2003 NISSAN MAXIMA transmission

A/T check warning light (A/T
models)
When the ignition switch is turned ON, the light
comes on for 2 seconds. If the light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds, it may indicate the
automatic transmission system is not function-
ing properly. Have your NISSAN dealer check
and repair the transmission.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
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 ª8. Maintenance and do-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 greater
pedal 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.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging sys-
tem is not functioning properly. Turn the en-
gine off and check the alternator belt. If the belt
is loose, broken, missing or if the light remains
on, see your NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are
not closed securely while the ignition key is
ON.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer
or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not de-
signed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See ªEngine
2-10
Instruments and controls
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This light will blink on when your traction
control system (TCS) 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
turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational. If the light does not come on or go
off, have the traction control system checked
by your NISSAN dealer. The system operates
in all transmission shift lever positions. But the
system can upshift the transmission only as
high as the indicated shift lever position.
Traction control system
indicator 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 traction control
system (TCS) is operational.
If the light stays on or comes on when you are
driving, it may indicate the traction control
system is not functioning 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.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chimeThe chime will sound if the driver's 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 chime will sound when the front door is
opened with the headlight switch on unless the
ignition key is in the ON position.
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.Brake pad wear warningThe disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement,
Instruments and controls
2-13
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

AUTOMATIC SEAT POSITIONER
OPERATION (A/T models only)This system is designed so that the driver's
seat will automatically move when the auto-
matic transmission selector lever is in the P
(Park) position. This allows the driver to get in
and out of the driver's seat more easily.
When one of the following conditions is met,
the driver's seat will slide backward:
IWhen the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
IWhen the driver's door is opened with the
key turned to ACC or LOCK.
IWhen the key is turned from ON to ACC
with the driver's door open.
When one of the following conditions is met,
the driver's seat will return to the positions
before being set.
IWhen the key is inserted into the ignition
switch.
IWhen the driver's door is closed with the
key turned to LOCK.
PROCEDURE FOR STORING
MEMORYTwo positions can be stored in the automatic
driver's seat positioner memory.Follow these
procedures to use the memory system.
1. A/T models:
Set the automatic transmission selector
lever to the P (Park) position.
M/T models:
Apply the parking brake securely when the
vehicle is stopped.
2. Turn the ignition ON.
3. Adjust the driver's seat and steering column
to the desired positions by manually oper-
ating each adjusting switch. For additional
information, see ªSeatsº in the ª1. Seats,
restraints and supplemental air bag sys-
temsº section and ªSteering wheelº earlier
in this section.
SPA1385
AUTOMATIC SEAT POSITIONER
(if so equipped)
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
3-17
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

During this step, do not turn the ignition to
any positions other than ON.
4. Push the SET switch and, within 5 seconds,
push the memory switch 1 or 2 fully for at
least 1 second.
The indicator light for the pushed memory
switch will come on and stay on for approxi-
mately 5 seconds after pushing the switch.
After the indicator light goes off, the se-
lected positions are stored in the selected
memory (1 or 2).
If memory is stored in the same memory
switch, the previous memory will be de-
leted.
Confirming memory storageITurn the ignition ON and push the SET
switch. If the main memory has not been
stored, the indicator light will come on for
approximately 0.5 seconds. When the
memory has stored the position, the indica-
tor light will stay on for approximately 5
seconds.
IIf the battery cable is disconnected, or if the
fuse blows, the memory will be canceled. In
such a case, reset the desired positions
using the following procedures.
1. Open and close the driver's door more thantwo times with the ignition key in the LOCK
position.
2. Reset the desired position using the previ-
ous procedure.
Selecting the memorized position1. A/T models:
Set the automatic transmission selector le-
ver to the P (Park) position.
M/T models:
Apply the parking brake securely when the
vehicle is stopped.
2. Turn the ignition ON.
3. Push the memory switch 1 or 2 fully for at
least 1 second.
The driver's seat will move to the memo-
rized position with the indicator light flash-
ing. Then the light will stay on for approxi-
mately 5 seconds.
When memory switch 1 or 2 is pushed with the
driver's door open and then the key inserted
into the ignition switch within approximately 1
minute, the driver's seat will move to the
memorized position. Ð A/T models only
System operationThe automatic drive positioner system will not
work or will stop operating under the following
conditions:
Iwhen the vehicle speed is above 4 MPH (7
km/h).
Iwhen any two or more of the memory
switches are simultaneously pressed while
the automatic drive positioner is operating.
Iwhen the adjusting switch for the driver's
seat is turned on while the automatic drive
positioner is operating.
Iwhen the cancel switch located on the
instrument panel is pushed to cancel.
Iwhen the memory switch 1 or 2 is not
pushed for at least 1 second.
Iwhen the seat has already been moved to
the memorized position.
Iwhen no seat position is stored in the
memory switch.
Iwhen the parking brake is not applied. Ð
M/T models
Iwhen the vehicle speed is above 4 MPH (7
km/h) while the parking brake is applied. Ð
M/T models
To restart the drive positioner system,
3-18
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

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
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

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. You
must not 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 considered 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
SSD0083
IGNITION SWITCH
5-4
Starting and driving
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

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
and/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.
SSD0082C
Starting and driving
5-5
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X

IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
IMaintenance items should be checked pe-
riodically, 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 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.
IWhen the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/5 to the floor) and hold it then
crank the engine. Release the key and the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
IWhen the engine is very hard to start
because it is flooded, depress the accelera-tor pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5 to 6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accelera-
tor pedal. 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.
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
Starting and driving
5-7
Z
02.7.12/A33-D/V5.0
X