2000 NISSAN MAXIMA warning light

CHECKING PARKING BRAKEFrom the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the number
of clicks is out of the range listed above, see
your NISSAN dealer.
CHECKING BRAKE PEDALWith the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and
the metal floor. If it is out of the range shown
above, see your NISSAN dealer.Self-adjusting brakesYour vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See your NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.Brake pad wear indicatorsThe disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high
pitched scraping or screeching 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 wear indi-
cator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, oc-
casional brake squeak, squeal or other noise
may be heard. Occasional brake noise during
light to moderate stops is normal and does not
affect the function or performance of the brake
system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For additional information, see
ªPeriodic maintenance schedulesº in the ª9.
Maintenanceº section for maintenance inter-
vals.
SDI0125
DI1020MF
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL8-20
Do-it-yourself
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

Improper service for a T-type spare tire
may result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the T-type spare
tire, contact your NISSAN dealer.Replacing tires and wheelsWhen replacing a tire, use the same size,
speed rating and load carrying capacity as
originally equipped. See ªSpecificationsº in the
ª10. Technical and consumer informationº sec-
tion for recommended types and sizes of tires
and wheels.
WARNING
IThe use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction
(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead toaccidents and could result in serious
personal injury.
IIf the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad wear.
IDo not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warn-
ing.
IThe use of retread tire is not recom-
mended.
Wheel balanceUnbalanced wheels may affect vehicle han-
dling and tire life. Even with regular use,
wheels can get out of balance. Therefore, they
should be balanced as required.Wheel balance service should be performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing
the front wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission damage.
Care of wheelsIWash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
IClean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
IDo not use abrasive cleaners when wash-
ing the wheels.
IInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
INISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.Spare tire (T-type spare tire)US only. Canadian vehicles are equipped with
a full size spare tire.
Observe the following precautions if the T-type
spare tire must be used, otherwise your ve-
hicle could be damaged or involved in an
accident.
Do-it-yourself
8-35
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have
your NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition,
you should notify your NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see ªMaintenance precautionsº in the ª8.
Do-it-yourselfº section.EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with ª*º is found in the ª8. Do-it-
yourselfº section.Outside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge pe-
riodically when at a service station, including
the spare, and adjust to the specified pressure
if necessary. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*:When checking the tires, make
sure no nuts are missing, and check for anyloose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balance:If the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight
and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hood:Check that all doors
and the engine hood operate smoothly as well
as the trunk lid or back hatch. Also make sure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate if nec-
essary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the pri-
mary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication fre-
quently.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as whenperforming periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Lights*:Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to en-
sure they operate smoothly and that all latches
lock securely in every position. Check that the
head restraints move up and down smoothly
and that the locks (if equipped) hold securely
in all latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Maintenance
9-3
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD110 (49)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchChoose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is avail-
able from your NISSAN dealer (Canada only).
Make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached
to the vehicle, to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by
crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.
CAUTION
IDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
IThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.IDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
ITo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch and/or receiver when not in use.
After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger 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 yourvehicle and the trailer. The chain should be
crossed 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.
WARNING
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 unloadedTechnical and consumer information
10-17
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system) ......................... 5-19
Air bag
Warning labels........................................... 1-18
Warning light ...................................... 1-19, 2-8
Air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ........ 1-13
Side (See supplemental side air bag
system) ...................................................... 1-15
Air cleaner housing filter ................................. 8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ............................. 4-3
Air conditioner service ....................... 4-3, 4-11
Air conditioner specification label .... 4-3, 10-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ...................... 4-3
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
Alcohol, drugs and driving ................................ 5-4
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
Ambient temperature switch (AMB), Air
conditioner ...................................................... 4-11Anchor point locations, Top tether strap ........ 1-35
Antenna
Manual ....................................................... 4-24
Power ........................................................ 4-24
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) ........................ 5-19
Anti-lock brake warning light............................. 2-9
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care ............................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ............................. 7-4
Armrest ............................................................. 1-8
Audio system .................................................. 4-12
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-8
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-29
Transmission selector lever lock release .... 5-9
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-3
B
Battery............................................................. 8-13
Battery replacement, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-7
Battery, Battery saver system ........................ 2-18
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-7
Belts (See drive belts) .................................... 8-15
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................... 5-19Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-12
Brake booster ............................................ 8-21
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-20
Brake pedal check..................................... 8-20
Parking brake check ........................ 5-13, 8-20
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-13
System....................................................... 5-18
Warning light ............................................... 2-9
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-16
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-7
Bulb replacement ............................................ 8-25
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................................. 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-25
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-25
Cassette player (See audio system) .............. 4-16
Cassette tape operation ................................. 4-12
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
Child restraints ................................................ 1-28
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-36
Installation on rear seat outboard or center
positions .................................................... 1-30
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-28
Top tether strap anchor point locations .... 1-35
Child safety ..................................................... 1-22
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

Child safety rear door lock................................ 3-4
Chimes ............................................................ 2-11
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray....... 2-23
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-22
Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-30
Clutch
Clutch pedal .............................................. 8-21
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-21
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ........................................................... 4-23
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 4-12
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-35
Console box .................................................... 2-26
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 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.................................................. 5-14
Cup holder ...................................................... 2-24D
Daytime running light system ......................... 2-19
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defogger switch............................................... 2-16
Dimensions and weights ................................. 10-9
Door open warning light ................................... 2-8
Drive belts ....................................................... 8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving ................................. 5-21
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ............. 5-11
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel ................................................ 5-16
Emission control information label ................ 10-11
Emission control system warranty ................ 10-20
Engine
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-7
Block heater .............................................. 5-22
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 level .................... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ............................ 8-7
Coolant temperature gauge ........................ 2-5
Engine compartment check locations ......... 8-4
Engine cooling system ................................ 8-5Engine oil..................................................... 8-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation... 10-5
Engine oil viscosity .................................... 10-5
Engine serial number .............................. 10-11
Engine specifications................................. 10-7
If your engine overheats ........................... 6-10
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ...................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label......................... 10-11
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter ....................... 8-17
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ............................................................. 2-20
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 ............................................... 2-19
Front manual seat adjustment .......................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................ 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Filler cap .................................................... 3-10
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X
11-2

Filler lid ...................................................... 3-10
Filler lid and cap ........................................ 3-10
Filler lid opener lever................................. 3-10
Fuel economy ............................................ 5-16
Fuel octane rating ..................................... 10-3
Fuel recommendation................................ 10-3
Gauge .......................................................... 2-5
Fuses .............................................................. 8-21
Fusible links .................................................... 8-22
G
Garage door opener, Integrated HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ..................................... 2-33
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
Glasses case .................................................. 2-24
Glove box........................................................ 2-25
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-25
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 2-20
Head restraints ................................................. 1-7
Headlamps, (Bulb replacement) ..................... 8-26
Headlights, (Bulb replacement) ...................... 8-26Headlights, Headlight switch........................... 2-17
Heated seats................................................... 2-21
Heater
Engine coolant heater ............................... 5-22
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater operation.......................................... 4-3
Operation, Semiautomatic air conditioner ... 4-4
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver .................. 2-33
Hood, release ................................................... 3-8
Horn ................................................................ 2-20
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
Immobilizer system ......................................... 2-13
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/indicator
lights and chimes) ............................................. 2-9
Inside mirror .................................................... 3-13
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test................. 10-20
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Integrated HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver ..................................................... 2-33
Interior and cargo light .................................... 2-30
Interior light ..................................................... 2-30
Interior light replacement ................................ 8-27J
Jump starting .................................................... 6-7
K
Keyless entry, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-4
Keys .................................................................. 3-2
L
Label, Air conditioner specification label ...... 10-12
Label, Emission control information label ..... 10-11
Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label.............. 10-11
Labels
Air bag warning labels............................... 1-19
Air conditioner specification label................ 4-3
Engine serial number .............................. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)......... 10-10
License plate, Installing front license plate... 10-13
Light
Air bag warning light ................................. 1-18
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-25
Fog light switch ......................................... 2-19
Headlamps (Bulb replacement)................. 8-26
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-17
Headlights (Bulb replacement) .................. 8-26
Interior and cargo light .............................. 2-30
Interior light................................................ 2-30
Personal light............................................. 2-31
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X
11-3

Replacement ............................................. 8-25
Trunk light.................................................. 2-33
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-32
Warning/indicator lights and chimes .... 2-7, 2-9
Lights, Exterior and interior light
replacement .................................................... 8-27
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................... 10-14
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-2
Glove box lock........................................... 2-25
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Trunk lid lock opener lever.......................... 3-9
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 2-9
Luggage net .................................................... 2-26
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 .............................. 1-27
Under the hood and vehicle ........................ 9-4
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 3-13
Outside mirror............................................ 3-13Outside mirror control................................ 3-13
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-13
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-4
N
Net, Luggage net ............................................ 2-26
New vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-15
Nissan vehicle Immobilizer System ................ 2-12
Engine start ................................................. 5-6
O
Odometer .......................................................... 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 ............................ 8-7
Engine 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................ 6-10P
Parking
Brake check............................................... 8-20
Parking brake check.................................. 5-13
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-13
Parking on hills .......................................... 5-13
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-17
Periodic maintenance schedules ...................... 9-5
Personal light .................................................. 2-31
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Power door lock .......................................... 3-2
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Power steering system .............................. 5-18
Power windows ......................................... 2-27
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-17
Precautions
Braking precautions................................... 5-18
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-13
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
On child restraints ..................................... 1-28
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-20
On supplemental restraint system .............. 1-8
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ..................................................... 6-9
R
Radio, car phone or CB radio......................... 4-25
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(USA only) .................................................... 10-21
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X
11-4