2020 NISSAN MAXIMA brakes

The brake system has two separate hy-
draulic 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 pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required to
stop the vehicle and stopping distance 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 downshif t 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, becareful when braking, accelerating or
downshif ting. Abrupt braking or ac-
celerating 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 as-
sist for the brakes will not work. Brak-
ing 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 lon-
ger 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 drums/rotors are replaced,
in order to assure the best braking perfor-
mance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
∙ The ABS is a sophisticated device, but
it cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain ve-
hicle control during braking on slip-
pery surfaces. Remember that stop-
ping distances on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces 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
responsible for safety.
∙ Tire type and condition may also af- fect braking effectiveness.
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-120Starting and driving

– 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

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)
5-126Starting and driving

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.......................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ...........8-3
Engine cooling system ..........................8-4
Checking engine coolant level ................8-5
Changing engine coolant .....................8-5
Engine oil ........................................8-6
Checking engine oil level .....................8-6
Changing engine oil and oil filter ..............8-6
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid ............................................ 8-10
Power Steering Fluid (PSF) .......................8-11
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-11
Windshield-washer fluid ........................8-12
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ............8-12
Battery......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ............................... 8-14
Drive belt ....................................... 8-15
Spark plugs .................................... 8-15
Replacing spark plugs ....................... 8-15
Air cleaner ...................................... 8-16
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-16Windshield wiper blades
........................8-17
Cleaning .................................... 8-17
Replacing ................................... 8-17
Brakes.......................................... 8-18
Fuses ........................................... 8-19
Engine compartment ....................... 8-19
Passenger compartment ....................8-20
Battery replacement ........................... 8-21
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ......................8-22
Lights .......................................... 8-23
Headlights ................................... 8-23
Front park/turn signal/side marker
light ......................................... 8-23
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-23
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-24
Wheels and tires ................................ 8-26
Tire pressure ................................ 8-26
Tire labeling ................................. 8-30
T

ypes of tires ................................ 8-33
Tire chains .................................. 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-34

If you wax the surface of the hood, be care-
ful not to let wax get into the washer nozzle
D. This may cause clogging or improper
windshield-washer operation. If wax gets
into the nozzle, remove it with a needle or
small pin
C. If the brakes do not operate properly, have
the brakes checked. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear disc-type brakes self-
adjust every time the brake pedal is ap-
plied.
WARNING
Have your brake system checked if the
brake pedal height does not return to
normal. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound will be heard
when the vehicle is in motion. The noise will
be heard whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard. Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.
For additional information re-
garding brake inspections, refer to the ap-
propriate maintenance schedule informa-
tion in the “Maintenance and schedules”
section of this manual.”
LDI2731
BRAKES
8-18Do-it-yourself

secondary latch keeps the hood from
opening when the primary latch is re-
leased.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and in-
stalled securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated ev-
ery 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
of ten and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires, including the spare, to the pressure
specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the
TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core
and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age.Wheel alignment and balance: If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect un-
even or abnormal tire wear, there may be a
need for wheel alignment. If the steering
wheel or seat vibrates at normal highway
speeds, wheel balancing may be needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-
age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility. It is recom-
mended that you have a damaged wind-
shield repaired by a NISSAN dealer, or a
NISSAN Certified Collision Center. To locate
a collision center in your area, refer to
http://collision.nissanusa.com.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc. Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, have your vehicle checked imme-
diately. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. Keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) P (Park) position mechanism: On a
fairly steep hill check that the vehicle is held
securely with the shif t lever in the P (Park)
position without applying any brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Maintenance and schedules9-3

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

Seat beltChildsafety................ .1-20
Infants and small children ........1-21
InjuredPerson............... .1-15
Largerchildren.............. .1-21
Precautions on seat belt usage .....1-11
Pregnant women ..............1-14
Seat belt extenders ............1-19
Seat belt maintenance ..........1-19
Seatbelts................1-11, 7-8
Shoulder belt height adjustment . . . .1-18
Three-pointtypewithretractor.....1-15
Seat belt extenders ..............1-19
Seatbeltwarninglight.........1-14, 2-13
Seats Adjustment ..................1-2
Armrests .................. .1-7
Automatic drive
positioner ........3-31,3-32,3-33,3-34
Frontseats..................1-2
Heatedseats................2-56
Rearseat...................1-5
Security indicator light ............2-15
Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), engine start ..........2-44,5-14
Security systems Vehicle security system .........2-42
Self-adjustingbrakes.............8-18
Service manual order form .........10-21
Servicing air conditioner ...........4-33
Shif ting Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) .....................5-18
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-18
Spark plug replacement ...........8-15
Spark plugs ...................8-15 Specifications
.................10-8
Speedometer ................2-4,2-5
Speedometer and odometer ........2-4
Spotlights(Seemaplight)..........2-75
SRS warning label ...............1-64
Stability control ................5-122
Standard maintenance ..........9-7,9-8
Starting Before starting the engine ........5-14
Jumpstarting.............6-9,8-14
Precautions when starting and
driving.....................5-4
Push starting ................6-11
Starting the engine ............5-15
Starting the engine ..............5-15
Steering Heated steering wheel ..........2-58
Powersteeringfluid............8-11
Powersteeringsystem.........5 -119
Steering wheel .................3-25
Stoplight....................8-24
Storage.....................2-64
Storagetray ..................2-65
Sunglasses case ................2-66
Sunglasses holder ..............2-66
Sunroof ...................2 -71, 7-7
S

unvisors....................3-27
Supplemental air bag warning
light.................... .1-64, 2-13
Supplemental front impact air bag
system ..................... .1-51
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels . . . .1-64
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ................... .1-44Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system)
.......1-44
Switch Autolightswitch..............2-49
Automatic power window switch . . .2-70
Foglightswitch..............2-54
Hazard warning flasher switch ......6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch . . . .2-48
Headlightcontrolswitch.........2-48
Instrument brightness control .....2-53
Power door lock switch ........3-5, 3-6
Rear window and outside mirror
defrosterswitch..............2-48
Turn signal switch .............2-53
T
Tachometer ...................2-6
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge . .2-6
Thef t (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start ...............2-44,5-14
Three-waycatalyst...............5-4
Tire Flattire..................6-3,6-4
Spare tire ................6-5,8-37
Tire and Loading Information label . .10-12
Tire chains .................8-34
Tire pressure ................8-26
Tirerotation ................8-34
Types of tires ................8-33
Uniform tire quality grading .......10-17
Wheels and tires ..............8-26
Wheel/tire size ...............10-9
11-6