2008 NISSAN MAXIMA tow

s2Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor
and insert the tongue into the buckle until
you hear and feel the latch engage.
cThe retractor is designed to lock during
a sudden stop or on impact. A slow
pulling motion permits the seat belt to
move, and allows you some freedom of
movement in the seat.
cIf the seat belt cannot be pulled from
its fully retracted position, firmly pull
the belt and release it. Then smoothly
pull the belt out of the retractor.s3Position the lap belt portionlow and snug
on the hipsas shown.
s4Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the
retractor to take up extra slack. Be sure the
shoulder belt is routed over your shoulder
and across your chest.
The front passenger seat and the rear seating
positions three-point seat belts have two modes
of operation:
cEmergency Locking Retractor (ELR)
cAutomatic Locking Retractor (ALR) .The Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode
allows the seat belt to extend and retract to allow
the driver and passengers some freedom of
movement in the seat. The ELR locks the seat belt
when the vehicle slows down rapidly of during
impacts.
The Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode or
child restraint mode locks the seat belt for child
restraint installation.
When the ALR is activated, the seat belt cannot
be extended again until the seat belt tongue is
detached from the buckle and fully retracted.
After the seat belt fully retracts, the seat belt
returns to the Emergency Locking Retractor
(ELR) mode. See “Child restraints” later in this
section for more information.
The ALR should be used only for child re-
straint installation. During normal seat belt
use by a passenger, the locking mode
should not be activated. If it is activated it
may cause uncomfortable seat belt ten-
sion. It can also change the operation of
the front passenger air bag. See “Front
passenger air bag status light” later in this
section.
WRS0137WRS0138
1-14Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

cDo not use towels, books, pillows or
other items in place of a booster seat.
Items such as these may move during
normal driving or a collision and result
in serious injury or death. Booster seats
are designed to be used with a
lap/shoulder belt. Booster seats are de-
signed to properly route the lap and
shoulder portions of the seat belt over
the strongest portions of a child’s body
to provide the maximum protection dur-
ing a collision.
cFollow all of the booster seat manufac-
turer’s instructions for installation and
use. When purchasing a booster seat,
be sure to select one which will fit your
child and vehicle. It may not be possible
to properly install some types of
booster seats in your vehicle.
cIf the booster seat and seat belt is not
used properly, the risk of a child being
injured in a collision or a sudden stop
greatly increases.
cAdjustable seatbacks should be posi-
tioned to fit the booster seat, but as
upright as possible.cAfter placing the child in the booster
seat and fastening the seat belt, make
sure the shoulder portion of the belt is
away from the child’s face and neck and
the lap portion of the belt does not
cross the abdomen.
cDo not put the shoulder belt behind the
child or under the child’s arm. If you
must install a booster seat in the front
seat, see “Booster seat installation”
later in this section.
cWhen your booster seat is not in use,
keep it secured with a seat belt to pre-
vent it from being thrown around in
case of a sudden stop or accident.
CAUTION
Remember that a booster seat left in a
closed vehicle can become very hot.
Check the seating surface and buckles
before placing your child in the booster
seat.Booster seats of various sizes are offered by
several manufacturers. When selecting any
booster seat, keep the following points in mind:
cChoose only a booster seat with a label
certifying that it complies with Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or Canadian
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
cCheck the booster seat in your vehicle to be
sure it is compatible with the vehicle’s seat
and seat belt system.
LRS0455
1-32Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

4. Position the lap portion of the seat belt low
and snug on the child’s hips. Be sure to
follow the booster seat manufacturer’s in-
structions for adjusting the belt routing.
5. Pull the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt
toward the retractor to take up extra slack.
Be sure the shoulder belt is positioned
across the top, middle portion of the child’s
shoulder. Be sure to follow the booster seat
manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting the
belt routing.
6. Follow the warnings, cautions and instruc-
tions for properly fastening a seat belt
shown in the “Three-point seat belt with
retractor” earlier in this section.
7. If the booster seat is installed in the front
passenger seat, turn the ignition switch to
the ON position. The front passenger air bag
status light
may or may not illuminate,
depending on the size of the child and the
type of booster seat being used. See “Front
passenger air bag and status light” later in
this section.
PRECAUTIONS ON
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
This Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) sec-
tion contains important information concerning
the driver and passenger supplemental front air
bags (NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System) , front
seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air
bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supple-
mental air bag and seat belt pretensioners.
Supplemental front impact air bag system:
The NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System can help
cushion the impact force to the head and chest of
the driver and front passenger in certain frontal
collisions.
Front seat-mounted side-impact supple-
mental air bag system:This system can help
cushion the impact force to the chest and pelvic
area of the driver and front passenger in certain
side impact collisions. The front seat side-impact
supplemental side air bags are designed to in-
flate on the side where the vehicle is impacted.
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supple-
mental air bag system:This system can help
cushion the impact force to the head of occu-
pants in front and rear outboard seating positions
in certain side impact collisions. The curtain side-
Front passenger position
LRS0454
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-35
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

Other supplemental front air bag precau-
tions
WARNING
cDo not place any objects on the steer-
ing wheel pad or on the instrument
panel. Also, do not place any objects
between any occupant and the steering
wheel or instrument panel. Such ob-
jects may become dangerous projec-
tiles and cause injury if the supplemen-
tal front air bag inflates.
cImmediately after inflation, several
front air bag system components will be
hot. Do not touch them; you may se-
verely burn yourself.
cNo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental air bag system. This is
to prevent accidental inflation of the
supplemental air bag or damage to the
supplemental air bag system.
cDo not make unauthorized changes to
your vehicle’s electrical system, sus-
pension system or front end structure.
This could affect proper operation of
the supplemental front air bag system.cTampering with the supplemental front
air bag system may result in serious
personal injury. Tampering includes
changes to the steering wheel and the
instrument panel assembly by placing
material over the steering wheel pad
and above the instrument panel or by
installing additional trim material
around the air bag system.
cModifying or tampering with the front
passenger seat may result in serious
personal injury. For example, do not
change the front seats by placing mate-
rial on the seat cushion or by installing
additional trim material, such as seat
covers, on the seat that are not specifi-
cally designed to assure proper air bag
operation. Additionally, do not stow any
objects under the front passenger seat
or the seat cushion and seatback. Such
objects may interfere with the proper
operation of the occupant classifica-
tion sensor (pressure sensor) .
cNo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the seat belt system. This may affect the
supplemental front air bag system.
Tampering with the seat belt system
may result in serious personal injury.cWork on and around the supplemental
front air bag system should be done by
a NISSAN dealer. Installation of electri-
cal equipment should also be done by a
NISSAN dealer. The Supplemental Re-
straint System (SRS) wiring should not
be modified or disconnected. Unautho-
rized electrical test equipment and
probing devices should not be used on
the air bag system.
cA cracked windshield should be re-
placed immediately by a qualified re-
pair facility. A cracked windshield could
affect the function of the supplemental
air bag system.
cThe SRS wiring harness connectors are
yellow and orange for easy
identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental front air
bag system and guide the buyer to the appropri-
ate sections in this Owner’s Manual.
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-47
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

2. Calibrate the compass by driving the vehicle
in three complete circles at a maximum
speed of 5 MPH (8 km/h) .
3. After completing the circles the display
should return to normal.
cIf the compass deviates from the correct
indication soon after repeated adjustment,
have the compass checked at an authorized
dealer.
cThe compass may not indicate the correct
compass point in tunnels or while driving up
or down a steep hill. (The compass returns
to the correct compass point when the ve-
hicle moves to an area where the geomag-
netism is stabilized.)
CAUTION
cDo not install a ski rack, antenna, etc.,
which are attached to the vehicle by
means of a magnet. They affect the op-
eration of the compass.
cWhen cleaning the mirror, use a paper
towel or similar material dampened
with glass cleaner. Do not spray glass
cleaner directly on the mirror as it may
cause the liquid cleaner to enter the
mirror housing.
Instruments and controls2-9
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light
illuminates and then turns off. This indicates the
ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
9Brake system9in the9Starting and driving9sec-
tion.
orBrake 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
When the ignition key is in the ON position, 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 “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
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 in the ON
position.
Instruments and controls2-11
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) position
indicator light
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, this indicator light shows the CVT selector
lever position. See “Driving the vehicle” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
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 switch 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 functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Front passenger air bag
status light
The front passenger air bag status light ()
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger seat
is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on steady
or blinks while the engine is running, it may indi-
cate a potential emission control and/or CVT
malfunction.
The malfunction indicator light 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 surethe fuel-filler cap is installed and closed tightly,
and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons (11.4
liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
Operation
The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system and/or CVT mal-
function has been detected. Check the fuel-
filler cap. If the fuel-filler cap is loose or
missing, tighten or install the cap and con-
tinue to drive the vehicle. The
light
should turn off after a few driving trips. If
the
light does not turn off after a few
driving trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
Instruments and controls2-15
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X

cMalfunction indicator light blinking — An en-
gine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected
by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This indicator light will blink when the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if the slip indicator
blinks on. If this happens, adjust your driving
accordingly.
The slip indicator light also comes on when you
turn the ignition key to the ON position. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational. If the light does not come on or does
not go off, have the traction control system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Traction Control System off
indicator light (if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the traction
control off switch is pushed to OFF. This indi-
cates the Traction Control System is not operat-
ing.
Push the traction control off switch again or re-
start the engine and the system will operate nor-
mally. See “Traction Control System (TCS)” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
The traction control light also comes on when you
turn the ignition key to the ON position. 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 along with the SLIP indica-tor light while you are driving, have the Traction
Control System checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the Traction Control System is operating,
you might feel slight vibration or hear the system
working when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing, but this is normal.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control off
indicator light (if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF.
This indicates the Vehicle Dynamic Control sys-
tem is not operating.
Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch
again or restart the engine and the system will
operate normally. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on
when you turn the ignition key to the ON position.
The light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
2-16Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X