2010 NISSAN MAXIMA check engine light

If any driveability problems such as engine stall-
ing and difficult hot-starting are experienced after
using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately
change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a
low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
E–85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) . Do
not use E-85 in your vehicle. U.S. government
regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square, orange
and black label with the common abbreviation or
the appropriate percentage for that region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock.” (“Spark
knock” is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
CAUTION
cYour vehicle is not designed to run on
E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle
not specifically designed for E-85 fuel
can damage fuel system components
and is not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.
cE-85 is a mixture of approximately 85%
fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline.
cU.S. government regulations require
ethanol dispensing pumps to be identi-
fied by a small, square, orange and
black label with the common abbrevia-
tion or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
9-4Technical and consumer information

Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle.
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cUse the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cNISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.When towing a trailer, transmission fluid
should be changed more frequently. For
additional information, see the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section earlier in
this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
Technical and consumer information9-23

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 condi-
tion. Turn the ignition switch ON without starting
the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator 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” con-
dition, 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

10 Index
A
Air bag
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-39
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-46
Air bag warning light...........1-53, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-48
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-41, 4-44
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-47
Servicing air conditioner..........4-48
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-24
Anchor point locations.............1-25
Antenna....................4-116
Anti-lock brake warning light......2-10, 2-11
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-23
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders...............2-16
Audio system..................4-48
BluetoothTaudio.............4-109
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-66
Compact disc (CD) player.....4-72, 4-79
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-64FM/AM/SAT radio with CD/DVD player . .4-75
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-69
Audio System
iPodTPlayer.............4-92, 4-93
Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system...............4-96, 4-102
Audio system
Radio....................4-48
Rear audio controls............4-115
Audio System
Settings...............4-70, 4-76
Audio system
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-113
USB interface............4-87, 4-88
Autolight switch.................2-30
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-29
Automatic power window switch.....2-43
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-14
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-16
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-25
Automatic door locks..............3-6
AUX jack....................4-68
B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-11
Before starting the engine...........5-10Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15
Block heater
Engine....................5-27
BluetoothTaudio...............4-109
BluetoothThands-free phone
system.................4-117, 4-132
Booster seats..................1-36
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..............2-32
Brightness/contrast button.......4-15, 4-31
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-10
Bulb replacement................8-26
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio............4-117
Cargo net....................2-41
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-112

CD changer (See audio system)........4-66
CD player (See audio system)......4-72, 4-79
Child restraint with top tether strap.......1-25
Child restraints.......1-20, 1-20, 1-21, 1-23
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-21, 1-28, 1-32, 1-36
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-25
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-16
Cleaning exterior and interior...........7-2
Clock
(models with navigation system) . . .4-12, 4-26
Clock set.................4-12, 4-26
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-25
Compact disc (CD) player........4-72, 4-79
Console box...................2-40
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). . .5-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Transmission selector lever lock release . .5-16
Control panel buttons..............4-16
Brightness/contrast button......4-15, 4-31
Enter button...............4-4, 4-16
Setting button.............4-9, 4-24
Without navigation system..........4-4
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-113
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-41, 4-44
Rear audio controls............4-115
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-47Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant...........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosion protection...............7-6
Cruise control..................5-18
Cup holders...................2-38
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-31
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-27
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player.......4-84
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-32
Display controls
(see control panel buttons)........4-4, 4-16
Distance to empty.............4-7, 4-21
Door locks.....................3-4
Drive belt.....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-29
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-25
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Precautions when starting and driving. . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel..................5-20Emission 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
Changing engine coolant...........8-8
Changing engine oil..............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......2-12
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-10
Enter button.................4-4, 4-16
Event data recorders..............9-27
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).........5-2
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-33
Flat tire.......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
10-2

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)..........1-53
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-23
License plate
Installing the license plate..........9-11
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-53, 2-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-26
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-10
Bulb replacement..............8-26
Charge warning light............2-11
Fog light switch...............2-32
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-28
Headlight control switch..........2-29
Headlights..................8-25
Interior light..................2-49
Light bulbs..................8-25
Low tire pressure warning light.......2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-23
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-48
Personal lights................2-50
Security indicator light............2-16
Trunk light..................2-52
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-10Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Door locks...................3-4
Glove box lock................2-39
Power door locks...............3-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever..........3-19
Low fuel warning light..........2-13, 2-23
Low tire pressure warning light.........2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-23
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
Changing the maintenance interval . .4-8, 4-22
Displaying the maintenance notice
reminder.................4-9, 4-23
General maintenance.............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions...........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Resetting the maintenance interval . .4-8, 4-22
Seat belt maintenance............1-19
Setting.................4-8, 4-22
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light............2-15
Map pocket....................2-37
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control........2-32
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror......3-25
Outside mirror control............3-27
Outside mirrors...............3-27
Vanity mirror.................3-25
Moonroof.....................2-44Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system..................4-96, 4-102
N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™.............3-7
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system.................2-25, 3-3, 5-9
NISSAN voice recognition system......4-144
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating)......9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil..............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
Outside mirror control..............3-27
Outside mirrors.................3-27
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats...........6-10
Owner’s manual order form...........9-27
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-27
10-4