2001 NISSAN MAXIMA transmission

light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
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 greaterpedal 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 that the anti-lock brake
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
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
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checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Traction control system
indicator light (if so equipped)
The traction control system indicator light
should come on when you turn the ignition key
to ON. The light will go off as you start the
engine. If the indicator light does not come on
or go off, have the TCS checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
If the light stays on or comes on when you are
driving, there may be a problem with your
traction control system and it may not operate
properly. Have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
The traction control system indicator light may
come on for the following reasons.
a) If the system is turned off by pressing
the button on the instrument panel, the
indicator light will come on and stay on.
To turn the system back on, press the
button again. The indicator light will go
off.b) If engine speed is above 4,000 rpm in a
selected gear. Use D range on low fric-
tion road surfaces.
If the traction control system indicator light
comes on and stays on for an extended period
of time when the system is turned on, have
your vehicle checked by your NISSAN dealer.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light will blink on when your traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if the slip indicator
light blinks on. If this happens, adjust your
driving accordingly.
You may feel or hear the system working, but
this is normal.
The light will blink on for a few seconds after
the traction control system stops limiting wheel
spin.
The slip indicator light also comes on when
you turn the ignition key to ON. The light will go
off as you start the engine. If the light does not
come on or go off, have the TCS checked by
your NISSAN dealer. The traction control sys-
tem operates in all transmission shift lever
positions. But the system can upshift the trans-mission only as high as the indicated shift lever
position.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chimeThe chime will sound if the driver side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch (ignition switch is turned off). Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.Light reminder chimeThe headlights will turn off when the front door
is opened with the light switch on unless the
ignition key is in the ON position.
When you turn the headlight switch ON again
after the lights automatically turn off and when
you open the driver's door, the lights will not
turn off automatically and a chime will sound
instead. See the battery saver system under
ªHeadlight switchº in this section for details.
Make sure to turn the light switch off when you
leave the vehicle.Seat belt warning chimeThe chime will sound for about 6 seconds
unless the drivers seat belt is securely fas-
tened.
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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 .......................................................... 5-13
Precautions on cruise control ............................. 5-14Cruise control operations ................................... 5-14
Break-in schedule ................................................... 5-15
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
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DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgment. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likeli-
hood of being involved in an accident
injuring yourself and others. Addition-
ally, if you are injured in the accident,
alcohol can increase the severity of the
injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. But, you
must choose not to drive under the influence of
alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol related accidents.
Although the local laws vary on what is con-
sidered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that
alcohol affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that's true for drugs too (over the counter,
prescription, and illegal drugs). Don't drive ifyour ability to operate your vehicle is impaired
by alcohol, drugs, or some other physical
condition.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONOn automatic transmission models, the igni-
tion lock is designed so that the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the selector
lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the selector lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved toward
LOCK.
When the key cannot be turned toward the
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IGNITION SWITCH
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LOCK position, proceed as follows to remove
the key:
1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3. Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition switch,
the selector lever cannot be moved from P
(Park) position.The selector lever can be
moved if the ignition switch is in the ON
position and the foot brake pedal is de-
pressed.
There is an OFF position in between LOCK
and ACC, although it does not show on the
lock cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF the
steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn counter-
clockwise from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
MANUAL TRANSMISSIONThe switch includes an anti-theft steering lock
device.
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
The ignition key can only be removed when
the switch is in this position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, first turn
the key to OFF and turn the key to LOCK while
pushing the key in.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/6 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.
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IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
IMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, e.g., each time you
check engine oil.
ICheck that all windows and lights are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). (P preferred.)
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) position and into any of the other
gear positions if the key is removed from
the switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if the
selector lever is in one of the driving posi-
tions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position,
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate un-
less the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails
to run, repeat the above procedure.
IIf the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, de-
press the accelerator pedal and hold it
to help start the engine.IIn the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal fully depressed while starting.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONThe automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this trans-
mission. Follow these procedures for maxi-
mum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.Starting the vehicleAfter starting the engine, fully depress the foot
brake pedal and push the selector lever button
before shifting the selector lever to the R, N, D,
2 or 1 position. Be sure the vehicle is fully
stopped before attempting to shift the selector
lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so that the foot brake pedal must be de-
pressed before shifting from P (Park) posi-
tion to any drive position while the ignition
switch is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) position and into any of the other
gear positions if the key is removed from
the switch.
1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed andshift into a driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
WARNING
IDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P or N to R, D, 2 or
1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose control
and have an accident.
ICold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
IOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.
INever shift to P or R while vehicle is
moving. This could cause an acci-
dent.
CAUTION
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brakes should be used for this purpose.
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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 the lever cannot be moved 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.
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