NISSAN ALTIMA 2020 Owner´s Manual

the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
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/headrests
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 webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner. Windshield wiper and washer*:
Check
that the wipers and washer operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.
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).
Battery*: This vehicle is equipped with a
sealed maintenance free battery. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for service.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the engine is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.).
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health. Brake fluid level*:
Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN 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 af ter
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than
15 minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make 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, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Exhaust gas (carbon mon-
oxide)” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks af ter the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner af ter use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
9-4Maintenance and schedules

fuel fumes are evident, check for the cause
and have it corrected immediately.
Radiator and hoses:Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, defor-
mation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust may form on the
floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around the
exhaust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. For additional information, refer to
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield-washer fluid*: Check that
there is adequate fluid in the reservoir. The following descriptions are provided to
give you a better understanding of the
scheduled maintenance items that should
be regularly checked or replaced. The
maintenance schedule indicates at which
mileage/time intervals each item requires
service.
In addition to scheduled maintenance,
your vehicle requires that some items be
checked during normal day-to-day opera-
tion. For additional information, refer to
“General maintenance” in this section.
Items marked with
“*”are recommended
by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation.
You are not required to perform mainte-
nance on these items in order to maintain
the warranties which come with your
NISSAN. Other maintenance items and in-
tervals are required.
When applicable, additional information
can be found in the “Do-it-yourself ” section
of this manual. NOTE:
NISSAN does not advocate the use of
non-OEM approved af termarket flush-
ing systems and strongly advises
against performing these services on a
NISSAN product. Many of the af termar-
ket flushing systems use non-OEM ap-
proved chemicals or solvents, the use of
which has not been validated by NISSAN.
For recommended fuel, lubricants, fluids,
grease, and refrigerant, refer to “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capaci-
ties” in the “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section of this manual.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
MAINTENANCE:
Drive belts*:
Check engine drive belts for
wear, fraying or cracking and for proper
tension. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Engine air filter: Replace at specified inter-
vals. When driving for prolonged periods in
dusty conditions, check/replace the filter
more frequently.
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Maintenance and schedules9-5

Engine coolant*:Replace coolant at the
specified interval. When adding or replac-
ing coolant, be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent with the proper mixture. (For
additional information on the proper mix-
ture for your area, refer to “Engine cooling
system” in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of
this manual.)
NOTE: Mixing any other type of coolant
or the use of non-distilled water may re-
duce the recommended service interval
of the coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter: Replace engine oil
and oil filter at the specified intervals. For
recommended oil grade and viscosity refer
to “Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
Engine valve clearance*: Inspect only if
valve noise increases. Adjust valve clear-
ance if necessary.
Evaporative emissions control vapor
lines*: Check vapor lines for leaks or loose-
ness. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
Fuel filter: Periodic maintenance is not re-
quired. (in-tank type filter) Fuel lines*:
Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness, or
deterioration. Tighten connections or re-
place parts as necessary.
Spark plugs: Replace at specified intervals.
Install new plugs of the type as originally
equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake lines and cables: Visually inspect for
proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and signs of leaking.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Brake pads and rotors: Check for wear,
deterioration and fluid leaks. Replace any
deteriorated or damaged parts immedi-
ately.
Exhaust system: Visually inspect the ex-
haust pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks,
cracks, deterioration, and damage. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
Propeller shaf t(s): Check for damage,
looseness, and grease leakage. (AWD) In-cabin microfilter:
Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently.
Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaf t boots: Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently.
Tire rotation: PR25DD Engine model; Tires
should be rotated every 5,000 miles
(8,000 km) according to the instructions
under “Explanation of general mainte-
nance items” in this section. When rotating
tires, check for damage and uneven wear.
Replace if necessary.
KR20DDET Engine model; Tires should be
rotated every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) ac-
cording to the instructions under “Explana-
tion of general maintenance items” in this
section. When rotating tires, check for
damage and uneven wear. Replace if nec-
essary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil,
and transfer case oil: Visually inspect for
signs of leakage at specified intervals.
Replace at specified intervals.
9-6Maintenance and schedules

To help ensure smooth, safe and economi-
cal driving, NISSAN provides two mainte-
nance schedules that may be used, de-
pending upon the conditions in which you
usually drive. These schedules contain
both distance and time intervals, up to
120,000 miles (192,000 km)/144 months. For
most people, the odometer reading will in-
dicate when service is needed. However, if
you drive very little, your vehicle should be
serviced at the regular time intervals
shown in the schedule.
Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/
144 months, continue maintenance at
the same mileage/time intervals.ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS
FOR SEVERE OPERATING
CONDITIONS
Additional maintenance items for severe
operating conditionsshould be per-
formed on vehicles that are driven under
especially demanding conditions. Addi-
tional maintenance items should be per-
formed if you primarily operate your vehicle
under the following conditions:
∙ Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8 km).
∙ Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km) with outside tempera-
tures remaining below freezing.
∙ Operating in hot weather in stop- and-go “rush hour” traffic.
∙ Extensive idling and/or low speed driv- ing for long distances, such as police,
taxi or door-to-door delivery use.
∙ Driving in dusty conditions.
∙ Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread roads.
∙ Using a car-top carrier.
OIL CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle is equipped with oil control
system. It calculates engine oil and filter
change intervals based on driving condi-
tions. Driving in the following severe condi-
tions will shorten the engine oil and filter
change interval.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
Maintenance and schedules9-7

How driving conditions affect OCS dis-
play timing
PR25DD Engine model:
ConditionsDriving Scene Display timing
Light ∙ Freeway driving
∙ City driving (flat/moderate hills)
∙ No towing or heavy loads
∙ No extended engine idling Normal
Extreme ∙ Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8 km).
∙ Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km) with outside temperatures remaining
below freezing.
∙ Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic.
∙ Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for long distances, such as police, taxi or door-
to-door delivery use.
∙ Using a car-top carrier.
∙ Driving with frequent use of braking or in mountainous areas.
∙ Sustained high speed driving. Early
CAUTION
∙ If the oil replacement indicator is dis-
played, change the engine oil within
two weeks or less than 500 miles
(800 km).
∙ Operating your vehicle with deterio- rated oil can damage the engine. ∙ If your oil replacement indicator re-
sets prematurely or becomes inop-
erative, please change the oil within
six months or 5,000 miles (8,000 km)
from your last oil change.
9-8Maintenance and schedules

KR20DDET Engine model:
ConditionsDriving Scene Display timing
Light ∙ Freeway driving
∙ City driving (flat/moderate hills)
∙ No towing or heavy loads
∙ No extended engine idling Normal
Extreme ∙ Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles (8 km).
∙ Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km) with outside temperatures remaining
below freezing.
∙ Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go “rush hour” traffic.
∙ Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for long distances, such as police, taxi or door-
to-door delivery use.
∙ Using a car-top carrier.
∙ Driving with frequent use of braking or in mountainous areas.
∙ Sustained high speed driving. Early
CAUTION
∙ If the oil replacement indicator is dis-
played, change the engine oil within
two weeks or less than 500 miles
(800 km).
∙ Operating your vehicle with deterio- rated oil can damage the engine.
∙ If your oil replacement indicator re- sets prematurely or becomes inop-
erative, please change the oil within
six months or 3,750 miles (6,000 km)
from your last oil change.
Maintenance and schedules9-9

PR25DD ENGINE MODEL
The following tables show the standard
maintenance schedule. Depending upon
weather and atmospheric conditions,
varying road surfaces, individual driving
habits and vehicle usage, additional or
more frequent maintenance may be re-
quired.Af ter 120,000 miles (192,000 km)/
144 months, continue maintenance at
the same mileage/time interval.
STANDARD MAINTENANCE
9-10Maintenance and schedules

STANDARD MAINTENANCE
Abbreviations: I = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary, R = ReplaceMAINTENANCE OPERATION
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months,
whichever comes first.Miles x 1,000(km x 1,000) Months MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
5
(8) 6 10
(16) 12 15
(24) 18 20
(32) 24 25
(40) 30 30
(48) 36 35
(56) 42 40
(64) 48 45
(72) 54 50
(80) 60 55
(88) 66 60
(96) 72 65
(104) 78 70
(112) 84 75
(120) 90 80
(128) 96 85
(136) 102 90
(144) 108 95
(152) 114 100
(160) 120 105
(168) 126 110
(176) 132 115
(184) 138 120
(192) 144
Air cleaner filter NOTE (1) RRRR
Brake fluid RRRRRR
B ra kel in esa ndc ab le s IIIIIIIIIIII
Brake pads and rotors IIIIIIIIIIII
C VTf lu id NO TE( 2) IIIIIIIIIIII
Drive belt NOTE (3) I* I* I* I* I* I* I* I* I*
Engine coolant* NOTE (4)(5)
Engine oil and oil filter NOTE (6)RRRRRRRRRRRR
EVAP vapor lines and fuel lines I*I*I*I*I*I*
Exhaust system  IIIIII
Fuel filter NOTE (7)
Propeller shaf t & drive shaf t boots
(AWD models) IIIIIIIIIIII
I n -c a b in m ic ro filt e r RRRRRRRR
Intake & exhaust valve clearance* NOTE (8)
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery IRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (Iridium-tipped type) NOTE (9) Replace every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Steering gear & linkage, axle & sus-
pension parts IIIIII
Tire rotation NOTE (10)
Transfer fluid & differential gear oil NOTE (11) IIIIIIIIIIII
Maintenance and schedules9-11

NOTE:
Maintenance items with “” should be performed more frequently according to “ Maintenance under severe driving conditions”.
(1) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(2) If using a car-top carrier or driving on rough or muddy roads, inspect CVT fluid deterioration every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
then change CVT fluid if necessary. And if the inspection is not performed, change (not just inspect) CVT fluid every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km).
(3) Af ter 40,000 miles (64,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months.
Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
(4) First replacement interval is 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 84 months. Af ter first replacement, replace every 75,000 miles
(120,000 km) or 60 months.
(5) Use only Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent with proper mixture ratio of 50% antifreeze and 50%
demineralized or distilled water. Mixing any other type of coolant or the use of non-distilled water may reduce the life expectancy
of the factory fill coolant.
(6) If the oil replacement indicator is displayed, change the engine oil and filter within two weeks or less than 500 miles (800 km).
(7) Periodic maintenance is not required.
(8) Periodic maintenance is not required. However, if valve noise increased, inspect valve clearance.
(9) Replace spark plug when the plug gap exceeds 0.053 in (1.35 mm) even if within specified periodic replacement mileage.
(10) For additional information on tire rotation, refer to “General maintenance” in the section
(11) If using a car-top carrier, or driving on rough or muddy roads, change (not just inspect) oil at every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or
24 months.
* Maintenance items and intervals with“*”arerecommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not
perform such maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items
and intervals are required.
9-12Maintenance and schedules

The maintenance intervals shown on the
preceding pages are for normal operating
conditions. If the vehicle is mainly operated
under severe driving conditions as shown
below, more frequent maintenance must
be performed on the following items as
shown in the table.SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS
∙ Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles(8 km).
∙ Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles (16 km) with outside tempera-
tures remaining below freezing.
∙ Operating in hot weather in stop- and-go “rush hour” traffic. ∙ Extensive idling and/or low speed driv-
ing for long distance, such as police, taxi
or door-to-door delivery use.
∙ Driving in dusty conditions.
∙ Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread roads.
∙ Using a car-top carrier.
Maintenance operation: Inspect = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary.
Maintenance item Maintenance operation Maintenance interval
Brake fluid ReplaceEvery 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months
Brake pads and rotors InspectEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Exhaust system InspectEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Propeller shaf t & drive shaf t boots (AWD model) InspectEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspension parts InspectEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
MAINTENANCE UNDER SEVERE
OPERATING CONDITIONS
Maintenance and schedules9-13