check engine NISSAN ALTIMA 2023 Manual PDF

Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Doors and engine hood:
Check that the
doors and engine hood operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely. Lu-
bricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure that the sec-
ondary latch keeps the hood from opening
when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Check that the gas strays or struts properly
and securely hold the hood, trunk, or rear
hatch in the fully open position. If the hood,
trunk, or rear hatch is not held open, have
the gas stays or struts replaced.
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 in-
stalled securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary. Tire rotation*:
Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance
schedule.
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
of ten and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires, including the spare, to the pressure
specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
tire pressure sensor: It is recommended
that you replace the TPMS tire pressure
sensor assembly when the tires are re-
placed due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance: If the ve-
hicle 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 steer-
ing wheel or seat vibrates at normal high-
way speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
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 dam- age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility. It is recom-
mended that you have a damaged wind-
shield repaired by a NISSAN dealer, or a
NISSAN Certified Collision Center. To locate
a collision center in your area, refer to
http://collision.nissanusa.com.
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 performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Accelerator pedal: Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, have your vehicle checked imme-
diately. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. Keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Maintenance and schedules9-3

Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) P (Park) position mechanism: On a
fairly steep hill check that the vehicle is held
securely with the shif t lever in the P (Park)
position without applying any brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
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.
9-4Maintenance and schedules

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, see “Recom-
mended fluids/lubricants and capaci-
ties” (P. 10-2).
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.
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, see “Engine cooling sys-
tem” (P. 8-5).
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 see
“Recommended fluids/lubricants and ca-
pacities” (P. 10-2).
Engine valve clearance*: Inspect only if
valve noise increases. Adjust valve clear-
ance if necessary.
Fuel tank vapor vent system*: Check va-
por lines for leaks or looseness. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
Fuel filter: Periodic maintenance is not re-
quired. (in-tank type filter)
Fuel lines/connections*: Check the fuel
hoses, piping and connections for leaks,
looseness, or deterioration. Tighten con-
nections or replace 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
immediately.
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.
9-6Maintenance and schedules

Tire rotation:Rotate tires at the specified
interval shown in the maintenance sched-
ule. When rotating tires, check for damage
and uneven wear. Replace if necessary.
Transmission fluid/oil, differential oil,
and transfer case oil: Visually inspect for
signs of leakage at specified intervals.
Replace at specified intervals. 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 conditions
should 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 temperatures re-
maining 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.
• Driving in dusty conditions.
• Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread roads.
• Using a car-top carrier.
If your vehicle is mainly operated under the
severe conditions, follow the severe use
maintenance intervals shown in the main-
tenance schedule.
OIL CONTROL SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
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

Fuel containing MMT
MMT, or methylcyclopentadienyl manga-
nese tricarbonyl, is an octane boosting ad-
ditive. NISSAN does not recommend the
use of fuel containing MMT. Such fuel may
adversely affect vehicle performance, in-
cluding the emissions control system. Note
that while some fuel pumps label MMT
content, not all do, so you may have to
consult your gasoline retailer for more
details.
Af termarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any af termarket fuel additives (for ex-
ample, fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers,
etc.) which are sold commercially. Many of
these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active sol-
vents or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can
cause persistent, heavy “spark knock.”
(“Spark knock” is a metallic rapping
noise.) If severe, this can lead to engine
damage. If you detect a persistent heavy
spark knock even when using gasoline
of the stated octane rating, or if you hear
steady spark knock while holding a
steady speed on level roads, it is recom-
mended that you have a NISSAN dealer
correct the condition. Failure to correct
the condition is misuse of the vehicle, for
which NISSAN is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in
spark knock, af ter-run and/or overheating,
which may cause excessive fuel consump-
tion or engine damage. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for servicing.However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not
a cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
10-6Technical and consumer information

WARNING
A vehicle equipped with All -Wheel
Drive (AWD) should never be tested us-
ing a two wheel dynamometer (such as
the dynamometers used by some
states for emissions testing), or similar
equipment. Make sure you inform the
test facility personnel that your vehicle
is equipped with AWD before it is placed
on a dynamometer. Using the wrong
test equipment may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle move-
ment which could result in serious ve-
hicle damage or personal injury.
Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in what is called the
“ready condition” for an Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) test of the emission
control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition”
when it is driven through certain driving
patterns. Usually, the ready condition can
be obtained by ordinary usage of the
vehicle. If a powertrain system component is re-
paired or the battery is disconnected, the
vehicle may be reset to a “not ready ” condi-
tion. Before taking the I/M test, check the
vehicle's inspection/maintenance test
readiness condition. Place the ignition
switch in the ON position without starting
the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds
and then blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test
condition is “not ready”. If the MIL does not
blink af ter 20 seconds, the I/M test condi-
tion is “ready ”. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer to set the “ready con-
dition” or to prepare the vehicle for testing.
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data
Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an
EDR is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data
that will assist in understanding how a ve-
hicle's systems performed. The EDR is de-
signed to record data related to vehicle dy-
namics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to re-
cord such data as:
• How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened;
• How far (if at all) the driver was depress- ing the accelerator and/or brake pedal;
and,
• How fast the vehicle was traveling.
• Sounds are not recorded.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR)
10-24Technical and consumer information

Brightness controlInstrument panel.............2-62Brightness/contrast button.........4-7Bulb check/instrument panel........2-10Bulb replacement...............8-26
C
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.........10-13Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants................ .10-2Car phone or CB radio............4-67Cargo
(See vehicle loading information).....10-16Chassis control................5-178Check tire pressure..........2-31, 2-48Child restraints.......1-21,1-22,1-23,1-25LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System..............1-25Precautions on child
restraints............1-31, 1-38, 1-43Top tether strap anchor point
locations...................1-28Child safety rear door lock..........3-7Cleaning exterior and interior......7-2,7-5Clock set/adjustment.............4-5Cold weather driving............5-185Console box..................2-72Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT).......................5-18Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-12
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)............5-18Control panel buttons.............4-3Brightness/contrast button........4-7Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel).....4-63Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-33, 4-41CoolantCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-6Checking engine coolant level......8-6Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Corrosion protection..............7-8Cruise control................ .5-68Cup holders...............2-73,2-74
D
Daytime Running Light System......2-62Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch
................... .2-56Dimensions and weights..........10-11Dimmer switch for instrument panel. . .2-62Display controls (see control panel
buttons).................... .4-3Door locks....................3-4Drive belt....................8-16Driving
Cold weather driving...........5-185
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)............5-18Precautions when starting and
driving................. .5-4, 5-10Driving the vehicle...............5-18
E
Economy - fuel................5-168Emergency call (SOS) button........2-67Emergency engine shutoff.......5-15,6-2Emission control information label. . . .10-14Emission control system warranty. . . .10-22Engine
Before starting the engine........5-16Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-6Changing engine oil............8-8Changing engine oil filter.........8-8Checking engine coolant level......8-6Checking engine oil level..........8-7Engine compartment check
locations.................. .8-3Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-6Engine cooling system...........8-5Engine oil...................8-7Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.............10-7Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-11Engine oil viscosity.............10-7Engine serial number..........10-13Engine specifications...........10-9
11-2

Instrument panel.............0-6, 2-2Instrument panel dimmer switch.....2-62Intelligent Around View Monitor......4-16Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)........5-71Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
(for vehicles with ProPILOT Assist). . . .5-106Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA).....5-162Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
(I-FCW).....................5-147Intelligent Key systemKey operating range............3-9Key operation................3-10Mechanical key................3-3Remote keyless entry operation. . . .3-14Troubleshooting guide..........3-16Warning signals...............3-16Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI).....5-40Intelligent Trace Control (I-TC).......5-178Interior light...................2-79Interior trunk lid release...........3-24iPod® Player................. .4-57ISOFIX child restraints.............1-25
J
Jump starting..............6-17,8-15
K
Key.........................3-2Key fob battery replacement........8-23
Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)
.......3-14KeysNISSAN Intelligent Key®...........3-2NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
keys..................... .3-4
L
Label
Tire and Loading Information label. .10-14LabelsAir conditioner specification label. . .10-14C.M.V.S.S. certification label.......10-13Emission control information label. .10-14Engine serial number..........10-13F.M.V.S.S. certification label........10-13Tire and Loading Information label. .10-14Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate.................... .10-12Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-67Lane Departure Warning (LDW).......5-33LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System...............1-25Launch bar menu................4-7License plate
Installing the license plate........10-15LightAir bag warning light........1-67, 2-12Brake light (See stop light)........8-26Bulb check/instrument panel......2-10Bulb replacement.............8-26
Charge warning light............2-11Exterior and Interior lights........8-26Fog light switch..............2-63Fog lights..................8-26Headlight and turn signal switch. . . .2-57Headlight control switch.........2-57Headlights..................8-25Interior light.................2-79Light bulbs.................8-25Low tire pressure warning light.....2-13Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light................. .2-30, 2-47Personal lights...............2-80Security indicator light..........2-12Spotlights (See map light)........2-80Trunk light..................2-80Lights......................8-25Map lights..................2-80Lock
Child safety rear door lock.........3-7Door locks................. .3-4Fuel-filler door lock opener lever. . . .3-25Glove box lock...............2-72Power door locks..............3-6Trunk lid lock opener lever........3-22Loose fuel cap warning........2-30, 2-46Low fuel warning light. .2-11, 2-15, 2-30, 2-47Low tire pressure warning light.......2-13Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light................... .2-30, 2-47Luggage (See vehicle loading
information)..................10-16
11-4

M
MaintenanceGeneral maintenance...........9-2Inside the vehicle..............9-3Maintenance precautions.........8-2Outside the vehicle.............9-3Seat belt maintenance..........1-20Under the hood and vehicle.......9-4Maintenance requirements..........9-2Maintenance schedules............9-7Malfunction indicator light..........2-15Manual front seat adjustment........1-3Map lights.................. .2-80Memory seat...........3-31, 3-32, 3-33Menu button...................4-5Meters and gauges..............2-4Instrument brightness control.....2-62Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror. . .3-29Outside mirrors..............3-30Rearview...................3-29Vanity mirror................3-29Mirrors......................3-29Moonroof.................2-77,7-6Moving Object Detection (MOD)......4-27
N
NISSAN Intelligent Key®............3-2NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge
indicator.....................5-15
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System................. .2-54, 5-16NissanConnect® Owner's Manual......4-2
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating). .10-6Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine oil............8-8Changing engine oil filter.........8-8Checking engine oil level..........8-7Engine oil...................8-7Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.............10-7Engine oil viscosity.............10-7Oil control system...........2-20, 2-36Outside mirrors................3-30Overhead sunglasses holder........2-73Overheat
If your vehicle overheats.........6-19Owner's manual order form........10-26Owner's manual/service manual order
information................. .10-26
P
Parking
Parking/parking on hills.........5-171Parking brake........2-11,2-13,2-17,5-25Personal lights................ .2-80Phone, Bluetooth® hands-free system. .4-67
Power
Power door locks..............3-6Power outlet................2-69Powerrearwindows............2-76Power steering system.........5-172Power windows..............2-75Rear power windows...........2-76Power outlet................. .2-69Power steering................5-172Precautions
Maintenance precautions.........8-2Precautions on booster
seats...............1-31, 1-38, 1-43Precautions on child
restraints............1-31, 1-38, 1-43Precautions on seat belt usage.....1-12Precautions on supplemental restraint
system................... .1-47Precautions when starting and
driving..................5-4, 5-10ProPILOT Assist................5-94Push starting..................6-19
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio..........4-67FM/AM radio................4-49Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test...................... .10-24Rear Automatic Braking (RAB).......5-127Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).......5-58Rear Door Alert......2-29,2-45, 2-46, 2-67
11-5