2020 NISSAN MAXIMA ABS

– When replacing tires, install thespecified 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 ad-
ditional information, refer to “Tire
and Loading Information label” in
the “Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section of this manual.
– For additional information, refer to “Wheels and tires” in the “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 rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding.
By preventing each wheel from locking, the
system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The Anti-lock Braking System will operate to
prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in-
cludes electronic sensors, electric pumps,
hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low
speed in forward or reverse. When the self-
test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and does not indicate a mal-
function. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates at speeds abov
e3-6mph(5-
10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal and hear a noise
from under the hood or feel a vibration
from the actuator when it is operating. This
is normal and indicates that the ABS is op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.
Starting and driving5-121

When the vehicle information display is
used to turn off the system, the VDC sys-
tem still operates to prevent one drive
wheel from slipping by transferring power
to a non-slipping drive wheel. The
in-
dicator light flashes if this occurs. All other
VDC functions are off and the
indica-
tor light will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to
ON when the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or in reverse at a slow speed. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
WARNING
∙ The VDC system is designed to help the 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 light may flash.
∙ 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
the
indicator light may
illuminate. ∙ If engine control related parts are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the
indica-
tor light may illuminate.
∙ When driving on extremely inclined surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the
indicator light
may flash. Do not drive on these types
of roads.
∙ When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash. 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 light
may flash.
∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
Starting and driving5-123

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 light may flash. ∙ 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
the
indicator light may
illuminate.
∙ If engine control related parts are not NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the
indica-
tor light may illuminate.
∙ When driving on extremely inclined surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the
indicator light
may flash. Do not drive on these types
of roads.
∙ When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash. 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 light
may flash.
∙ The VDC system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow
covered road.
5-124Starting and driving

11 Index
A
Active noise cancellation Active sound enhancement ......5-132
ActiveRideControl(ARC) .........5-126
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .................... .1-44
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front
impact air bag system) .........1-51
Airbagwarninglight..........1-64, 2-13
Air bag warning light,
supplemental ..............1-64, 2-13
Air cleaner ...................8-16
Air cleaner housing filter ..........8-16
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ........4-30
Air conditioner specification label . .10-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant
and oil recommendations . . . .10-2, 10-7
Air conditioner system refrigerant
recommendations .........10-2,10-7
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped) ..............4-29
Heater and air conditioner
controls ..................4-30
Servicing air conditioner ........4-33
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .......2-42
Anchor point locations ............1-27
Antenna ....................4-34
Antifreeze ...................5-130 Anti-lock brake warning light
........2-8
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-120
Armrests.................... .1-7
Audible reminders ..............2-16
Autolightswitch ...............2-49
Automatic Automatic drive
positioner ........3-31,3-32,3-33,3-34
Automatic power window switch . . .2-70
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror ....3-28
Automatic door locks .............3-6
Automatic drive
positioner ..........3-31,3-32,3-33,3-34
Automatic Emergency Braking
(AEB) ....................2-9,2-12
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with
Pedestrian Detection ............5-91
B
Battery .................5-130,8-13 Charge warning light ...........2-10
Battery replacement .............8-21
Keyfob...................8-21
NISSAN Intelligent Key® .........8-22
Before starting the engine .........5-14
Belt(Seedrivebelt)..............8-15
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) ..........5-37
Booster seats .................1-40
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ....5-120
Brakefluid .................8-11 Brakelight(Seestoplight).......8-24
Brakesystem ..............5-120
Brakewarninglight............2-9
Brakewearindicators.......2-16,8-18
Parking brake operation
........5-22
Self-adjustingbrakes ..........8-18
Brake Assist ..................5-121
Brakefluid ...................8-11
Brakes......................8-18
Brakesystem ................5 -120
Break-in schedule ..............5 -115
Brightness control Instrument panel .............2-53
Bulb check/instrument panel ........2-8
Bulb replacement ..............8-24
C
C

apacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants....................10-2
Cargo
(See vehicle loading information) .....10-13
Car phone or CB radio ............4-34
Check tire pressure .............2-30
Childrestraints.......1-20, 1-21, 1-22, 1-25 LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren)System.............1-25
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-22, 1-29, 1-36, 1-40
Top tether strap anchor point
locations................. .1-27
Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6