2009 NISSAN MAXIMA Owner´s Manual

Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or the
battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be reset to
a “not ready” condition. Before taking the I/M test,
check the vehicle’s inspection/maintenance test
readiness condition. Turn the ignition switch ON
without starting the engine. If the Malfunction Indi-
cator Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds
and then blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test
condition is “not ready”. If the MIL does not blink
after 20 seconds, the I/M test condition is “ready”.
If the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready”
condition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the shift selector in
the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position.9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast one more time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
9-26Technical and consumer information
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie


This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Re-
corder (EDR) . The main purpose of an EDR is to
record, in certain crash or near crash-like situa-
tions, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a
road obstacle, data that will assist in understand-
ing how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR
is designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short period of
time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this
vehicle is designed to record such data as:
●How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
●Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
●How far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
●How fast the vehicle was traveling.
●Sounds are not recorded.
These data can help provide a better understand-
ing of the circumstances in which crashes and
injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by
your vehicle only if a nontrivial crash situation
occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under
normal driving conditions and no personal data
(e.g. name, gender, age and crash location) are
recorded. However, other parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the EDR data withthe type of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equip-
ment is required and access to the vehicle or the
EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manu-
facturer and NISSAN dealer, other parties, such
as law enforcement, that have the special equip-
ment, can read the information if they have ac-
cess to the vehicle or the EDR. EDR data will only
be accessed with the consent of the vehicle
owner or lessee or as otherwise required or per-
mitted by law.A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is the best
source of service and repair information for your
vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illustrations
and step-by-step diagnostic and adjustment pro-
cedures, this manual is the same one used by the
factory-trained technicians working at NISSAN
dealerships. Also available are genuine NISSAN
Owner’s Manuals, and genuine NISSAN Service
and Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models.
For USA
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manualsfor the 2000 model
year and later contact:
1-800-450-9491
www.nissan-techinfo.com
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manualsfor the 1999 model
year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:
1-800-247-5321
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Owner’s Manualsfor this model year
and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:
1-800-247-5321
EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR) OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION
Technical and consumer information9-27
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie


For Canada
To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN Ser-
vice Manual or Owner’s Manual please contact
your nearest NISSAN dealer. For the phone num-
ber and location of a NISSAN dealer in your area
call the NISSAN Information Center at 1-800-
387-0122 and a bilingual NISSAN representa-
tive will assist you.
Also available are genuine NISSAN Service and
Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models.
IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION
Unfortunately, accidents do occur. In this unlikely
event, there is some important information you
should know.
Many insurance companies routinely authorize
the use of non-genuine collision parts in order to
cut costs, among other reasons.
Insist on the use of genuine NISSAN
collision parts!
If you want your vehicle to be restored using parts
made to NISSAN’s original exacting specifica-
tions – if you want to help it to last and hold its
resale value, the solution is simple.Tell your
insurance agent and your repair shop to
only use Genuine NISSAN Collision Parts.
NISSAN does not warrant non-NISSAN parts,
nor does NISSAN’s warranty apply to damage
caused by a non-genuine part.
Using Genuine NISSAN Parts can help protect
your personal safety, preserve your warranty pro-
tection and maintain the resale value of your
vehicle. And if your vehicle was leased, using
Genuine NISSAN Parts may prevent or limit un-
necessary excess wear and tear expenses at the
end of your lease.
NISSAN designs its hoods with crumple zones to
minimize the risk that the hood will penetrate the
windshield of your vehicle in an accident. Non-
genuine (imitation) parts may not provide such
built-in safeguards. Also, non-genuine parts of-
ten show premature wear, rust and corrosion.
Why should you take a chance?
In over 40 states, the law says you must be
advised if non-genuine parts are used to repair
your vehicle. And some states have enacted laws
that restrict insurance companies from authoriz-
ing the use of non-genuine collision parts during
the new vehicle warranty. These laws help pro-
tect you, so you can take action to protect your-
self.
It’s your right!
If you should need further information visit us at:
www.nissanusa.com(for U.S. customers) or
www.nissan.ca(for Canadian customers) .
9-28Technical and consumer information
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
11/03/08—debbie


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)...............1-42
Airbagwarninglight...........1-50,2-13
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-43
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-37,4-40
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-42
Servicing air conditioner..........4-43
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-23
Anchorpointlocations.............1-21
Antenna.....................4-87
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-23
Armrests .....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-16
Audio system..................4-43
Compact Disc (CD) changer....4-53,4-60
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-68Audio System
CompactFlash (CF) player.........4-70
Audio system
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD)changer................4-51
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD)changer.............4-57,4-65
Audio System
iPodPlayer.................4-73
Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system....................4-74
Audio system
Radio ....................4-43
Rearaudiocontrols.............4-86
Audio System
Settings................4-57,4-65
Audio system
Steering wheel audio control switch....4-84
Autolight switch.................2-29
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-28
Automatic power window switch.....2-43
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-16
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-25
Automatic door locks...............3-6
AUX jack.....................4-55B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-11
Before starting the engine...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15
Block heater
Engine....................5-27
Bluetoothhands-free phone
system..................4-88,4-103
Booster seats..................1-31
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-23
Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-26
Brake system................5-22
Brake warning light.............2-11
Brake wear indicators........2-16,8-19
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Self-adjusting brakes............8-19
Brakes
......................8-19
Break-in schedule................5-19
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-31
Brightness/contrast button.......4-14,4-28
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-10
Bulb replacement................8-26
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
11/03/08—debbie


C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-87
Cargonet....................2-40
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CDcareandcleaning .............4-83
CD changer (See audio system)....4-53,4-60
CD player (See audio system).........4-68
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-20
Child restraints..........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...........2-16
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock
(models with navigation system) . . .4-9, 4-23
Clockset..................4-9,4-23
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-25
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-68
CompactFlash (CF) player...........4-70
Console box...................2-39
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)......................5-11
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Controlpanelbuttons .............4-14
Brightness/contrastbutton.....4-14,4-28
Enterbutton..............4-2,4-14Setting button.............4-7,4-22
Startup screen...............4-17
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-84
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-37,4-40
Rear audio controls.............4-86
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-42
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changingenginecoolant ..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosionprotection...............7-6
Cruisecontrol..................5-18
Cupholders...................2-38
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-30
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-26
Dimensionsandweights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-31
Display controls
(seecontrolpanelbuttons)........4-2,4-14
Distance to empty.............4-5,4-19
Door locks....................3-4
Drive belt....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-28Driving
Cold weather driving............5-25
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-20
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-25
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Block heater.................5-27
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changingenginecoolant ..........8-8
Changingengineoil.............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.....2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-11
Enter button................4-2,4-14
Eventdatarecorders..............9-27
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
10-2
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
11/03/08—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