User manual NISSAN MAXIMA-1996

Foreword Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with confidence. It was produced using the latest techniques and strict quality control. This manual was prepared to help you understand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of driving pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle. A separate "Warranty Information booklet" explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle. Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, he will be glad to assist you with the extensive resources available to him. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REMINDERS FOR SAFETY! Follow these five important driving rules to help ensure a safe and complete trip for you and your passengers! ¼ NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. ¼ ALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too fast for conditions. ¼ ALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child restraint systems. ¼ ALWAYS provide information about the proper use of vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle. ¼ ALWAYS review this Owner's Manual for important safety information. NOTES ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS OWNER'S MANUAL This owner's manual contains descriptions and operating instructions for all systems, features and optional equipment that might appear in any model of this vehicle built for any destination in North America, including the continental United States, Canada and Hawaii. Therefore, you may very well find information in this manual that does not apply to your vehicle. MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE This vehicle should not be modified. Modification could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or performance problems resulting from modification may not be covered under NISSAN warranties. All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are those in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change specifications or design without notice and without obligation. © 1995 NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN Welcome To The World Of NISSAN Nissan pioneered the use of electronics and computers in automobiles, and has led the industry in improving both performance and fuel efficiency through new engine designs and the use of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The company has also developed ways to build quality into its vehicles at each stage of the production process, both through extensive use of automation and -- most importantly -- through an awareness that people are the central element in quality control. From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers until you took delivery of your new Nissan, dozens of checks were made to ensure that only the best job was being done in producing and delivering your vehicle. Nissan also takes great care to ensure that when you take your Nissan to your dealer for maintenance, the service technician will perform his work according to the quality standards that have been established by the factory. Safety has also been built into your Nissan. As you know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety systems that will help protect you and your passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident. We urge you to use the belts every time you drive the vehicle. The Nissan story of growth and achievement reflects our major goal: to provide you, our customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality and craftsmanship -- a product that we can be proud to build and you can be proud to own. AFW0001 Your new Nissan is the result of our dedication to produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a successful worldwide company that manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them in 170 countries. Nissan vehicles are designed and manufactured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and Nissan affiliates world wide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars and trucks, Nissan also makes textile machinery, fork-lift trucks, marine engines, boats and other products. Nissan has made a substantial and growing investment in North America, starting with the opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in 1960 and continuing with the production of some cars and trucks at one of the world's most modern manufacturing facilities Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design International in San Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan Research and Development in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. and its dealers indirectly employ about 60,000 Americans. Nissan is also a substantial contributor to the Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its suppliers and over 170 dealers employ approximately 4,500 people. These include company employees and the staffs of Nissan dealers all across Canada. In addition, many Canadians work for companies that supply Nissan and Nissan dealers with materials and services ranging from operation of port facilities and transportation services, to the supply of lubricants, parts and accessories. NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM NISSAN CARES ... Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs. However, if there is something that your NISSAN dealer can not assist you with or you would like to provide NISSAN directly with comments or questions, please contact our (NISSAN's) Consumer Affairs Department using our toll-free number: For U.S. mainland customers 1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261) For Hawaii customers 531-0231 (Oahu Number) For Canada customers 1-800-387-0122 The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the following information: --Your name, address, and telephone number --Vehicle identification number (on dashboard) --Date of purchase --Current odometer reading --Your NISSAN dealer's name --Your comments or questions OR You can write to NISSAN with the information on the left at: For U.S. mainland customers Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 191 Gardena, California 90247 For Hawaii customers Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii 2880 Kilihau St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 For Canada customers Nissan Canada Inc. P.O. Box 1709, Station "B" Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4H6 We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle. Contents Instruments and controls Pre-driving checks and adjustments Heater, air conditioner and audio system Starting and driving In case of emergency Appearance and interior care Do-it-yourself operations Maintenance schedule Technical and consumer information Index 1 Instruments and controls Meters and gauges ................................................... 1-3 Warning/indicator light and buzzer............................ 1-6 Theft warning ............................................................ 1-9 Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................... 1-11 Rear window and outside mirror defogger switch ....................................................... 1-12 Headlight and turn signal switch ............................. 1-13 Cornering light ......................................................... 1-14 Instrument brightness control.................................. 1-14 Front fog light switch ............................................... 1-15 Hazard warning flasher switch ................................ 1-15 Heated seat ............................................................. 1-16 Cigarette lighter and ash trays................................ 1-17 Pocket ..................................................................... 1-17 Cup and card holders ............................................. 1-18 Power window ......................................................... 1-19 Sunroof .................................................................... 1-20 Clock ....................................................................... 1-21 Interior light ............................................................. 1-21 Front personal light ................................................. 1-22 Vanity mirror light .................................................... 1-22 Trunk light ............................................................... 1-23 Windshield wiper/washer switch (P.1-11) Instrument brightness control switch (P.1-14) Meters/gauges (P.1-3) Theft warning light (P.1-9) Cruise control main switch (P.4-12) Headlight and turn signal switch (P.1-13) Hazard warning flasher switch (P.1-15) Ventilator (P.3-2) Heater/air conditioner control (P.3-3) Clock (P.1-21) Radio/cassette player (P.3-11)/CD player (P.3-21) Rear window and outside mirror defogger switch (P.1-12) Passenger air bag (P.2-17) Hood release lever (P.2-8) Outside mirror remote control (P.2-36) Fuse box cover (P.7-21) Tilting steering wheel lock lever (P.2-35) Driver air bag (P.2-17) Ignition switch/steering lock (P.4-4) Cruise control set switch (P.4-12) Cigarette lighter (accessory) (P.1-17) Ash tray (P.1-17) Heated seat switch (P.1-16) Glove box (P.2-8) See the page indicated in parentheses for operating details. SIC0169 1-2 METERS AND GAUGES SIC0170 1-3 SIC0171 SIC0172 SIC0173 SPEEDOMETER The speedometer indicates vehicle speed. TACHOMETER The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute (r/min). ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE The gauge indicates the coolant temperature. The coolant temperature will vary with the outside air temperature and driving conditions. ODOMETER The odometer records the total distance the vehicle has been driven. TRIP ODOMETER The trip odometer records the distance of individual trips. Before each trip, set the trip odometer to zero by pushing the RESET button. When engine speed approaches the red zone, shift to a higher gear. Operating the engine in the red zone may cause serious engine damage. 1-4 If the gauge indicates over the normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible. If the engine is overheated, continued operation of the vehicle may seriously damage the engine. See "In case of emergency" section for immediate action required. The indicator light comes on when the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient, preferably before the gauge reaches "E". There should be a small reserve of fuel in the tank when the fuel gauge needle reaches "E". SIC0174 FUEL GAUGE The gauge indicates the APPROXIMATE fuel level in the tank. The gauge may move slightly during braking, turning, acceleration, or going up or down hill. The gauge needle is designed to remain in approximately the same position, even when the ignition key is turned "OFF". Refill the fuel tank before the gauge registers Empty. 1-5 WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHT AND BUZZER or warning light Seat belt warning light Low washer fluid warning light Anti-lock brake warning light Engine oil pressure warning light CRUISE indicator light Air bag warning light Turn signal/hazard indicator light High beam indicator light (blue) Charge warning light Door open warning light or Overdrive off indicator light Malfunction indicator light (MIL) Checking bulbs Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition key to "ON" without starting the engine. The following lights will come on: , or , , The following lights come on briefly and then go off: or , , If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the electrical system. Have the system repaired promptly. Engine oil pressure warning light This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the light flickers or comes on during normal driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine immediately and call a NISSAN dealer or other authorized repair shop. Running the engine with the oil pressure warning light on could cause serious damage to the engine. The oil pressure warning light is not designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the dipstick to check the oil level. See "Engine oil" in the "Do-it-yourself operations" section. Running the engine with the oil pressure warning light on could cause serious damage to the engine. Charge warning light If the light comes on while the engine is running, it may indicate that there is something wrong with the charging system. Turn the engine off and check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose, broken, missing or if the light remains on, see your NISSAN dealer immediately. 1-6 This means the system is operational. If any of the following conditions occur, the air bag needs servicing and your vehicle must be taken to your nearest authorized NISSAN dealer. 1. The air bag light does not come on for 7 seconds and then go off as described above. 2. The air bag light flashes intermittently or remains on. 3. The air bag light does not come on at all. Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemental Restraint System may not function properly. For additional details on the Air Bag System, see Section 2. Parking brake indicator The light comes on when the parking brake is applied. Low brake fluid warning The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light comes on while the engine is running with the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle and perform the following: 1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. See "Brake and clutch fluid" in the "Do-it-yourself operations" section. Do not continue driving if the belt is loose, broken or missing. Door open warning light This light comes on when any of the doors are not closed securely while the ignition key is "ON". Seat belt warning light and buzzer The light and buzzer remind you to fasten seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the ignition key is turned to "ON", and will remain illuminated until the driver's seat belt is fastened. At the same time, the buzzer will sound for about six seconds unless the driver's seat belt is securely fastened. Refer to "Seat belts" in the "Pre-driving checks and adjustments" section for precautions on seat belt usage. Low washer fluid warning light This light comes on when the washer tank fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary. See the "Do-it-yourself operations" section. If the level is below the MINIMUM mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do not drive until the brake system has been checked at a NISSAN dealer. 2. If the brake fluid level is correct: Have the warning system checked by a NISSAN dealer. Air bag warning light When the ignition key is in the "ON" or "START" position, the air bag light will illuminate for about 7 seconds and then turn off. or Brake warning light ¼ Even if you judge it to be safe, have your vehicle towed because driving it This light functions for both the parking brake and the foot brake systems. 1-7 could be dangerous. ¼ Pressing the brake pedal with the engine stopped could increase your stopping distance and require greater pedal effort as well as pedal travel. illuminate for about 2 seconds and then turn off. This means the system is operational. Light reminder buzzer A buzzer will sound when the driver side door is opened if the light switch is turned on (ignition switch is turned off). Turn the light switch off when you leave the vehicle. Turn signal/hazard indicator lights The light flashes when the turn signal switch lever or hazard switch is turned on. or Anti-lock brake warning light High beam indicator light (Blue) This light comes on when the headlight high beam is on and goes out when the low beam is selected. Brake pad wear warning The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings. When a brake pad requires replacement, it will make a high pitched scraping sound when the vehicle is in motion whether or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as possible if the warning sound is heard. If the light comes on while the engine is running, it may indicate there is something wrong with the anti-lock portion of the brake system. Have the system checked by your NISSAN dealer. However if the light illuminates while starting the engine, it does not indicate a system malfunction. If an abnormality occurs in the system, the anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary brakes will continue to operate normally. If the light comes on while you are driving, contact your NISSAN dealer for repair. Cruise indicator light The light comes on while the vehicle speed is controlled by the cruise control system. If the light flickers while the engine is running, it may indicate there is something wrong with the cruise control system. Have the system checked by your NISSAN dealer. Key reminder buzzer The buzzer will sound if the driver side door is opened while the key is left in the ignition switch (ignition switch is turned off). Remove the key and take it with you when leaving the vehicle. Overdrive off indicator light This light comes on when the overdrive switch is pushed to the "OFF " position. However when the ignition key is in the "ON" or "START" position and the overdrive switch is not in the "OFF " position, the light will 1-8 THEFT WARNING Malfunction indicator light (MIL) If the MIL comes on or blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate a potential emission control problem. If the fuel filler cap is not tightened properly, the MIL may come on. Check and securely tighten the fuel filler cap, and have your vehicle checked as noted above. ¼ Continued operation without having the emission control system checked and repaired as necessary could lead to poor driveability, reduced fuel economy, and possible damage to the emission control system which may affect your warranty coverage. ¼ Although the vehicle is still driveable, see your nearest NISSAN dealer as soon as possible. To avoid system damage, do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h). If possible, avoid hard acceleration or deceleration. IC0005 The theft warning system provides visual and audio alarm signals if parts of the vehicle are disturbed. How to activate the theft warning system 1. Remove the key from the ignition switch. 2. Close all windows. Close and lock all doors, hood and trunk lid. The doors can be locked either with or without the key. The system can be activated even if the windows are open. 1-9 3. Confirm that the indicator light comes on. The light will glow for about 30 seconds and then blink. The system is now activated. If, during this 30 second time period, the door is unlocked by the key or multi-remote controller, or the ignition key is turned to "ACC", the system will not activate. will activate with all doors, hood, trunk lid and back door locked and ignition key off. Turn the ignition key to "ACC" to turn the system off. Theft warning system operation The warning system will give the following alarm: ¼ The headlights blink and the horn sounds intermittently. In addition, the starter motor will not operate. SIC0175 ¼ If the key is turned quickly when locking the door, the system may not activate. Furthermore, if the key is turned excessively to the unlock position, the system may be deactivated when the key is removed. If the indicator light fails to glow for 30 seconds, unlock the door once and lock it again. ¼ Even when the driver and/or passengers are in the vehicle, the system ¼ The alarm automatically turns off after 2 to 3 minutes; however, the alarm will reactivate if the vehicle is tampered with again. The alarm can be shut off by unlocking a door or trunk lid with the key. The alarm is activated by: ¼ Unlocking the door or opening the trunk lid without using the key or multi-remote controller. (Even if the door is opened by releasing the door inside lock knob or the trunk lid is opened by operating the opener lever/button, the alarm is activated.) ¼ Opening the hood. ¼ Pushing in or pulling out of the key cylinder on the door or trunk lid. 1-10 WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER SWITCH How to stop alarm The alarm will stop only by unlocking a door or trunk lid with the key or multi-remote controller. The alarm will not stop if the ignition switch is turned to "ACC". If the system does not operate as described above, have it checked by your NISSAN dealer. SIC0176 The windshield wiper and washer operates when the ignition key is in the "ACC" or "ON" position. Push the lever down to operate the wiper. Intermittent operation can be adjusted from 3 to 21 seconds by turning the knob. (Type B only) Pull the lever toward you to operate the washer. Then the wiper will also operate several times. In freezing temperatures the washer solution may freeze on the windshield and obscure your vision. Warm windshield ¼ Do not operate the washer continuously for more than 30 seconds. ¼ Do not operate the washer if the reservoir tank is dry. 1-11 REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE MIRROR DEFOGGER SWITCH with the defroster before you wash the windshield. SIC0177 To defog the rear window glass and outside mirrors, start the engine and push the switch on. (The indicator light will come on.) Push the switch again to turn the defogger off. It will automatically turn off in approximately 15 minutes. When cleaning the inner side of the window, be careful not to scratch or damage the electrical conductors. 1-12 HEADLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH Daytime light system (For Canada) Even if the headlight control switch is off, the headlights' high beams will illuminate after starting the engine. The headlights will be a little dimmer than they are with the headlight switch in the " " position. If the parking brake is applied before the engine is started, the daytime lights will not be illuminated. The daytime lights will illuminate once the parking brake is released. Thereafter, the daytime lights will not turn off when using the parking brake at stop signals, etc. SIC0188 When the daytime light system is active, tail lights on your vehicle will not be on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on your headlights. Failure to do so could cause an accident injuring yourself and others. Lighting Turn the switch to the " " position: The front clearance, side marker, tail, license plate and instrument lights will come on. Turn the switch to the " " position: Passing signal Pulling the lever toward you will turn on the headlight high beam. Headlights will come on and all the other lights remain on. To select the high beam, push the lever forward. Pull it back to select the low beam. 1-13 CORNERING LIGHT Turn signal Move the lever up or down to signal the turning direction. When the turn is completed, the turn signals cancel automatically. INSTRUMENT BRIGHTNESS CONTROL Lane change signal To indicate a lane change, move the lever up or down to the point where lights begin flashing. IC1030 IC1284MA The cornering light provides additional illumination toward the turning direction. The light will come on when the turn signal lever is moved to the right or left with the headlights on. The instrument brightness control operates when the light switch is in the " " or " " position. Turn the control to adjust the brightness of instrument panel lights (except clock) and power window switch lights. When the control is turned to the right until a click sound is heard, the light intensity will be at maximum. When the control is turned to the left until a click sound is heard, the light will be turned off. 1-14 FRONT FOG LIGHT SWITCH HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH ¼ Some state laws may prohibit the use of the hazard warning flasher switch while driving. ¼ Turn signals do not work when the switch is operating. The flasher can be actuated with the ignition switch either off or on. IC1292 SIC0178 To turn the fog lights on, turn the headlight switch to the " " position, then turn the switch to the " " position. To turn them off, turn the switch to the "OFF" position. The headlights must be on for the fog lights to operate. Push the switch on to warn other drivers when you must stop or park under emergency conditions. All turn signal lights will flash. ¼ When stalled or stopped on the roadway under emergency conditions, move the vehicle well off the road. ¼ Do not use the switch while moving on the highway unless unusual circumstances force you to drive so slowly that your vehicle might become a hazard to other traffic. 1-15