2011 NISSAN MAXIMA check engine

The malfunction indicator light may also come on
steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if
the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed tightly,
and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons (11.4
liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
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 LOOSE FUEL CAP warning
appears in the vehicle information display. If
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. Thelight 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.
Side light and headlight indicator light (green)
The side light and headlight indicator light illumi-
nates when the side light or headlight position is
selected. See “Headlight and turn signal switch”
later in this section for further details.
Instruments and controls2-15

Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system or
the traction control system is operating, thus
alerting that the vehicle is nearing its traction
limits. The road surface may be slippery.
Turn signal/hazard indicatorlights
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.
Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch
again or restart the engine and the system will be
reactivated. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on
when you push the push-button ignition switch to the ON position. The light will turn off after about
2 seconds if the system is operational. If the light
stays on or comes on along with the
indi-
cator light while you are driving, have the Vehicle
Dynamic Control system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
operating, you might feel slight vibration or hear
the system working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, but this is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the ignition switch is placed in the ACC or
OFF position or placed in the OFF or LOCK
position with the Intelligent Key left in the Intelli-
gent Key port. Make sure the ignition switch is
placed in the LOCK position, and take the Intel-
ligent Key with you when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch placed in the OFF posi-
tion, a chime sounds when the driver’s door is
opened if the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ door buzzer
The Intelligent Key door buzzer sounds if the
Intelligent Key is left inside the vehicle when
locking the doors. When the buzzer sounds, be
sure to check both the vehicle and the Intelligent
Key. See “NISSAN Intelligent Key™” in the “Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section.
2-16Instruments and controls

Vehicle information display warnings
and indicators
1. Door and trunk open warning
2. Push warning
3. Low fuel warning
4. Low windshield-washer fluid warning5. No key warning
6. Parking brake warning
7. Shift P warning
8. Engine start operation indicator
9. NISSAN Intelligent Key™ insertion indicator
10. NISSAN Intelligent Key™ removal indicator
11. NISSAN Intelligent Key™ battery discharge
indicator
12. Loose fuel cap warning
13. Check tire pressure warning
LIC2008
2-22Instruments and controls

Door and trunk open warning
This warning illuminates when a door or the trunk
has been opened when the engine is running.
Push warning
After the Shift P warning illuminates, the Push
warning will illuminate if the ignition switch is
placed in the ACC position when the shift selec-
tor is moved to the P (Park) position.
See “Shift P warning” in this section for additional
information.
To turn off the Push warning, place the ignition
switch in the ON position and then to the LOCK
position.
Low fuel warning
This warning illuminates when the fuel level in the
fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches E (Empty) .There will be a small re-
serve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty) .
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
This warning illuminates when the windshield-
washer fluid is at a low level. Add windshield-
washer fluid as necessary. See “Windshield-
washer fluid” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual. No key warning
This warning illuminates following two condi-
tions:
1. When the ignition switch is pushed and the Intelligent Key cannot be recognized by the
system. If this warning illuminates, you can-
not start the engine.
Check for the following causes and perform
the assigned remedies:
– The battery of the Intelligent Key carried with you is discharged completely. Re-
place the battery with a new one.
– The Intelligent Key carried with you is not registered to the system. Use the regis-
tered Intelligent Key.
– You do not have an Intelligent Key with you. Carry an Intelligent Key with you.
2. When the door is closed with the Intelligent Key left outside the vehicle and the ignition
switch is placed in the ACC or ON position.
A chime will also sound.
Parking brake warning
This warning illuminates when the parking brake
is set and the vehicle is driven. SHIFT P warning
This warning illuminates when the ignition switch
is pushed to stop the engine with the shift selec-
tor in any position except in the P (Park) position.
If this warning illuminates, the ignition switch is in
the OFF position. Move the shift selector to the P
(Park) position or push the ignition switch to the
ON position.
An inside warning chime will also sound.
If the shift selector is moved to the P (Park)
position, the Push warning will appear. Refer to
“Push warning” in this section.
For additional information about Intelligent Key,
see “NISSAN Intelligent Key™” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
Engine start operation indicator
This indicator illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the LOCK, OFF, ACC or ON position with
the shift selector in the P (Park) position.
This indicator means that the engine will start by
pushing the push-button ignition switch with the
brake pedal depressed.
Instruments and controls2-23

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. The
security 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 passengers
are in the vehicle, the system will acti-
vate with all the doors, hood and trunk
lid locked with the ignition switch
placed in the LOCK position. When plac-
ing 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 pro-
cedures:
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.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
Instruments and controls2-25

The front seats are warmed by built-in heaters.
The switch is located on the center console.1. Start the engine.
2. Push the LO or HI position of the switch, as desired. The indicator light in the switch will
illuminate.
The heater is controlled by a thermostat,
automatically turning the heater on and off.
The indicator light will remain on as long as
the switch is on.
3. When the seat is warmed or before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch
off.
CAUTION
●Do not use the seat heater for extended
periods or when no one is using the
seat.
● Do not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket, cush-
ion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the seat
may become overheated.
● Do not place anything hard or heavy on
the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
object. This may result in damage to the
heater.
● Any liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with a
dry cloth.
● When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any simi-
lar materials.
● If any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn the
switch off and have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
● The battery could run down if the seat
heater is operated while the engine is
not running. The heated steering wheel system is designed to
operate only when the surface temperature of the
steering wheel is below 68°F (20°C) .
Push the heated steering wheel switch to warm
the steering wheel after the engine starts. The
indicator light will come on.
If the surface temperature of the steering wheel is
below 68°F (20°C) , the system will heat the
steering wheel and cycle off and on to maintain a
temperature above 68°F (20°C) . The indicator
light will remain on as long as the system is on.
Push the switch again to turn the heated steering
wheel system off manually. The indicator light will
go off.
LIC1543LIC0421
HEATED SEATS (if so equipped)
HEATED STEERING WHEEL (if so
equipped)
2-34Instruments and controls

NOTE:
If the surface temperature of the steering
wheel is above 68°F (20°C) when the switch
is turned on, the system will not heat the
steering wheel. This is not a malfunction.The climate controlled seat warms up or cools
down the front seat by blowing warm or cool air
from the surface of the seat. The climate control
switch is located on the center console.
The climate controlled seat can be operated as
follows:1. Start the engine.
2. Turn the control knob to the H (Heat) side or to the C (Cool) side, as desired. The indica-
tor light on the control knob will illuminate.
3. Adjust the desired amount of air using the control knob. The climate controlled seat
blower remains on low speed for approxi- mately 60 seconds after turning the switch
on or selecting the desired temperature.
4. When the vehicle’s interior is warmed or cooled, or before you leave the vehicle, be
sure to turn the control knob to the Off
(center) position
To check the air filter for the climate controlled
seat, contact a NISSAN dealer.
CAUTION
● The battery could run down if the cli-
mate control seat is operated while the
engine is not running.
● Do not use the climate control seat for
extended periods or when no one is
using the seat.
● Do not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket, cush-
ion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the seat
may become overheated.
● Do not place anything hard or heavy on
the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
objects. This may result in damage to
the climate controlled seat.
● Any liquid spilled on the seat should be
removed immediately with a dry cloth
LIC1410
CLIMATE CONTROL SEAT SWITCH (if
so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-35

●The climate controlled seat has an air
filter. Do not operate the climate con-
trolled seat without an air filter. This
may result in damage to the system.
● When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any simi-
lar materials.
● If any malfunctions are found or the
climate controlled seat does not oper-
ate, turn the switch off and have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most driv-
ing conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the engine output to reduce
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced
even if the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If
maximum engine power is needed to free a stuck
vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. The
indicator will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn on the system. See “Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and
driving” section. The power outlets are for powering electrical
accessories such as cellular telephones. They
are rated at 12 Volt, 120 W (10A) maximum.
The power outlet in the front console box is
powered directly by the vehicle battery. The out-
let on the center console near the shift selector is
powered only when the ignition switch is in the
ACC or ON position.
LIC1548
Front center console
LIC1392
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH
POWER OUTLET
2-36Instruments and controls