User manual NISSAN ALTIMA-1997

Foreword The inside pages of this manual contain a minimum of 50% recycled fibers, including 10% post-consumer fibers. 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 and Maintenance Log Booklet explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle and vehicle maintenance schedules. 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. WARNING IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION REMINDERS FOR SAFETY! Follow these five important rules to help ensure a safe and complete 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 use your seat belts and appropriate child restraint systems. 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. © 1996 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA 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 modifications may not be covered under NISSAN warranties. 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 All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, those in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change specifications or design without notice and without obligation. without the prior written permission of Nissan North America, Inc. Welcome To The World Of NISSAN The inside pages of this manual contain a minimum of 50% recycled fibers, including 10% post-consumer fibers. 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 nations. 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, forklift 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 the operation of port facilities and transportation services, to the supply of lubricants, parts and accessories. 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 Nissan. 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. 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. mainland customers 1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261) For Hawaii customers (808) 836-0888 (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 We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle. OR You can write to NISSAN with the information on the left at: For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 191 Gardena, California 90248-0191 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 IMPORTANT INFORMATION THIS MANUAL ABOUT 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. APD0649 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. If you see this symbol, it means ``Do not do this'' or ``Do not let this happen.'' 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 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 Instruments and controls Meters and gauges ................................................1-2 Speedometer and odometer ..................................1-3 Tachometer ............................................................1-3 Engine coolant temperature gauge and fuel gauge .....................................................................1-4 Warning/indicator lights and chimes ......................1-5 Theft warning (if so equipped) ...............................1-9 Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................1-10 Rear window defogger switch ..............................1-11 Headlight and turn signal switch ..........................1-12 Daytime running light system (for Canada) .........1-13 Cornering light (if so equipped)............................1-13 Instrument brightness control...............................1-14 Front fog light switch (if so equipped)..................1-14 Hazard warning flasher switch .............................1-14 Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ash tray...........1-15 Cup holder............................................................1-16 Manual windows...................................................1-16 Power windows ....................................................1-17 Automatic power window switch ..........................1-17 Rear power windows............................................1-18 Sunroof (if so equipped).......................................1-18 If the sunroof does not close ...............................1-19 Clock instrument panel (if so equipped) ..............1-20 Interior light...........................................................1-20 Trunk light.............................................................1-21 Spotlight (if so equipped) .....................................1-21 METERS AND GAUGES AIC0523 1-2 SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER TACHOMETER IC1261 AIC0076 Speedometer The speedometer indicates vehicle speed. The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute (r/min). CAUTION When engine speed approaches the red zone, shift to a higher gear. Operating the engine in the red zone may cause serious engine damage. 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. 1-3 ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND FUEL GAUGE CAUTION If the gauge indicates engine coolant temperature 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 the ``In case of emergency'' section for immediate action required. Fuel gauge AIC0077 Engine coolant temperature gauge The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature. The engine coolant temperature varies with the outside air temperature and driving conditions. The gauge indicates the approximate fuel level in the tank. The gauge may move slightly during braking, turning, acceleration, or going up or down hills. The gauge needle remains in approximately the same position even when the ignition key is turned to OFF. The indicator light comes on when the amount of fuel in the tank is getting low. Refill the fuel tank before the gauge registers Empty (E). 1-4 WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND CHIMES or Brake warning light Seat belt warning light Low washer fluid warning light (Canada only) or Anti-lock brake warning light Overdrive off indicator light or Malfunction indicator light (emission system) Engine oil pressure warning light Turn signal/hazard indicator lights CRUISE indicator light High beam indicator light Charge warning light Supplemental air bag warning light Rear window defogger indicator light Door open warning light Theft warning light (If so equipped) Checking bulbs Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition key to ON without starting the engine. The following lights come on: , or , , 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. 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. 1-5 CAUTION Running the engine with the oil pressure warning light on could cause serious damage to the engine almost immediately. Turn off the engine as soon as it is safe to do so. Charge warning light If this light comes on while the engine is running, it may indicate a problem with the charging system. Turn the engine off and check the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken, or missing, or if the light remains on, see your NISSAN dealer immediately. CAUTION Do not continue driving if the belt is loose, broken or missing. Supplemental air bag warning light When the ignition key is in the ON or START position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then turns off. This means the system is operational. If any of the following conditions occur, the supplemental air bag system needs servicing and your vehicle must be taken to your nearest authorized NISSAN dealer: 1. The supplemental air bag warning light does not come on and remain on for 7 seconds and then go off as described above. 2. The supplemental air bag warning light flashes intermittently or remains on. 3. The supplemental air bag warning light does not come on at all. Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemental Restraint System (Supplemental air bag system) may not function properly. For additional details, see ``Supplemental Restraint System'' in the ``Pre-driving checks and adjustments'' section. 1-6 WARNING If the supplemental airbag warning light is on, it could mean that the supplemental airbag will not operate in an accident. Door open warning light This light comes on when any of the doors are not closed securely while the ignition key is ON. Low washer fluid warning light (Canada only) This light comes on when the washer fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary. See the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section. Seat belt warning light and chime The light and chime remind you to fasten seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the ignition key is turned to ON, and remains illuminated until the driver's seat belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime sounds for about seven 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. or Brake warning light This light functions for both the parking brake and the foot brake systems. The light comes on when the parking brake is applied, and also 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. 2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by your NISSAN dealer. WARNING Your brake system may not be working properly if the warning light is on. Driving could be dangerous. If you judge it to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest service station for repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle towed. Pressing the brake pedal with the engine stopped and/or low brake fluid level may increase your stopping distance and braking will require greater pedal effort as well as greater pedal travel. If the brake fluid 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. 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. or Overdrive off indicator light (Automatic transmission models only) This light comes on when the overdrive switch is pushed to the OFF position. Anti-lock brake warning light (If so equipped) If the light comes on while the engine is running, it may indicate something wrong with the anti-lock portion of the brake system. Have the system checked by your NISSAN dealer. Turn off the engine, and start it again by slowly turning the ignition key (quickly doing so may cause the ABS light to stay on when there is nothing wrong). If the light stays on, have the system checked by your NISSAN dealer. If an abnormality occurs in the system, the anti-lock function ceases but the regular braking system continues to operate. If the light comes on while you are driving, contact your NISSAN dealer for repair. 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. High beam indicator light This light comes on when the headlight high beam is on and goes out when the low beam is selected. Rear window defogger indicator light This light comes on when the rear defogger switch is activated. Brake pad wear warning The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings. When a brake pad requires replacement, it makes a high pitched scraping 1-7 Cruise indicator light This light comes on while the vehicle speed is controlled by the cruise control system. If the CRUISE indicator blinks, have the sys- tem checked by your NISSAN dealer. Theft warning light (If so equipped) This light is used to verify theft warning system activation. For further information, see ``Theft Warning'' later in this chapter. The malfunction indicator light will come on in one of two ways: 1. Malfunction indicator light on steady - An emission control system malfunction has been detected. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the dealer. 2. Malfunction indicator light 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 behind hauled or towed. The malfunction indicator light may stop blinking and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the dealer. Key reminder chime A chime sounds if the driver side door is opened while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove the key and take it with you when leaving the vehicle. 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, which may affect your warranty coverage. Some conditions may cause the malfunction indicator light to come on steady or blink. For example, running the vehicle out of fuel, which causes the engine to misfire, may cause the malfunction indicator light to come on steady or blink. If you suspect that you experienced this condition, drive the vehicle to an authorized NISSAN dealer and have the vehicle inspected. Avoid any unnecessary diagnosis during the service by informing the dealer of the condition that may have occurred. Light reminder chime A chime sounds when the driver side door is opened if the headlight switch is turned on (ignition switch is turned OFF). Turn the light switch OFF when you leave the vehicle. or Malfunction indicator light (MIL) If the malfunction indicator light comes on steady or blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate a potential emission control problem. 1-8 THEFT WARNING (If so equipped) The system can be activated even if the windows are open. 4. Confirm that the SECURITY indicator light comes on. The SECURITY light glows for about 30 seconds and then begins to flash once every three seconds. The system is now activated. If, during this 30-second time period, the door is unlocked by the key or the multi-remote controller, or the ignition key is turned to ACC or ON, the system will not activate. IC0005 Theft warning system operation The theft warning system emits the following alarm: The headlights blink and the horn sounds intermittently. In addition, the starter motor does not operate. The alarm automatically turns off after 2 to 3 minutes. However, the alarm reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with again. The alarm can be shut off by unlocking a door or trunk lid with the key, or by pressing the button on the multi-remote controller. The alarm is activated by: opening the door or trunk lid without using the key (even if the door is unlocked by releasing the door inside lock switch) or opening the trunk lid by operating the opener lever. opening the hood. pushing in or pulling out the key cylinder on the door or trunk lid. 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. Close all windows. 2. Remove the key from the ignition switch. 3. Close and lock all doors, hood and trunk lid. Lock all doors by pressing the button on the multi-remote controller. At this time, the hazard indicators flash twice to indicate all doors are locked. If the key is turned slowly 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. Even when the driver and/or passengers are in the vehicle, the system will activate with all doors, hood and trunk lid locked and ignition key off. Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON to turn the system off. How to stop the alarm The alarm stops only by unlocking a door or the trunk lid with the key, or by pressing 1-9 WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER SWITCH the button on the multi-remote controller. The alarm does not stop if the ignition switch is turned to ACC or ON. If the system does not operate as described above, have it checked by your NISSAN dealer. The wipers cycle twice when the washer is activated. CAUTION The following could damage washer system: the Do not operate the washer continuously for more than 30 seconds. Do not operate the washer if the reservoir tank is dry. WARNING In freezing temperatures the washer solution may freeze on the windshield and obscure your vision which may lead to an accident. Warm the windshield with the defroster before you wash the windshield. AIC0520 Push the lever down to operate the windshield wipers. Pull the lever toward you to operate the washer. Intermittent operation can be adjusted from 2 to approximately 20 seconds by turning the knob (Type B only). 1-10 REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER SWITCH NOTE: On some vehicles, the top few rows of wires on the rear window are not part of the rear window defogging system. These wires, if so equipped, make up the diversity antenna for the audio system. IC1267 To defog the rear window glass, start the engine and push the rear window defogger switch on. The rear window defogger indicator light in the meter comes on in the instrument panel. Push the switch again to turn the defogger off. The rear window defogger switch automatically turns off in approximately 15 minutes. CAUTION When cleaning the inner side of the window, be careful not to scratch or damage the rear window defogger. 1-11 HEADLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH AIC0505 Lighting Turn the switch to the position: The front clearance, side marker, tail, license plate and instrument panel lights come on. Turn the switch to the position: The headlights come on and all the other lights remain on. To select the high beam function, push the lever forward. The high beam lights come on and the indicator light illuminates. Pull it back to select the low beam. 1-12 CORNERING LIGHT (If so equipped) DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT SYSTEM (for Canada) The headlights automatically illuminate at a reduced intensity when the engine is started with the parking brake released. The daytime running lights operate with the headlight switch in the ``OFF'' position or in the '' position. Turn the headlight switch `` to the `` '' position for full illumination when driving at night. If the parking brake is applied before the engine is started, the daytime running lights do not illuminate. The daytime running lights illuminate once the parking brake is released. The daytime running lights will remain on until the ignition switch is turned off. WARNING When the daytime running light system is active, tail lights on your vehicle are not on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on your headlights. Failure to do so could cause an accident injuring yourself and others. Passing signal Pulling and releasing the lever flashes the headlight high beams on and off. Turn signal Move the lever up or down to signal the turning direction. When the turn is completed, the turn signals cancel automatically. Lane change signal To signal a lane change, move the lever up or down to the point where the indicator light begins to flash, but the lever does not latch. IC1030 The cornering light provides additional illumination toward the turning direction. The light on the turning direction side comes on when a turn is signaled with the headlights on. 1-13