1999 NISSAN MAXIMA light

Octane rating tipsIn most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in
these high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, south-
ern Idaho, western South Dakota, western
Nebraska, and that part of Texas which is
directly south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above 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 your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may
cause excessive fuel consumption or damageto the engine. If any of the above symptoms
are encountered, have your vehicle checked at
a NISSAN dealer or other competent service
facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.10-4
Technical and consumer information
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system, brake system, etc. when the
hitch is installed.
ITo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch when not in use. Remove the
receiver when not in use. After the
hitch is removed, seal the bolt holes
to prevent exhaust fumes, water or
dust from entering the passenger
compartment.
IRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressuresIWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated on the tire placard (located on the
inside of the center console lid.)
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in ac-
cordance with the trailer and tire manufac-
turers' specifications.Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between your
vehicle and the trailer. The chain should becrossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to
leave enough slack in the chain to permit
turning corners.
Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point
between the sensor and stop light or light
switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking sys-
tem, make sure it conforms to federal and/or
local regulations and that it is properly in-
stalled.Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tipsIBe 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-downcondition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
IBe certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing be-
fore driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn 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 performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equippedTechnical and consumer information
10-15
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11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system) ......................... 5-18
Air bag
Warning labels........................................... 1-15
Warning light ...................................... 1-15, 2-8
Air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ........ 1-11
Side (See supplemental side air bag
system) ...................................................... 1-12
Air cleaner housing filter ................................. 8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ...................... 4-3, 4-9
Air conditioner service ................ 4-3, 4-9, 4-12
Air conditioner specification
label .......................................... 4-3, 4-9, 10-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ............... 4-3, 4-9
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped) ........................................... 4-9
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-3
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................. 10-6
Air flow charts ............................................ 4-6, 4-9
Alcohol drugs and driving ................................. 5-3
AM-FM radio with cassette player .................. 4-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player ........................................ 4-12
AM-FM radio with compact disc player .......... 4-12Ambient temperature switch (AMB),
Air conditioner ................................................. 4-11
Anchor point locations
Top tether strap ......................................... 1-31
Antenna
Manual ....................................................... 4-24
Power ........................................................ 4-24
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-18
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................. 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-6
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and ashtray) .... 2-21
Audio system .................................................. 4-12
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-7
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-26
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-3
B
Battery............................................................. 8-13
Battery replacement, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-7
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-6
Belts (See drive belts) .................................... 8-15
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................... 5-18
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-12Brake booster ............................................ 8-21
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-20
Brake pedal check..................................... 8-20
Parking brake check ........................ 5-12, 8-20
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-12
System....................................................... 5-18
Warning light ............................................... 2-8
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-15
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-7
Bulb replacement ............................................ 8-24
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants......................................................... 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-25
Cassette player (See audio system) .............. 4-15
Cassette tape operation ................................. 4-12
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-2
CB radio or car phone .................................... 4-25
Child restraints ................................................ 1-24
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-32
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-24
Top tether strap anchor point locations .... 1-31
With top tether strap.................................. 1-30
Child safety ..................................................... 1-19
Child safety rear door lock................................ 3-4
Chimes ............................................................ 2-11
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray....... 2-21
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-22
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Cleaning exterior and interior ........................... 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-27
Clutch
Clutch pedal .............................................. 8-21
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-20
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ........................................................... 4-23
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 4-12
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-35
Console box .................................................... 2-25
Controls
Audio controls............................................ 4-12
Audio controls (rear).................................. 4-12
Audio controls (steering wheel)................. 4-12
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic)................................................... 4-9
Heater and semiautomatic air
conditioner ................................................... 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level .................... 8-5
Corrosion protection ......................................... 7-5
Cruise control.................................................. 5-13
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-24
DDaytime running light system ......................... 2-18
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defogger switch .................................... 2-16Dimensions and weights ................................. 10-8
Door ajar warning light...................................... 2-8
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-20
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-7
Driving with manual transmission ............. 5-11
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................ 5-15
Emission control information label ................ 10-10
Emission control system warranty ................ 10-18
Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-6
Block heater .............................................. 5-21
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine coolant ............................ 8-6
Changing engine oil .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil filter ............................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant ............................. 8-5
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-5
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-5
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation... 10-5
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-5
Engine serial number .............................. 10-10
Engine specifications................................. 10-7
If your engine overheats ........................... 6-10
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-7Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-10
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-17
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-19
Flat tire .............................................................. 6-2
Floor mat cleaning ............................................ 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-12
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Engine coolant............................................. 8-5
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Window washer fluid ................................. 8-12
Fog light switch ............................................... 2-18
Front manual seat adjustment .......................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................ 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Filler cap .................................................... 3-10
Filler lid ...................................................... 3-10
Filler lid and cap ........................................ 3-10
Filler lid opener lever................................. 3-10
Fuel economy ............................................ 5-15
Fuel octane rating ..................................... 10-3
Fuel recommendation................................ 10-3
Gauge .......................................................... 2-5
Fuses .............................................................. 8-21
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11-2

Fusible links .................................................... 8-22
GGarage door opener, Integrated HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver ..................................... 2-30
Gas cap .......................................................... 3-10
Gauge ............................................................... 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............. 2-5
Fuel gauge .................................................. 2-5
Odometer..................................................... 2-4
Speedometer ............................................... 2-4
Tachometer ................................................. 2-4
General maintenance ................................ 9-2, 9-3
Glove box........................................................ 2-24
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-24
HHazard warning flasher switch........................ 2-19
Head restraints ................................................. 1-5
Headlamps, (Bulb replacement) ..................... 8-25
Headlight switch .............................................. 2-17
Headlights, (Bulb replacement) ...................... 8-25
Heated seats................................................... 2-20
Heater
Engine coolant heater ............................... 5-21
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped) ........................................... 4-9
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater operation.......................................... 4-3
Operation, Semiautomatic air conditioner ... 4-4
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver .................. 2-30
Hood, release ................................................... 3-8Horn ................................................................ 2-19
How to stop alarm, Theft warning .................. 2-13
I
Ignition switch ................................................... 5-4
Automatic transmission models .................. 5-4
Key positions ............................................... 5-6
Manual transmission models....................... 5-5
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) .............................. 2-9
Inside mirror .................................................... 3-12
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test................. 10-18
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Integrated HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver ..................................................... 2-30
Interior and cargo light .................................... 2-28
Interior light ..................................................... 2-28
Interior light replacement ................................ 8-26
J
Jump starting .................................................... 6-7
KKeyless entry, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-5
Keys .................................................................. 3-2
LLabel, Air conditioner specification label ...... 10-11
Label, Emission control information label ..... 10-10Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label.............. 10-10
Labels
Air bag warning labels............................... 1-15
Air conditioner specification label ........ 4-3, 4-9
Engine serial number .............................. 10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)........... 10-9
Lamp replacement .......................................... 8-24
License plate, Installing front license plate... 10-11
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 1-15
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-24
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-18
Headlamps (Bulb replacement)................. 8-25
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-17
Headlights (Bulb replacement) .................. 8-25
Interior and cargo light .............................. 2-28
Interior light................................................ 2-28
Personal light............................................. 2-28
Trunk light.................................................. 2-29
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-29
Warning/indicator lights and chimes .... 2-7, 2-9
Lights, Exterior and interior light
replacement .................................................... 8-26
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................... 10-12
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-3
Glove box lock........................................... 2-24
Power door lock .......................................... 3-3
Trunk lid lock opener lever.......................... 3-9
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 2-9
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M
Maintenance
Battery ....................................................... 8-13
Explanation of maintenance items..... 9-3, 9-10
General maintenance........................... 9-2, 9-3
Inside the vehicle ................................. 9-2, 9-3
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
Outside the vehicle .............................. 9-2, 9-3
Periodic maintenance schedules ................ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance .............................. 1-23
Manual antenna .............................................. 4-24
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 3-12
Outside mirror............................................ 3-13
Outside mirror control................................ 3-13
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-13
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-5
NNew vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-15
OOdometer .......................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Changing engine oil .................................... 8-8
Changing engine oil filter ............................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-5
Outside mirror ................................................. 3-13
Outside mirror control ..................................... 3-13
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-13
Overdrive switch ............................................. 5-10
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats................ 6-10
P
Parking
Brake check............................................... 8-20
Parking brake check.................................. 5-12
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-12
Parking/parking on hills ............................. 5-12
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-16
Periodic maintenance schedules ...................... 9-5
Personal light .................................................. 2-28
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Power antenna .......................................... 4-24
Power door lock .......................................... 3-3
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Power steering system .............................. 5-17
Power windows ......................................... 2-25
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-14
Precautions
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-13
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
On child restraints ..................................... 1-24
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-17
On supplemental restraint system .............. 1-6
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2Push starting ..................................................... 6-9
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ............ 4-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player .................................. 4-12
AM-FM radio with compact disc player..... 4-12
Cassette player operation ......................... 4-12
CB radio or car phone ..................... 4-12, 4-25
Compact disc (CD) player operation......... 4-12
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(USA only) .................................................... 10-18
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock...... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 2-16
Registering your vehicle in another country ... 10-9
Remote keyless entry, (See multi-remote
control system) ................................................. 3-5
Reporting safety defects (USA only) ............ 10-18
Rollover ............................................................. 5-3
SSafety
Child seat belts.......................................... 1-19
Reporting safety defects (USA only)....... 10-18
Towing safety .......................................... 10-14
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment .................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ...................... 1-4
Seat belt extenders......................................... 1-23
Seat belt maintenance .................................... 1-23
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11-4

Seat belt warning light .................................... 1-17
Seat belt warning light and chime .................... 2-8
Seat belt(s)
Child safety................................................ 1-19
Infants and small children ......................... 1-19
Injured persons.......................................... 1-20
Larger children .......................................... 1-19
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ................. 1-14
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 1-17
Pregnant women ....................................... 1-20
Seat belt cleaning........................................ 7-5
Seat belts .................................................. 1-17
Three-point type with retractor .................. 1-20
Seat(s)
Heated seats ............................................. 2-20
Seats ........................................................... 1-2
Security system (See theft warning)............... 2-12
Servicing air conditioner................... 4-3, 4-9, 4-12
Shifting
Automatic transmission ............................... 5-7
Manual transmission ................................. 5-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................... 1-23
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag system) .................................................... 1-12
Spark plugs ..................................................... 8-15
Speedometer .................................................... 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-6
Jump starting ............................................... 6-7
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ............................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-7Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Power steering system .............................. 5-17
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 3-12
Storage ........................................................... 2-22
Sun shade....................................................... 2-27
Sunroof, Automatic sunroof ............................ 2-26
Supplemental air bag system ......................... 1-11
Supplemental air bag warning labels ............. 1-15
Supplemental air bag warning light ......... 1-15, 2-8
Supplemental restraint system ......................... 1-6
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ......................................................... 1-6
Supplemental side air bag system ................. 1-12
Switch
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-18
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-19
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-17
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models ......................................................... 5-4
Ignition switch manual transmission
models ......................................................... 5-5
Overdrive switch ........................................ 5-10
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 2-16
Traction control system cancel switch ...... 2-21
Turn signal switch ..................................... 2-18
T
Tachometer ....................................................... 2-4
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge ........................................... 2-5Theft warning .................................................. 2-12
Three way catalyst ............................................ 5-2
Tilting steering wheel ...................................... 3-12
Tire
Flat tire ........................................................ 6-2
Spare tire ................................................... 8-35
Tire chains ................................................. 8-33
Tire placard ............................................. 10-11
Tire pressure ............................................. 8-31
Tire rotation ............................................... 8-33
Type of tires .............................................. 8-32
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-17
Wheel/tire size ........................................... 10-8
Wheels and tires ....................................... 8-31
Top tether strap child restraints ...................... 1-30
Towing
Tow truck towing ....................................... 6-11
Towing a trailer........................................ 10-13
Towing load/specification chart ............... 10-13
Towing safety .......................................... 10-14
Traction control system (TCS)
cancel switch .................................................. 2-21
Trailer towing ................................................ 10-13
Transceiver, Integrated HomeLink
Universal ......................................................... 2-30
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-7
Driving with manual transmission ............. 5-11
Transmitter, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-5
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ............................................................ 10-9
Trunk lid lock opener lever ............................... 3-9
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11-5

Trunk light ....................................................... 2-29
Turn signal switch ........................................... 2-18
UUnderbody cleaning .......................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading........................... 10-17
VVanity mirror light ............................................ 2-29
Vehicle
Dimensions and weights ........................... 10-8
Identification number (VIN) ....................... 10-9
Loading information ................................. 10-12
Recovery, (freeing a stuck vehicle)........... 6-12
Ventilators ......................................................... 4-2
WWarning
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-19
Theft warning............................................. 2-12
Warning labels, Air bag warning labels .......... 1-15
Warning light
Air bag warning light .......................... 1-15, 2-8
Brake warning light...................................... 2-8
Door ajar...................................................... 2-8
Low fuel warning light ................................. 2-9
Seat belt warning light and chime............... 2-8
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ................. 2-7
Warranty, Emission control system
warranty ........................................................ 10-18Washer switch, Windshield wiper and washer
switch .............................................................. 2-15
Washing ............................................................ 7-2
Waxing .............................................................. 7-2
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ......... 10-8
Wheel/tire size ................................................ 10-8
Wheels and tires ............................................. 8-31
Window washer fluid ....................................... 8-12
Window(s)
Cleaning ...................................................... 7-3
Power windows ......................................... 2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch.............. 2-15
Wiper
Blades........................................................ 8-18
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-15
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