NOTE:
You can turn on or turn off the driving
speed dependent intermittent wiper func-
tion for vehicles with navigation system.
Refer to “Vehicle electronic systems” in the
“Display screen, heater, air conditioner, au-
dio and phone systems” section later in this
manual.
2Low — continuous low speed operation
3High — continuous high speed operation
Push the lever up
4to have one sweep opera-
tion of the wiper.
Pull the lever toward you
5to operate the
washer. The wiper will also operate several times.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solu-
tion may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to an
accident. Warm the windshield with the
defroster before you wash the windshield.
CAUTION
●Do not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
●Do not operate the washer if the reser-
voir tank is empty.
●Do not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
●Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concen-
trate and water.To defrost the rear window glass and outside
mirrors (if so equipped) , start the engine and
push the rear window defroster switch on. The
rear window defroster indicator light on the
switch comes on. Push the switch again to turn
the defroster off.
The rear window defroster automatically turns off
after approximately 15 minutes.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inner side of the rear
window, be careful not to scratch or dam-
age the rear window defroster.
Type A
LIC1387
REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE
MIRROR (if so equipped)
DEFROSTER SWITCH
2-26Instruments and controls
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DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “Changing engine coolant” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.3. Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
●A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
●A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
●A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
●Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
●Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.●Whatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.
●Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
●Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
●Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
●Do not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
●Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
5-26Starting and driving
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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
Variable voltage control system.....................8-16
Drive belt........................................8-15Spark plugs......................................8-16
Replacing spark plugs . ........................8-16
Air cleaner.......................................8-17
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-17
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-18
Cleaning.....................................8-18
Replacing....................................8-18
Brakes..........................................8-19
Fuses...........................................8-20
Engine compartment...........................8-20
Passenger compartment . . .....................8-22
Battery replacement..............................8-23
NISSAN Intelligent Key™.......................8-24
Lights...........................................8-25
Headlights....................................8-25
Exterior and interior lights . . .
....................8-26
Wheels and tires.................................8-30
Tire pressure..................................8-30
Tire labeling...................................8-34
Types of tires..................................8-37
Tire chains....................................8-38
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-38
REVIEW COPY—2009 Maxima(max)
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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
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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
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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)
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