2012 NISSAN MAXIMA power steering

1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)
2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)
3. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-13)
4. Air cleaner (P. 8-18)
5. Fuse block (P. 8-21)
6. Battery (P. 8-14)
7. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-21)
8. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-9)
9. Radiator cap (P. 8-7)
10. Drive belt location (P.8-17)
11. Engine coolant reservoir * (P. 8-7)
12. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir *(P. 8-14)
NOTE:
* Side covers removed for clarity.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WDI0662
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents

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 ......................... 2-17
How to use the vehicle information display .......2-17
Security systems ................................. 2-25
Vehicle security system ......................... 2-25
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............2-26
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...............2-28
Switch operation .............................. 2-28
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch .................................. 2-29
Headlight and turn signal switch. . ..................2-29Xenon headlights (if so equipped)
...............2-29
Headlight control switch ........................ 2-30
Daytime running light system (Canada only) ......2-32
Instrument brightness control ...................2-33
Turn signal switch ............................. 2-33
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ................2-34
Hazard warning flasher switch .....................2-34
Horn ............................................ 2-35
Heated seats (if so equipped) ......................2-35
Climate control seat switch (if so equipped) .........2-36
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped) .............2-37
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch ...........2-38
Power outlet ..................................... 2-38
Storage ......................................... 2-39
Map pockets .................................. 2-39
Seatback
pockets............................. 2-39
Sunglasses holder ............................. 2-40
Cup holders . . . ............................... 2-40
Glove box .................................... 2-42
Console box .................................. 2-42
Grocery hooks ................................ 2-43
Cargo net (if so equipped) ......................2-43
Windows ........................................ 2-44

3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys .............................................3-2NISSAN Intelligent Key™ ........................3-2
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System keys .........3-3
Doors ............................................3-4
Locking with key ................................3-4
Locking with inside lock knob ....................3-5
Locking with power door lock switch .............3-5
Automatic door locks ...........................3-6
Child safety rear door lock .......................3-6
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ ...........................3-7
Operating range ................................3-9
Door locks/unlocks precaution ...................3-9
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ Operation ..............3-10
How to use the remote keyless entry
function ...................................... 3-13
Warning signals ............................... 3-16
Troubleshooting guide ......................... 3-17
Hood ........................................... 3-18
Trunk lid ......................................... 3-18Opener operation
.............................. 3-19
Interior trunk lid release ........................ 3-20
Secondary trunk lid release (if so equipped) ......3-20
Fuel-filler door ................................... 3-21
Opening the fuel-filler door .....................3-21
Fuel-filler cap . . ............................... 3-21
Tilt/telescopic steering ............................ 3-23
Manual operation (if so equipped) ...............3-24
Automatic operation (if so equipped)............. 3-24
Sun visors ....................................... 3-25
Vanity mirrors . . ............................... 3-25
Mirrors .......................................... 3-26
Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror .............3-26
Outside mirrors ............................... 3-28
Automatic drive positioner (if so equipped) ..........3-29
Memory storage function .......................3-30
Entry/exit function ............................. 3-31
System operation .............................. 3-31

●A new disc may be rough on the inner and
outer edges. Remove the rough edges by
rubbing the inner and outer edges with the
side of a pen or pencil as illustrated.
1. Power on and SOURCE select switch
2. Tuning switch
3. Volume control switch 1. Power on and SOURCE select switch
2. Menu control switch/ENTER button
3. Volume control switch
STEERING WHEEL SWITCH FOR
AUDIO CONTROL
The audio system can be operated using the
controls on the steering wheel.
POWER on switch
With the ignition switch in the ACC or ON posi-
tion, push the SOURCE switch to turn the audio
system on.
Type A
LHA1144
Type B
LHA2094
4-112Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems

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 ...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-7
Push-Button Ignition Switch ........................5-7
Push-button ignition switch positions .............5-8
Emergency engine shut off ......................5-9
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ battery discharge ........5-9
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............5-10
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-10
Starting the engine ............................... 5-11
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) ........5-11
Parking brake .................................... 5-17
Cruise control .................................... 5-18Precautions on cruise control
...................5-18
Cruise 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 .............................. 5-26
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................5-26
Anti-freeze .................................... 5-26
Battery ....................................... 5-26
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

The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, especially
in sharp turns and at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
harder to operate.The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at 2 wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
●
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
● If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best brake performance.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-22Starting and driving

3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen forsteam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not
open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling
fan can start at any time. 6. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the engine coolant reservoir tank
with the engine running. Add coolant to the
engine coolant reservoir tank if necessary.
Have your vehicle repaired at a NISSAN
dealer. When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must be
followed. Incorrect towing equipment could dam-
age your vehicle. Towing instructions are avail-
able from a NISSAN dealer. Local service opera-
tors are generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to your
vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a service
operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have
the service operator carefully read the following
precautions:
WARNING
●
Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
● Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
● When towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any of these conditions apply, dollies or
a flatbed tow truck must be used.
● Always attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-10In case of emergency

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 ...................8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................8-9
Engine oil .........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ......8-12
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-12
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid .................................... 8-13
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-14
Battery .......................................... 8-14
Jump starting ................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system .....................8-16
Drive belt ........................................ 8-17Spark plugs
...................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-18
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ..................................... 8-19
Replacing .................................... 8-19
Brakes .......................................... 8-20
Fuses ........................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ........................... 8-21
Passenger compartment .......................8-23
Battery replacement .............................. 8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ .......................8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-26
Headlights .................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-27
Wheels
and tires ................................. 8-31
Tire pressure . . . ............................... 8-31
Tire labeling ................................... 8-35
Types of tires .................................. 8-38
Tire chains .................................... 8-39
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-39