2000 NISSAN MAXIMA AKI

ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGEThe gauge indicates the engine coolant tem-
perature.
The engine coolant temperature will vary with
the outside air temperature and driving condi-
tions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature over the normal range, stop
the vehicle as soon as safely possible. If
the engine is overheated, continued op-
eration of the vehicle may seriously
damage the engine. See ªIf your vehicle
overheatsº in the ª6. In case of emer-
gencyº section for immediate action re-
quired.
FUEL GAUGEThe gauge indicates the approximate fuel level
in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hill.
The gauge needle is designed to move to the
E (Empty) position when the ignition key is
turned to the OFF position.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge regis-
ters Empty.
SIC0173
SIC0879
Instruments and controls
2-5
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

Low brake fluid warning light:
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 vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ªBrake and clutch fluidº
in the ªDo-it-yourselfº section.
WARNING
IYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be
dangerous.
IPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as greater pedal
travel.IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir,
do not drive until the brake system
has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light (if so
equipped)
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the light will illuminate. The light will turn
off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate there is something
wrong with the anti-lock portion of the brake
system. Have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer. However if the light illumi-
nates while starting the engine, it does not
indicate a system malfunction.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally.If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank is
getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient,
preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E.
There will be a small reserve of fuel remain-
ing in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E.INDICATOR LIGHTS
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on during driving when the
overdrive switch is pressed to prevent over-
drive operation.
The O/D OFF indicator light comes on for 2
seconds each time the ignition key is turned
ON. This shows the light is functioning prop-
erly.If the O/D OFF indicator light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds after coming on for
2 seconds, have your NISSAN dealer check
the transmission and repair it if necessary.The automatic transmission is equipped with
an electronic fail-safe mode. This system al-
lows the vehicle to be driven even in the event
of damage to the electrical circuits. If this
Instruments and controls
2-9
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

CAUTION
IAvoid abrupt starting and braking
when the cup holder is being used to
prevent spilling the drink. If the liquid
is hot, it can scald you or your pas-
senger.
IUse only soft cups in the cup holder.
Hard objects can injure you in an
accident.
GLOVE BOXWhen locking or unlocking the glove box, use
the master key.
The glove box may be opened by pulling the
handle.
WARNING
Keep glove box lid closed while driving
to help prevent injury in an accident or a
sudden stop.
SIC1235
SPA0388
Instruments and controls
2-25
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ...................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .............................. 5-2
Three way catalyst .................................................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover................................... 5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-4
Ignition switch............................................................ 5-4
Automatic transmission ............................................. 5-4
Manual transmission ................................................. 5-5
Key positions ............................................................. 5-6
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ......................... 5-6
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-7
Starting the engine .................................................... 5-7
Driving the vehicle ..................................................... 5-8
Automatic transmission ............................................. 5-8
Manual transmission ............................................... 5-11
Parking brake .......................................................... 5-13
Cruise control .......................................................... 5-14
Precautions on cruise control.................................. 5-14Cruise control operations ........................................ 5-14
Break-in schedule ................................................... 5-16
Increasing fuel economy ......................................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-17
Power steering ........................................................ 5-18
Brake system .......................................................... 5-18
Braking precautions ................................................ 5-18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................................ 5-19
Traction control system (if so equipped)................. 5-20
Cold weather driving ............................................... 5-21
Freeing a frozen door lock ...................................... 5-21
Anti-freeze ............................................................... 5-21
Battery ..................................................................... 5-21
Draining of coolant water ........................................ 5-21
Tire equipment ........................................................ 5-21
Special winter equipment ........................................ 5-21
Driving on snow or ice ............................................ 5-22
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ...................... 5-22
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

ShiftingPush the button to shift into P, R or from D to
2. All other positions can be selected without
pushing the button.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Always be
sure the vehicle is at a complete stop. For
maximum safety, depress the brake pedal,
then push in the select lever button and move
the lever to the P (Park) position. Apply the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, applythe parking brake first, then shift the lever into
the P (Park) position.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. With the
brake pedal depressed, push in the select
lever button and move the lever to the R
(Reverse) position
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to N (Neutral) position and restart a
stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
2 (Second gear):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on
downhill grades.
Do not exceed 69 MPH (110 km/h) in the 2
(Second gear) position.
1 (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking
on steep downhill grades.Do not exceed 37 MPH (60 km/h) in the 1 (Low
gear) position.
SD1003M
Starting and driving
5-9
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

Shift lock releaseIf the battery charge is low, the select lever
may not move from the P position even with
the brake pedal depressed and the select lever
button pushed.To move the select lever, push the shift lock
release button and select lever button. The
select lever can be moved to N (Neutral).
To push the shift lock release button using a
screwdriver or other tool, follow the procedure
as illustrated.
If there is any problem moving the lever out of
P (Park) have your NISSAN dealer check the
automatic transmission system as soon as
possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved
from the P position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.Accelerator downshift
Ð In D position ÐFor rapid passing or hill climbing, fully depress
the accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts
the transmission down into second gear or first
gear, depending on the vehicle speed.
Overdrive switchEach time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically reset to overdrive ON.
ON: For normal driving the overdrive switch
is engaged. The transmission is up-
shifted into overdrive as the vehicle
speed increases.
The overdrive does not engage until the
engine has warmed up.
OFF: Changed for driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking would be
advantageous, push the overdrive
switch. The O/D OFF light illuminates.
SSD0151
SSD0110
5-10
Starting and driving
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

When cruising at a low speed or climb-
ing a gentle slope, you may feel uncom-
fortable shift shocks as the transmission
shifts between third and overdrive re-
peatedly. In this case, press the over-
drive switch. The O/D OFF indicator light
comes on at this time.
When driving conditions change, press the
overdrive switch again. The O/D OFF indicator
light goes out.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the O/D OFF
light illuminated. This reduces the fuel
economy.
Fail-safeWhen the fail-safe operation occurs, the next
time the key is turned to the ON position, the
O/D OFF light will blink for approximately 8
seconds after coming on for 2 seconds. While
the vehicle can be driven under these circum-
stances please note that the automatic trans-
mission will be locked in third gear.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition keyOFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the
key back to the ON position. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating con-
dition. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition, have your NISSAN
dealer check the transmission and repair if
necessary.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ShiftingTo change gears, or when up shifting or down
shifting depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into
the appropriate gear then release the clutch
slowly and smoothly.
On the five-speed transmission model, you
cannot shift directly from fifth gear into the R
(Reverse) position. First shift into the N (Neu-
tral) position, then into the R (Reverse) posi-
tion.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (Low gear), shift into N (Neu-
SSD0002
Starting and driving
5-11
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), follow
these recommendations for the future reliabil-
ity and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.
IDo not drive over the legal speed limit and
do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm. Avoid
driving for long periods at constant speed,
either fast or slow.
IDo not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
IAvoid quick starts.
IAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
IDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
IDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower fuel
economy.
IAvoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
IUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
IAvoid unnecessary engine idling.IKeep your engine tuned up.
IFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
IKeep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear
and waste fuel.
IKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause not only tire
wear but also lower fuel economy.
IAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
IWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air conditioner
and leave the windows closed to reduce
drag.
SD1001M
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY5-16
Starting and driving
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X