Nissan Maxima 2011 User Manual

2011 MAXIMA

OWNER’S MANUAL

For your safety, read carefully and keep in this vehicle.

FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY

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 sothat you may enjoy many miles (kilometers) 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. The “NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide” explains details about maintaining and servicing your vehicle. Additionally, a separate Customer Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will explain how to resolve any concerns you may have with your vehicle, as well as clarify your rights under your state’s lemon law.

Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, they will be glad to assist you with the extensive resources available to them.

Before driving your vehicle, please read this Owner’s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity with controls and maintenance requirements, assisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle.

WARNING

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!

Follow these important driving rules to help ensure a safe and comfortable trip for you and your passengers!

● NEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

● ALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too fast for conditions.

ALWAYS give your full attention to driving

●

and avoid using vehicle features or taking other actions that could distract you.

●

ALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child restraint systems. Preteen children should be seated in the rear seat.

● ALWAYS provide information about the proper use of vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.

● ALWAYS review this Owner’s Manual for important safety information.

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 modifications may not be covered under NISSAN warranties.

WHEN READING THE MANUAL

This manual includes information for all options available on this model. Therefore, you may find some information that does not apply to your vehicle.

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL

You will see various symbols in this manual. They are used in the following ways:

WARNING

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause death or serious personal injury. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed precisely.

CAUTION

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause minor or moderate personal injury or damage to your vehicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed carefully.

APD1005

If yousee this symbol, it means “Do not do this” or “Do not let this happen.”

If you see a symbol similar to these in an illustration, it means the arrow points to the front of the vehicle.

Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these indicate movement or action.

Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these call attention to an item in the illustration.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

CALIFORNIA PERCHLORATE ADVISORY

Some vehicle parts, such as lithium batteries, may contain perchlorate material. The following advisory is provided: “Perchlorate Material – special handling may apply, See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.”

BLUETOOTH威 is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., U.S.A. and licensed to Visteon and Clarion.

Gracenote威 is a registered trademark of Gracenote, Inc. The Gracenote logo and logo type, and the “Powered by Gracenote” logo are trademarks of Gracenote.

XM Radio威 requires subscription, sold separately. Not available in Alaska, Hawaii or Guam. For more information, visit www.xmradio.com.

All rights reserved. No part of this Owner’s Manual may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Nissan North America, Inc.

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 cannot assist you with or you would like to provide NISSAN directly with comments or questions, please contact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs Department using our toll-free number:

For U.S. customers

1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261)

For Canadian customers

1-800-387-0122

We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.

The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the following information:

– Your name, address, and telephone number

– Vehicle identification number (attached to the

top of the instrument panel on the driver’s side)

– Date of purchase

– Current odometer reading

– Your NISSAN dealer’s name

– Your comments or questions

You can write to NISSAN with the information at:

For U.S. customers

Nissan North America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 685003 Franklin, TN 37068-5003

For Canadian customers

Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5

or via e-mail at:

For U.S. customers

nnaconsumeraffairs@nissan-usa.com

For Canadian customers

information.centre@nissancanada.com

Table of

Illustrated table of contents

Contents

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

Instruments and controls

Pre-driving checks and adjustments

Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems

Starting and driving

In case of emergency

Appearance and care

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Technical and consumer information

Index

0 Illustrated table of contents

Air bags, seat belts and child restraints ..............0-2

Exterior front ......................................0-3

Exterior rear.......................................0-4

Passenger compartment ...........................0-5

Instrument panel...................................0-6

Engine compartment check locations . . . .............0-8

Warning/indicator lights ............................0-9

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINTS

1. Top tether strap anchor (P. 1-33)

2. Head restraints (P. 1-7)

3. Rear seat belts (P. 1-11)

4. Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bag (P. 1-37)

5. Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags (P. 1-37)

6. Head Restraints (P. 1-7)

7. Front seat belts (P. 1-11)

8. Supplemental front-impact air bags (P. 1-37)

9. Seats (P. 1-2)

10. Occupant classification sensor (pattern sensor) (P. 1-44)

11. Seat belts with pretensioners (P. 1-50)

12. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system (P. 1-21)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

0-2 Illustrated table of contents

LII0065

EXTERIOR FRONT

1. Engine hood (P. 3-18)

2. Windshield wiper and washer switch (P. 2-26)

3. Windshield (P. 8-19)

4. Moonroof (if so equipped) (P. 2-45)

5. Power windows (P. 2-42)

6. Door locks, NISSAN Intelligent Key™, keys, request button (P. 3-4, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2)

7. Mirrors (P. 3-26)

8. Tire pressure (P. 8-31)

9. Flat tire (P. 6-2)

10. Tire chains (P. 8-39)

11. Headlight and turn signal switch (P. 2-28)

12. Replacing bulbs (P. 8-29)

13. Fog light switch (if so equipped) (P. 8-26)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

WII0155

Illustrated table of contents 0-3

EXTERIOR REAR

1. Rear window defroster switch (P. 2-27)

2. Interior trunk lid release (P. 3-20)

3. Trunk lid (P. 3-18)

4. Vehicle loading (P. 9-12)

5. Exterior trunk lid release/request button (P. 3-13)

6. Replacing bulbs (P. 8-29)

7. Fuel-filler cap, fuel recommendation (P. 3-21, P. 9-3)

8. Fuel-filler door (P. 3-21)

9. Child safety rear door locks (P. 3-6)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

0-4 Illustrated table of contents

WII0156

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

1. Interior trunk access (P. 1-5)

2. Moonroof (if so equipped) (P. 2-45)

3. Sun visors (P. 3-25)

4. Interior lights, illuminated entry (P. 2-49)

5. HomeLink姞 universal transceiver (if so equipped) (P. 2-52)

6. Interior mirrors (P. 3-26)

7. Glove box (P. 2-40)

8. Cup holders (P. 2-38)

9. Console box (P. 2-40)

10. Front seat (P. 1-2)

11. Rear seat (P. 1-5)

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

WII0126

Illustrated table of contents 0-5

INSTRUMENT PANEL

1. Side and center vents (P. 4-40)

2. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/turn signal switch (P. 2-28)

3. Steering wheel switch for audio control and Bluetooth姞 Hands-Free Phone System (P. 4-113, 4-115)

0-6 Illustrated table of contents

4. Meters and gauges (P. 2-3)

5. Driver supplemental air bag/horn (P. 1-37, P. 2-33)

6. Security indicator light (P. 2-24)

7. Cruise control main/set switches (P. 5-18)

WIC1535

8. Shift paddles (if so equipped) (P. 5-14)

9. Windshield wiper/washer switch (P. 2-26)

10. Display screen/Navigation system* (if so equipped) (P. 4-16)

11. Display screen/Navigation system* controls (if so equipped) (P. 4-16)

12. Front passenger supplemental air bag (P. 1-52)

13. Glove box (P. 2-40)

14. Display screen (models without Navigation system) (P. 4-4)

15. Climate controls (models without Navigation system) (P. 4-41)

16. Audio system controls (models without Navigation system) (P. 4-47)

17. Front passenger air bag status light (P. 1-44)

18. Audio system controls (P. 4-47)

19. Climate controls (models with Navigation system) (P. 4-44)

20. Shift selector (P. 5-11)

21. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-33)

22. Ignition switch (behind the steering wheel) (P. 5-7)

23. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls (if so equipped) (P. 3-23)

24. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch (P. 2-36) Outside mirror controls (P. 3-28) Heated steering wheel switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-34) Trunk lid release switch (P. 3-20)

* Refer to the separate Navigation System Owner’s Manual (if so equipped).

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

Illustrated table of contents 0-7

ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS

1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-12)

2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)

3. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-13)

4. Air cleaner (P. 8-18)

5. Fuse block (P. 8-21)

6. Battery (P. 8-14)

7. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-21)

8. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-9)

9. Radiator cap (P. 8-7)

10. Drive belt location (P. 8-17)

11. Engine coolant reservoir * (P. 8-7)

12. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir * (P. 8-14)

NOTE:

* Side covers removed for clarity.

See the page number indicated in parentheses for operating details.

0-8 Illustrated table of contents

WDI0662

WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS

Warning

light

Name Page

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light

Brake warning light 2-11

Charge warning light

Engine oil pressure warning light

Low tire pressure warning light

Master warning light 2-13

2-11

2-12

Warning

light

Indicator

light

Name Page

Seat belt warning light and chime

Supplemental air bag warning light

Name Page

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) indicator light

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) position indicator light

Cruise main switch indicator light

Front passenger air bag status light

2-13

2-14

2-10

2-14

Indicator

light

Name Page

High beam indicator light (blue)

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

Security indicator light

Side light and headlight indicator light (green)

Slip indicator light 2-16

Turn signal/hazard indicator lights

Vehicle Dynamic Control OFF indicator light

2-14

2-15

2-16

Illustrated table of contents 0-9

MEMO

0-10 Illustrated table of contents

1 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

Seats ............................................1-2

Front power seat adjustment.....................1-3

Folding rear seat (if so equipped).................1-5

Head restraints.................................1-7

Seat belts .......................................1-11

Precautions on seat belt usage..................1-11

Pregnant women ..............................1-14

Injured persons................................1-14

Three-point type seat belt with retractor ..........1-14

Seat belt extenders ............................1-17

Seat belt maintenance .........................1-17

Child safety ......................................1-18

Infants........................................1-18

Small children .................................1-18

Larger children ................................1-19

Child restraints ...................................1-19

Precautions on child restraints ..................1-19

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for

CHildren) System .............................1-21

Rear-facing child restraint installation using

LATCH.......................................1-23

Rear-facing child restraint installation using

the seat belts .................................1-25

Forward-facing child restraint installation

using LATCH..................................1-28

Forward-facing child restraint installation

using the seat belts ............................1-30

Installing top tether strap .......................1-33

Booster seats .................................1-34

Supplemental restraint system .....................1-37

Precautions on supplemental restraint

system .......................................1-37

Supplemental air bag warning labels .............1-51

Supplemental air bag warning light ..............1-52

SEATS

WARNING

● Do not ride in a moving vehicle when the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident, you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries.

● The seatback should not be reclined any more than needed for comfort. Seat belts are most effective when the passenger sits well back and straight up in the seat. If the seatback is reclined, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and being injured is increased.

CAUTION

When adjusting the seat positions, be sure not to contact any moving parts to avoid possible injuries and/or damage.

ARS1152

● For the most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat with both feet on the floor and adjust the seat properly. See “Precautions on seat belt usage” later in this section.

● After adjustment, gently rock in the seat to make sure it is securely locked.

● Do not leave children unattended inside the vehicle. They could unknowingly activate switches or controls. Unattended children could become involved in serious accidents.

1-2 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

FRONT POWER SEAT ADJUSTMENT

Operating tips

● The power seat motor has an auto-reset overload protection circuit. If the motor stops during operation, wait 30 seconds, then reactivate the switch.

● Do not operate the power seat switch for a long period of time when the engine is off. This will discharge the battery.

See “Automatic drive positioner” in “Pre-driving checks and adjustments” for automatic drive positioner operation.

The reclining feature allows adjustment of the seatback for occupants of different sizes for added comfort and to help obtain proper seat belt fit.See “Precautionson seat belt usage”later in this section. Also, the seatback can be reclined to allow occupants to rest when the vehicle is stopped and the shift selector is in P (Park).

WRS0860

Forward and backward

Moving the switch forward or backward will slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position.

Reclining

Move the recline switch backward until the desired angle is obtained. To bring the seatback forward again, move the switch forward and move your body forward. The seatback will move forward.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-3

WRS0861

Seat lifter (driver’s seat)

Push the front or rear end of the switch up or down to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion.

Lumbar support (driver’s seat)

The lumbar support feature provides lower back support to the driver. Move the lever up or down (manual) or move the switch forwardor backward (power) to adjust the seat lumbar area.

Manual (if so equipped)

1-4 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

LRS0862

LRS0238

Power (if so equipped)

LRS0863

Thigh extension (driver’s side only, if so equipped)

Pull up and hold the lever to extend the front portion to the desired position.

FOLDING REAR SEAT (if so equipped)

WRS0866

Interior trunk access

For models without a rear center console, the trunk can be accessed from the passenger side of the rear seat for loading and unloading, as shown.

Press down on the button on the rear parcel

䊊

shelf.

Fold down the passenger side seatback.

䊊

WARNING

● Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo area or on the rear seat when it is in the fold-down position. Use of these areas by passengers without proper restraints could result in serious injury in an accident or sudden stop.

● Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured cargo could cause personal injury.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-5

● When returning the seatbacks to the upright position, be certain they are completely secured in the latched position. If they are not completely secured, passengers may be injured in an accident or sudden stop.

● Closely supervise children when they are around cars to prevent them from playing and becoming locked in the trunk where they could be seriously injured. Keep the car locked, with the rear seatback and trunk lid securely latched when not in use, and prevent children’s access to car keys.

Tofold down the driver side of the rear seat, reach through the opening and pull on the strap located behind the seat.

The rear seats can be locked using the mechanical key to prevent unauthorized access.

1-6 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

WRS0867 LPD0459

Secondary trunk lid release (if so

䊊

equipped)

For models with a rear center console, the trunk can be accessed through the access panel between the rear seats, as shown.

● Fold down the center arm rest.

● Insert the mechanicalkey into the trunk com-

partment access lid lock. Fold down the trunk compartment access lid. For more information on the mechanical key, see “NISSAN Intelligent Key™” in the Pre-driving checks and adjustments chapter.

● Pull the rear seat trunk release handle

䊊

WRS0868 LRS2000

Center armrest

Pull the armrest down until it is horizontal.

HEAD RESTRAINTS

WARNING

Head restraints supplement the other vehicle safety systems. They may provide additional protection against injury in certain rear end collisions. Adjust the head restraints properly, as specified in this section. Check the adjustment after someone else uses the seat. Do not attach anything to the head restraint stalks or remove the head restraint. Do not use the seat if the head restraint has been removed. If the head restraint was removed, reinstall and properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating position. Failure to follow these instructions can reduce the effectiveness of the head restraints. This may increase the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.

The illustration shows the seating positions equipped with head restraints. All of the head restraints are adjustable.

䉱 Indicates the seating position is equipped with a head restraint.

+ Indicates the seating position is not equipped with a head restraint.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-7

LRS0887 WRS0134 LRS0888

Components

1. Head restraint

2. Adjustment notches

3. Lock knob

4. Stalks

Adjustment

Adjust the head restraint so the center is level with the center of the seat occupant’s ears.

1-8 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

To raise the head restraint, pull it up.

LRS0889 LRS0890 LRS0891

To lower, push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.

Removal

Use the following procedure to remove the adjustable head restraints.

1. Pull the head restraint up to the highest position.

2. Push and hold the lock knob.

3. Remove the head restraint from the seat.

4. Store the head restraint properly so it is not loose in the vehicle.

5. Reinstall and properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating position.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-9

Install

1. Align the head restraint stalks with the holes in the seat. Make sure the head restraint is facing the correct direction. The stalk with the adjustmentnotches in the hole with the lock knob

2. Push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.

3. Properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating position.

must beinstalled

䊊

Adjust the Active Head Restraints properly as described in this section.

SPA1025

Front-seat Active Head Restraints

The Active Head Restraint moves forward utilizing the force that the seatback receives from the occupant in a rear-end collision. The movement of the head restraint helps support the occupant’s head by reducing its backward movement and helping absorb some of the forces that may lead to whiplash-type injuries.

Active Head Restraints are effective for collisions at low to medium speeds in which it is said that whiplash injury occurs most.

Active Head Restraints operate only in certain rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head restraints return to their original position.

1-10 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

SEAT BELTS

PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT USAGE

If you are wearing your seat belt properly adjusted and you are sitting upright and well back in your seat with both feet on the floor, your chances of being injured or killed in an accident and/or the severity of injury may be greatly reduced. NISSAN strongly encourages you and all of your passengers to buckle up every time you drive, even if your seating position includes a supplemental air bag.

Most U.S. states and Canadian provinces or territories specify that seat belts be worn at all times when a vehicle is being driven.

SSS0136

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-11

WARNING

● Every person who drives or rides in this vehicle should use a seat belt at all times. Children should be properly restrained in the rear seat and, if appropriate, in a child restraint.

1-12 Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

SSS0134 SSS0016

WARNING

● The seat belt should be properly adjusted to a snug fit. Failure to do so may reduce the effectiveness of the entire restraint system and increase the chance or severity of injury in an accident. Serious injury or death can occur if the seat belt is not worn properly.

SSS0014

WARNING

● Always route the shoulder belt over your shoulder and across your chest. Never put the belt behind your back, under your arm or across your neck. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.

● Position the lap belt as low and snug as possible AROUND THE HIPS, NOT THE WAIST. A lap belt worn too high could increase the risk of internal injuries in an accident.

● Be sure the seat belt tongue is securely fastened to the proper buckle.

● Do not wear the seat belt inside out or twisted. Doing so may reduce its effectiveness.

● Do not allow more than one person to use the same seat belt.

● Never carry more people in the vehicle than there are seat belts.

● If the seat belt warning light glows continuously while the ignition is placed in the ON position with all doors closed and all seat belts fastened, it may indicate a malfunction in the system. Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

● No changes should be made to the seat belt system. For example, do not modify the seat belt, add material, or install devices that may change the seat belt routing or tension. Doing so may affect the operation of the seat belt system. Modifying or tampering with the seat belt system may result in serious personal injury.

● Once a seat belt pretensioner has activated, it cannot be reused and must be replaced together with the retractor. See your NISSAN dealer.

● Removal and installation of pretensioner system components should be done by a NISSAN dealer.

● All seat belt assemblies, including retractors and attaching hardware, should be inspected after any collision by a NISSAN dealer. NISSAN recommends that all seat belt assemblies in use during a collision be replaced unless the collision was minor and the belts show no damage and continue to operate properly. Seat belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.

● All child restraints and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision. Always follow the restraint manufacturer’s inspection instructions and replacement recommendations. The child restraints should be replaced if they are damaged.

Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system 1-13

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