2008 NISSAN MAXIMA brake fluid

3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
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.
cDownshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
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.
c
Some states or provinces have specific regu-
lations and speed limits for vehicles that are
towing trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
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.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, transmission fluid
should be changed more frequently. For
additional information, see the “Mainte-
nance 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.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Continuously Variable Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with a continuously
variable transmission, an appropriate vehicle
dollyMUSTbe placed under the towed vehicle’s
drive wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufac-
turer’s recommendations when using their prod-
uct.
Technical and consumer information9-23
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10 Index
A
Active Head Restraint..............1-8
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-35
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-43
Air bag warning light...........1-51, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter............8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-21
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Servicing air conditioner..........4-21
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-17
Anchor point locations.............1-21
Antenna.....................4-45
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-11
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-19
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-17
Audio system..................4-22
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-35, 4-41
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-31
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer.............4-33, 4-38
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-28Radio....................4-22
Audio System
Settings...................4-39
Audio system
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-44
Autolight switch.................2-23
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-28
Automatic power window switch.....2-38
AUX jack.................4-32, 4-43
Average speed..................4-4
B
Back button....................4-7
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-11
Before starting the engine............5-8
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15
Block heater
Engine....................5-25
BluetoothThands-free phone system.....4-46
Booster seats..................1-31
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-19
Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-27
Brake system................5-18
Brake warning light.............2-11
Brake wear indicators........2-17, 8-20
Parking brake operation..........5-13Self-adjusting brakes............8-20
Brakes......................8-20
Break-in schedule................5-15
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-26
Brightness/contrast button...........4-17
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-10
Bulb replacement................8-27
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-45
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-43
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-35, 4-41
CD player (See audio system).........4-31
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-20
Child restraints.......1-11, 1-12, 1-17, 1-19
Precautions on child
restraints............1-17, 1-25, 1-31
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-21
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-17
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock
(models with navigation system)......4-16
(models without navigation system).....4-5
Clock set..................4-5, 4-16
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
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Cold weather driving..............5-23
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-31
Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-34
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . . .5-9
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-9
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-12
Control panel buttons
Brightness/contrast button.........4-17
Back button..................4-7
Clock set...................4-5
Enter button..................4-6
Setting button.............4-5, 4-11
Startup screen................4-7
Trip button................4-3, 4-7
With navigation system...........4-6
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-44
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.................2-27
Corrosion protection...............7-6
Cruise control..................5-14
Cup holders...................2-33D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-25
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-21
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-26
Display controls
(see control panel buttons).........4-2, 4-6
Distance to empty..............4-3, 4-8
Door locks....................3-4
Door open warning................4-5
Door open warning light............2-11
Drive belt....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-28
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-23
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-9
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-16
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-24
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-8
Block heater.................5-25
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8Changing 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. . . .8-6
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.....2-12
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-8
English/metric setting..............4-15
Enter button....................4-6
Event data recorders..............9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-32
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-27
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-11
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
10-2
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License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-11
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-51, 2-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-27
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-10
Bulb replacement..............8-27
Charge warning light............2-11
Cornering light...............2-27
Fog light switch...............2-26
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-22
Headlight control switch..........2-23
Headlights..................8-25
Interior light.................2-41
Light bulbs..................8-25
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-13
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-45
Personal lights...............2-41
Trunk light..................2-42
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-10
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Door locks..................3-4
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-20
Glove box lock...............2-34
Power door locks...............3-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-19
Low fuel warning light.............2-12
Low tire pressure warning light........2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-13
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12M
Maintenance
Changing the maintenance interval.....4-9
Displaying the maintenance notice
reminder....................4-9
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Resetting the maintenance interval.....4-9
Seat belt maintenance...........1-16
Setting....................4-8
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-15
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map pocket...................2-32
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-26
Mirror
Outside mirror control...........3-25
Outside mirrors...............3-25
Vanity mirror.................3-24
Moonroof....................2-39
N
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-19, 3-3, 5-7
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4Odometer.....................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.............3-25
Outside mirrors.................3-25
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats...........6-9
Owner’s manual order form..........9-27
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-27
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-13
Parking/parking on hills...........5-17
Personal lights.................2-41
Phone, BluetoothThands-free system. . . .4-46
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-31
Power rear windows............2-38
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-18
Power windows...............2-37
Rear power windows............2-38
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
10-4
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Precautions on child
restraints............1-17, 1-25, 1-31
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-9
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-35
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Programmable features..........4-5, 4-11
Push starting...................6-9
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-45
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-35, 4-41
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer.............4-33, 4-38
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-28
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-44
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-25
Rear power windows..............2-38
Rear seat.....................1-6
Rear sonar system...............5-22
Rear sonar system off switch.........2-30
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-21
Recorders
Event data..................9-26
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-25
Resetting average speed............4-4
Resetting the fuel economy........4-4, 4-8
Resetting trip 1 and trip 2............4-7Resetting trip time................4-4
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-17, 1-25, 1-31
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-25
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Rear seat adjustment.............1-6
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-11
Infants and small children.........1-12
Injured Person................1-13
Larger children...............1-12
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-9
Pregnant women..............1-13
Seat belt extenders.............1-16
Seat belt maintenance...........1-16
Seat belts...................1-9
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-16
Three-point type with retractor.......1-13
Seat belt warning light.............2-14
Seatback pockets................2-32
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Automatic drive positioner.........3-28
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-28
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat...................1-6
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-19, 3-3, 5-7Self-adjusting brakes..............8-20
Service manual order form...........9-27
Servicing air conditioner............4-21
Setting button...............4-5, 4-11
Shift lock release................5-12
Shifting
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)....................5-10
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-16
Sonar
Rear system.................5-22
Spark plug replacement............8-15
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-51
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-8
Jump starting.................6-7
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting.................6-9
Starting the engine..............5-8
Startup screen..................4-7
Steering
Heated steering wheel...........2-29
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-18
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-44
Stop light....................8-27
Storage.....................2-32
Sun visors....................3-23
Sunglasses case................2-32
Sunglasses holder...............2-32
Sunroof (see Moonroof)............2-39
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-51, 2-14
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-43
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-51
10-5
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Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-35
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-35
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-23
Automatic power window switch.....2-38
Fog light switch...............2-26
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-27
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-22
Headlight control switch..........2-23
Ignition switch................5-6
Power door lock switch...........3-5
Rear sonar system off switch.......2-30
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-21
Traction control system (TCS) off
switch....................2-29
Turn signal switch..............2-26
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch....................2-30
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-20
T
Tachometer....................2-5
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start..............2-19, 3-3, 5-7
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-42
Tire chains..................8-39Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-31
Tire rotation.................8-39
Types of tires................8-38
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-24
Wheels and tires..............8-31
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Tire pressure display..............4-10
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Tire rotation maintenance reminder......4-10
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-20
Towing
Flat towing..................9-23
Tow truck towing..............6-10
Towing load/specification.........9-19
Trailer towing................9-16
Traction control system (TCS) off switch . . .2-29
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-43
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-9
Selector lever lock release.........5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
Trip button..................4-3, 4-7
Trip odometer...................2-4
Trip time......................4-4
Trunk access through the rear seat.......1-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-19
Trunk light....................2-42
Turn signal switch................2-26U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-24
V
Vanity mirror...................3-24
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. . .2-30
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-21
Vehicle electronic system...........4-13
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number).................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.................6-12
Vehicle security system.............2-17
Vehicle security system
(NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start..............2-19, 3-3, 5-7
Visors......................3-23
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-51, 2-14
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-11
Battery charge warning light........2-11
Brake warning light.............2-11
Door open warning light..........2-11
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-12
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-27
10-6
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