2018 NISSAN MAXIMA engine

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 VDC system is designed to helpthe driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and
be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and al-
ways drive carefully.
∙ Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen- sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,
the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the
indicator may flash or
the
indicator light may
illuminate. ∙ If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and both
the
andindicator lights
may illuminate.
∙ If engine control related parts are not NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
and theindicator lights may
illuminate.
∙ When driving on extremely inclined surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not operate
properly 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 illumi-
nate. This is not a malfunction. Re-
start the engine af ter 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.
Starting and driving5-87

The Integrated Dynamics-control Module
is an electric control module that includes
the following functions:∙ Intelligent Trace Control
∙ Intelligent Engine Brake
∙ Active Ride Control
INTELLIGENT TRACE CONTROL
(I-TC)
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 I–TC can be set to ON (enabled) or OFF
(disabled) through the vehicle information
display “Settings” page. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Vehicle information dis-
play” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion of this manual.
When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off
the VDC system, the I–TC is also turned off.
If the Chassis Control System Error warn-
ing message appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display, it may indicate that the I–TC
is not functioning properly. Have the sys- tem checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
WARNING
The I–TC may not be effective depend-
ing on the driving condition. Always
drive carefully and attentively.
When the I–TC is operating, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise. This is normal and indicates that the
I–TC is operating properly.
Even if the I–TC is set to OFF, some func-
tions will remain on to assist the driver (for
example, avoidance scenes).
INTELLIGENT ENGINE BRAKE (I-EB)
The I–EB function adds subtle deceleration
by controlling the Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) gear ratio, depending
on the cornering condition calculated from
the driver’s steering input and plural sen-
sors. This benefit is for easier traceability
and less workload of adjusting speed with
braking at corners.
The I–EB also enhances braking feel by
adding subtle deceleration with the CVT
gear ratio control according to the driver’s
brake pedal operation. The I–EB can be set to ON (enabled) or OFF
(disabled) through the vehicle information
display “Settings” page. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Vehicle information dis-
play” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion of this manual.
If the Chassis Control System Error warn-
ing message appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display, it may indicate that the I–EB
is not functioning properly. Have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
WARNING
The I–EB may not be effective depend-
ing on driving conditions. Always drive
carefully and attentively.
When the I–EB is operating, the needle of
the tachometer will rise up and you may
hear an engine noise. This is normal and
indicates that the I–EB is operating prop-
erly.
INTEGRATED DYNAMICS-CONTROL
MODULE (if so equipped)
5-88Starting and driving

ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL (ARC)
This system senses upper body motion
(based on wheel speed information) and
controls engine torque and four wheel
brake pressure. This will enhance ride com-
fort in effort to restrain uncomfortable up-
per 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 ARC is also turned off.
If the Chassis Control System Error warn-
ing message appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display, it may indicate that the ARC
is not functioning properly. Have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
When the ARC is operating, you may hear
noise and sense slight deceleration. This is
normal and indicates that the ARC is oper-
ating properly.The sonar (parking sensor) system sounds
a tone to inform the driver of obstacles
near the bumper.
When the “DISPLAY” key is ON, the sonar
view will automatically appear in the meter.
WARNING
∙ The sonar (parking sensor) system is
a convenience but it is not a substitute
for proper parking.
∙ The driver is always responsible for safety during parking and other ma-
neuvers. Always look around and
check that it is safe to do so before
parking.
∙ Read and understand the limitations of the sonar (parking sensor) system
as contained in this section. The col-
ors of the corner sonar indicator and
the distance guide lines in the
front/rear view indicate different dis-
tances to the object.
∙ Inclement weather or ultrasonic sources such as an automatic car
wash, a truck’s compressed-air
brakes or a pneumatic drill may affect
the function of the system; this may
include reduced performance or a
false activation.
∙ This function is designed as an aid to the driver in detecting large station-
ary objects to help avoid damaging
the vehicle.
LSD2427
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM (if
so equipped)
Starting and driving5-89

HOW TO ENABLE/DISABLE THE
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM
The system is automatically activated
when the ignition is in the ON position and
the shif t lever is in the R (Reverse) position.
Perform the following steps to enable or
disable the sonar system:1. Press the
button until “Settings”
appears in the vehicle information dis-
play and then press OK. Use the
button to select “Driver Assistance.”
Then press the OK button.
2. Select “Parking Aids” and press the OK button.
3. Select “Sensor” and press the OK but- ton. Select “ON” and press the OK but-
ton.
NOTE:
The system will automatically be turned
on when the engine is restarted.
LSD2820
5-92Starting and driving

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer through the key hole. If the lock
becomes frozen, heat the key before in-
serting it into the key hole or use the re-
mote keyless entry function on the Intelli-
gent Key.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check the antifreeze to assure proper win-
ter protection. For additional information,
refer to “Engine cooling system” in the “Do-
it-yourself ” section of this manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the
battery fluid may freeze and damage the
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly.
For additional information, refer to “Battery”
in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be lef t outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system, in-
cluding the engine block. Refill before oper-
ating the vehicle. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Changing engine coolant” in
the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed toprovide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance
of these tires will be substantially re-
duced in snowy and icy conditions. If
you operate your vehicle on snowy or
icy roads, NISSAN recommends the use
of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES
on all four wheels. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for the tire
type, size, speed rating and availability
information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian prov-
inces prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before install-
ing studded tires. Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
∙ A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re- move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
∙ A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the jack to give it firm support.
∙ A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow- drif ts.
∙ Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
∙ Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” un-
der these conditions. Try to avoid driv-
ing on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-93

∙ Whatever the condition, drive withcaution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shif ting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.
∙ Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
∙ Allow greater following distances on slippery roads.
∙ Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
∙ Do not use the cruise control on slip- pery roads.
∙ Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist
with cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C)
or lower.
WARNING
∙Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be se-
riously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
∙ Disconnect and properly store the en- gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.
∙ Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged extension cord rated for at least 10 A.
Plug the extension cord into a Ground
Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-VAC outlet. Failure to
use the proper extension cord or a
grounded outlet can result in a fire or
electrical shock and cause serious
personal injury. To use the engine block heater:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-
sion cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) protected,
grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in for at least2-4hours, de-
pending on outside temperatures, to
properly warm the engine coolant. Use
an appropriate timer to turn the engine
block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.
5-94Starting and driving

ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION
This system uses three microphones1
located inside the vehicle to detect engine
booming noises. The system then auto-
matically generates a noise canceling
sound through the speakers and woofer to
reduce engine booming noise.NOTE:
To operate the active noise cancellation
system properly:
∙ Do not cover the speakers or woofer.
∙ Do not cover the microphones.
∙ Do not change or modif y speakers in-
cluding the woofer and any audio re-
lated components such as the ampli-
fier.
∙ Do not make any modification includ-
ing sound deadening or modifica-
tions around the microphones,
speakers, or woofer.
ACTIVE SOUND CONTROL
Active sound control enhances existing en-
gine sounds according to the engine
speed and driving modes through the
speakers and woofer.
Front and rear microphones
LSD2637
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION/
ACTIVE SOUND CONTROL (if so
equipped)
Starting and driving5-95

6 In case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch..................6-2
Emergency engine shut off ......................6-2
Flat tire ..........................................6-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)........................................6-3
Changing a flat tire ...........................6-3
Jump starting ...................................6-8 Push starting
................................... 6-10
If your vehicle overheats ........................6-10
Towing your vehicle ............................. 6-11
Towing recommended by NISSAN ............6-11
Vehicle recovery
(freeing a stuck vehicle) ......................6-12