check engine NISSAN ALTIMA 1996 U13 / 1.G Owner's Manual

CAUTION
After wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position.
Otherwise it may be damaged when the
engine hood is opened.
Make sure the wiper blade contacts the
glass; otherwise the arm may be dam-
aged from wind pressure.
If you wax the surface of the hood, be
careful not to let wax get into the washer
nozzle. This may cause clogging or im-
proper windshield washer operation. If wax
gets into the nozzle, remove it with a needle
or small pin.From the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the
number of clicks is out of the range listed
above, see your NISSAN dealer.
ADI0613
ADI0084
PARKING BRAKE CHECK
7-17
ZX

With the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and
the metal floor. If it is out of the range shown
above, see your NISSAN dealer.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.The front (and rear, if equipped) disc-type
brakes self-adjust every time the brake
pedal is applied. The rear drum- type brakes
also self-adjust every time the brake pedal
is applied.
If the brake pedal goes down farther than
normal, it may be due to a lack of adjust-
ment of the rear drum brakes. Apply the
parking brake several times.
WARNING
See your NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it will make a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear
indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brakenoise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do
not have audible wear indicators. Should
you ever hear an unusually loud noise from
the rear drum brakes, have them inspected
as soon as possible by your NISSAN
dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regard-
ing brake inspections, see the appropriate
maintenance schedule information in the
``Maintenance Schedule'' section of this
manual.
DI1020M
BRAKE PEDAL
7-18
ZX

Check the brake booster function as fol-
lows:
1. With the engine off, press and release
the brake pedal several times. When
brake pedal movement (distance of
travel) remains the same from one pedal
application to the next, continue on to
next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start
the engine. The pedal height should drop
a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keep the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds. The pedal height
should not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it
off. Depress the brake pedal several
times. The pedal travel distance will de-
crease gradually with each depression
as the vacuum is released from the
booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, see
your NISSAN dealer.Press the pedal by hand and be sure the
free travel is within the limits shown above.
If free travel is out of the range shown
above, see your NISSAN dealer.
Engine compartment
If the electrical equipment does not come
on, check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are ``OFF''.
2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fusible link cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
ADIO528DI1313
BRAKE BOOSTER CLUTCH PEDAL FUSES
7-19
ZX

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

Your new NISSAN has been designed to
have minimum maintenance requirements
with longer service intervals to save you
both time and money. However, some day-
to-day and regular maintenance is essential
to maintain your NISSAN's good mechani-
cal condition, as well as its emission and
engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
that the specified maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
the proper maintenance care. You are a
vital link in the maintenance chain.
General maintenance
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation of the vehicle. They
are essential if your vehicle is to continue to
operate properly. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, your NISSAN dealer.
Periodic maintenance
The maintenance items listed in this part are
required to be serviced at regular intervals.
However, under severe driving conditions,
additional or more frequent maintenance
will be required.
Where to go for service
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and tuned by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership
training programs. They are completely
qualified to work on NISSAN's vehiclesbe-
forethey work on your vehicle, rather than
after they have worked on it.
You can be confident that your NISSAN
dealer's service department performs the
best job to meet the maintenance require-
ments on your vehicle Ð in a reliable and
economic way.
During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations
or smells, be sure to check for the cause or
have your NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In
addition, you should notify your NISSAN
dealer if you think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the precautions
in the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Additional information on the items
marked with ``*'' can be found in the
``Do-it- yourself operations'' section.
Tires*Ð Check the pressure with a gauge
periodically when at a service station, in-
cluding the spare, and adjust to the speci-
fied pressure if necessary. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*Ð When checking the tires,
make sure no nuts are missing, and check
for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2
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

Automatic transmission ``Park'' mecha-
nismÐ On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the gearshift
lever in the ``P'' position without applying
any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically, such as each time
you check the engine oil or refuel.
Additional information on the items
marked with ª*º can be found in the
ªDo-It-Yourself operationsº section.
Windshield washer fluid*Ð Check that
there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Ð Check the cool-
ant level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesÐ 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, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Ð Make
sure that the brake and clutch fluid level is
between the ``MAX'' and ``MIN'' lines on the
reservoir.Battery*Ð Check the fluid level in each
cell. It should be between the ``MAX'' and
``MIN'' lines.
Engine drive belts*Ð Make sure that no
belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Ð Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine.
Power steering fluid level* and linesÐ
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
the engine is turned off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*Ð
Check the level after putting the shift lever in
``P'' with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemÐ Make sure there are no
cracks, holes, loose joints or supports. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected by
a qualified individual. (See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section.)
UnderbodyÐ The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. Itis very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust will form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust 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. See the ``Appearance and interior
care'' section for additional information.
Fluid leaksÐ Check 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 immediately.
8-4
ZX

EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items marked with ``*'' is found in the
``Do-it- yourself operations'' section.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts*Ð Check drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace the drive belts if damaged.
Air cleaner filterÐ Under normal driving
conditions, the air cleaner filter should be
replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, driving the ve-
hicle in dusty areas may cause more rapid
clogging of the element. Consequently, the
element may have to be replaced more
frequently.
Vapor linesÐ Check vapor lines and con-
nections for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace them.
Fuel linesÐ Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. Replace any parts if they are
damaged.Fuel filterÐ If the vehicle is operated
under extremely adverse weather condi-
tions or in areas where ambient tempera-
tures are either extremely low or extremely
high, the filter might become clogged. In
such an event, replace the filter immedi-
ately.
Engine coolant*Ð Drain and flush the
cooling system.
Engine oil & oil filter*Ð Under normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs*Ð Replace with new plugs
having the correct heat range.
Intake & exhaust valve clearanceÐ
Check the valve clearance if valve noise
increases.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesÐ Check the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.
Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsÐ
Check these and the other neighboring
brake components for wear, deteriorationand leaks. Under severe driving conditions,
they may have to be inspected more fre-
quently.
Manual & automatic transmission fluid*
Ð Check the fluid level and visually inspect
for signs of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the fluid
should be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspen-
sion parts, and drive shaft bootsÐ
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, more frequent inspection should be
performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front sus-
pension ball jointsÐ Check the ball joints
for damage, looseness and grease leakage.
Exhaust systemÐ Visually check the ex-
haust pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abra-
sion, deterioration, etc. Under severe driv-
ing conditions, inspection should be per-
formed more frequently.
Air bag systemÐ Check the air bag
system components for proper attachment,
damage, deformities, cracks, rust, etc. Work
around and on the air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
8-10
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