2023 NISSAN MAXIMA traction control

Power steering warning
light
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 run-
ning, 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. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the power steering warning light
illuminates. Af ter starting the engine, the
power steering warning light turns off. This
indicates the power steering is operational.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering is not function-
ing properly and may need servicing. Have
the power steering checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service. When the power steering warning light illu-
minates 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.
For additional information, see “Power
steering” (P. 5-112).
Rear Automatic Braking
(RAB) system warning light
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position. It turns
off af ter the engine is started.
This light illuminates when the RAB system
is turned off in the vehicle information
display.
If the light illuminates when the RAB sys-
tem is on, it may indicate that the system is
unavailable. For additional information, see
“Rear Automatic Braking (RAB)” (P. 5-80).
Slip indicator light
This indicator light will blink when the Ve-
hicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is op-
erating, thus alerting the driver to the fact
that the road surface is slippery and the
vehicle is nearing its traction limits.
You may feel or hear the system working;
this is normal.
The light will blink for a few seconds af ter
the VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.
The
indicator light also comes on
when you place the ignition switch in the
ON position. The light will turn off af ter ap-
proximately 2 seconds if the system is
operational.
If the light remains on continuously, it may
indicate a failure of the VDC system. If the
light does not come on or remains on con-
tinuously, have the system checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the
VDC OFF switch is pushed to off. This indi-
cates the VDC system has been turned off.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart
the engine and the system will operate
normally. For additional information, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system”
(P. 5-115).
Instruments and controls2-15

• “Unavailable Road is Slippery”:When the VDC system (except Traction
Control System [TCS] function) or ABS
operates.
• “Currently Unavailable”: When the VDC system is turned off.
Action to take:
When the above conditions no longer exist,
turn off the I-LI system. Push the dynamic
driver assistance switch again to turn the
I-LI system back on.
Temporary disabled status at high
temperature:
If the vehicle is parked in direct sunlight
under high temperature conditions (over
approximately 104°F [40°C]) and then the
I-LI system is turned on, the I-LI system
may be deactivated automatically and the
following message will appear on the ve-
hicle information display: “Unavailable: High
Cabin Temperature.” When the interior
temperature is reduced, the system will re-
sume operating automatically.SYSTEM MALFUNCTION
If the I-LI system malfunctions, it will cancel
automatically. The LDW indicator (orange)
will illuminate in the display. If the LDW indi-
cator (orange) illuminates in the display,
pull off the road to a safe location and stop
the vehicle. Turn the engine/motor off and
restart the engine/motor. If the LDW indica-
tor (orange) continues to illuminate, have
the I-LI system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The lane camera unitO1for the I-LI system
is located above the inside mirror. To keep
the proper operation of the I-LI system and
prevent a system malfunction, be sure to
observe the following:
• Always keep the windshield clean.
• Do not attach a sticker (including trans- parent material) or install an accessory
near the camera unit.
LSD3375
5-36Starting and driving

A chime sounds under the following condi-
tions and the control is automatically can-
celed:
• When the vehicle slows down more than8 mph (13 km/h) below the set speed
• When the shif t lever is not in the D (Drive) or manual shif t mode
• When the parking brake is applied
• When the VDC operates (including the traction control system)
• When a wheel slips
When the system is not operating properly,
the chime sounds and the color of the
cruise indicator will change to orange.
Action to take
If the color of the cruise indicator changes
to orange, stop the vehicle in a safe place
and place the shif t lever in the P (Park) po-
sition. Turn the engine off, restart the en-
gine, resume driving, and then perform the
setting again.
If it is not possible to set or the indicator
stays on, it may indicate that the system
is malfunctioning. Although the vehicle
is still drivable under normal conditions,
have the vehicle checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings and in-
structions for proper use of the RAB
system could result in serious injury or
death.
• The RAB system is a supplemental
aid to the driver. It is not a replace-
ment for proper driving procedures.
Always use the side and rear mirrors
and turn and look in the direction you
will move before and while backing
up. Never rely solely on the RAB sys-
tem. It is the driver’s responsibility to
stay alert, drive safely, and be in con-
trol of the vehicle at all times.
• There is a limitation to the RAB sys-
tem capability. The RAB system is not
effective in all situations.
• Inclement weather or ultrasonic
sources such as an automatic car
wash, a truck’s compressed-air
brakes or a pneumatic drill may af-
fect the function of the system; this
may include reduced performance or
a false activation.
The RAB system can assist the driver when
the vehicle is backing up and approaching
objects directly behind the vehicle. The RAB system detects obstacles behind
the vehicle using the parking sensors
O1
located on the rear bumper.
NOTE:
You can temporarily cancel the sonar
function in the vehicle, but the RAB sys-
tem will continue to operate. For addi-
tional information, see “Front and Rear
Sonar System” (P. 5-119).
LSD3380
REAR AUTOMATIC BRAKING (RAB)
5-80Starting and driving

WARNING
Failure to follow the warnings and in-
structions for proper use of the I-DA
system could result in serious injury or
death.
• The I–DA system is only a warning to
inform the driver of a potential lack
of driver attention or drowsiness. It
will not steer the vehicle or prevent
loss of control.
•
The I–DA system does not detect and
provide an alert of the driver’s lack of
attention or fatigue in every situation.
• It is the driver’s responsibility to:
• Stay alert.
• Drive safely.
• Keep the vehicle in the traveling lane.
• Be in control of the vehicle at all times.
• Avoid driving when tired.
• Avoid distractions (texting, etc.).
The I–DA system helps alert the driver if the
system detects a lack of attention or driv-
ing fatigue. The system monitors driving style and
steering behavior over a period of time,
and it detects changes from the normal
pattern. If the system detects that driver
attention is decreasing over a period of
time, the system uses audible and visual
warnings to suggest that the driver take a
break.INTELLIGENT DRIVER ALERTNESS
SYSTEM OPERATION
If the system detects driver fatigue or that
driver attention is decreasing, the mes-
sage “Take a break?” appears in the vehicle
information display and a chime sounds
when the vehicle is driven at speeds above
37 mph (60 km/h).
The system continuously monitors driver
attention and can provide multiple warn-
ings per trip.
The system resets and starts reassessing
driving style and steering behavior when
the ignition switch is cycled from ON to OFF
and back on.
LSD2379
INTELLIGENT DRIVER ALERTNESS
(I-DA)
Starting and driving5-107

Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates at speeds above3-6mph(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.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert,
drive safely and be in control of the
vehicle at all times. The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion.
Under certain driving conditions, the VDC
system helps to perform the following
functions:
• Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power
is transferred to a non-slipping drive
wheel on the same axle.
• Controls brake pressure and engine out- put to reduce drive wheel slip based on
vehicle speed (traction control function).
• Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:– Understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased
steering input)
– Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it can-
not prevent loss of vehicle control in all driv-
ing situations.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-115

• A sturdy, flat board to be placed under thejack to give it firm support.
• A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrif 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
driving on wet ice until the road is
salted or sanded.
• Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. 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 steer-
ing 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.
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION
This system uses three microphonesO1
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 cancella-
tion system properly:
• Do not cover the speakers or woofer.
• Do not cover the microphones.
LSD2637
Front and rear microphones
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION/
ACTIVE SOUND CONTROL (if so
equipped)
Starting and driving5-125

O7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown if the tire
has radial structure.
O8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is
shown.
Other Tire-related Terminology
In addition to the many terms that
are defined throughout this section,
Intended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or model
name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on
the other sidewall of the tire, or (2)
the outward facing sidewall of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particu-
lar side that must always face out-
ward when mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
• When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow)
and construction. A NISSAN dealer
may be able to help you with infor-
mation about tire type, size, speed
rating and availability.
• Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
• Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could af-
fect the proper operation of the low
tire pressure warning system. •
Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Failure to
do so may result in a circumference
difference between tires on the front
and rear axles which can cause the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem to malfunction resulting in per-
sonal injury or death, excessive tire
wear and may damage the transmis-
sion and differential gears.
• For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance all
year, including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. All Season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON and/or M&S on the tire sidewall.
Snow tires have better snow traction than
All Season tires and may be more appropri-
ate in some areas.
Do-it-yourself8-35

Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when
towing a vehicle behind a recreational ve-
hicle, such as a motor home.
CAUTION
•
Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
• Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never backward.
•
Never tow your front wheel drive ve-
hicle with the front tires on the ground.
Doing so may cause serious and ex-
pensive damage to the powertrain.
• DO NOT tow any continuously vari-
able transmission vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground (flat tow-
ing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE internal
transmission parts due to lack of
transmission lubrication.
•
For emergency towing procedures see
“Towing recommended by NISSAN”
(P. 6-12).
Continuously Variable
Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with a continu-
ously variable transmission, an appropriate
vehicle dolly MUSTbe placed under the
towed vehicle's drive wheels. Alwaysfollow
the dolly manufacturer's recommenda-
tions when using their product. DOT (Department of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
TOWING A TRAILER
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information10-19