2008 NISSAN MAXIMA steering

Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cKeep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
cDetermine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
Technical and consumer information9-21
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cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
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.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill
side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly
release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
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 (805 km) 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.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle.
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
9-22Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
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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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Window washer fluid............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-26
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-43
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-16
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-20
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-20
Fuel economy setting............4-4, 4-8
Fuses......................8-21
Fusible links...................8-22
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-43
Gascap.....................3-20
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....................2-34
Glove box lock.................2-34
Grocery hooks.................2-35H
Hands-free phone system, BluetoothT. . . .4-46
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-27
Head restraints..................1-7
Active Head Restraint............1-8
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-22
Headlight control switch............2-23
Headlights....................8-25
Heated seats..................2-28
Heated steering wheel.............2-29
Heater
Heater operation..............4-20
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-43
Hood release..................3-18
Horn.......................2-28
I
Ignition switch..................5-6
Immobilizer system..........2-19, 3-3, 5-7
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-16
Increasing fuel economy............5-16
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders)...............2-10
Instrument brightness control.........2-26
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-26
Intelligent Key system..............3-6
Key operating range.............3-8
Key operation.................3-9
Mechanical key................3-3Remote keyless entry operation......3-12
Troubleshooting guide...........3-17
Warning signals...............3-17
Interior light...................2-41
Interior trunk lid release.............3-19
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-19
J
Jump starting...................6-7
K
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-24
Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)........3-12
Keys, For Intelligent Key system.........3-2
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)..........1-51
Language setting.............4-5, 4-15
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-19
10-3
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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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