User manual NISSAN ALTIMA-1999

Foreword 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. Additionally, a separate Customer Care/Lemon Law Booklet 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. READ FIRST -- THEN DRIVE SAFELY 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 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. Pre-teen 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. The inside pages of this manual contain a minimum of 50% recycled fibers, including 10% post-consumer fibers. 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. The inside pages of this manual contain a minimum of 50% recycled fibers, including 10% post-consumer fibers. 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. APD1005 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.'' © 1998 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. GARDENA, CALIFORNIA 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., Gardena, California. Welcome To The World Of NISSAN 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 seat 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. 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 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 150 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 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: 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 OR You can write to NISSAN with the information on the left at: For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers Nissan North America, Inc. 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. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5 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 We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle. Table of Contents Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems Instruments and controls Pre-driving checks and adjustments Heater, air conditioner and audio systems Starting and driving In case of emergency Appearance and care Do-it-yourself Maintenance Technical and consumer information Index 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems Front seats .............................................................1-2 Seat adjustment .....................................................1-3 Head restraints .......................................................1-6 Rear seat................................................................1-7 Supplemental restraint system (air bag system) ...................................................................1-9 Supplemental air bag system...............................1-12 Warning labels......................................................1-14 Supplemental air bag warning light......................1-14 Seat belts .............................................................1-16 Precautions on seat belt usage ...........................1-16 Child safety...........................................................1-18 Pregnant women ..................................................1-18 Injured persons ....................................................1-18 Three-point type with retractor .............................1-19 Two-point type without retractor (rear center lap belt).................................................................1-22 Seat belt extenders ..............................................1-24 Seat belt maintenance .........................................1-24 Child restraints .....................................................1-24 Top strap child restraint .......................................1-33 FRONT SEATS ARS1131 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. For most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat and adjust the seat properly. See ``Precautions on Seat Belt Usage'' later in this chapter. 1-2 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems SEAT ADJUSTMENT Manual WARNING Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving. The seat may move suddenly and could cause loss of control of the vehicle. After adjustment, gently rock in the seat to make sure it is securely locked. ARS1222 ARS1223 Forward and backward Pull the lever up while you slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. Release the lever to lock the seat in position. Reclining To recline the seatback, pull the lever up and lean back. To bring the seatback forward again, pull the lever and move yourbody forward. The seatback moves forward. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-3 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. ARS1019 Power (if so equipped) WARNING Do not adjust the driver's seat while driving in order that full attention may be given to the driving operation. Do not leave children unattended inside the vehicle. They could unknowingly activate switches or controls. Unattended children could become involved in serious accidents. Operating Tips The 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 support seat for a long period of time when the engine is off. This will discharge the battery. Forward and backward adjustment Moving the switch forward or backward will slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. 1-4 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems ARS1018 ARS1035 Seat lifter Push the front or rear end of the switch up or down to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion. Lumbar support (If so equipped) The lumbar support feature provides lower back support to the driver. Move the lever up or down to adjust the seat lumbar area. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-5 PD1319 ARS1130 HEAD RESTRAINTS To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To lower, push the lock knob and push the head restraint down. WARNING Head restraints should be adjusted properly as they may provide significant protection against injury in an accident. Do not remove them. Check the adjustment after someone else uses the seat. Adjust the head restraints so the top is level with the tops of your ears. 1-6 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems REAR SEAT 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 seat back securely latched, when not in use, and prevent children's access to car keys. PD1177M Interior trunk access (if so equipped) The trunk can be accessed from the rear seat for loading and unloading, as shown. WARNING Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage 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 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. When returning seatbacks to the upright position, be certain they are completely secured in the latched position. If they are not completely secured in the latched position, passengers may be injured in an accident or sudden stop. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-7 ARS1020 Center armrest (if so equipped) Pull the armrest forward until it is horizontal. 1-8 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG SYSTEM) This Supplemental Restraint System section contains important information concerning the driver and passenger supplemental air bags. The Supplemental Restraint System Air Bag can help reduce impact force to the driver and to the front passenger in certain frontal collisions. The supplemental air bags are designed to supplement the crash protection provided by the driver and front passenger seat belts and are not a substitute for them. The seat belts should always be correctly worn and the driver and front passenger seated a suitable distance away from the steering wheel and instrument panel. (See ``Seat belts'' for instructions and precautions on seat belt usage later in this section.) The supplemental air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position. WARNING The supplemental air bags ordinarily will not inflate in the event of a side impact, rear impact, roll over, or lower severity frontal collision. Always wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents. ARS1132 The seat belts and the supplemental air bags are most effective when you are sitting back and upright in the seat. Supplemental air bags inflate with great force. If you are unrestrained, leaning forward, sitting sideways or out of position in any way, you are at greater risk of injury or death in a crash and may also receive serious or fatal injuries from the supplemental air bag if you are up against it when it inflates. Always sit back against the seatback and as far away as practical from the steering wheel or instrument panel. Always use the seatbelts. Keep hands on the outside of the steering wheel. Placing them inside the steering wheel rim could increase the risk that they are injured when the supplemental air bag inflates. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-9 ARS1133 ARS1041 ARS1042 1-10 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems ARS1043 ARS1045 WARNING Never let children ride unrestrained. Do not attempt to hold them in your lap or arms. Some examples of dangerous riding positions are shown in the previous illustrations. Children may be severely injured or killed when the supplemental air bag inflates if they are not properly restrained. Never install a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat. An inflating supplemental air bag could seriously injure or kill your child. See ``Child Restraints'' later in this section for details. ARS1044 ARS1046 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-11 SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG SYSTEM choking. Those with a history of breathing trouble should get fresh air promptly. The supplemental air bags, along with the use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on the face and chest of the occupant. They can help save lives and reduce serious injuries. However, an inflating supplemental air bag may cause facial abrasions or other injuries. Supplemental air bags do not provide restraint to the lower body. Seat belts should be correctly worn and the driver and passenger seated upright as far as practical away from the steering wheel or instrument panel. Since the supplemental air bags inflate quickly in order to help protect the front occupants, the force of the supplemental air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if the occupant is too close to or is against the supplemental air bag module during inflation. The supplemental air bags deflate quickly after a collision. The supplemental air bags operate only when the ignition switch is in the ON or START position. APD0530 The driver supplemental air bag is located in the center of the steering wheel. The front passenger supplemental air bag is mounted in the dashboard above the glove box. These systems are designed to meet optional certification requirements under U.S. regulations. They are also permitted in Canada. The optional certification allows air bags to be designed to inflate somewhat less forcefully than previously. However, all of the information, cautions and warnings in this manual still apply and must be followed. The supplemental air bag system is de- signed to inflate in higher severity frontal collisions, although it may inflate if the forces in another type of collision are similar to those of a higher severity frontal impact. It may not inflate in certain frontal collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always an indication of proper supplemental air bag system operation. When the supplemental air bag inflates, a fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by the release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a fire, but care should be taken not to unintentionally inhale it, as it may cause irritation and 1-12 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems WARNING Do not place any objects on the steering wheel pad or on the instrument panel. Also, do not place any objects between any occupant and the steering wheel or instrument panel. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles and cause injury if the supplemental air bag inflates. Right after inflation, several supplemental air bag system components will be hot. Do not touch them; you may severely burn yourself. No unauthorized changes should be made to any components or wiring of the supplemental air bag system. This is to prevent accidental inflation of the supplemental air bag or damage to the supplemental air bag system. Do not make unauthorized changes to your vehicle's electrical system, suspension system or front end structure. This could affect proper operation of the supplemental air bag system. Tampering with the supplemental air bag system may result in serious personal injury. Tampering includes changes to the steering wheel and the instrument panel assembly by placing material over the steering wheel pad and above the dashboard, or by installing additional trim material around the supplemental air bag system. Work around and on the supplemental air bag system should be done by an authorized NISSAN dealer. Installation of electrical equipment should also be done by an authorized NISSAN dealer. The yellow SRS wiring should not be modified or disconnected. Unauthorized electrical test equipment and probing devices should not be used on the supplemental air bag system. The SRS wiring harnesses are covered with yellow insulation either just before the harness connectors or over the complete harness for easy identification. When selling your vehicle, we request that you inform the buyer about the supplemental air bag system and guide the buyer to the appropriate sections in this owner's manual. Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-13