Nissan Maxima Owners Manual: Indicator lights

For additional information, refer to "Vehicle information display" in this section.

Front fog light indicator light (green)

The front fog light indicator light illuminates when the front fog lights are on. For additional information, refer to "Fog light switch" in this section.

Front passenger air bag status light

The front passenger air bag status light will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be off depending on how the front passenger seat is being used.

For additional information, refer to "Front passenger air bag and status light" in the "Safety - Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system" section of this manual.

High beam indicator light (blue)

This blue light comes on when the headlight high beams are on and goes out when the low beams are selected.

The high beam indicator light also comes on when the passing signal is activated.

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate a potential emission control malfunction.

The MIL may also come on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons (11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.

After a few driving trips, the light should turn off if no other potential emission control system malfunction exists.

If this indicator light comes on steady for 20 seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when the engine is not running, it indicates that the vehicle is not ready for an emission control system inspection/maintenance test. For additional information, refer to "Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test" in the "Technical and consumer information" section of this manual.

Operation

The MIL will come on in one of two ways:

MIL on steady-An emission control system malfunction has been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap if the LOOSE FUEL CAP warning appears in the vehicle information display. If the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten or install the cap and continue to drive the vehicle. The  light should turn off after a few driving trips. If the   light does not turn off after a few driving trips, have the vehicle inspected. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.

MIL blinking - An engine misfire has been detected which may damage the emission control system. To reduce or avoid emission control system damage:

• do not drive at speeds above 45 mph (72 km/h).
• avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
• avoid steep uphill grades.
• if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.

The MIL may stop blinking and come on steady.

Have the vehicle inspected. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.

CAUTION

Continued vehicle 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.

Security indicator light

This light blinks when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC (if so equipped) position.

The blinking security indicator light indicates that the security systems equipped on the vehicle are operational.

For additional information, refer to "Security systems" in this section.

Side light and headlight indicator light (green)

The side light and headlight indicator light illuminates when the side light or headlights are on (not including daytime running or signature lights). If the headlight switch is in the AUTO position, the side light and headlight indicator light will illuminate when the headlights turn on.

For additional information, refer to "Headlight and turn signal switch" in this section.

Slip indicator light

This indicator will blink when the VDC system is operating, 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 after 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 after approximately 2 seconds if the system is operational. If the light does not come on have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

Turn signal/hazard indicator lights

The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal switch is activated.

Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned on.

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator light

This indicator light comes on when the VDC off switch is pushed to OFF. This indicates 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, refer to "Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system" in the "Starting and driving" section of this manual.

The VDC light also comes on when you place the ignition switch in the ON position. The light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is operational. If the light stays on or comes on along with the indicator light while you are driving, have the VDC system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

While the VDC system is operating, you might feel a slight vibration or hear the system working when starting the vehicle or accelerating, but this is normal.