2003 NISSAN MAXIMA engine

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
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oilº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause serious
damage to the engine almost immedi-
ately. Turn off the engine as soon as it is
safe to do so.
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.
Low washer fluid warning
light (if so equipped)
This light comes on when the washer tank fluid
is at a low level. Add washer fluid as neces-
sary. See ªWindow washer fluidº in the ª8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the igni-
tion key is turned to ON, and will remain
illuminated until the driver's seat belt is fas-
tened. At the same time, the chime will sound
for about 6 seconds unless the driver's seat
belt is securely fastened.
See ªSeat beltsº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systemsº section for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Stop/tail warning light
If the light comes on with the engine running
when the light switch is on or the brake pedal
is depressed, one or more stop/tail light bulbs
are burned out. Replace the stop/tail light bulb.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON posi-
tion, the supplemental air bag warning light will
illuminate. The supplemental air bag warning
light will turn off after about 7 seconds if the
system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental sideair bag (if so equipped) and pre-tensioner seat
belt needs servicing and your vehicle must be
taken to your nearest authorized NISSAN
dealer.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 seconds.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemen-
tal Restraint System and/or the pre-tensioner
seat belt may not function properly. For addi-
tional information, see ªSupplemental restraint
systemº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and supple-
mental air bag systemsº section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal air bag system, supplemental side air
bag system (if so equipped) and/or pre-
tensioner seat belt system will not oper-
ate in an accident.
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Trunk lid open warning light
This light comes on when the trunk lid is not
closed securely while the ignition key is ON.INDICATOR LIGHTS
Cruise main switch indicator
light
The light comes on when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The light goes out
when the main switch is pushed again. When
the cruise main switch indicator light comes
on, the cruise control system is operational.
Cruise set indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate the cruise control system is not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by
your NISSAN dealer.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam is
selected.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also come
on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose or
missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the ve-
hicle has at least three gallons of fuel in the
fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:
IMalfunction indicator lamp on steady Ð An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If
the fuel filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
lamp should turn off after
a few driving trips. If the
lamp does
not turn off after a few driving trips, have thevehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
IMalfunction indicator lamp blinking Ð An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control system.
To reduce or avoid emission control system
damage:
a) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
b) Avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) Avoid steep uphill grades.
d) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop
blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer. You do not need to
have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
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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,
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comes on. The SECURITY indicator light
glows for about 30 seconds and then blinks.
The system is now activated. If, during this
30 second time period, the door is unlocked
by the key or the keyfob, or the ignition key
is turned to ACC or ON, the system will not
activate.
IIf the key is turned slowly toward the
front of the vehicle when locking the
door, the system may not activate. If the
key is returned beyond the vertical po-
sition toward the rear of the vehicle to
remove the key, the system may be
deactivated. If the indicator light fails to
glow for 30 seconds, unlock the door
once and lock it again.
IEven when the driver and/or passengers
are in the vehicle, the system will acti-
vate with all doors, hood and trunk lid
locked and ignition key off. Turn the
ignition key to ACC to turn the system
off.
Vehicle security system operationThe security system will give the following
alarm:
IThe headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
IThe alarm automatically turns off after ap-proximately 1 minute. However, the alarm
reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by unlock-
ing a door or trunk lid with the key, or by
pressing the UNLOCK button on the key-
fob.
The alarm is activated by:
IOpening the door without using the key or
keyfob.
IOpening the trunk lid without using the key
or keyfob.
IOpening the hood.
How to stop alarmThe alarm will stop only by unlocking a door or
trunk lid with the key, or by pressing the
UNLOCK button on keyfob. The alarm will not
stop if the ignition switch is turned to ACC or
ON.
If the system does not operate as de-
scribed above, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEMThe Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System will
not allow the engine to start without the use ofthe registered Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key, it may
be due to interference caused by another
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key, an
automated toll road device or automated pay-
ment device on the key ring. Restart the en-
gine using the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position and wait approximately 10 sec-
onds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 again.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered Nissan Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,
NISSAN recommends placing the regis-
tered Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
key on a separate key ring to avoid inter-
ference from other devices.
Statement related to section 15 of FCC
rules for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
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WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer so-
lution may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to
an accident. Warm the windshield with
the defroster before you wash the wind-
shield.
CAUTION
The following could damage the washer
system:
IDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
IDo not operate the washer if the res-
ervoir tank is empty.To defog/defrost the rear window glass and
outside mirrors, start the engine and push the
switch on. The indicator light will come on.
Push the switch again to turn the defroster off.
It will automatically turn off in approximately 15
minutes.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inner side of the rear
window, be careful not to scratch or
damage the rear window defroster.
SIC1502A
SIC1918
REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE
MIRROR (if so equipped)
DEFOGGER SWITCH
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Be sure not to put anything on top of the
photo sensor located on the top left-hand
side of the instrument panel. The photo
sensor controls the autolamp; if it is cov-
ered, the photo sensor reacts as if it is dark
and the headlights will illuminate.Battery saver systemIWhen the headlight switch is in the
or
position while the ignition switch is in
the ON position, the lights (including the
front fog light) will automatically turn off 5
minutes after the ignition switch has been
turned to the OFF position.IWhen the headlight switch remains in the
or
position after the lights auto-
matically turn off, the lights will turn on for 5
minutes when the headlight switch is turned
to the OFF position and turn to the
or
position.
CAUTION
IBe sure to turn the light switch to the
OFF position when you leave the ve-
hicle for extended periods of time,
otherwise the battery will go dead.
INever leave the light switch on when
the engine is not running for ex-
tended periods of time even if the
headlights turn off automatically.
Instrument brightness controlThe instrument brightness control operates
when the light switch is in the
or
position.
Turn the control to adjust the brightness of
instrument panel lights (except clock) and
power window switch lights.
When the control is turned to the right until a
click sound is heard, the light intensity will be
at maximum. When the control is turned to the
left until a click sound is heard, the light will be
turned off.
SIC1230
IC1284MA
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Headlight beam selectTo select the high beam, push the lever for-
ward. Pull it back to select the low beam.Passing signalPulling the lever toward you will flash the
headlight high beam.Daytime running light system
(Canada only)The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is started
with the parking brake released. The daytime
running lights operate with the headlight switch
in the OFF position or in the
position.
Turn the headlight switch to theposition
for full illumination when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the
engine is started, the daytime running lights do
not illuminate. The daytime running lights illu-
minate once the parking brake is released.
The daytime running lights will remain on until
the ignition switch is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle are
not on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on
your headlights. Failure to do so could
cause an accident injuring yourself and
others.TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
Turn signalMove the lever up or down to signal the turning
direction. When the turn is completed, the turn
signals cancel automatically.Lane change signalTo indicate a lane change, move the lever up
or down to the point where lights begin flash-
ing.To turn the fog lights on, turn the headlight
switch to the
position, then turn the
switch to theposition. To turn them off,
turn the switch to the OFF position.
The headlights must be on for the fog lights to
operate.
SIC1760
FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if so
equipped)
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