tire pressure NISSAN ALTIMA 2005 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual

1. Engine hood (P. 3-9)
2. Headlight and turn signal switch(P. 2-21)
3. Replacing bulbs (P. 8-30)
4. Windshield wiper and washer switch
(P. 2-19)
5. Windshield (P. 8-24)
6. Power windows (P. 2-36)
7. Door locks, keyfob, keys
(P. 3-3, 3-5, 3-2)
8. Mirrors (P. 3-15)
9. Tire pressure (P. 9-11)
10. Flat tire (P. 6-2)
11. Tire chains (P. 8-45)
12. Fog light switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-25)
13. Tie down/towing hooks (P. 6-11)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
LII0044
EXTERIOR FRONT
Illustrated table of contents0-3
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cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
c Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
c Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
c Use a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
c Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
c Keep your engine tuned up.
c Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
c Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
c Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Im-
proper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
c Air conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary. c
When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
c Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
See “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion” in “Technical and consumer informa-
tion” later in this manual.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving5-17
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heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
(if so equipped)
The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes so
the wheels do not lock when braking abruptly or
when braking on slippery surfaces. The system
detects the rotation speed at each wheel and
varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing
wheel lockup, the system helps the driver main-
tain steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not operate at
speeds below3-6MPH(5-10 km/h) . (The
speeds vary according to road conditions.) When driving, the anti-lock brake system con-
trols the wheels so they will not lock when brak-
ing abruptly or when braking on a slippery road.
Thus, difficult steering and swerving of the ve-
hicle due to locked wheels is minimized. The
system detects the wheel rotation rate and elec-
tronically controls the pressure applied to each
brake. Slight vibration on the brake pedal accom-
panied by noise usually occurs while the ABS
system is operating. Such vibration and noise
encountered during abrupt braking is not a prob-
lem, but indicates that the system is functioning
properly. However, the pulsation may indicate
that road conditions are hazardous and extra care
is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors and hydraulic solenoids controlled by a
computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a ‘‘clunk’’ noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not
an indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-lock
brake system off and turns on the ABS brake
warning light on the instrument panel. The brake
system then operates normally, but without anti-
lock assistance.If a malfunction occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function will not operate, but the standard
vehicle brake system will continue to operate
normally. The ABS brake warning light will then
come on.
If the light comes on during the self-test or while
driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for
repair.
WARNING
c
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with the anti-lock brake
system. Stopping distances may also
be longer on rough, gravel or snow cov-
ered roads, or if you are using tire
chains. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness. Always
maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the re-
sponsibility for safety of self and others
rests in the hands of the driver.
5-20Starting and driving
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Installing the spare tire
The spare tire is designed for emergency
use. See specific instructions under the
heading “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface be- tween 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 as illustrated until
they are tight. 4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely
in the sequence illustrated (
sA,sB,sC,sD,
sE) . Lower the vehicle completely.
WARNING
cIncorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
c Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the nuts
to become loose.
c Retighten the wheel nuts when the ve-
hicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.) .
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel nuts
to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque: 80 ft-lb (108 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
specifications at each lubrication interval. Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.
COLD pressure: After vehicle has been
parked for three hours or more or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km) .
COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire
placard affixed to the center console.
5. Securely store the flat tire and jacking equip- ment in the vehicle.
6. Place the spare tire cover and the trunk floor carpeting over the damaged tire.
7. Close the trunk.
WARNING
c Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly se-
cured after use. Such items can become
dangerous projectiles in an accident or
sudden stop.
c The spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use. See specific instructions un-
der the heading “Wheels and tires” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
WCE0056
In case of emergency6-5
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions ...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-6
Engine cooling system .............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................8-9
Engine oil .........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-12
4-speed automatic transmission fluid ...............8-13
Temperature conditions for checking .............8-13
5-speed automatic transmission fluid ...............8-15
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-15
Brake and clutch fluid ............................. 8-15
Brake fluid .................................... 8-16
Clutch fluid ................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-16
Window washer fluid reservoir ..................8-16
Battery .......................................... 8-17
Jump starting ................................. 8-18Drive belts
....................................... 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-20
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-21
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped) ..............8-21
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-24
Cleaning ..................................... 8-24
Replacing .................................... 8-24
Parking brake and brake pedal .....................8-25
Checking parking brake ........................ 8-25
Checking brake pedal .......................... 8-25
Brake booster ................................. 8-26
Fuses ........................................... 8-26
Engine compartment ........................... 8-26
Passenger compartment .......................8-28
Keyfob battery replacement ........................8-29
Lights ........................................... 8-30
Headlights .................................... 8-30
Front park/turn/sidemarker light .................8-30
Fog lights (if so equipped) ......................8-30
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-31
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-38
Tire pressure .................................. 8-38
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When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts* When checking the tires,
make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check
for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation* Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Tires* Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel alignment and balance If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel
alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
c For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet . Windshield
Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades* Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any brakes.
Brake pedal and booster* Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure it has the proper
distance under it when depressed fully. Check the brake booster function. Be certain to keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes
Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Clutch pedal* Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
travel.
Parking brake* Check that the lever has the
proper travel and confirm that your vehicle is held
securely on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied.
Seats Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched positions.
Seat belts Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel Check for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
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If you have a flat tire, see the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
TIRE PRESSURE
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire pressures (including the spare)
often and always prior to long distance trips. The
recommended tire pressure specifications are
shown on the Tire and Loading Information label
under the9Recommended Cold Tire Inflation
Pressure 9heading. The Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label is affixed to the driver side center
pillar. Tire pressures should be checked regularly
because:
c Most tires naturally lose air over time.
c Tires can lose air suddenly when driven over
potholes or other objects or if the vehicle
strikes a curb while parking.
The tire pressures should be checked when the
tires are cold. The tires are considered COLD
after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at
moderate speeds.
If the tires are used at speeds above 100 mph
(162 km/h) where it is legal to do so (on a race
track for example) , the cold tire inflation pressure
must be increased. Refer to 9Checking tire pres-
sure 9later in this section.
High-mounted stop light (Rear window)
WDI0320
Trunk light
WDI0343
WHEELS AND TIRES
8-38Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Set the tire pressure to the normal cold tire infla-
tion pressure when the vehicle speed or load is
reduced.
Incorrect tire pressure, including under in-
flation, may adversely affect tire life and
vehicle handling.
WARNING
cImproperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.
c The vehicle weight capacity is indicated
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. Do not load your vehicle beyond
this capacity. Overloading your vehicle
may result in reduced tire life, unsafe
operating conditions due to premature
tire failure, or unfavorable handling
characteristics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle components.
c Before taking a long trip, or whenever
you heavily load your vehicle, use a tire
pressure gauge to ensure that the tire
pressures are at the specified level. c
Increase the cold tire inflation pressure
as indicated in (Checking tire pressure (
later in this section when using the tires
specified by NISSAN above 100 MPH
(162 km/h) where it is legal to do so (on
a race track for example) . Failure to
increase the cold tire inflation pressure
may result in tire failure, loss of control
and possible injury. After such use, re-
adjust tire pressure.
c Do not drive your vehicle over 85 MPH
(137 km/h) unless it is equipped with
high speed rated tires. Driving faster
than 85 MPH (137 km/h) may result in
tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury.
c For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-39
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Tire and loading information label (for
US)
s1Seating capacity: The maximum number of
occupants that should be seated in the ve-
hicle.
s2Vehicle load limit: See loading information in
the Technical and consumer information
section.
s3Original tire size: The size of the tires origi-
nally installed on the vehicle at the factory.
s4Recommended cold tire inflation pressure:
Inflate the tires to this pressure when the
tires are cold. Tires are considered COLD
after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or
more hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km) at moderate speeds. The recommended
cold tire inflation is set by the manufacturer
to provide the best balance of tire wear and
vehicle handling characteristics based on
the vehicles GVWR.
s5Tire size – refer to “Tire labeling” later in this
section.
s6ands7Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped) .
Type A
LDI0392
8-40Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Tire and loading information label (for
US)
s1Seating capacity: The maximum number of
occupants that should be seated in the ve-
hicle.
s2Vehicle load limit: See loading information in
the Technical and consumer information
section.
s3Original tire size: The size of the tires origi-
nally installed on the vehicle at the factory.
s4Recommended cold tire inflation pressure:
Inflate the tires to this pressure when the
tires are cold. Tires are considered COLD
after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or
more hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km) at moderate speeds. The recommended
cold tire inflation is set by the manufacturer
to provide the best balance of tire wear and
vehicle handling characteristics based on
the vehicles GVWR.
s5Tire size – refer to “Tire labeling” later in this
section.
s6ands7Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped) .
Type B
LDI0420
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-41
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