2006 NISSAN MAXIMA check engine

Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock.” (“Spark
knock” is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or enginedamage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.CAUTION
cYour vehicle is not designed to run on
E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle
not specifically designed for E-85 fuel
can damage fuel system components
and is not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.
cE-85 is a mixture of approximately 85%
fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline.
cU.S. government regulations require
ethanol dispensing pumps to be identi-
fied by a small, square, orange and
black label with the common abbrevia-
tion or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
9-4Technical and consumer information
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transmission shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position. If you move the shift selector
lever to the P (Park) position before blocking
the wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles that you do tow, do
not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive
(automatic transmission) .
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
Technical and consumer information9-19
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Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the
I/M test, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Turn the ignition switch ON without starting
the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and then
blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test condition is
9not ready9. If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is9ready.9If the
MIL indicates the vehicle is in a9not ready9con-
dition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission se-
lector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast one more time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
9-22Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
Active head restraint...............1-9
Air bag
(See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-35
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-42
Air bag warning light...........1-50, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter............8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-20
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Servicing air conditioner..........4-20
Alarm system (See vehicle security system). .2-15
Anchor point locations.............1-27
Antenna.....................4-33
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-15
Audio system..................4-20
AM-FM radio with cassette player.....4-28
Cassette player...............4-28
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-30
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-29
FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player
and compact disc (CD) changer......4-24FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player
and compact disc (CD) player.......4-24
Radio....................4-20
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-33
Autolight switch.................2-22
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-19
Automatic power window switch.....2-38
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-10
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-11
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-15
BluetoothThands-free phone system.....4-35
Booster seats..................1-31
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-18
Brake booster................8-22
Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Brake pedal.................8-21
Brake system................5-17
Brake warning light.............2-11
Brake wear indicators........2-15, 8-22
Parking brake check............8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-12Self-adjusting brakes............8-22
Break-in schedule................5-14
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-24
Brightness/Contrast button........4-6, 4-16
Control panel buttons.........4-6, 4-16
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-10
Bulb replacement................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-34
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
Cassette player (See audio system)......4-28
CD care and cleaning.............4-32
CD changer (See audio system)........4-30
CD player (See audio system).........4-29
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-26
Child restraints.......1-12, 1-13, 1-18, 1-25
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-18, 1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-27
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-15
Cigarette lighter.................2-30
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock
(models with navigation system)......4-14
(models without navigation system).....4-4
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Clock set
Control panel buttons.........4-4, 4-14
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-21
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-29
Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-34
Control panel buttons
With navigation system...........4-7
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-33
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Cornering light.................2-25
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-13
Cup holders...................2-32
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-23
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-20
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Display controls
(see control panel buttons).........4-2, 4-7Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-11
Drive belts....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-19
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-21
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-15
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-21
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-6English/Metric button...........4-4, 4-14
Control panel buttons.........4-4, 4-14
ENTER button.............4-2, 4-3, 4-7
Enter button
Control panel buttons.......4-2, 4-3, 4-7
Event data recorders..............9-23
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-31
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-25
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-12
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-24
Folding rear seat.................1-6
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-42
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-15
Fuel gauge..................2-6
10-2
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Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-11
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-11
FUEL ECON button............4-4, 4-9
Fuel Econ button
Control panel buttons..........4-4, 4-9
Fuses......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-24
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-44
Gascap.....................3-11
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-33
Glove box lock.................2-33
Grocery hooks.................2-36
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-25
Head restraints..................1-8
Active head restraint.............1-9
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-20
Headlight control switch............2-21Heated seats..................2-26
Heated steering wheel.............2-27
Heater
Heater operation..............4-19
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-44
Hood release...................3-9
Horn.......................2-26
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-17, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-17
Increasing fuel economy............5-15
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-10
Instrument brightness control.........2-24
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Interior light...................2-42
Interior trunk lid release.............3-11
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-25
J
Jump starting...................6-6
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-26Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Emission control information label.....9-10
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-49
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-25
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-50, 2-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-10
Bulb replacement..............8-28
Charge warning light............2-11
Cornering light...............2-25
Fog light switch...............2-24
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Headlight control switch..........2-21
Interior light.................2-42
Light bulbs..................8-27
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-12
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-44
Personal lights...............2-43
Trunk light..................2-44
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-10
10-3
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Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-11
Glove box lock...............2-33
Power door locks...............3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever..........3-9
Low fuel warning light.............2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-12
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maint (maintenance) button
Control panel buttons..........4-5, 4-9
Maint (Maintenance) button, control panel
display....................4-5, 4-9
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-17
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-13
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map pocket...................2-31
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-24
Mirror
Outside mirror control...........3-17
Outside mirrors...............3-17
Vanity mirror.................3-15
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5N
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system . . .2-17, 3-2,
5-5
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control.............3-17
Outside mirrors.................3-17
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats...........6-9
Owner’s manual order form..........9-23
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-23
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Parking/parking on hills...........5-16
Personal lights.................2-43Power
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-29
Power rear windows............2-38
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-17
Power windows...............2-37
Rear power windows............2-38
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-18, 1-31
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-35
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
PREV button.................4-3, 4-8
Prev button
Control panel buttons..........4-3, 4-8
Programmable features.......4-8, 4-5, 4-11
Push starting...................6-8
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player.....4-28
Car phone or CB radio...........4-34
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-30
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-33
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-22
Rear power windows..............2-38
Rear seat.....................1-6
Rear sun shade.................2-41
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-20
10-4
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