2010 NISSAN MAXIMA fuel pressure

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Off-road recovery...............................5-5
Rapid air pressure loss..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-6
Push-Button Ignition Switch........................5-7
Push-button ignition switch positions.............5-8
NISSAN Intelligent key™ battery discharge........5-8
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system................5-9
Before starting the engine.........................5-10
Starting the engine...............................5-10
Driving the vehicle................................5-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)........5-11
Parking brake....................................5-17
Cruise control....................................5-18
Precautions on cruise control...................5-18Cruise control operations.......................5-18
Break-in schedule................................5-19
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-20
Parking/parking on hills............................5-21
Power steering...................................5-22
Brake system....................................5-22
Brake precautions.............................5-22
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-23
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.............5-24
Cold weather driving..............................5-25
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-25
Anti-freeze....................................5-25
Battery.......................................5-25
Draining of coolant water.......................5-26
Tire equipment................................5-26
Special winter equipment.......................5-26
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-26
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-27

CAUTION
cDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously re-
duce the three-way catalyst’s ability to
help reduce exhaust pollutants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if notice-
able loss of performance or other un-
usual operating conditions are
detected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly by a NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warming it
up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided) ,
should be checked monthly when cold and in-
flated to the inflation pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label, located in the
driver’s door opening.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label, you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check all 4 tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to detect
or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alter-
nate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replac-
ing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Additional information:
cThe TPMS does not monitor the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
Starting and driving5-3

cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
cAvoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.
cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
cKeep the wheels in correct alignment. Im-
proper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
cAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
cUse the recommended viscosity engine oil.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
5-20Starting and driving

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift selector to
P (Park) .
cBe sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.cYour vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition switch is in the OFF posi-
tion and the engine is not running. To
avoid injury, always disconnect the
negative battery cable before working
near the fan.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced by
a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5

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

Ventilators....................4-40
Visors.......................3-24
Voice recognition system...........4-144
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-53, 2-14
Anti-lock brake warning light.....2-10, 2-11
Battery charge warning light........2-11
Brake warning light.............2-11
Engine oil pressure warning light......2-12
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-33
Low fuel warning light........2-13, 2-23
Low tire pressure warning light.......2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-23
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-48
Seat belt warning light............2-13
Vehicle security system...........2-24
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-53
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-10
Warning lights..................2-10
Washer switch
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-26
Weights (See dimensions and weights).....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..............8-12
Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-43
Power rear windows.............2-43
Power windows...............2-42Rear power windows............2-43
Windshield wiper and washer switch.....2-26
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-26
Wiper blades.................8-18
10-7

RECOMMENDED FUEL:
NISSAN recommends the use of premium un-
leaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least
91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research
octane number 96) . If unleaded premium gaso-
line is not available, you may use unleaded regu-
lar gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87
AKI number (Research octane number 91) , but
you may notice a decrease in performance.
However, for maximum vehicle perfor-
mance, the use of unleaded premium gaso-
line is recommended.
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect the
warranty coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
cDo not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle.
Your vehicle is not designed to run on
E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel can damage
the fuel system components and is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle lim-
ited warranty.For additional information, see “Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants in the “Technical
and consumer information” section.
RECOMMENDED ENGINE OIL:
cEngine oil with API Certification Mark
cViscosity SAE 5W-30
See “Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” in
the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.
COLD TIRE PRESSURE:
See Tire and Loading Information label.
The label is typically located on the driver side
center pillar or on the driver’s door. For additional
information, see “Wheels and tires” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
RECOMMENDED NEW VEHICLE
BREAK-IN PROCEDURE:
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of vehicle
use, follow the recommendations outlined in the
“Break-in schedule” information found in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual. Fol-
low these recommendations for the future reli-
ability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure
to follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.
GAS STATION INFORMATION