2001 NISSAN MAXIMA check engine light

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

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 damage
to the engine. If any of the above symptomsare 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
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

11 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system) ......................... 5-19
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front airbag
system) ...................................................... 1-14
Side (See supplemental side air bag
system) ...................................................... 1-16
Air bag warning labels .................................... 1-19
Air bag warning light................................ 1-19, 2-8
Air cleaner housing filter ................................. 8-16
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 ......................................... 1-36
Antenna
Manual ....................................................... 4-25
Power ........................................................ 4-25
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 ............................................................. 1-9
Audible reminders ........................................... 2-11
Audio system .................................................. 4-12
Automatic
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-8
Transmission selector lever lock
release ....................................................... 5-10
Avoiding collision and rollover .......................... 5-3
B
Battery............................................................. 8-13
Battery saver system................................. 2-17
Battery replacement, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ................................ 5-7
Belts (See drive belts) .................................... 8-15Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ................... 5-19
Brake and clutch fluid................................ 8-12
Brake booster ............................................ 8-19
Brake pedal ............................................... 8-18
Brake pedal check..................................... 8-18
Parking brake check ........................ 5-13, 8-18
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-13
System....................................................... 5-18
Warning light ............................................... 2-8
Break-in schedule ........................................... 5-15
Bulb check/instrument panel ............................ 2-7
Bulb replacement ............................................ 8-23
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................................................. 10-2
Car phone ....................................................... 4-25
Car phone or CB radio ................................... 4-25
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ........ 2-25
Cargo net ........................................................ 2-25
Cassette player (See audio system) .............. 4-16
Cassette tape operation ................................. 4-12
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst............ 5-3
CD care and cleaning ..................................... 4-24
Child restraints ................................................ 1-28
Installation on front passenger seat .......... 1-37
Precautions on child restraints .................. 1-28
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X

Top tether strap anchor point locations .... 1-36
With top tether strap.................................. 1-36
Child safety ..................................................... 1-23
Child safety rear door lock................................ 3-4
Chimes ............................................................ 2-11
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ............................ 8-21
Cleaning exterior and interior .................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................... 2-29
Clutch
Clutch pedal .............................................. 8-19
Fluid ........................................................... 8-12
Cold weather driving ....................................... 5-21
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ........................................................... 4-22
Compact disc (CD) player operation .............. 4-12
Compact spare tire ......................................... 8-33
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 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 ...................................................... 2-23D
Daytime running light system ......................... 2-18
Defogger switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defogger switch............................................... 2-15
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 ................................ 8-5
Engine oil..................................................... 8-7Engine 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 ....................... 8-16
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
Folding rear seat............................................... 1-6
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................... 1-14
Front manual seat adjustment .......................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ............................ 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................... 10-2
Filler cap .................................................... 3-12
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X
11-2

Warning/indicator lights and chimes .... 2-7, 2-9
Lights, Exterior and interior light
replacement .................................................... 8-25
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................... 10-14
Lock
Door locks ................................................... 3-3
Glove box lock........................................... 2-24
Power door lock .......................................... 3-3
Trunk lid lock opener lever........................ 3-10
Low fuel warning light ....................................... 2-9
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
Manual front seat adjustment ........................... 1-2
Meters and gauges ........................................... 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror .............................................. 3-14
Outside mirror............................................ 3-15
Outside mirror control................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-15
Multi-remote control system.............................. 3-4N
Net, Cargo net ................................................ 2-25
New vehicle break-in ...................................... 5-15
Nissan Vehicle immobilizer system ................ 2-12
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, 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 ................................................. 3-15
Outside mirror control ..................................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ............................................... 3-15
Overdrive switch ............................................. 5-10
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats................ 6-10
P
Parking
Brake check............................................... 8-18
Parking brake check.................................. 5-13
Parking brake operation ............................ 5-13
Parking on hills .......................................... 5-13
Parking/parking on hills .................................. 5-17Periodic maintenance schedules ...................... 9-5
Personal light .................................................. 2-30
Power
Front seat adjustment ................................. 1-4
Power door lock .......................................... 3-3
Power outlet .............................................. 2-21
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Power steering system .............................. 5-18
Power windows ......................................... 2-26
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-17
Precautions
Braking precautions................................... 5-18
Cruise control precautions ........................ 5-14
Maintenance precautions ............................ 8-2
On child restraints ..................................... 1-28
On seat belt usage .................................... 1-21
On supplemental restraint system .............. 1-9
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
(US only) ....................................................... 10-21
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock...... 3-4
Rear power point ............................................ 2-21
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch .............................................................. 2-15
Registering your vehicle in another
country .......................................................... 10-10
Remote keyless entry, (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only)............... 10-20
Z
00.1.17/A33-D/V5.0
X
11-4