’s brake lights come on when
braking is performed by the forward emer-
gency braking system.
Depending on vehicle speed and distance to the
vehicle ahead, as well as driving and roadway
conditions, the system may help the driver avoid a
forward collision or may help mitigate the conse-
quences of a collision, should one be unavoid-
able. If the driver is handling the steering wheel,
accelerating or braking, the FEB system will func-
tion later or will not function.
The automatic braking will cease under the fol-
lowing conditions:● When the steering wheel is turned as far as
necessary to avoid a collision.
● When the accelerator pedal is depressed.
● When there is no longer a vehicle detected
ahead.
If the FEB system has stopped the vehicle, the
vehicle will remain at a standstill for approximately
2 seconds before the brakes are released.
LSD2412
Starting and driving5-59

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.
● When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. If the steering wheel operation is still per-
formed, the power steering may stop and the
power steering warning light will illuminate. In a
safe location, stop the engine and push the igni- tion switch to the OFF position. The temperature
of the power steering system will go down after a
period of time and the power assist level will
return to normal after starting the engine. The
power steering warning light will go off. Avoid
repeating such steering wheel operations that
could cause the power steering system to over-
heat.
You may hear a noise from the front of the vehicle
when the steering wheel is operated. This is a
normal operational noise and is not a malfunction.
If the electric power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may indicate
the power steering system is not functioning
properly and may need servicing. Have the power
steering system checked. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, there will be
no power assist for the steering but you will still
have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater
steering effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two 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.
POWER STEERING
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-79

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
drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance. This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
●
The ABS is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting from
careless or dangerous driving tech-
niques. It can help maintain vehicle con-
trol during braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping distances on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces even with ABS. Stop-
ping distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered roads, or
if you are using tire chains. Always
maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the
driver is responsible for safety.
● Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four
wheels. – When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Tire and Loading
Information label” in the “Technical
and consumer information” section
of this manual.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels do
not lock during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the rota-
tion speed at each wheel and varies the brake
fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from locking
and sliding. By preventing each wheel from lock-
ing, the system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving and spin-
ning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
5-80Starting and driving

WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine
and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear
a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above3-6mph(5
- 10 km/h). The speed varies according to road
conditions.When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly ap-
plies and releases hydraulic pressure. This action
is similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal ex-
ceeds a certain level, the brake assist is activated
generating greater braking force than a conven-
tional brake booster even with light pedal force.
WARNING
The brake assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. it is the driv-
ers responsibility to stay alert, drive safely
and be in control of the vehicle at all times.
The VDC system uses various sensors to monitor
driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain
driving conditions, the VDC system helps to per-
form the following functions:
● Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of
vehicle control in all driving situations.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-81

When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system, the Active Ride Control is also
turned off.
If the Integrated Dynamics-control Module warn-
ing message appears in the vehicle information
display, it may indicate that the Active Ride Con-
trol is not functioning properly. Have the system
checked as soon as possible. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
When the Active Ride Control is operating, you
may hear noise and sense slight deceleration.
This is normal and indicates that the Active Ride
Control is operating properly.The sonar (parking sensor) system sounds a tone
to inform the driver of obstacles near the bumper.
When the “DISPLAY” key is ON, the sonar view
will automatically appear in the meter.
WARNING
●The sonar (parking sensor) system is a
convenience but it is not a substitute for
proper parking.
● The driver is always responsible for
safety during parking and other maneu-
vers. Always look around and check that
it is safe to do so before parking. ●
Read and understand the limitations of
the sonar (parking sensor) system as
contained in this section. The colors of
the corner sonar indicator and the dis-
tance guide lines in the front/rear view
indicate different distances to the
object.
● Inclement weather or ultrasonic
sources such as an automatic car wash,
a truck’s compressed-air brakes or a
pneumatic drill may affect the function
of the system; this may include reduced
performance or a false activation.
● This function is designed as an aid to
the driver in detecting large stationary
objects to help avoid damaging the
vehicle.
● The system is not designed to prevent
contact with small or moving objects.
Always move slowly. The system will
not detect small objects below the bum-
per, and may not detect objects close to
the bumper or on the ground.
● The system may not detect the follow-
ing objects: Fluffy objects such as
snow, cloth, cotton, glass, wool, etc.,
Thin objects such as rope, wire and
chain, etc., or wedge-shaped objects.
LSD2427
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-85