cooling NISSAN ALTIMA 1996 U13 / 1.G Owners Manual

Ð Air flows from center and side
ventilators and foot outlets.
Ð Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
Ð Air flows from defroster outlets
and foot outlets.
Ð Air flows mainly from defroster
outlets.
Temperature control lever
This lever allows you to adjust the tempera-
ture of the outlet air.
Air recirculation button
OFF position:
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment and distributed through the
selected outlet.
Use this position for normal heater or air
conditioning operation.
ON position (Indicator light on):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Push the air recirculation button to the ``ON''
position when driving on a dusty road or to
avoid traffic fumes and for maximum cooling
when using the air conditioning.
WARNING
Do not use the recirculation mode for
long periods as it may cause the inte-
rior air to become stale and the win-
dows to fog up.
Air conditioning button
(If so equipped)
This button is provided only on vehicles
equipped with air conditioning.
Start the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (1 to 4) position and push the
A/C button to turn on the air conditioning.
The indicator light will come on when the air
conditioning is on. To stop the air condition-
ing, push the switch again to return it to its
original position.
The air conditioning cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
WARNING
Positioning of the heating or air condi-
tioning controls should not be done
while driving, in order that full attention
may be given to the driving operation.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air from
the floor outlets. Some air will also come
from the defrost vents.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the
``OFF'' position for normal heating.
2. Push the ``
'' button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the ``HOT'' position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air from the side
and center vents.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the
``OFF'' position.
2. Push the ``
'' button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
3-3
ZX

Defrosting or defogging
This mode is used to defrost/defog the
windows.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the
``OFF'' position.
2. Push the ``
'' button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the ``HOT'' position.
cTo quickly remove ice or fog from the
windows, turn on the fan control dial to
``4'' and the temperature control lever to
the full ``HOT'' position.
cWhen the ``
'' switch is pushed, the
air conditioning will automatically be
turned on to defog the windshield, and
the air recirculation mode will automati-
cally be turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging
performance.
Bi-level heating
This mode directs cooler air from the side
and center vents and warmer air from the
floor outlets.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the
``OFF'' position.
2. Push the ``
'' button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Heating and defogging
This mode heats the interior and defogs the
windshield.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the
``OFF'' position.
2. Push the ``
'' button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the ``HOT'' position.
Operating tips
cClear snow and ice from the wiper
blades and air inlet in front of the
windshield. This will improve heater
operation.
cWhen the ``
'' or ``'' switch is
selected, the air recirculation mode will
automatically be turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging
performance.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION
Start the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (1 to 4) position and push in the
A/C button to activate the air conditioning.
When the air conditioning is on, cooling and
dehumidifying functions will be added to the
heater operation.
WARNING
The air conditioning cooling function
operates only when the engine is run-
ning.
3-4
ZX

Cooling
This mode is used to cool and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the
``OFF'' position.
2. Push the ``
'' button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push on the air conditioning button. The
indicator light will come on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
cFor quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, push the air recirculation
button to the ``ON'' position. Be sure to
return the air recirculation button to the
``OFF'' position for normal cooling.
Operating tips
cKeep the windows and sun roof closed
while the air conditioning is in operation.
cAfter parking in the sun, drive for two or
three minutes with the windows open to
vent hot air from the passenger compart-
ment. Then, close the windows. This will
allow the air conditioning to cool the
interior more quickly.cThe air conditioning system should be
operated for about ten minutes at
least once a month. This helps pre-
vent damage to the system due to lack
of lubrication.
cIf the coolant temperature gauge ex-
ceeds the HOT position, turn the air
conditioning off. See ``If your vehicle
overheats'' in the ``In case of emergency''
section for additional information.
Dehumidified heating
This mode is used to heat and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the
``OFF'' position.
2. Push the ``
'' button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push on the air conditioning button. The
indicator light will come on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows
and dehumidify.1. Push the air recirculation button to the
``OFF'' position.
2. Push the ``
'' button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push the air conditioning button. The
indicator light will come on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
When the ``
'' button is pushed, the
air conditioning will automatically be
turned on to defog the windshield, and
the air recirculation mode will automati-
cally be turned off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging per-
formance.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The charts on the following pages show the
switch and lever positions forMAXIMUM
and QUICKheating, cooling, or defrosting.
3-5
ZX

Controls
Start the engine and operate the controls to
activate the climate control system.
WARNING
The air conditioning cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
Cooling and/or dehumidified heat-
ing (Auto mode)
This mode may be used throughout the year
as the system automatically works to main-
tain the customer-selected temperature. Airflow distribution and fan speed are also
controlled automatically.
cUSA models will display set temperature
in ÉF. Canadian models will display set
temperature in ÉC.
1. Push the AUTO switch on. ``AUTO'' will
be displayed as well as the previously
selected temperature in the passenger
compartment.
2. Push the temperature set button ``
'' or
``'' to set the desired temperature.
cAdjust the temperature set button to
about 75ÉF (24ÉC) for normal operation.cThe temperature of the passenger com-
partment will be maintained automati-
cally. Air flow distribution and fan speed
are also controlled automatically.
Heating (ECON mode)
The ECON (economy) mode provides cli-
mate control without activating the air con-
ditioning. When only heating of the passen-
ger compartment is desired, use this mode.
1. Push the ECON switch on. ``ECON'' will
be displayed.
2. Push the temperature set button ``
'' or
``'' to set the desired temperature.
cThe temperature of the passenger com-
partment will be maintained as selected
by the temperature set button. Air flow
distribution and fan speed are also con-
trolled automatically in an effort to reach
the desired termperature.
cDo not select a temperature setting lower
than the outside air temperature. Due to
the absence of air conditioning operation,
it is possible that the selected interior
temperature may not be achieved.
cECON mode is not recommended if win-
dows are fogging up. If the windows
AHA0523
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER (AUTOMATIC)
(If so equipped)
3-8
ZX

Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole.
If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key
before inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to
assure proper winter protection. For details,
see ``Engine Cooling System'' in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
radiator and on the engine block. Refillbefore operating the vehicle. See ``Chang-
ing Engine Coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Tire equipment
1. The SUMMER tires are of a tread design
to provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels. Please consult your NISSAN
dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating
and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
provinces and states prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.3. Snow chains may be used if desired.
Make sure they are of proper size for the
tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's
suggestions.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.Use only SAE Class ``S'' chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In ad-
dition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or ve-
hicle handling and performance may be
adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on T-type and small
size spare tires. Do not use the chains on
dry roads.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
CAUTIONS
4-17
ZX

If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge read-
ing), or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect abnormal noise, etc., take the follow-
ing steps:
WARNING
To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator
cap is removed, pressurized hot water
will spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake and move the
shift lever to Neutral (automatic transmis-
sion to ``P'').
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioning. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait untilno steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and radia-
tor should not leak water.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair
or clothing to come into contact with,
or to get caught in, the running fan,
belts, or motor fan.
The fan motor can start at any time
when the coolant temperature is high.If coolant is leaking, the water pump
belt is missing or loose, or the cooling
fan does not run, stop the engine.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the res-
ervoir tank if necessary. Have your ve-
hicle repaired at the nearest NISSAN
dealer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS
5-9
ZX

Towing an automatic transmission
model with rear wheels raised (with
front wheels on the ground)
CAUTION
Never tow an automatic transmission
model with the rear wheels raised (with
the front wheels on the ground) as this
may cause serious and expensive dam-
age to the transmission. If it is neces-
sary to tow the vehicle with the rear
wheels raised, always use towing dol-
lies under the front wheels.
If you have to tow an automatic
transmission model with four
wheels on ground
Observe the following restricted towing
speeds and distances.
cSpeed: Below 30 MPH (50 km/h)
cDistance: Less than 40 miles (65 km)
CAUTION
Never tow an automatic transmission
model from the rear (for example, back-
ward) with four wheels on the ground
as this may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the transmission.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle)
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structual members of the
vehicle.
cPulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pullon the vehicle at a sideways angle.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
CE1052
5-11
ZX

7 Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 7-2
Engine compartment check locations ................. 7-3
Engine cooling system ......................................... 7-4
Engine oil.............................................................. 7-7
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...................... 7-9
Power steering fluid............................................ 7-11
Brake and clutch fluid......................................... 7-11
Window washer fluid .......................................... 7-12
Battery ................................................................ 7-13
Drive belts .......................................................... 7-14
Spark plug replacement ..................................... 7-14Air cleaner housing filter .................................... 7-15
Wiper blades ...................................................... 7-16
Parking brake check........................................... 7-17
Brake pedal ........................................................ 7-18
Brake booster ..................................................... 7-19
Clutch pedal ....................................................... 7-19
Fuses .................................................................. 7-19
Fusible links........................................................ 7-21
Light bulbs .......................................................... 7-21
Wheels and tires ................................................ 7-28
ZX

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
cPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the shift lever to ``P''
(Park).
cBe sure the ignition key is ªOFFº
when performing any parts replace-
ment or repairs.
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
cYour vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the ``OFF''
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable beforeworking near the fan.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans,
belts and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to remove ties and any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle, sup-
port it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the battery.
cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition is
on.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer becausethe fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
cFailure to follow these or other com-
mon sense guidelines may lead to
serious injury or vehicle damage.
cImproperly disposed motor oil and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid. Avoid contact with used engine
oil.
This ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section
gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner
to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by your NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
7-2
ZX

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so-
lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional cooling system addi-
tives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only an ethylene glycol
anti-freeze with the proper mixture ra-
tio. Examples are shown below:
Outside temperature
down toAnti-
freezeSoft
water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
The use of other types of coolant solu-
tions may damage your cooling system.
The radiator is equipped with a pressure
cap. Use a NISSAN genuine cap or its
equivalent when replacement is re-
quired.
Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Wait until the engine andradiator cool down. Serious burns could
be caused by high pressure fluid escap-
ing from the radiator. See precautions in
``If your vehicle overheats'' found in the
``In case of emergency'' section.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
With coolant reservoir
Check the coolant level in the reservoir
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below ``MIN'', add coolant up to the
``MAX'' level. If the reservoir is empty, check
the coolant level in the radiatorwhen the
engine is cold.If there is insufficient cool-
ant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir up to the ``MAX'' level.
DI1347
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
7-4
ZX