2003 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 142

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE ¼ Make sure the area around the vehicle is clear. ¼ Maintenance items should be checked periodically, e.g., each time you check engine oil. ¼ Check that all windows and lights are clean. ¼ Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also, check tires for proper inflation. ¼ Lock all doors. ¼ Position seat and adjust head restraints. ¼ Adjust inside and outside mirrors. ¼ Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do likewise. ¼ Check the operation of warning lights when key is turned to the ON (3) position. STARTING THE ENGINE 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Automatic transmission: Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). (P preferred.) The starter is designed not to operate if the selector lever is in one of the driving positions. Manual transmission: Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position, and depress the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking the engine. The starter is designed not to operate unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. 3. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by turning the ignition key to START. Release the key when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the above procedure. ¼ When the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold weather or when restarting, depress the accelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/5 to the floor) and hold it then crank the engine. Release the key and the accelerator pedal when the engine starts. ¼ When the engine is very hard to start because it is flooded, depress the acceleraStarting and driving tor pedal all the way to the floor and hold it. Crank the engine for 5 to 6 seconds. After cranking the engine, release the accelerator pedal. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by turning the ignition key to START. Release the key when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the above procedure. CAUTION Do not operate the starter for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start, turn the key off and wait 10 seconds before cranking again, otherwise the starter could be damaged. 4. Warm-up Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds after starting. Drive at moderate speed for a short distance first, especially in cold weather. 5-7