2008 NISSAN MAXIMA engine coolant

1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-11)
2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-8)
3. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)
4. Air cleaner (P. 8-16)
5. Battery (P. 8-13)
6. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-21)
7. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-8)
8. Radiator cap (P. 8-7)
9. Drive belt location (P.8-15)
10. Fuse block (P. 8-21)
11. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-12)
12. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-7)
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WDI0525
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents
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2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer.....................2-4
Tachometer....................................2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-5
Fuel gauge....................................2-6
Compass display (if so equipped)...................2-6
Zone variation change procedure.................2-8
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders......2-10
Checking bulbs...............................2-10
Warning lights................................2-11
Indicator lights................................2-14
Audible reminders.............................2-17
Security systems.................................2-17
Vehicle security system.........................2-17
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system.............2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-20
Switch operation..............................2-20
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-21
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-22
Xenon headlights (if so equipped)...............2-22
Headlight control switch........................2-23Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-25
Instrument brightness control...................2-26
Turn signal switch.............................2-26
Fog light switch...............................2-26
Cornering light................................2-27
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-27
Horn............................................2-28
Heated seats (if so equipped)......................2-28
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped).............2-29
Traction Control System (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-29
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-30
Rear sonar system off switch (if so equipped)........2-30
Power outlet.....................................2-31
Storage.........................................2-32
Map pockets..................................2-32
Seatback pockets.............................2-32
Sunglasses holder.............................2-32
Cup holders..................................2-33
Glove box....................................2-34
Console box..................................2-34
Covered storage box...........................2-35
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*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual (if so equipped) .
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
1. Tachometer
2. Warning/indicator lights
3. Speedometer
4. Fuel gauge
5. Engine coolant temperature gauge
6. Odometer (total/twin trip).
LIC0989
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
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TACHOMETER
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revo-
lutions per minute (rpm) . Do not rev the engine
into the red zone
s1.
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the red
zone, shift to a higher gear or reduce en-
gine speed. Operating the engine in the
red zone may cause serious engine
damage.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine coolant tempera-
ture. The engine coolant temperature is within the
normal range
s1when the gauge needle points
within the zone shown in the illustration.
The engine coolant temperature varies with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates coolant tempera-
ture near the hot (H) end of the normal
range, reduce vehicle speed to decrease
temperature. If the gauge is over the nor-
mal range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible. If the engine is over-
heated, continued operation of the ve-
hicle may seriously damage the engine.
See “If your vehicle overheats” in the “In
case of emergency” section for immediate
action required.
LIC0992WIC1009
Instruments and controls2-5
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OPERATING TIPS
cWhen the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. However, this is
not a malfunction. After the coolant tempera-
ture warms up, air flow from the foot outlets
will operate normally.
The sunload sensor, located on the top passen-
ger side of the instrument panel, helps the system
maintain a constant temperature. Do not put any-
thing on or around this sensor.The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. See “Air conditioner system refrigerant
and lubricant recommendations” in the “Techni-
cal and consumer information” section of this
manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equipment.
WHA0209
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
Display screen, heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems4-21
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-5
Ignition switch.....................................5-6
Intelligent Key System...........................5-6
Ignition switch positions.........................5-7
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system................5-7
Before starting the engine..........................5-8
Starting the engine................................5-8
Driving the vehicle.................................5-9
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).........5-9
Parking brake....................................5-13
Cruise control....................................5-14
Precautions on cruise control...................5-14
Cruise control operations.......................5-14
Break-in schedule................................5-15Increasing fuel economy...........................5-16
Parking/parking on hills............................5-17
Power steering...................................5-18
Brake system....................................5-18
Brake precautions.............................5-18
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-19
Traction Control System (TCS).....................5-20
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.............5-21
Rear sonar system (if so equipped).................5-22
Cold weather driving..............................5-23
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-23
Anti-freeze....................................5-23
Battery.......................................5-23
Draining of coolant water.......................5-24
Tire equipment................................5-24
Special winter equipment.......................5-24
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-24
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-25
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DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “Changing engine coolant” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.3. Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
cA scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
cA sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
cA shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
cExtra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
cWet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.cWhatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.
cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
5-24Starting and driving
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ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
WARNING
cDo not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be se-
riously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
cDisconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.
cUse a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-
tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug
the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the
proper extension cord or a grounded
outlet can result in a fire or electrical
shock and cause serious personal
injury.
Engine block heaters are available through
NISSAN dealers to assist in cold temperature
starting. The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20° F (-7° C) or
lower.To use the engine block heater:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block
heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a
grounded 3 wire, 3 pronged extension cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110-
volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in
for at least2-4hours, depending on outside
temperatures, to properly warm the engine
coolant. Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and prop-
erly store the cord to keep it away from
moving parts.
Starting and driving5-25
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