check transmission fluid NISSAN ALTIMA 2006 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual

QR25DE engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-15)
2. Spark plug caps (P. 8-20)
3. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-16)
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
(P. 8-16)
5. Air cleaner (P. 8-21)
6. Battery (P. 8-17)
7. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-26)
8. Transmission dipstick (A/T models)
(P. 8-13)
9. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-9)
10. Radiator cap (P. 8-8)
11. Drive belt location (P.8-19)
12. Fuse block (P. 8-26)
13. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-16)
14. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-8)
15. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WDI0488
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents
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Warning
lightName Page
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)2-11
Automatic
transmission
check warning
light (if so
equipped)2-12
or
Brake warning
light2-12
Charge warning
light2-12
Door open
warning light2-12
Warning
lightName Page
Engine oil pres-
sure warning
light2-12
Low fuel warn-
ing light2-13
Low windshield
washer fluid
warning light2-13
Seat belt warn-
ing light and
chime2-13
Supplemental
air bag warning
light1-49
Trunk lid open
warning light2-14
Indicator
lightName Page
Automatic
transmission
position indica-
tor light (A/T
models)5-4
CRUISE main
switch indicator
light (if so
equipped)5-14
Cruise SET
switch indicator
light (if so
equipped)5-14
Front passenger
air bag status
light2-14
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
0-10Illustrated table of contents
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orAnti-lock brake warning light (if
so equipped)Low windshield washer fluid warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
Automatic transmission check warning light (if
so equipped)Seat belt warning light and chimeHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
orBrake warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightMalfunction indicator light (MIL)
Charge warning lightTrunk lid open warning lightSlip indicator light (if so equipped)
Door open warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator light
(A/T models)Traction control system off indicator light (if so
equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning lightCRUISE main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low fuel warning lightCruise SET switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and turn the ignition key to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,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.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock brake
warning light (if so
equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the anti-lock brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-11
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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 a NISSAN dealer for repair.
Automatic transmission check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is turned ON, the light
comes on for about 2 seconds. If the light comes
on at any other time, it may indicate the automatic
transmission system is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light 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 fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are not
closed securely while the ignition key is in the ON
position.
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
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
2-12Instruments and controls
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cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, and window
washer fluid as frequently as possible, or at
least whenever you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights when
the key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
key is turned to the OFF position or if
the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector lever is in any of the
driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) . Depress
the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking
the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby 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.cIf the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
c
If the engine is very hard to start because it
is flooded, depress the accelerator pedal
all the way to the floor and hold it. Crank the
engine for 5-6 seconds. After cranking the
engine, release the accelerator pedal.
Crank the enginewith 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. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-
onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-6Starting and driving
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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.................8-31
Fog lights (if so equipped)......................8-31
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-32
Wheels and tires.................................8-39
Tire pressure..................................8-39
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Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Automatic transmission fluid level*Check
the level after putting the selector lever in P with
the engine idling at operating temperature.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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QR25DE engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Spark plug coils
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
5. Air cleaner
6. Battery
7. Fuse/Fusible link box
8. Transmission dipstick (A/T models)
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Radiator cap
11. Drive belt location
12. Fuse block
13. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
14. Engine coolant reservoir
15. Engine oil filler cap
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
WDI0488
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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WARNING
cWhen the engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away from
any moving parts such as the cooling
fan and drive belts.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poison-
ous and should be stored carefully in
marked containers out of the reach of
children.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS FOR
CHECKING
cThe fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the dipstick after the following
conditions have been met:
– The engine should be warmed up to op-
erating temperature.
– The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
– The automatic transmission fluid should
be warmed to 122 - 176°F (50 - 80°C) .cThe fluid can be checked at fluid tempera-
tures of 86 - 122°F (30 - 50°C) using the
COLD range on the dipstick after the engine
is warmed up and before driving. However,
the fluid should be re-checked using the
HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the shift
selector lever through each gear range, end-
ing in P (Park) .
3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.
QR25DE engine
WDI0219
4-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
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4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with
lint-free paper.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the dipstick tube
as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading. If
the automatic transmission fluid level is
within the normal operating range
sB,no
additional fluid is required. If the fluid level is
low
sAadd fluid through the dipstick tube.
CAUTION
DO NOT OVERFILL. Use ONLY Genuine
Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic
Transmission Fluid. DEXRON™
III/MERCON™ or equivalent may also be
used. Outside the continental United
States and Alaska contact a NISSAN deal-
ership for more information regarding
suitable fluids, including recommended
brand(s) of DEXRON™ III/MERCON™ au-
tomatic transmission fluid.NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the fluid level cannot be read accu-
rately. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes) before
checking fluid level.
WDI0221
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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