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
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:
●Malfunction 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.
●Malfunction 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.
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates that
the security systems equipped on the vehicle are
operational.
For additional information, see “Security sys-
tems” later in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system is
operating, thus alerting the driver to the fact thatthe road surface is slippery and the vehicle is
nearing its traction limits.
You may feel or hear the system working; this is
normal.
The light will blink for a few seconds after the
VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.
The
indicator light also comes on when
you place the ignition switch in the ON position.
The light will turn off after approximately 2 sec-
onds if the system is operational. If the light does
not come on have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer or qualified workshop.
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
(VDC) off indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF.
This indicates the Vehicle Dynamic Control has
been turned off.
Instruments and controls2-15
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ insertion indica-
tor
This indicator illuminates when the Intelligent Key
needs to be inserted into the Intelligent Key port.
(For example, the Intelligent Key battery is dis-
charged.)
If this indicator illuminates, insert the Intelligent
Key into the Intelligent Key port in the correct
direction. See “Push-button ignition switch” in
the “Starting and driving” section.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ removal indicator
This indicator illuminates when the driver’s door
is opened with the ignition switch placed in the
OFF position and the Intelligent Key placed in the
Intelligent Key port. A key reminder chime also
sounds.
If this indicator illuminates, remove the Intelligent
Key from the Intelligent Key port and take it with
you when leaving the vehicle.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ battery discharge
indicator
This indicator illuminates when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator illuminates, replace the battery
with a new one. See “NISSAN Intelligent Key™” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Steering lock release malfunction indica-
tor
This indicator illuminates when the steering
wheel cannot be released from the LOCK posi-
tion.
If this indicator illuminates, push the ignition
switch while lightly turning the steering wheel
right and left.
Your vehicle has two types of security systems:
●Vehicle security system
●NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM
The vehicle security system provides visual and
audible alarm signals if someone opens the doors
or trunk lid when the system is armed. It is not,
however, a motion detection type system that
activates when a vehicle is moved or when a
vibration occurs.
The system helps deter vehicle theft but cannot
prevent it, nor can it prevent the theft of interior or
exterior vehicle components in all situations. Al-
LIC0301
SECURITY SYSTEMS
Instruments and controls2-23
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie
ways secure your vehicle even if parking for a
brief period. Never leave your Intelligent Key in
the vehicle, and always lock the vehicle when
unattended. Be aware of your surroundings, and
park in secure, well-lit areas whenever possible.
Many devices offering additional protection, such
as component locks, identification markers, and
tracking systems, are available at auto supply
stores and specialty shops. Your NISSAN dealer
may also offer such equipment. Check with your
insurance company to see if you may be eligible
for discounts for various theft protection features.
How to arm the vehicle security
system
1. Close all windows.(The system can be
armed even if the windows are open.)
2. Remove the Intelligent Key from the vehicle.
3. Close all doors, hood and trunk. Lock all
doors. The doors can be locked with the
Intelligent Key, door handle request switch,
power door lock switch or mechanical key.
4. Confirm that the security indicator light
comes on. The security light stays on for
about 30 seconds. The vehicle security sys-
tem is now pre-armed. After about 30 sec-
onds the vehicle security system automati-
cally shifts into the armed phase. Thesecurity light begins to flash once every 3
seconds. If, during the 30-second pre-arm
time period, the driver’s door is unlocked by
the key or the keyfob, or the ignition switch is
placed in the ACC or ON position, the sys-
tem will not arm.
●Even when the driver and/or passen-
gers are in the vehicle, the system will
activate with all the doors, hood and
trunk lid locked with the ignition
switch placed in the LOCK position.
When placing the ignition switch in the
ACC or ON position, the system will be
released.
Vehicle security system activation
The vehicle security system will give the following
alarm:
●The headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
●The alarm automatically turns off after ap-
proximately 50 seconds. However, the alarm
reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by unlocking
the driver’s door or trunk lid with the key, or
by pressing the
button on the Intelli-
gent Key.The alarm is activated by:
●opening the door or trunk lid without using
the key or Intelligent Key (even if the door is
unlocked by releasing the door inside lock
switch) .
How to stop an activated alarm
The alarm stops only by unlocking the driver’s
door or the trunk lid with the key, pressing
the
button on the Intelligent Key, or press-
ing the request switch on the driver’s or passen-
ger’s door with the Intelligent Key in range of the
door handle.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of a
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key (for
example, when interference is caused by another
registered key, an automated toll road device or
automatic payment device on the key ring) , restart
the engine using the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch placed in the ON
position for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or
LOCK position and wait approximately 10
seconds.
2-24Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie
The light illuminates when the trunk lid is opened.
When the trunk lid is closed, the light goes off.
The light will go off after about 30 minutes if the
trunk lid is left open, unless the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
For bulb replacement procedures, refer to “Exte-
rior and interior lights” in the “Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.The HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver provides a
convenient way to consolidate the functions of up
to three individual hand-held transmitters into
one built-in device.
HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver:
●Will operate most Radio Frequency (RF)
devices such as garage doors, gates, home
and office lighting, entry door locks and se-
curity systems.
●Is powered by your vehicle’s battery. No
separate batteries are required. If the vehi-
cle’s battery is discharged or is discon-
nected, HomeLinkwill retain all program-
ming.
Once the HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver
is programmed, retain the original trans-
mitter for future programming procedures
(Example: new vehicle purchases) . Upon
sale of the vehicle, the programmed
HomeLinkUniversal Transceiver buttons
should be erased for security purposes. For
additional information, refer to “Program-
ming HomeLink” later in this section.WARNING
●Do not use the HomeLinkUniversal
Transceiver with any garage door
opener that lacks safety stop and re-
verse features as required by federal
safety standards. (These standards be-
came effective for opener models
manufactured after April 1, 1982) . A ga-
rage door opener which cannot detect
an object in the path of a closing garage
door and then automatically stop and
reverse, does not meet current federal
safety standards. Using a garage door
opener without these features in-
creases the risk of serious injury or
death.
●During the programming procedure
your garage door or security gate will
open and close (if the transmitter is
within range) . Make sure that people or
objects are clear of the garage door,
gate, etc. that you are programming.
●Your vehicle’s engine should be turned
off while programming the HomeLink
Universal Transceiver.
TRUNK LIGHT HOMELINKUNIVERSAL
TRANSCEIVER (if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-51
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/20/08—debbie