
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.Brake fluid level*Make sure that the brake fluid
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on the
reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie

Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.HEADLIGHTS
Replacing the xenon headlight bulb (if
so equipped)
WARNING
HIGH VOLTAGE
When xenon headlights are on, they pro-
duce a high voltage. To prevent an electric
shock, never attempt to modify or disas-
semble. Always have your xenon head-
lights replaced at a NISSAN dealer. For
additional information, see “Headlight
and turn signal switch” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section.
Replacing the halogen headlight bulb
(if so equipped)
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb. Be-
cause the headlight assembly must be removed
from the vehicle for bulb replacement, see your
NISSAN dealer.
CAUTION
●Aiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is
necessary, contact a NISSAN dealer.
●Do not leave the headlight assembly
open without a bulb installed for a long
period of time. Dust, moisture, smoke,
etc. entering the headlight body may
affect bulb performance. Remove the
bulb from the headlight assembly just
before a replacement bulb is installed.
●Only touch the base when handling the
bulb. Never touch the glass envelope.
Touching the glass could significantly
affect bulb life and/or headlight
performance.
●High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the
exterior lights in the rain or in a car wash. A
temperature difference between the inside and
the outside of the lens causes the fog. This is not
a malfunction. If large drops of water collect
inside the lens, contact a NISSAN dealer.
LIGHTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-25
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie

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.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used. However, most
states require a separate braking system
on trailers with a loaded weight above a
specific amount. Make sure the trailer
meets the local regulations and the regu-
lations where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are
available.
Surge Brakes - The surge brake actuator
is mounted on the trailer tongue with a
hydraulic line running to each trailer
wheel. Surge brakes are activated by the
trailer pushing against the hitch ball when
the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic surge
brakes are common on rental trailers and
some boat trailers. In this type of system,
there is no hydraulic or electric connec-
tion for brake operation between the tow
vehicle and the trailer.Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic sig-
nal sent from a trailer brake controller
(special brake-sensing module) . If electric
trailer brakes are used, seeElectric trailer
brake controllerin this section.
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes
are properly installed and demonstrate
proper brake function testing.
Pre-towing tips
●Be 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.
●Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
●Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
●Load 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.
Technical and consumer information9-21
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie

F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-32
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
Window washer fluid............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Foglightswitch.................2-31
Foldingrearseat.................1-5
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-42
Frontseats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-20
Fuelgauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-21
Fuses ......................8-20
Fusible links...................8-21G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkUniversal
Transceiver ...................2-51
Gascap.....................3-21
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuelgauge..................2-6
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
Glovebox....................2-39
Gloveboxlock .................2-39
Groceryhooks .................2-40
H
Hands-free phone system,
Bluetooth...............4-88,4-103
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-32
Head restraints..................1-7
Active Head Restraint............1-8
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-27
Headlight control switch............2-28
Headlights....................8-25
Heatedseats..................2-34
Heated steering wheel.............2-34
Heater
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-37,4-40
Heater operation...........4-37,4-40
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-42HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver.......2-51
Hood release..................3-18
Horn.......................2-32
I
Ignition Switch
Push-Button Ignition Switch.........5-7
Immobilizer system.........2-24,3-3,5-10
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-17
Increasing fuel economy............5-20
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-10
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror.......3-25
Instrument brightness control.........2-31
Instrument panel..............0-6,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-31
Intelligent Key system
Key operating range.............3-9
Key operation................3-10
Mechanicalkey................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation......3-13
Troubleshooting guide...........3-16
Warning signals...............3-16
Interiorlight...................2-48
Interior trunk lid release.............3-20
iPodPlayer...................4-73
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-19
J
Jump starting...................6-8
10-3
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
11/03/08—debbie

K
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-23
Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)........3-13
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
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-49
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-19
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-11
Light
Airbagwarninglight.........1-50,2-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-26
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-10
Bulb replacement..............8-26
Chargewarninglight............2-11
Foglightswitch...............2-31
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-27
Headlightcontrolswitch..........2-28
Headlights..................8-25
Interiorlight.................2-48Lightbulbs..................8-25
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Lowwasherfluidwarninglight.......2-22
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-44
Personallights ...............2-50
Security indicator light...........2-15
Trunklight..................2-51
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-10
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Door locks..................3-4
Gloveboxlock ...............2-39
Power door locks...............3-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-19
Low fuel warning light.............2-22
Low tire pressure warning light........2-12
Lowwasherfluidwarninglight.........2-22
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
Changing the maintenance
interval.................4-6,4-20
Displaying the maintenance notice
reminder................4-7,4-21
General maintenance............8-2
Insidethevehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Resetting the maintenance
interval.................4-6,4-20
Seat belt maintenance...........1-16
Setting.................4-6,4-20Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-14
Mappocket...................2-36
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-31
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-25
Outside mirror control...........3-27
Outside mirrors...............3-27
Vanity mirror.................3-25
Moonroof ....................2-44
Music Box hard-disk drive audio system . . .4-74
N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™.............3-7
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-24,3-3,5-10
NISSAN voice recognition system......4-114
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changingengineoil.............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
10-4
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
11/03/08—debbie

Outside mirror control.............3-27
Outside mirrors.................3-27
Overheat
Ifyourvehicleoverheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-27
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-27
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Parking/parking on hills...........5-21
Personal lights.................2-50
Phone, Bluetoothhands-free
system..................4-88,4-103
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-36
Power rear windows............2-42
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-22
Power windows...............2-41
Rear power windows............2-42
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
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..........4-7,4-22
Push starting..................6-10R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-87
Compact Disc (CD) changer....4-53,4-60
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) changer................4-51
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer.............4-57,4-65
Rear audio controls.............4-86
Steering wheel audio control switch....4-84
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-26
Rearaudiocontrols...............4-86
Rear power windows..............2-42
Rearseat.....................1-5
Rearseatairconditioner............4-42
Rear sun shade.................2-48
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-26
RearViewMonitor................4-28
Recorders
Eventdata..................9-27
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-25
Resetting the fuel economy........4-5,4-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-17,1-25,1-31
Reporting safety defects (US only)....9-25Seat adjustment
Front power seat adjustment........1-3
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-12
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
Shoulderbeltheightadjustment......1-16
Three-point type with retractor.......1-13
Seatbeltwarninglight.............2-13
Seatback pockets................2-37
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Automatic drive positioner.........3-28
Frontseats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-34
Rearseat...................1-5
Security indicator light.............2-15
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-24,3-3,5-10
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-19
Service manual order form...........9-27
Servicing air conditioner............4-43
Setting button...............4-7,4-22
Shift lock release................5-16
Shifting
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) ....................5-13
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-16
Spark plug replacement............8-16
Speedometer...................2-4
10-5
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
11/03/08—debbie

SRSwarninglabel...............1-49
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-11
Startupscreen .................4-17
Steering
Heated steering wheel...........2-34
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-22
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-84
Stoplight ....................8-26
Storage.....................2-36
Sun visors....................3-24
Sunglassescase................2-37
Sunroof (see Moonroof)............2-44
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-50, 2-13
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-42
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-49
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-35
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-35
Switch
Autolightswitch...............2-29
Automatic power window switch.....2-43
Foglightswitch...............2-31
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-32
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-27
Headlightcontrolswitch..........2-28
Power door lock switch...........3-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-26Turnsignalswitch..............2-31
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch....................2-35
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-25
T
Tachometer....................2-5
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-24,3-3,5-10
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3,8-41
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-11
Tire chains..................8-38
Tireplacard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-30
Tirerotation.................8-38
Types of tires................8-37
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-24
Wheels and tires..............8-30
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-20
Towing
Flattowing..................9-23
Towtrucktowing..............6-11
Towing load/specification.........9-19
Trailer towing................9-16Transceiver
HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver.....2-51
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Selectorleverlockrelease.........5-16
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
Tripodometer...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat....1-5,1-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-19
Trunklight....................2-51
Turn signal switch................2-31
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-24
V
Vanity mirror...................3-25
Variable voltage control system........8-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. . .2-35
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system....5-24
Vehicle electronic system........4-11,4-25
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.................6-13
10-6
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
11/03/08—debbie

Vehicle security system.............2-23
Vehicle security system
(NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
enginestart.............2-24,3-3,5-10
Ventilators....................4-34
Visors ......................3-24
Voice recognition system...........4-114
W
Warning
Airbagwarninglight.........1-50,2-13
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-10
Battery charge warning light........2-11
Brake warning light.............2-11
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-11
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-32
Lowfuelwarninglight ...........2-22
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Lowwasherfluidwarninglight.......2-22
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-44
Seatbeltwarninglight...........2-13
Vehicle security system...........2-23
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-49
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-10
Warninglights..................2-10
Washer switch
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-25
Weights(Seedimensionsandweights) ....9-8
Wheels and tires................8-30
Wheel/tire size..................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country................9-9
Window washer fluid..............8-12Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-42
Power rear windows............2-42
Power windows...............2-41
Rear power windows............2-42
Windshield wiper and washer switch.....2-25
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-25
Wiperblades................8-18
10-7
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
11/03/08—debbie