2000 NISSAN MAXIMA fuel cap

occurs, the gears automatically engage and
lock into third gear.
See the ªDriving the vehicleº in the ª5. Starting
and drivingº section for fail-safe before visiting
your NISSAN dealer.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam is
selected.
Cruise main switch indicator
light
The light comes on when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The light goes out
when the main switch is pushed again. When
the cruise main switch indicator light comes
on, the cruise control system is operational.
Cruise set indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it mayindicate there is something wrong with the
cruise control system. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control prob-
lem.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also come
on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose or
missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the ve-
hicle has at least three gallons of fuel in the
fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system problem exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:
IMalfunction indicator lamp on steady Ð An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If
the fuel filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive thevehicle. The
lamp should turn off after
a few driving trips. If the
lamp does
not turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
IMalfunction indicator lamp blinking Ð An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control system.
To reduce or avoid emission control system
damage:
a) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
b) Avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) Avoid steep uphill grades.
d) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop
blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
2-10
Instruments and controls
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3 Pre-driving checks and adjustmentsKeys .......................................................................... 3-2
Doors ......................................................................... 3-2
Locking with key ........................................................ 3-3
Locking with inside lock knob ................................... 3-3
Locking with power door lock switch ........................ 3-3
Child safety rear door lock ........................................ 3-4
Multi-remote control system (if so equipped)............ 3-4
How to use multi-remote control system .................. 3-4
Battery replacement .................................................. 3-7
Hood .......................................................................... 3-8
Trunk lid .................................................................... 3-9Opener operation ...................................................... 3-9
Key operation .......................................................... 3-10
Fuel filler lid ............................................................. 3-10
Opener operation .................................................... 3-10
Fuel filler cap ........................................................... 3-11
Steering wheel ........................................................ 3-12
Tilt operation ........................................................... 3-12
Sun visors ............................................................... 3-12
Mirrors ..................................................................... 3-13
Inside mirror ............................................................ 3-13
Outside mirrors ........................................................ 3-13
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FUEL FILLER CAPThe fuel filler cap is a ratcheting type. Tighten
the cap clockwise until ratcheting clicks are
heard.
Put the fuel filler cap on the cap holder while
refueling.
WARNING
IGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seri-ously injured if it is misused or mis-
handled. Always stop the engine and
do not smoke or allow open flames or
sparks near the vehicle when refuel-
ing.
IFuel may be under pressure. Turn the
cap one-half turn, and wait for any
hissing sound to stop to prevent fuel
from spraying out and possible per-
sonal injury. Then remove the cap.
IDo not attempt to top off the fuel tankafter the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically.
Continued refueling may cause fuel
overflow, resulting in fuel spray and
possibly a fire.
IUse only a genuine fuel filler cap as a
replacement. It has a built-in safety
valve needed for proper operation of
the fuel system and emission control
system. An incorrect cap can result in
a serious malfunction and possible
injury.
INever pour fuel into the throttle body
to attempt to start your vehicle.
CAUTION
IIf fuel is spilled on the car body, flush
it away with water to avoid paint dam-
age.
ITighten until the fuel filler cap clicks.
Failure to tighten the fuel filler cap
properly may cause the
mal-
function indicator lamp (MIL) to illu-
SPA0653
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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minate. If the
lamp illuminates
because the fuel filler cap is loose or
missing, tighten or install the cap and
continue to drive the vehicle. The
lamp should turn off after a few
driving trips. If the
lamp does
not turn off after a few driving trips,
have the vehicle inspected by an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer.
IFor additional information, see the
ªMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)º in
the ª2. Instruments and controlsº
section.
TILT OPERATIONPull the lock lever and while holding down,
adjust the steering wheel up or down to the
desired position.
Push the lock lever back into place to lock the
steering wheel in place.
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving. You could lose control of your
vehicle and cause an accident.
CAUTION
Store the main sun visor after storing
the extension sun visor.
SPA0234
SPA0991
STEERING WHEEL SUN VISORS
3-12
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
SWITCH (AMB)Push the ambient temperature switch. The
outside ambient temperature will be displayed
for approximately 5 seconds.
The ambient temperature sensor is located
in front of the radiator. The sensor may be
affected by road or engine heat, wind direc-
tion and other driving conditions. The dis-
play may differ from the actual ambient
temperature or the temperature displayed
on various signs or billboards.OPERATING TIPSWhen the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. However, this is not
a malfunction. After the coolant temperature
warms up, the air flow from the foot outlets will
operate normally.The sensor on the instrument panel helps
maintain a constant temperature; do not put
anything on or around this sensor.The air conditioning system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a refrigerant designed
with the environment in mind.This refrigerant
will not harm the earth's ozone layer.How-
ever, special charging equipment and lubricant
are required when servicing your NISSAN air
conditioner. Using improper refrigerants or lu-
bricants will cause severe damage to your air
conditioning system. See ªCapacities and rec-
ommended fuel/lubricantsº in the ª10. Techni-
cal and consumer informationº section for air
conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations.
Your NISSAN dealer will be able to service
your environmentally friendly air conditioning
system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equip-
ment.
HA1011
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself
or damage to the vehicle. The following are
general precautions which should be closely
observed.
WARNING
IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
N (Neutral) position. For an automatic
transmission, move the selector lever
to P (Park) position.
IBe sure the ignition key is OFF or
LOCK when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.
IYour vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the OFF
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-nect the negative battery cable before
working near the fan.
IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
IIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the bat-tery.
IOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) System,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
IDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition
key is on.
INever leave the engine or the auto-
matic transmission related compo-
nent harness connector discon-
nected while the ignition key is on.
IAvoid direct contact with used engine
oil. Improperly disposed motor oil
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS8-2
Do-it-yourself
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTIMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by your NISSAN dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.IImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
ITo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
INever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
1. Open the radiator cap and drain plug.
2. Open the drain plug on the engine block.
3. Flush the cooling system by running fresh
water through the radiator.
4. Close the radiator drain plug and the drain
plug on the engine block securely.
5. See ªCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricantsº in the ª10. Technical and
consumer informationº section for cooling
system capacity. Fill the radiator slowly with
the proper mixture of coolant and water. Fill
the reservoir tank up to the MAX level. Then
install the radiator cap.
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6. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See later in ªEngine
oilº for changing engine oil filter.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
7. Clean and re-install the drain plug and new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N×m)
Do not use excessive force.
8. Refill engine with recommended oil and
install the cap securely.
See ªCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricantsº in the ª10. Technical and
consumer informationº section for drain and
refill capacity. The drain and refill capacitydepends on the oil temperature and drain
time. Use these specifications for reference
only. Always use the dipstick to determine
when the proper amount of oil is in the
engine.
9. Start the engine.
Check for leakage around the drain plug.
Correct as required.
10.Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dip-
stick. Add engine oil if necessary.
11.Dispose of waste oil in the proper manner.
WARNING
IProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
ITry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
IKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
(Depending on the engine model, a special
cap typewrench may be required. See
your NISSAN dealer if in doubt.) Remove
the oil filter by turning it by hand.
SDI0975
Do-it-yourself
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