Nissan Maxima (2020 year). Manual — part 23

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 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 modify 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 after 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.

5-124

Starting and driving

The Integrated Dynamics-control Module
is an electric control module that includes
the following functions:

∙ Intelligent Trace Control

∙ Intelligent Engine Brake

∙ Active Ride Control

INTELLIGENT TRACE CONTROL
(I-TC)

This system senses driving based on the
driver’s steering and acceleration/braking
patterns, and controls brake pressure at
individual wheels to aid tracing at corners
and help smooth vehicle response.

The I–TC can be set to ON (enabled) or OFF
(disabled) through the vehicle information
display “Settings” page. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Vehicle information dis-
play” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion of this manual.

When the VDC OFF switch is used to turn off
the VDC system, the I–TC 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 I–TC
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.

WARNING

The I–TC may not be effective depend-
ing on the driving condition. Always
drive carefully and attentively.

When the I–TC is operating, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise. This is normal and indicates that the
I–TC is operating properly.

Even if the I–TC is set to OFF, some func-
tions will remain on to assist the driver (for
example, avoidance scenes).

INTELLIGENT ENGINE BRAKE (I-EB)

The I–EB function adds subtle deceleration
by controlling the Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) gear ratio, depending
on the cornering condition calculated from
the driver’s steering input and plural sen-
sors. This benefit is for easier traceability
and less workload of adjusting speed with
braking at corners.

The I–EB also enhances braking feel by
adding subtle deceleration with the CVT
gear ratio control according to the driver’s
brake pedal operation.

The I–EB can be set to ON (enabled) or OFF
(disabled) through the vehicle information
display “Settings” page. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Vehicle information dis-
play” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion of this manual.

If the Chassis Control System Error warn-
ing message appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display, it may indicate that the I–EB
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.

WARNING

The I–EB may not be effective depend-
ing on driving conditions. Always drive
carefully and attentively.

When the I–EB is operating, the needle of
the tachometer will rise up and you may
hear an engine noise. This is normal and
indicates that the I–EB is operating prop-
erly.

INTEGRATED DYNAMICS-CONTROL
MODULE

Starting and driving

5-125

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)

5-126

Starting and driving

∙ The system is not designed to prevent

contact with small or moving objects.
Always move slowly. The system will
not detect small objects below the
bumper, and may not detect objects
close to the bumper or on the ground.

∙ The system may not detect the fol-

lowing objects: fluffy objects such as
snow, cloth, cotton, glass, wool, etc.,
and thin objects such as rope, wire
and chain, etc., or wedge-shaped
objects.

If your vehicle sustains damage to the
bumper fascia, leaving it misaligned or
bent, the sensing zone may be altered
causing inaccurate measurement of ob-
stacles or false alarms.

CAUTION

∙ Excessive noise (such as audio system

volume or an open vehicle window)
will interfere with the tone and it may
not be heard.

∙ Keep the sonar sensors (located on

the bumper fascia) free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt. Do
not clean the sensors with sharp ob-
jects. If the sensors are covered, the
accuracy of the sonar function will be
diminished.

SYSTEM OPERATION

The system informs with a visual and au-
dible alert of front obstacles when the shift
lever is in the D (Drive) position and both
front and rear obstacles when the shift le-
ver is in the R (Reverse) position.
Sonar Operation Table

FR Sensor

RR Sensor

Range

Sound

Display

Sound

Display

P

x

†

x

†

R

o

o

o

o

N

x

†

x

†

D

o

o

x

†

o – Display/Beep when detect

† – Display on camera view

x – No Display and Beep

The system is deactivated at speeds above
6 mph (10 km/h). It is reactivated at lower
speeds.

While the vehicle is moving the audible alert
will stop after 3 seconds when an obstacle
is detected by only the corner sensor and
distance does not change. The audible
alert will also stop when the obstacle
moves away from the vehicle. At any time
the left side button of the steering wheel
(

buttons) is available to cancel the

audible alert.
When the object is detected, the indicator
(green) appears and blinks and the tone
sounds intermittently. When the vehicle
moves closer to the object, the color of the
indicator turns yellow and the rate of the
blinking increases. When the vehicle is very
close to the object, the indicator stops
blinking and turns red, and the tone
sounds continuously.

Starting and driving

5-127

When the corner of the vehicle moves
closer to an object, the corner sonar indi-
cator

䊊

A

appears.

The system indicators

䊊

A

will appear when

the vehicle moves closer to an object.

LSD2428

LSD2137

5-128

Starting and driving

HOW TO ENABLE/DISABLE THE
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM

The system is automatically activated
when the ignition is in the ON position and
the shift lever is in the R (Reverse) position.

Perform the following steps to enable or
disable the sonar system:

1. Press the

button until “Settings”

appears in the vehicle information dis-
play and then press OK. Use the
button to select “Driver Assistance.”
Then press the OK button.

2. Select “Parking Aids” and press the OK

button.

3. Select “Sensor” and press the OK but-

ton. Select “ON” and press the OK but-
ton.

LSD2820

Starting and driving

5-129

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK

To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer through the key hole. If the lock
becomes frozen, heat the key before in-
serting it into the key hole or use the re-
mote keyless entry function on the Intelli-
gent Key.

ANTIFREEZE

In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C),
check the antifreeze to assure proper win-
ter protection. For additional information,
refer to “Engine cooling system” in the “Do-
it-yourself ” section of this manual.

BATTERY

If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the
battery fluid may freeze and damage the
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly.
For additional information, refer to “Battery”
in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this
manual.

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER

If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, includ-
ing the engine block. Refill before operating
the vehicle. For additional information, refer
to “Changing engine coolant” in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.

TIRE EQUIPMENT

1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to

provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance
of these tires will be substantially re-
duced in snowy and icy conditions. If
you operate your vehicle on snowy or
icy roads, NISSAN recommends the use
of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES
on all four wheels. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for the tire
type, size, speed rating and availability
information.

2. For additional traction on icy roads,

studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian prov-
inces prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before install-
ing studded tires.

Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT

It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:

∙ A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-

move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.

∙ A sturdy, flat board to be placed under

the jack to give it firm support.

∙ A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-

drifts.

∙ 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 driv-
ing on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded.

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

5-130

Starting and driving

∙ Whatever the condition, drive with

caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting 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 steering
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.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)

Engine block heaters are used to assist
with cold temperature starting.

The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C)
or lower.

WARNING

∙ Do not use your engine block heater

with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be se-
riously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.

∙ Disconnect and properly store the en-

gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.

∙ Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged

extension cord rated for at least 10 A.
Plug the extension cord into a Ground
Fault

Interrupt

(GFI)

protected,

grounded 110-VAC outlet. Failure to
use the proper extension cord or a
grounded outlet can result in a fire or
electrical shock and cause serious
personal injury.

To use the engine block heater:

1. Turn the engine off.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine

block heater cord.

3. Plug the engine block heater cord into

a grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged exten-
sion cord.

4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground

Fault

Interrupt

(GFI)

protected,

grounded 110-volt AC (VAC) outlet.

5. The engine block heater must be

plugged in for at least 2 - 4 hours, de-
pending on outside temperatures, to
properly warm the engine coolant. Use
an appropriate timer to turn the engine
block heater on.

6. Before starting the engine, unplug and

properly store the cord to keep it away
from moving parts.

Starting and driving

5-131

ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION

This system uses three microphones

䊊

1

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 cancellation
system properly:

∙ Do not cover the speakers or woofer.

∙ Do not cover the microphones.

∙ Do not change or modify speakers in-

cluding the woofer and any audio re-
lated components such as the ampli-
fier.

∙ Do not make any modification includ-

ing sound deadening or modifica-
tions

around

the

microphones,

speakers, or woofer.

ACTIVE SOUND CONTROL

Active sound control enhances existing en-
gine sounds according to the engine
speed and driving modes through the
speakers and woofer.

Front and rear microphones

LSD2637

ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION/
ACTIVE SOUND CONTROL (if so
equipped)

5-132

Starting and driving

6 In case of emergency

Hazard warning flasher switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Emergency engine shut off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Changing a flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Push starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11
If your vehicle overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11
Towing your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Towing recommended by NISSAN . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck
vehicle) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Push the switch on to warn other drivers
when you must stop or park under emer-
gency conditions. All turn signal lights flash.

WARNING

∙ If stopping for an emergency, be sure

to move the vehicle well off the road.

∙ Do not use the hazard warning flash-

ers while moving on the highway un-
less unusual circumstances force you
to drive so slowly that your vehicle
might become a hazard to other
traffic.

∙ Turn signals do not work when the

hazard warning flasher lights are on.

The flashers will operate with the ignition
switch placed in any position.

Some jurisdictions may prohibit the use
of the hazard warning flasher switch
while driving.

To shut off the engine in an emergency
situation while driving, perform the follow-
ing procedure:

– Rapidly push the push-button ignition

switch three consecutive times in less
than 1.5 seconds, or

– Push and hold the push-button ignition

switch for more than 2 seconds.

LIC0394

HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH

EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF

6-2

In case of emergency

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)

This vehicle is equipped with TPMS. It moni-
tors tire pressure of all tires except the
spare. When the low tire pressure warning
light is lit and the “Tire Pressure Low - Add
Air” warning appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display, one or more of your tires is
significantly under-inflated. If the vehicle is
being driven with low tire pressure, the
TPMS will activate and warn you of it by the
low tire pressure warning light. This system
will activate only when the vehicle is driven
at speeds above 16 mph (25 km/h). For ad-
ditional information, refer to “Warning
lights, indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.

WARNING

∙ Radio waves could adversely affect

electric medical equipment. Those
who use a pacemaker should contact
the

electric

medical

equipment

manufacturer for the possible influ-
ences before use.

∙ If the low tire pressure warning light

illuminates while driving, avoid sud-
den steering maneuvers or abrupt
braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull off
the road to a safe location and stop
the vehicle as soon as possible. Driv-
ing with under-inflated tires may per-
manently damage the tires and in-
crease the likelihood of tire failure.
Serious vehicle damage could occur
and may lead to an accident and could
result

in

serious

personal

injury.

Check the tire pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label to turn the low tire pres-
sure warning light OFF. If the light still
illuminates while driving after adjust-
ing the tire pressure, a tire may be flat
or the TPMS may be malfunctioning. If
you have a flat tire, replace it with a
spare tire as soon as possible. If no tire
is flat and all tires are properly in-
flated, have the vehicle checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.

∙ When replacing a wheel without the

TPMS such as the spare tire, the TPMS
will not function and the low tire pres-
sure warning light will flash for ap-
proximately 1 minute. The light will re-
main on after 1 minute. Have your
tires replaced and/or TPMS system
reset as soon as possible. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for these services.

∙ Replacing tires with those not origi-

nally specified by NISSAN could affect
the proper operation of the TPMS.

∙ Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol

tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.

∙ If the light still comes on while driving

after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire
may be flat or the TPMS may be mal-
functioning. If you have a flat tire, re-
place it with a spare tire as soon as
possible. If no tire is flat and all tires
are properly inflated, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.

FLAT TIRE

In case of emergency

6-3

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE

If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below:

Stopping the vehicle

1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and

away from traffic.

2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

3. Park on a level surface and apply the

parking brake. Move the shift lever to P
(Park).

4. Turn off the engine.

5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic

and to signal professional road assis-
tance personnel that you need assis-
tance.

6. Have all passengers get out of the ve-

hicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.

WARNING

∙ Make sure the parking brake is se-

curely applied and the Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) is shifted
into P (Park).

∙ Never change tires when the vehicle is

on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.

∙ Never change tires if oncoming traffic

is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.

A.

Blocks

B.

Flat tire

Blocking wheels

Place suitable blocks at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the
flat tire to prevent the vehicle from moving
when it is jacked up.

WARNING

Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle
may move and result in personal injury.

LCE2142

6-4

In case of emergency

Getting the spare tire and tools

Open the trunk. Lift the floor carpeting and
spare tire cover.

Remove the tool box from the spare tire.

Turn the clamp counterclockwise and re-
move it to access the spare tire.

LCE2445

LCE2336

WCE0188

In case of emergency

6-5

Jacking up vehicle and removing
the damaged tire

WARNING

∙ Never get under the vehicle while it is

supported only by the jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle, sup-
port it with safety stands.

∙ Use only the jack provided with your

vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use
the jack provided with your vehicle on
other vehicles. The jack is designed
for lifting only your vehicle during a
tire change.

∙ Use the correct jack-up points. Never

use any other part of the vehicle for
jack support.

∙ Never jack up the vehicle more than

necessary.

∙ Never use blocks on or under the jack.

∙ Do not start or run the engine while

vehicle is on the jack. It may cause the
vehicle to move. This is especially true
for

vehicles

with

limited

slip

differentials.

∙ Do not allow passengers to stay in the

vehicle while it is on the jack.

∙ Never run the engine with a wheel(s)

off the ground. It may cause the ve-
hicle to move.

LCE2226

6-6

In case of emergency

Always refer to the illustrations for the cor-
rect placement and jack-up points for your
specific vehicle model and jack type.

Carefully read the caution label attached
to the jack body and the following in-
structions.

1. Loosen each wheel nut one or two

turns by turning counterclockwise with
the wheel nut wrench. Do not remove
the wheel nuts until the tire is off the
ground.

2. Place the jack directly under the

jack-up point as illustrated so the top
of the jack contacts the vehicle at the

jack-up point. Align the jack head be-
tween the two notches in the front or
the rear as shown. Also fit the groove of
the jack head between the notches as
shown.

The jack should be used on firm and
level ground.

3. To lift the vehicle, securely hold the jack

lever and rod with both hands. Carefully
raise the vehicle until the tire clears the
ground. Remove the wheel nuts and
then remove the tire.

Installing the spare tire

The spare tire is designed for emergency
use. For additional information, refer to
“Wheels and tires” in the “Do-it-yourself ”
section of this manual.

1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface

between the wheel and hub.

2. Carefully put the spare tire on and

tighten the wheel nuts finger tight.

3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten

wheel nuts alternately and evenly in the
sequence illustrated (

䊊

A

,

䊊

B

,

䊊

C

,

䊊

D

,

䊊

E

)

until they are tight.

LCE0020

WCE0056

In case of emergency

6-7