check engine light NISSAN ALTIMA 1996 U13 / 1.G User Guide

If the electrical equipment does not operate
and fuses are in good condition, check the
fusible links. If any of these fusible links are
melted, replace only with genuine NISSAN
parts.
HEADLIGHTS
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type
which uses a replaceable headlight (halo-
gen) bulb.
CAUTION
High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
When handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.
Replacing the headlight bulb
1. Open the engine hood.
2. Disconnect the negative (Ð) battery
cable.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector from
the rear end of the bulb.
4. Turn the bulb cover counterclockwise,
then remove it.
5. Pull off the rubber cap.
6. Push and turn the retaining pin to loosen
it.
DI1316S
DI1315
FUSIBLE LINKS LIGHT BULBS
7-21
ZX

Tire rotation*Ð Tires should be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceÐIfthe
vehicle should pull to either side while driv-
ing 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.
Windshield wiper blades*Ð Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hoodÐ Check that all
doors and the engine hood operate prop-
erly. Also ensure all latches lock securely.
Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*Ð Make sure the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Warning lights and chimesÐ Make sure
that all warning lights and buzzers/chimes
are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Ð Check
that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterÐ Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelÐ Check for changes in
the steering conditions, such as excessive
freeplay, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsÐ Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and that all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and that the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.Seat beltsÐ 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.
Accelerator pedalÐ Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Ð Make sure the pedal
operates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
BrakesÐ Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal*Ð 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 floor mats away from the
pedal.
Parking brake*Ð 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.
8-3
ZX

Incorrect ignition timing will result in knock-
ing, after-run or overheating. This in turn
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
damage to the engine. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked at a NISSAN dealer or other
competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to chose the correct quality
and viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory en-
gine life and performance. Nissan recom-
mends the use of a low friction oil (energy
conserving oil) in order to improve fuel
economy and conserve energy. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.Only those engine oils with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should
be used. This type of oil supersedes the
existing API SG or SH and Energy Conserv-
ing II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the CER-
TIFICATION MARK, an API SG or SH and
Energy Conserving II oil with API Service
Symbol may be used. An oil with a single
designation ``SG'' or ``SH'', or in combina-
tion with other categories (for example,
``SG/CC'' or ``SG/CD'') may also be used if
one with the API CERTIFICATION MARK
ATI0507
9-4
ZX

10 Index
A
Adjustment after headlamp assembly
replacement ............................................... 7-23
Air bag (See Supplemental restraint system)
Air bag warning light .................................. 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 7-15
Air conditioner
Air conditioner (Automatic) ..................... 3-8
Air conditioner (Manual) ......................... 3-2
Air conditioner specification label .............. 9-11
Air conditioning-servicing ........................... 3-10
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ....................... 9-6
Alarm system (See Theft warning system)
Anchor point locations ............................... 2-27
Antenna
Manual .................................................. 3-22
Power.................................................... 3-21
Anti-lock brake system ( ABS)
(If so equipped).......................................... 4-15
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 1-7
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and ashtray)
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 3-16Automatic
Automatic air conditioner operation ........ 3-8
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-16
Automatic transmission fluid ................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
B
Battery........................................................ 7-13
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-5
Belts
Inspection ............................................ 7-14
Size ......................................................... 9-7
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 4-15
Brake and clutch fluid ........................... 7-11
Brake booster ....................................... 7-19
Brake light (See stop light)
Brake pedal .......................................... 7-18
Brake warning light ................................. 1-6
Brake wear indicators ................... 1-7, 7-18
Parking brake check ............................. 7-17
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-10
Break-in schedule ...................................... 4-12
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 1-5
Bulb replacement ....................................... 7-24C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ............................................... 9-2
Cassette player (See audio system)
CB radio or car phone ............................... 3-22
Check engine indicator light (See Malfunction
indicator light)
Child restraints for infants and small
children ...................................................... 2-23
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-4
Cigarette lighter and ashtray ..................... 1-14
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 6-2
Clock Ð instrument panel ......................... 1-18
Clock-radio ................................................. 3-10
Clutch pedal ............................................... 7-19
Cold weather driving cautions .................. 4-17
Compact disc (CD) player ......................... 3-20
Controls
Audio controls ............................. 3-11, 3-16
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ... 3-8
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 3-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
ZX

Cooling
Engine cooling ....................................... 7-4
Interior cooling (automatic) ..................... 3-8
Interior cooling (manual)......................... 3-2
Cornering light ........................................... 1-12
Corrosion protection .................................... 6-5
Cruise control............................................. 4-11
Cup holder ................................................. 1-14
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 1-11
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-10
Defogging/defrosting
Defogging/defrosting (automatic) ........... 3-9
Defogging/defrosting (manual) ............... 3-4
Dimensions and weights.............................. 9-8
Door locks .................................................... 2-2
Door open warning light .............................. 1-6
Drive belts .................................................. 7-14
Driving
Cold weather driving cautions .............. 4-17
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-8
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-15
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 4-13Emission control information label............. 9-10
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-18
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
Changing engine oil................................ 7-8
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-9
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-7
Engine compartment check locations .... 7-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Engine cooling system ........................... 7-4
Engine oil ................................................ 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation. 9-4
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 1-5
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-5
Engine serial number ............................. 9-9
Engine specifications .............................. 9-7
Starting the engine ................................. 4-9
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).................. 4-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)
Flat tire ......................................................... 5-2
Floor mat positioning ................................... 6-4
Fluid (checking)
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid ........................... 7-11
Engine coolant ........................................ 7-4Engine oil ................................................ 7-7
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Window washer fluid ............................ 7-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-10
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-13
Front seats ................................................... 2-9
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 4-13
Fuel filler cap .......................................... 2-8
Fuel filler lid lock operation .................... 2-7
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-2
Fuses ......................................................... 7-19
Fusible links ............................................... 7-21
G
Gas station information.............................. 10-6
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Odometer ................................................ 1-3
Speedometer .......................................... 1-3
Tachometer............................................. 1-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 1-3
Gear selection (See shifting)
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Glove box..................................................... 2-5
10-2
ZX

H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-13
Head restraints .......................................... 2-10
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-11
Headlights .................................................. 7-21
Heater and air conditioner
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) .............................................. 3-8
Heater and air conditioner controls
(manual).................................................. 3-2
Hood release ............................................... 2-5
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes)
Inside mirror ............................................... 2-31
Instrument brightness control .................... 1-12
Interior light ................................................ 1-18
J
Jump starting ............................................... 5-7
K
Key ............................................................... 2-2L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-11
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-15
Emission control information label........ 9-10
Engine serial number ............................. 9-9
F.M.V.S.S.certification label ................. 9-10
Vehicle identification number plate ........ 9-9
License plate
Installing front license plate .................. 9-12
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 2-16
Brake light (See stop light)
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 1-5
Bulb replacement.................................. 7-24
Cornering light ...................................... 1-12
Front fog light switch ........................... 1-13
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-11
Headlights ............................................. 7-21
Interior light ........................................... 1-18
Light bulbs ............................................ 7-21
Spotlight ................................................ 1-19
Trunk light ............................................. 1-19
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-5
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-4
Door locks............................................... 2-2
Fuel filler lid lock operation .................... 2-7
Glove box ............................................... 2-5
Power door lock...................................... 2-3Power window lock switch .................... 1-15
Trunk lid lock operation .......................... 2-6
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 8-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-23
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............................ 1-7
Manual antenna ......................................... 3-22
Manual transmission
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-8
Manual transmission fluid ....................... 8-9
Map light (See spotlight)
Meters and gauges ...................................... 1-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 2-31
Outside mirror remote control .............. 2-30
Outside mirrors ..................................... 2-30
Vanity mirror (If so equipped) ............... 2-31
O
Octane rating (See fuel)
Odometer ..................................................... 1-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
10-3
ZX

Changing engine oil................................ 7-8
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-9
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-7
Engine oil ................................................ 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation. 9-4
Opener lever for trunk lid............................. 2-6
Outside mirror remote control.................... 2-30
Outside mirrors .......................................... 2-30
Overdrive switch .......................................... 4-8
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 5-9
Owner's manuals/service manual
order form .................................................. 9-19
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 7-17
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-10
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 4-14
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 8-5
Power
Power antenna ..................................... 3-21
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Power rear windows ............................. 1-16
Power windows..................................... 1-15
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-17
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-15
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2Push starting ................................................ 5-8
Q
Quick reference (See gas station information)
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 3-16
CB radio or car phone .......................... 3-22
Rear seat ................................................... 2-11
Rear window defogger switch ................... 1-10
Refrigerant recommendation ....................... 9-6
Registering your vehicle in another
country ......................................................... 9-8
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................. 9-18
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............ 9-18
Seat adjustment ........................................... 2-9
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-17
Seat belt extenders .............................. 2-23
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-23
Seat belt warning light ............................ 1-6Seat belts.............................................. 2-17
2-point type without retractor................ 2-21
3-point type with retractor..................... 2-19
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 2-9
Rear seats ............................................ 2-11
Service manual/owner's manual
order form .................................................. 9-19
Shifting ......................................................... 4-7
Spark plug replacement............................. 7-14
Speedometer ............................................... 1-3
Spotlight ..................................................... 1-19
SRS warning labels ................................... 2-15
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Jump starting .......................................... 5-7
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Push starting........................................... 5-8
Starting the engine ................................ 4-9
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Tilting steering wheel............................ 2-30
Stop light .................................................... 7-27
Sunroof ...................................................... 1-17
Supplemental restraint system
(Air bag system) ........................................ 2-12
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-16
Front fog light switch ............................ 1-13
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-13
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-11
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4
10-4
ZX