Warning
lightName Page
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light2-11
or
Brake warning light 2-11
Charge warning
light2-11
Door open warning
light2-11
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-12
Intelligent Key sys-
tem warning light2-12
Low fuel warning
light2-12
Warning
lightName Page
Low tire pressure
warning light2-12
Low windshield
washer fluid warning
light2-13
P position selecting
warning light2-13
Seat belt warning
light and chime2-14
Supplemental air
bag warning light2-14
Trunk lid open warn-
ing light2-14
Indicator
lightName Page
Continuously Vari-
able Transmission
(CVT) indicator light2-14
Continuously Vari-
able Transmission
(CVT) position indi-
cator light2-15
CRUISE main
switch indicator light2-15
Cruise SET switch
indicator light2-15
Front passenger air
bag status light2-15
High beam indicator
light (blue)2-15
Malfunction indica-
tor light (MIL)2-15
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents0-9
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
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orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightLow windshield washer fluid warning lightCruise SET switch indicator light
orBrake warning lightP Position selecting warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
Charge warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
Door open warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightMalfunction indicator light (MIL)
Engine oil pressure warning lightTrunk lid open warning lightSlip indicator light (if so equipped)
Intelligent Key system warning lightContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
indicator lightTraction control system off indicator light
(if so equipped)
Low fuel warning lightContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
position indicator lightTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low tire pressure warning lightCRUISE main switch indicator lightVehicle dynamic control off indicator light
(if so equipped)
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and turn the ignition key to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,or,,,
If equipped, the following lights come on briefly
and then go off:
or,,,,,,
,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-10Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/09/07Ðcathy
X
Manual shift mode
When the selector lever is shifted from D to the
manual shift gate with the vehicle stopped or
while driving, the transmission enters the manual
shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected manu-
ally.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is dis-
played on the position indicator in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
M1Ã!M2Ã!M3Ã!M4Ã!M5Ã!M6
M6 (6th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.M5 (5th):
Use this position when driving up long slopes, or
for engine braking when driving down long
slopes.
M4 (4th) , M3 (3rd) and M2 (2nd):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill
grades.
M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or driving slowly through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep
downhill grades.
cRemember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than M6
range. This reduces fuel economy.
When shifting up:
Move the selector lever to the + (up) side. (Shifts
to higher range.)
When shifting down:
Move the selector lever to the2(down) side.
(Shifts to lower range.)
c
Moving the selector lever to the same side
twice will shift the ranges in succession. How-
ever, if this motion is rapidly done, the second
shifting may not be completed properly.
When canceling the manual shift mode:
Return the selector lever to the D (Drive) position
to return the transmission to the normal driving
mode.
cIn the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving perfor-
mance and reduces the chance of ve-
hicle damage or loss of control.
c
In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may shift up automatically to a
higher range than selected if the engine
speed is too high. When the vehicle
speed decreases, the transmission auto-
matically shifts down. The transmission
shifts to M1 (1st) gear before the vehicle
comes to a complete stop. When accel-
erating again, it is necessary to shift up
to the desired range.
cWhen the CVT fluid temperature is ex-
tremely low, the manual shift mode may not
work and automatically shift as a drive mode.
This is not a malfunction. In this case, return
the selector lever to D (Drive) and drive for a
while and then shift to the manual shift mode.
cWhen the CVT fluid temperature is high, the
shift range may upshift in lower rpm than
usual. This is not a malfunction.
WSD0167
Starting and driving5-11
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
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Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift selector lever
may not be moved from the P (Park) position even
with the brake pedal depressed.
To move the shift selector lever, release the shift
lock. The shift selector lever can be moved to N
(Neutral) . However, the steering wheel will be
locked unless the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position. This allows the vehicle to be moved
if the battery is discharged.
To push the shift lock release, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover as
shown.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
release slot and push down.
5. Move the shift selector lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position while holding down the shift
lock release.
6. Turn the key to the ON position to unlock the
steering wheel. Now the vehicle may be
moved to the desired location.
If the shift selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) , have a NISSAN dealer check the trans-
mission as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunction-
ing stop lights could cause an accident
injuring yourself and others.
Accelerator downshift
— in D (Drive) position and manual
shift mode —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into lower range, depending on the
vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid temperature
protection mode. If the fluid temperature be-
comes too high (for example, when climbing
steep grades in high temperature with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer) , engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to reduce
the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may be
limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. The MIL may
come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is
activated, see “Malfunction indicator light
WSD0168
5-12Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
X
(MIL)” in the “Instrument and controls” sec-
tion. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this
case, turn the ignition switch to the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then turn
the switch back to the ON position. The
vehicle should return to its normal operat-
ing condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
NISSAN dealer check the transmission and
repair if necessary.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature protec-
tion mode or fail-safe operation occurs,
vehicle speed may be gradually reduced.
The reduced speed may be lower than
other traffic, which could increase the
chance of a collision. Be especially care-
ful when driving. If necessary, pull to the
side of the road at a safe place and allow
the transmission to return to normal op-
eration, or have it repaired if necessary.
WARNING
cBe sure the parking brake is fully re-
leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.
cDo not release the parking brake from
outside the vehicle.
cDo not use the gear shift in place of the
parking brake. When parking, be sure
the parking brake is fully engaged.
cDo not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the parking
brake and cause an accident.
To engage:Pull the lever up
sA.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. Move the shift selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
3. While pulling up on the parking brake lever
slightly, push the button and lower com-
pletely
sB.
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
WSD0169
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-13
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level...................8-7
Changing engine coolant........................8-8
Engine oil.........................................8-8
Checking engine oil level........................8-8
Changing engine oil............................8-9
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-10
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid......8-11
Power steering fluid...............................8-11
Brake fluid.......................................8-12
Brake fluid....................................8-12
Window washer fluid.............................8-12
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-12
Battery..........................................8-13
Jump starting.................................8-14
Drive belt........................................8-15
Spark plugs......................................8-15
Replacing spark plugs.........................8-15Air cleaner.......................................8-16
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-16
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-19
Cleaning.....................................8-19
Replacing....................................8-19
Brakes..........................................8-20
Self-adjusting brakes..........................8-20
Brake pad wear indicators......................8-20
Fuses...........................................8-21
Engine compartment...........................8-21
Passenger compartment.......................8-23
Battery replacement..............................8-24
Intelligent Key battery..........................8-24
Lights...........................................8-25
Headlights....................................8-25
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-27
Wheels and tires.................................8-31
Tire pressure..................................8-31
Tire labeling...................................8-35
Types of tires..................................8-38
Tire chains....................................8-39
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-39
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
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When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift selector
lever to P (Park) .
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
c
Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if the
ignition key is in the OFF position and the
engine is not running. To avoid injury,
always disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
c
Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks
away from the fuel tank and battery.
cOn gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced by
a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
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5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with
a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the sealing surface of the en-
gine.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.WARNING
cUse only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid
NS-2. Do not mix with other fluids.
cUsing transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will
damage the CVT, which is not covered
by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122° - 176°F (50° -
80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the
power steering fluid reservoir at fluid tempera-
tures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) .
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF. Remove the cap and fill through
the opening.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
WDI0256
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Maxima(max)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
06/08/07Ðdebbie
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