2003 NISSAN MAXIMA power steering

2 Instruments and controlsInstrument panel ....................................................... 2-2
Meters and gauges ................................................... 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ................................ 2-4
Tachometer .......................................................... 2-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ...................... 2-5
Fuel gauge ........................................................... 2-5
Compass display (if so equipped)............................. 2-6
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ........ 2-9
Checking bulbs ..................................................... 2-9
Warning lights....................................................... 2-9
Indicator lights .................................................... 2-12
Audible reminders .............................................. 2-13
Security systems ..................................................... 2-14
Vehivle security system ...................................... 2-14
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System .................. 2-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................... 2-16
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defogger switch ....................................................... 2-17
Headlight and turn signal switch ............................. 2-18
Xenon headlights................................................ 2-19
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-19
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-21
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ............................. 2-21
Hazard warning flasher switch ................................ 2-22Horn......................................................................... 2-22
Heated seats (if so equipped) ................................. 2-23
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped) .................. 2-24
Traction control system (TCS) cancel switch
(if so equipped) ....................................................... 2-24
Power outlet ............................................................ 2-24
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (accessory) ............... 2-25
Storage .................................................................... 2-26
Trays................................................................... 2-26
Sunglasses holder .............................................. 2-26
Cup holder .......................................................... 2-27
Glove box ........................................................... 2-27
Console box ....................................................... 2-28
Cargo net (if so equipped) ................................. 2-28
Windows .................................................................. 2-29
Power windows .................................................. 2-29
Sunroof (if so equipped) ......................................... 2-31
Automatic sunroof .............................................. 2-31
Clock ....................................................................... 2-32
Adjusting the time............................................... 2-32
Trip computer .......................................................... 2-32
Interior light ............................................................. 2-34
Ceiling................................................................. 2-34
Personal light .......................................................... 2-35
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Push the heated steering switch to warm the
steering wheel after the engine starts.
The indicator lights will come on.
Push the switch again to turn the heated
steering off.
It will automatically turn off in approximately 30
minutes.To cancel the Traction Control System (TCS),
push the TCS cancel switch. The indicator
will come on. Push it again or restart the
engine to turn the system back on.
See ªTraction control systemº in the ª5. Start-
ing and drivingº section.The power outlet is for powering electrical
accessories such as cellular telephones.
CAUTION
IUse caution as the socket and plug
may be hot during or immediately
after use.
IThis power outlet is not designed for
use with a cigarette lighter unit.
IDo not use with accessories that ex-
ceed a 12 volt, 120W (10A) power
SIC1748
SIC1065
SIC1533
HEATED STEERING WHEEL (if so
equipped)TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(TCS) CANCEL SWITCH (if so
equipped)POWER OUTLET2-24
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.................... 3-4
Child safety rear door lock ................................... 3-4
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-4
How to use remote keyless entry system ............ 3-5
Battery replacement ............................................. 3-8
Hood ........................................................................ 3-10
Trunk lid .................................................................. 3-10
Opener operation ............................................... 3-11
Key operation ..................................................... 3-11
Interior trunk lid release ..................................... 3-12Fuel filler lid ............................................................. 3-12
Opener operation ............................................... 3-12
Fuel filler cap ...................................................... 3-13
Steering wheel ........................................................ 3-14
Tilt operation....................................................... 3-14
Sun visors ............................................................... 3-15
Mirrors ..................................................................... 3-15
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror ...................... 3-15
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-16
Automatic seat positioner (if so equipped) ............. 3-17
Automatic seat positioner operation (A/T models
only) .................................................................... 3-17
Procedure for storing memory............................ 3-17
Cancel switch ..................................................... 3-19
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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 .......................................................... 5-12
Cruise control .......................................................... 5-13
Precautions on cruise control ............................. 5-13
Cruise control operations ................................... 5-14
Break-in schedule ................................................... 5-15
Increasing fuel economy ......................................... 5-15
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-16
Power steering ........................................................ 5-17
Brake system .......................................................... 5-18Braking precautions............................................ 5-18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ........................... 5-18
Traction control system (if so equipped)................. 5-19
Cold weather driving ............................................... 5-20
Freeing a frozen door lock ................................. 5-20
Anti-freeze .......................................................... 5-20
Battery ................................................................ 5-20
Draining of coolant water ................................... 5-20
Tire equipment ................................................... 5-20
Special winter equipment ................................... 5-21
Driving on snow or ice ....................................... 5-21
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ................. 5-21
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WARNING
ISafe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park) for
automatic transmission models or in
an appropriate gear for manual trans-
mission models. Failure to do so
could cause the vehicle to move un-
expectedly or roll away and result in
an accident.
IMake sure the automatic transmis-
sion selector lever has been pushed
as far forward as it can go and cannot
be moved without depressing the
button at the end of the lever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a sloping drive
way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels
as illustrated.
IHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
q1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.IHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
q2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
q3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the
center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns or at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
much harder to operate.POWER STEERING
Starting and driving
5-17
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BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using en-
gine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop
the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal.
However, greater foot pressure on the brake
pedal will be required to stop the vehicle and
the stopping distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result,
your braking distance will be longer and the
vehicle may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat-up the brakes. Do this until the brakes
return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at
high speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This overheats the brakes, in-
creases wear on the brake linings and pads,
and reduces gas mileage.To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result
in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
IWhile driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerating
or downshifting. Abrupt braking or
accelerating could cause the wheels
to skid and result in an accident.
IIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes
at each wheel so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation
speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid
pressure to prevent each wheel from locking
and sliding. By preventing wheel lockup, thesystem helps the driver maintain steering con-
trol and helps to minimize swerving and spin-
ning on slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
(under the hood) rapidly applies and releases
hydraulic pressure (like pumping the brakes
very quickly). While the actuator is working,
you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from the actuator
under the hood. This is normal and indicates
that the anti-lock system is working properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
BRAKE SYSTEM5-18
Starting and driving
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When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial
in Canada) and local regulations for towing
must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment
could damage your vehicle. Towing instruc-
tions are available from an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Local service operators are generally
familiar with the applicable laws and proce-
dures for towing. To assure proper towing and
to prevent accidental damage to your vehicle,
NISSAN recommends having a service opera-
tor tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have the
service operator carefully read the following
precautions.
WARNING
INever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
INever get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
IWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering systemand powertrain are in working condi-
tion. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.
IAlways attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSANNISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed truck
as illustrated.
SCE0202
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE6-10
In case of emergency
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements ........................................ 8-2
General maintenance ................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .......... 8-2
Maintenance precautions .......................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ....................... 8-7
Engine cooling system .............................................. 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ............................. 8-8
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................................ 8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil ........................................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter ................................... 8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ................................... 8-12
Temperature conditions for checking ................. 8-13
Power steering fluid ................................................ 8-14
Brake and clutch fluid ............................................. 8-14
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-15
Battery ..................................................................... 8-15
Drive belts ............................................................... 8-17
Spark plugs ............................................................. 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ........................................ 8-18Air cleaner ............................................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades ......................................... 8-19
Cleaning ............................................................. 8-19
Replacing............................................................ 8-20
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................... 8-21
Checking parking brake ..................................... 8-21
Checking brake pedal ........................................ 8-21
Brake booster ..................................................... 8-22
Fuses....................................................................... 8-22
Engine compartment .......................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment .................................... 8-24
Keyfob battery replacement .................................... 8-24
Lights ....................................................................... 8-26
Headlights........................................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .................................. 8-28
Wheels and tires ..................................................... 8-33
Tire pressure ...................................................... 8-33
Types of tires...................................................... 8-33
Tire chains .......................................................... 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ................................. 8-35
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