NISSAN ALTIMA 1998 L30 / 2.G Owners Manual

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes an anti-theft
steering lock device.
The key can only be removed when the
ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, turn
the key to OFF, push the key in, then turn
the key to LOCK.
To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. In order for the steering wheel to
be locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of
a turn clockwise from the straight upposition. To unlock the steering wheel,
insert the key and turn it gently while
rotating the steering wheel slightly right
and left.
WARNING
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models the igni-
tion lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the shift
selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift selector lever is in the P
(Park) position.
If the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the
key.
ASD1015ASD1014
IGNITION SWITCH
5-4Starting and driving
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1) Move the shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position.
2) Turn the ignition key slightly toward the
ON position.
3) Turn the key to the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition
switch, the shift selector lever cannot be
moved from P (Park).The shift selector
lever can be moved if the ignition switch
is in the ACC position. The shift selector
lever can also be moved if the ignition
switch is in the ON position and the foot
brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a ``1'' on the key cylinder.
When the ignition is in OFF, the steering
wheel is not locked.
To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. In order for the steering wheel to
be locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of
a turn clockwise from the straight up
position. To unlock the steering wheel,
insert the key and turn it gently while
rotating the steering wheel slightly right
and left.WARNING
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
Key positions
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
OFF (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, for example, each
time you check engine oil.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See ``Checking bulbs'' in the ``Instru-
ments and controls'' section.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
Starting and driving5-5
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WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2
or 1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose con-
trol and have an accident.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This
could cause an accident.
CAUTION
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an
uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle
by depressing the accelerator pedal.
The foot brake should be used for
this purpose.
cOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled by the transmis-
sion control module to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for
this transmission are shown on the following
pages. Follow these procedures for maximum
vehicle performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
cAfter starting the engine, fully depress
the foot brake pedal before shifting the
shift selector lever to the D (Drive), R
(Reverse), 2 or 1 position. Be sure the
vehicle is fully stopped before attempt-
ing to shift the shift selector lever.
cKeep the foot brake pedal depressed
and shift into a driving gear.
c
Release the foot brake, then gradually
start the vehicle in motion.
The automatic transmission is designed
so the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from P (Park) to
any drive position while the ignition switch
is ON.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park) and into any of the other gearpositions if the ignition key is turned to
LOCK or if the key is removed.
If the battery charge is low, the shift
selector lever can be moved if the igni-
tion switch is in the ACC position.
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
(if so equipped)
5-6Starting and driving
ZX

Shifting with automatic transmission
Push the button to shift into P (Park), R
(Reverse) or from D (Drive) to 2. All other
positions can be selected without pushing
the button.
P (Park):
Use this position when the vehicle is parked
or when starting the engine. Always be sure
the vehicle is at a complete stop. For maxi-
mum safety, depress the brake pedal, then
push in the selector lever button and move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion. Apply the parking brake. When parkingon a hill, apply the parking brake first, then
move the shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position.
Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the shift selector lever still cannot be moved
out of P (Park), follow these instructions.
1. Turn the ignition key to the lock position
and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.3. Reinsert the key and turn it to the ACC
position.
4. Depress the foot brake pedal, and move
the gearshift selector lever to N (Neutral).
5. Start the engine.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in
N (Neutral) should only be used until service
can be obtained by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is at a complete stop before
moving the shift selector lever to the R
(Reverse) position. Check to ensure the
area behind the vehicle is clear. With the
brake pedal depressed, push in the selector
lever button and move the shift selector
lever to the R (Reverse) position.
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shift to N (Neutral) and
restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is
moving.
ASD0510
Starting and driving5-7
ZX

D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
2 (Second gear):
Use this position for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds
above 74 MPH (119 Km/h). Do not exceed
74 MPH (119 Km/h) in the 2 position.
1 (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or slow driving through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak-
ing on steep downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds
above 41 MPH (66 km/h). Do not exceed 41
MPH (66 km/h) in the 1 position.
Accelerator downshift
in D position
For rapid passing or hill climbing while driv-
ing, fully depress the accelerator pedal to
the floor. This shifts the transmission down
into second gear or first gear, depending on
vehicle speed.
OVERDRIVE SWITCH
ON: With the engine running and the
selector lever in the D (Drive) posi-
tion, the transmission upshifts into
OVERDRIVE as vehicle speed in-
creases.
OVERDRIVE does not engage until the
engine has reached operating tempera-
ture.OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine braking is necessary,
push the OVERDRIVE switch once.
The O/D OFF indicator light on the
instrument panel comes on at this
time.
When cruising at a low speed or
climbing a gentle slope, you may feel
uncomfortable shift shocks as the
transmission shifts between 3rd gear
and overdrive repeatedly. In this
case, depress the OVERDRIVE
switch to turn the OVERDRIVE off.
The O/D off indicator light on the
instrument panel comes on at this
time.
When driving conditions change, depress
the overdrive switch on the selector/lever to
turn the OVERDRIVE on.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the OVER-
DRIVE off. This reduces fuel economy.
ASD1004
5-8Starting and driving
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WARNING
cDo not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
cDo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
cDo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.
cStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).
cWhen the vehicle is stopped for a
duration, for example at a stop light,
shift to N (Neutral) and release the
clutch pedal with the foot brake ap-
plied.
Shifting with manual transmission
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, and then move the shift lever to the
desired gear. After shifting, release the
clutch pedal slowly.
You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into
R (Reverse). First shift into N (Neutral), then
into R (Reverse).
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1st, shift into N (Neutral), then
release and depress the clutch pedal again
and shift into R (Reverse) or 1st.
Suggested shift-up speeds
Shown below are suggested vehicle speeds
for shifting into a higher gear. These sug-
gestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle
performance. Actual shift-up speeds will
vary according to road conditions, the
weather and individual driving habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude ar-
eas (less than 4,000 ft [1,219 m]):
GEAR
CHANGEACCEL
shift point
MPH (km/h)CRUISE
shift point
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24) 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40) 18 (29)
3rd to 4th 36 (58) 30 (48)
4th to 5th 40 (64) 39 (63)
For quick acceleration in low altitude areas
and high altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219
m]):
GEAR CHANGE MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
SD1022
DRIVING WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
Starting and driving5-9
ZX

Suggested maximum speed in each
gear
Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested
speed (shown below) in any gear. For level
road driving, use the highest gear sug-
gested for that speed. Always observe
posted speed limits, and drive according to
the road conditions, which will ensure safe
operation. Do not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear as it may cause
engine damage or loss of vehicle control.
GEAR MPH (km/h)
1st 30 (50)
2nd 60 (95)
3rd 90 (145)
4th þ
5th þ1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park)
or N (Neutral). (P is recommended.)The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
key is turned to OFF or if the key is
removed.
The starter is designed not to operate
if the shift selector lever is in any of
the driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift selector lever to N (Neu-
tral), and depress the clutch pedal to the
floor while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but
fails to run, repeat the above procedure.
Ð If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, de-
press and hold the accelerator pedalto help start the engine.
Ð In the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal fully depressed while starting.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not
start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially
in cold weather.
STARTING THE ENGINE
5-10Starting and driving
ZX

WARNING
cBe sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.
cDo not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
cDo not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.
c
Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
To engage:pull the lever up.
To release:
1. Firmly apply foot brake.
2. Manual transmission models:
Place the shift selector lever in the N
(neutral) position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the shift selector lever to the P
(park) position.
3. While pulling up on the parking brake
lever slightly, push the button and lower
completely.4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
ASD1001
PARKING BRAKE
OPERATION
Starting and driving5-11
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Precautions
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The cruise light
in the instrument panel then blinks to
warn the driver.
cIf the cruise light in the instrument panel
blinks, turn the cruise control main switch
off and have the system checked by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
cThe cruise indicator light in the instru-
ment panel may blink when the cruise
control main switch is turned ON while
pushing the RES/ACCEL, COAST/SET,or CANCEL switch (located on the steer-
ing wheel). To properly set the cruise
control system, perform the preceding
steps in the order indicated.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when
driving under the following conditions:
cit is not possible to keep the vehicle
at a set speed.
cin heavy traffic or in traffic that var-
ies in speed.
con winding or hilly roads.con slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.).
cin very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do
not shift into neutral without depress-
ing the clutch pedal when the cruise
control is on. Should this occur, de-
press the clutch pedal and turn the
main switch off immediately. Failure to
do so may cause engine damage.
The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 30 to 90 MPH (48 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the
main switch. The indicator light on the
switch comes on.
To set cruising speed,accelerate the ve-
hicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. The
CRUISE light in the instrument cluster
ASD1005
CRUISE CONTROL
5-12Starting and driving
ZX

comes on. Take your foot off the accelerator
pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set
speed.
cTo pass another vehicle,depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-
ously set speed.
c
The vehicle may not maintain the set speed
when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,use one of
the following three methods:
a) Push the CANCEL button; the CRUISE
light in the instrument cluster goes out.
b) Tap the brake pedal; the CRUISE light
goes out.
c) Turn the main switch off. Both the ON
indicator on the main switch and CRUISE
light in the instrument cluster go out.
The cruise control is automatically can-
celled and the CRUISE light in the instru-
ment panel goes out if:
cyou depress the brake or clutch pedal
while pushing the RES/ACCEL or
COAST/SET switch.cthe vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH
(13 km/h) below the set speed.
cyou depress the clutch pedal (manual
transmission), or move the shift selector
lever to N (Neutral) (automatic transmis-
sion).
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods.
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the COAST/SET switch.
b) Push and hold the RES/ACCEL switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
c)
Push and release the RES/ACCEL switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed
increases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the COAST/SET switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows to the desired speed.c) Push and release the COAST/SET
switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed decreases by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the RES/ACCEL switch. The vehicle
returns to the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48 km/h).
Starting and driving5-13
ZX