2003 NISSAN MAXIMA check engine

Welcome To The World Of NISSANYour new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come the fifth largest automaker in the world. In
addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes
forklift trucks, marine engines, boats and other
diversified products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America. NISSAN'S commit-
ment is nearly $4 billion dollars in capital invest-
ments in facilities across the continent. Some ofthe facilities include the Nissan Manufacturing
facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle styling
design at Nissan Design America in San Diego,
California, and engineering at Nissan Technical
Center North America in Farmington Hills, Michi-
gan. Additionally, NISSAN employs nearly
18,000 people throughout the United States,
Canada, and Mexico. An additional 71,000
people work for the 1,500 NISSAN and INFINITI
dealers across North America.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 140 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply NISSAN and
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from operation of port facilities and trans-portation services to the supply of lubricants,
parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN
to your dealer for maintenance, the service tech-
nician will perform his work according to the
quality standards that have been established by
the factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
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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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or
Anti-lock brake warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)
A/T check warning light (A/T models)
Seat belt warning light
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
or
Brake warning light
Stop/tail warning light
Slip indicator light
Charge warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Traction control system indicator light
Door open warning light
Trunk lid open warning light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light
Low fuel warning light
Cruise set indicator light
CHECKING BULBSApply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights will come on:
,
or
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then
go off:
,
or
,
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light
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 isrunning, 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.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
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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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