2016 NISSAN MAXIMA steering wheel

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.
● When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. If the steering wheel operation is still per-
formed, the power steering may stop and the
power steering warning light will illuminate. In a
safe location, stop the engine and push the igni-
tion switch to the OFF position. The temperature of the power steering system will go down after a
period of time and the power assist level will
return to normal after starting the engine. The
power steering warning light will go off. Avoid
repeating such steering wheel operations that
could cause the power steering system to over-
heat.
You may hear a noise from the front of the vehicle
when the steering wheel is operated. This is a
normal operational noise and is not a malfunction.
If the electric power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may indicate
the power steering system is not functioning
properly and may need servicing. Have the power
steering system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, there will be
no power assist for the steering but you will still
have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater
steering effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two 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.
POWER STEERING
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-78Starting and driving

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
effect of the parking brake is weakened or when-
ever the parking brake shoes and/or drum/rotors
are replaced, in order to assure the best braking
performance. This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
●
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Ultimately, the driver is respon-
sible for safety.
● Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four
wheels. – When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. For additional in-
formation, refer to “Tire and loading
information label” in the “Technical
and consumer information” section
of this manual.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The ABS controls the brakes so the wheels do
not lock during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the rota-
tion speed at each wheel and varies the brake
fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from locking
and sliding. By preventing each wheel from lock-
ing, the system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving and spin-
ning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
Starting and driving5-79

●When driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the VDC system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may illuminate.
Do not drive on these types of roads.
● When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may illuminate.
This is not a malfunction. Restart the
engine after driving onto a stable
surface.
● If wheels or tires other than the NISSAN
recommended ones are used, the VDC
system may not operate properly and
the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may illuminate.
● The VDC system is not a substitute for
winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
BRAKE FORCE DISTRIBUTION
During braking while driving through turns, the
system optimizes the distribution of force to each
of the four wheels depending on the radius of the
turn.
WARNING
● The active trace control and brake force
distribution systems may not be effec-
tive depending on the driving condition.
Always drive carefully and attentively. The Integrated Dynamics-control Module is an
electric control module that includes the follow-
ing functions:
● Active Trace Control
● Active Engine Brake
● Active Ride ControlACTIVE TRACE CONTROL
This system senses driving based on the driver’s
steering and acceleration/braking patterns, and
controls brake pressure at individual wheels to
aid tracing at corners and help smooth vehicle
response.
The Active Trace Control can be set to ON (en-
abled) or OFF (disabled) through the vehicle
information display “Settings” page. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Vehicle information
display” in the “Instruments and controls” section
of this manual.
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system, the Active Trace Control is also
turned off.
If the Integrated Dynamics-control Module warn-
ing message appears in the vehicle information
display, it may indicate that the Active Trace Con-
trol is not functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
INTEGRATED DYNAMICS-CONTROL
MODULE (if so equipped)
5-82Starting and driving

WARNING
The active trace control may not be effec-
tive depending on the driving condition.
Always drive carefully and attentively.
When the Active Trace Control is operating, you
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise. This is normal and indicates that the Active
Trace Control is operating properly.
Even if the Active Trace Control is set to OFF,
some functions will remain on to assist the driver
(for example: avoidance scenes) .
ACTIVE ENGINE BRAKE
The Active Engine Brake function adds subtle
deceleration by controlling CVT gear ratio, de-
pending on the cornering condition calculated
from driver’s steering input and plural sensors.
This benefit is for easier traceability and less
workload of adjusting speed with braking at cor-
ners.
The Active Engine Brake also enhances braking
feel by adding subtle deceleration with CVT gear
ratio control according to driver’s brake pedal
operation.
The Active Engine Brake can be set to ON (en-
abled) or OFF (disabled) through the vehicle
information display “Settings” page. For addi- tional information, refer to “Vehicle information
display” in the “Instruments and controls” section
of this manual.
If the Integrated Dynamics-control Module warn-
ing message appears in the vehicle information
display, it may indicate that the Active Engine
Brake is not functioning properly. Have the sys-
tem checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING
The Active Engine Brake may not be effec-
tive depending on driving condition. Al-
ways drive carefully and attentively.
When the Active Engine Brake is operating, the
needle of the tachometer will rise up and you may
hear an engine noise. This is normal and indicates
that the active engine brake is operating properly.
ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL
This system senses upper body motion (based
on wheel speed information) and controls engine
torque and four wheel brake pressure. This will
enhance ride comfort in effort to restrain uncom-
fortable upper body movement when passing
over undulated road surfaces. This system
comes into effect above 25 mph (40 km/h). When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system, the Active Ride Control is also
turned off.
If the Integrated Dynamics-control Module warn-
ing message appears in the vehicle information
display, it may indicate that the Active Ride Con-
trol is not functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
When the Active Ride Control is operating, you
may hear noise and sense slight deceleration.
This is normal and indicates that the Active Ride
Control is operating properly.
Starting and driving5-83

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire pres-
sure of all tires except the spare. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit and the “Tire
Pressure Low-Add Air” warning appears in the
vehicle information display, one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. If the vehicle is
being driven with low tire pressure, the TPMS will
activate and warn you of it by the low tire pressure
warning light. This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 mph
(25 km/h). For additional information, refer to
“Warning lights, indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
WARNING
●Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those who
use a pacemaker should contact the
electric medical equipment manufac-
turer for the possible influences before
use. ●
If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage
the tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an accident
and could result in serious personal in-
jury. Check the tire pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, tire pressure will not be
indicated, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting. ●
Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
● Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pressure
sensors.
● If the light still comes on while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire
may be flat or the TPMS may be mal-
functioning. If you have a flat tire, re-
place it with a spare tire as soon as
possible. If no tire is flat and all tires are
properly inflated, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions be-
low:
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to P (Park) .
4. Turn off the engine.
FLAT TIRE
In case of emergency6-3

TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed
with the driving (front) wheels off the ground or
place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
●Never tow CVT models with the front
wheels on the ground or 4 wheels on
the ground (forward or backward) , as
this may cause serious and expensive
damage to the transmission. If it is nec-
essary to tow the vehicle with the rear
wheels raised always use towing dollies
under the front wheels.
● When towing with the front wheels on
towing dollies:
– Place the ignition switch in the OFF position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device.
– Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position.
● When towing CVT models with the rear
wheels on the ground (if you do not use
towing dollies): Always release the
parking brake.
● When towing CVT models with the front
wheels on the ground, dollies must be
used or place the vehicle on a flat bed
truck.
LCE2227LCE2228
6-12In case of emergency

VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
There are two options to recover a stuck vehicle:
pulling and rocking. For additional information
regarding these options, please refer to the fol-
lowing sections.
Pulling a stuck vehicle
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious personal
injury or death when recovering a stuck
vehicle:
●Contact a professional towing service
to recover the vehicle if you have any
questions regarding the recovery
procedure.
● Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to tow
or free a stuck vehicle.
● Only use devices specifically designed
for vehicle recovery and follow the
manufacturer’s instructions.
● Always pull the recovery device straight
out from the front of the vehicle. Never
pull at an angle. ●
Route recovery devices so they do not
touch any part of the vehicle except the
attachment point.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use a tow strap or other device designed specifi-
cally for vehicle recovery. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for the recovery de-
vice.
NOTE:
Do not use the tie-down hooks for towing
or vehicle recovery.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
WARNING
● Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
● Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged. If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back- ward.
● Shift back and forth between R (Reverse)
and D (Drive) .
● Apply the accelerator as little as possible
to maintain the rocking motion.
● Release the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R (Reverse) and D
(Drive) .
● Do not spin the tires above 35 mph
(55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing service
to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-13

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 ................8-7
Engine cooling system .............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-9
Changing engine coolant ........................8-9
Engine oil ........................................ 8-10
Checking engine oil level .......................8-10
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-12
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ......8-13
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-14
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-15
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-15
Battery .......................................... 8-16
Jump starting ................................. 8-17
Variable voltage control system .....................8-18
Drive belt ........................................ 8-18
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-19Air cleaner
....................................... 8-20
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-20
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-20
Cleaning ..................................... 8-20
Replacing .................................... 8-21
Brakes .......................................... 8-22
Fuses ........................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ........................... 8-23
Passenger compartment .......................8-24
Battery replacement .............................. 8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key® .......................8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-27
Headlights .................................... 8-27
Front park/turn signal/side marker light ...........8-27
Fog

lights ..................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-28
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-31
Tire pressure .................................. 8-31
Tire labeling ................................... 8-35
Types of tires .................................. 8-37
Tire chains .................................... 8-38
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-38