2001 NISSAN MAXIMA transmission

trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; 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 aslope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped
with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission selector lever
into the P (Park) position. If you move the
selector lever to the P (Park) position be-
fore blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
IIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
ITrailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often thanat intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule.
IWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
ICrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being passed
by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect
vehicle handling. If swaying does occur,
firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually) re-
duce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
IBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
ITo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
fifth gear (manual transmission) or over-
drive (automatic transmission).10-18
Technical and consumer information
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IAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently.
See ªPeriodic maintenance schedulesº in
the ª9. Maintenanceº section.DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform
to federal safety requirements in addition to
these grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TreadwearTreadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified government
test courses. For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well
on the government course as a tire graded
100. However, relative tire performance de-
pends on actual driving conditions, and may
vary significantly from the norm due to varia-
tions in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.Traction AA, A, B and CThe traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphaltand concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.Temperature A, B and CTemperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause tire mate-
rial to degenerate, reducing tire life. Excessive
temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a performance level
which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades A and B represent higher levels of
performance on laboratory test wheels than
the minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
Technical and consumer information
10-19
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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
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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
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Filler lid ...................................................... 3-12
Filler lid and cap ........................................ 3-12
Filler lid opener lever................................. 3-12
Fuel economy ............................................ 5-16
Fuel octane rating ..................................... 10-3
Fuel recommendation................................ 10-3
Gauge .......................................................... 2-5
Fuses .............................................................. 8-20
Fusible links .................................................... 8-21
G
Garage door opener, Integrated HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ..................................... 2-32
Gas cap .......................................................... 3-12
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 .................................................. 2-23
Glove box........................................................ 2-24
Glove box lock ................................................ 2-24
H
Hazard warning flasher switch........................ 2-19
Head restraints ................................................. 1-7
Headlamps, (Bulb replacement) ..................... 8-24
Headlights
(Bulb replacement) .................................... 8-24Headlight switch ........................................ 2-16
Heated seats................................................... 2-20
Heater
Engine coolant heater ............................... 5-22
Heater and air conditioner controls ............. 4-3
Heater operation.......................................... 4-3
Heater operation, Semiautomatic air
conditioner ........................................................ 4-4
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver .................. 2-32
Hood, release ................................................... 3-9
Horn ................................................................ 2-19
How to stop alarm, Vehicle security
system............................................................. 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 .................................................... 3-14
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test................. 10-21
Instrument panel ............................................... 2-2
Integrated HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver ..................................................... 2-32
Interior and cargo light .................................... 2-29
Interior light ..................................................... 2-29
Interior light replacement ................................ 8-25J
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 ................................. 1-19
Bulb replacement ...................................... 8-23
Headlamps (Bulb replacement)................. 8-24
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-16
Headlights (Bulb replacement) .................. 8-24
Interior and cargo light .............................. 2-29
Interior light................................................ 2-29
Personal light............................................. 2-30
Replacement ............................................. 8-23
Trunk light.................................................. 2-32
Vanity mirror light ...................................... 2-31
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Rollover ............................................................. 5-3
S
Safety
Child seat belts.......................................... 1-23
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......... 10-20
Towing safety .......................................... 10-17
Seat
Belt extenders ........................................... 1-27
Belt maintenance....................................... 1-28
Belt warning light ....................................... 1-21
Belt warning light and chime ....................... 2-8
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment .................... 1-2
Front power seat adjustment ...................... 1-4
Seat belt(s)
Child safety................................................ 1-23
Infants and small children ......................... 1-23
Injured persons.......................................... 1-24
Larger children .......................................... 1-24
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ................. 1-17
Precautions on seat belt usage ................ 1-21
Pregnant women ....................................... 1-24
Seat belt cleaning........................................ 7-5
Seat belts .................................................. 1-21
Three-point type with retractor .................. 1-24
Seat(s), Seats ................................................... 1-2
Seats, Heated seats ....................................... 2-20
Security system (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ..................................... 2-13
Security systems (See theft warning) ............. 2-12
Servicing air conditioner .......................... 4-3, 4-11
Shift lock release ............................................ 5-10Shifting
Automatic transmission ............................... 5-8
Manual transmission ................................. 5-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................... 1-27
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag system) .................................................... 1-16
Spark plugs ..................................................... 8-15
Speedometer .................................................... 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-7
Jump starting ............................................... 6-7
Precautions when starting and driving ........ 5-2
Push starting ............................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ...................................... 5-7
Steering
Power steering fluid................................... 8-11
Power steering system .............................. 5-18
Tilting steering wheel ................................ 3-13
Storage ........................................................... 2-22
Sun shade....................................................... 2-28
Sun visors ....................................................... 3-14
Supplemental air bag warning labels ............. 1-19
Supplemental air bag warning light ......... 1-19, 2-8
Supplemental front air bag system ................. 1-14
Supplemental restraint system ......................... 1-9
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ......................................................... 1-9
Supplemental side air bag system ................. 1-16
Switch
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-19
Headlight switch ........................................ 2-16
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4Ignition switch automatic transmission
models ......................................................... 5-4
Ignition switch manual transmission
models ......................................................... 5-5
Overdrive switch ........................................ 5-10
Power door lock switch ............................... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defogger
switch......................................................... 2-15
Traction control system cancel switch ...... 2-21
Turn signal switch ..................................... 2-18
T
Tachometer ....................................................... 2-4
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant temperature
gauge ................................................................ 2-5
Theft (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start..................................................... 2-13
Three way catalyst ............................................ 5-3
Tilting steering wheel ...................................... 3-13
Tire
Flat tire ........................................................ 6-2
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-19
Tires
Spare tire ................................................... 8-35
Tire chains ................................................. 8-33
Tire placard ............................................. 10-12
Tire pressure ............................................. 8-30
Tire rotation ............................................... 8-32
Type of tires .............................................. 8-30
Top tether strap child restraints ...................... 1-36
Towing
Tow truck towing ....................................... 6-11
Towing a trailer........................................ 10-15
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Towing load/specification chart ............... 10-15
Towing safety .......................................... 10-17
Traction control system .................................. 5-20
Traction control system (TCS) cancel
switch .............................................................. 2-21
Trailer towing ................................................ 10-15
Transceiver, Integrated HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver ..................................................... 2-32
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-10
Driving with automatic transmission............ 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ............. 5-11
Transmission selector lever lock
release ....................................................... 5-10
Transmitter (See multi-remote control
system) ............................................................. 3-4
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country .......................................................... 10-10
Trunk
Access through rear seat ............................ 1-6
Lid lock opener lever ................................. 3-10
Light ........................................................... 2-32
Turn signal switch ........................................... 2-18
U
Underbody cleaning .......................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading........................... 10-19
V
Vanity mirror light ............................................ 2-31
Vehicle
Dimensions and weights ........................... 10-9Identification number (VIN) ..................... 10-10
Loading information ................................. 10-14
Vehicle recovery, (freeing a stuck vehicle)..... 6-12
Ventilators ......................................................... 4-2
W
Warning, Hazard warning flasher switch ........ 2-19
Warning labels, Air bag warning labels .......... 1-19
Warning light
Air bag warning light .......................... 1-19, 2-8
Brake warning light...................................... 2-8
Door open.................................................... 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 ........................................................ 10-20
Washer switch, Windshield wiper and washer
switch .............................................................. 2-14
Washing ............................................................ 7-2
Waxing .............................................................. 7-2
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ......... 10-9
Wheels and tires, Cleaning aluminum alloy
wheels ............................................................... 7-4
Window washer fluid ....................................... 8-12
Window(s)
Cleaning ...................................................... 7-3
Power windows ......................................... 2-26
Windshield wiper and washer switch.............. 2-14
Wiper
Blades........................................................ 8-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-14
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