1 Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system
Seats............................................1-2
Front power seat adjustment.....................1-3
Folding rear seat (if so equipped).................1-5
Head restraint adjustment.......................1-7
Front-seat Active Head Restraints................1-8
Seat belts........................................1-9
Precautions on seat belt usage...................1-9
Child safety...................................1-12
Pregnant women..............................1-13
Injured persons................................1-13
Three-point type seat belt with retractor..........1-13
Seat belt extenders............................1-16
Seat belt maintenance.........................1-16
Child restraints...................................1-17
Precautions on child restraints..................1-17LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System.............................1-19
Top tether strap child restraint..................1-20
Child restraint installation using LATCH..........1-21
Child restraint installation using the seat
belts.........................................1-25
Booster seats....................................1-31
Precautions on booster seats...................1-31
Booster seat installation........................1-33
Supplemental restraint system.....................1-35
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.......................................1-35
Supplemental air bag warning labels.............1-49
Supplemental air bag warning light..............1-50
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie
FRONT POWER SEAT
ADJUSTMENT
Operating tips
●The power seat motor has an auto-reset
overload protection circuit. If the motor
stops during operation, wait 30 seconds,
then reactivate the switch.
●Do not operate the power seat switch for a
long period of time when the engine is off.
This will discharge the battery.
See “Automatic drive positioner (if so equipped)”
in “Pre-driving checks and adjustments” for auto-
matic drive positioner operation.
Forward and backward
Moving the switch forward or backward will slide
the seat forward or backward to the desired
position.
Reclining
Move the recline switch backward until the de-
sired angle is obtained. To bring the seatback
forward again, move the switch forward and
move your body forward. The seatback will move
forward.The reclining feature allows adjustment of the
seatback for occupants of different sizes for
added comfort and to help obtain proper seat
belt fit (see “Precautions on seat belt usage” later
in this section) . Also, the seatback can be re-
clined to allow occupants to rest when the ve-
hicle is stopped and the transmission is in P
(Park) .
WRS0860
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-3
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie
Seat lifter (driver’s seat)
Push the front or rear end of the switch up or
down to adjust the angle and height of the seat
cushion.Lumbar support (driver’s seat)
The lumbar support feature provides lower back
support to the driver. Move the lever up or down
(manual) or move the switch forward or backward
(power) to adjust the seat lumbar area.
WRS0861
Manual
LRS0862
Power
LRS0238
1-4Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/21/08—tbrooks
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
Compass display...............................2-7
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders......2-10
Checking bulbs...............................2-10
Warning lights................................2-10
Indicator lights................................2-14
Audible reminders.............................2-16
Vehicle information display.........................2-16
How to use the vehicle information display.......2-17
Security systems.................................2-23
Vehicle security system.........................2-23
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system.............2-24
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-25
Switch operation..............................2-25
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-26
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-27Xenon headlights (if so equipped)...............2-27
Headlight control switch........................2-28
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-30
Instrument brightness control...................2-31
Turn signal switch.............................2-31
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-31
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-32
Horn............................................2-32
Climate control seat switch (if so equipped).........2-33
Heated seats (if so equipped)......................2-34
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped).............2-34
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch.........2-35
Power outlet.....................................2-36
Storage.........................................2-36
Map pockets..................................2-36
Seatback pockets.............................2-37
Sunglasses holder (if so equipped)..............2-37
Cup holders..................................2-38
Glove box....................................2-39
Console box..................................2-39
Grocery hooks................................2-40
Cargo nets (if so equipped).....................2-40
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/21/08—tbrooks
AUTOMATIC MOONROOF
The moonroof will only operate when the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position. The auto-
matic moonroof is operational for about 45 sec-
onds, even if the ignition switch is placed in the
ACC or OFF position. If the driver’s door or the
front passenger’s door is opened during this
period of about 45 seconds, power to the moon-
roof is canceled.
Sliding the moonroof
To fully open the moonroof, push the switch
toward
1.To fully close the moonroof, push the switch
toward
2.
To open or close the moonroof part way, push the
switch in any direction while the moonroof is
sliding to stop it in the desired position.
Tilting the moonroof
Close the moonroof by pushing the switch
toward
2. Release the switch, then push
the switch toward
2again to tilt the
moonroof up.
To tilt the moonroof down, push the switch
toward
1.
WARNING
●In an accident you could be thrown from
the vehicle through an open moonroof.
Always use seat belts and child
restraints.
●Do not allow anyone to stand up or
extend any portion of their body out of
the moonroof opening while the vehicle
is in motion or while the moonroof is
closing.
CAUTION
●Remove water drops, snow, ice or sand
from the moonroof before opening.
●Do not place heavy objects on the
moonroof or surrounding area.
Auto-reverse function (when closing or
tilting down the moonroof)
The auto-reverse function can be activated when
the moonroof is closed or tilted down by auto-
matic operation when the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position or for about 45 sec-
onds after the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position.
Depending on the environment or driving
conditions, the auto-reverse function may
be activated if an impact or load similar to
something being caught in the moonroof
occurs.
WARNING
There are some small distances immedi-
ately before the closed position which
cannot be detected. Make sure that all
passengers have their hands, etc., inside
the vehicle before closing the moonroof.
LIC1408
MOONROOF (if so equipped)
2-44Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie
Any key that is not given to your dealer at the time
of registration will no longer be able to start your
vehicle.
Do not allow the immobilizer system key, which
contains an electrical transponder, to come into
contact with salt water. This could affect system
function.WARNING
●Always have the doors locked while
driving. Along with the use of seat belts,
this provides greater safety in the event
of an accident by helping to prevent
persons from being thrown from the
vehicle. This also helps keep children
and others from unintentionally open-
ing the doors, and will help keep out
intruders.
●Before opening any door, always look
for and avoid oncoming traffic.
●Do not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls. Unattended
children could become involved in seri-
ous accidents.
LOCKING WITH KEY
The power door lock system allows you to lock or
unlock all doors at the same time.
Turning the key toward the front
1of the vehicle
locks all doors.
Turning the key one time toward the rear
2of the
vehicle unlocks that door. From that position,
returning the key to neutral
3(where the key can
only be removed and inserted) and turning it
toward the rear again within 60 seconds unlocks
all doors
4.
Driver’s side
LPD0461
DOORS
3-4Pre-driving checks and adjustments
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie
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
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