change time NISSAN ALTIMA 1998 L30 / 2.G Owners Manual

Foreword
Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you understand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of
driving pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information and Maintenance Log Booklet explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle and
vehicle maintenance schedules. Additionally, a separate Customer Care/Lemon Law Booklet will explain how to resolve any
concerns you may have with your vehicle, as well as clarify your rights under your state's lemon law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, they will be glad to assist you with
the extensive resources available to them.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important rules to help ensure a safe and
complete trip for you and your passengers!
cNEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
cALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too
fast for conditions.
c
ALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child restraint
systems. Pre-teen children should be seated in the rear seat.
cALWAYS provide information about the proper use of
vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.
cALWAYS review this Owner's Manual for important safety
information.
1997 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA
All rights reserved. No part of this Owner's Manual may be reproduced
or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Nissan North America, Inc.
NOTES ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN
THIS OWNER'S MANUAL
This owner's manual contains descriptions and operating in-
structions for all systems, features and optional equipment that
might appear in any model of this vehicle built for any destina-
tion in North America, including the continental United States,
Canada and Hawaii. Therefore, you may find information in this
manual that does not apply to your vehicle.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified. Modification could affect
its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate
governmental regulations. In addition, damage or perfor-
mance problems resulting from modifications may not be
covered under NISSAN warranties.
All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are
those in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to
change specifications or design without notice and without obligation.
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT SYS-
TEM (Canada only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is started
with the parking brake released. The day-
time running lights operate with the head-
light switch in the OFF position or in the
position. Turn the headlight switch to
the
position for full illumination when
driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the
engine is started, the daytime running lights
do not illuminate. The daytime running lights
illuminate once the parking brake is re-
leased. The daytime running lights will re-
main on until the ignition switch is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle are
not on. It is necessary at dusk to turn
on your headlights. Failure to do so
could cause an accident injuring your-
self and others.
Passing signal
Pulling and releasing the lever flashes the
headlight high beams on and off.
Turn signal
Move the lever up or down to signal the
turning direction. When the turn is com-
pleted, the turn signals cancel automati-
cally.
Lane change signal
To signal a lane change, move the lever up
or down to the point where the indicator light
begins to flash, but the lever does not latch.
The instrument brightness control operates
when the light switch is in the
orposition.
Turn the control to adjust the brightness of
instrument panel lights.
AIC0608
INSTRUMENT BRIGHTNESS
CONTROL
Instruments and controls2-13
ZX

Replace the battery in the multi-remote con-
troller as follows:
1. Open the lid using a coin.
2. Replace the battery with a new one.
Recommended battery: Sanyo CR2025or equivalent.
3. Close the lid securely.
4. Press the
button, then thebutton
two or three times to check the multi-
remote controller operation.
Each time the
button is pressed, thehazard lights flash once.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step 4.
cAn improperly disposed battery can
hurt the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.
cThe multi-remote controller is water-
resistant; however, if it does get wet,
immediately wipe completely dry.
cThe operational range of the multi-
remote controller extends to approxi-
mately 49 ft (15 m) from the vehicle.
This range may vary with conditions.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer for com-
pliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.
APD1026
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-7
ZX

sound level between the right and left
speakers.
After 10 seconds, the radio or cassette tape
display reappears. Once the sound quality
is set to the desired level, press the AUDIO
button repeatedly until the radio or cassette
tape display appears.
CASSETTE TAPE OPERATION
Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON, and
carefully insert a cassette tape into the tape
door. The cassette tape automatically pulls
into the player.
The word TAPE and moving digital squares
illuminate on the right side of the display
window.
If the radio is already operating, it automati-
cally turns off and the cassette tape begins
to play.
CAUTION
Do not force the cassette tape into the
tape door. This could cause player
damage.
The cassette tape automatically changes
directions to play the other side when the
first side is complete. At this time, the mov-ing digital squares illuminate on the left side
of the display window.
Precautions on cassette player op-
eration
cTo maintain good quality sound, NIS-
SAN recommends using cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in
length.
cCassette tapes should be removed
from the player when not in use. Store
cassettes in their protective cases
and away from direct sunlight, heat,
moisture and magnetic sources.
cDirect sunlight can cause the cassette
to become deformed. The use of de-
formed cassettes may cause the cas-
sette to jam in the player.
cDo not use cassettes with labels
which are peeling and loose. If used,
the label could jam in the player.
cIf a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette
hubs and rewind the tape firmly
around the hubs. Loose tape may
cause tape jamming and wavering
sound quality.cOver a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may
collect a tape coating residue as the
tape is played. This residue accumu-
lation can cause weak or wavering
sound, and should be removed peri-
odically with a head cleaning tape. If
the residue is not removed periodi-
cally, the player may need to be dis-
assembled for cleaning.
Fast forwarding or rewinding the
tape
Push either theorbutton for
the desired direction.
The FF or REW symbol illuminates in the
display.
To stop the FF or REW function, press the
oragain, or thebutton.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
fast forwarding or APS rewinding
the tape
Push either theorbutton
while the cassette tape is playing. The tape
runs quickly, stops, then plays the next
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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the beginning. Push thebutton sev-
eral times to skip several selections. Each
time the button is pushed, the CD advances
one selection. (When the last selection on
the compact disc is skipped, the first selec-
tion is played.)
When thebutton is pushed, the selec-
tion being played returns to the beginning.
Push the
button several times to
skip back several selections. Each time the
button is pushed, the CD moves back one
selection.
Repeat/Random button
When thebutton is pushed while the
compact disc is playing, the play pattern
changes as follows.
ALL: All selections are played repeatedly in
sequence.
1: The current selection is repeated.
RANDOM: Selections are played at ran-
dom, not following the sequence on the
compact disc. The same program may be
repeated twice.
Blank(no symbol): All selections are played
in sequence, and the compact disc stops
when the last selection is finished.When a new compact disc is inserted,
the play pattern automatically changes
to ALL.
CD EJECT button
When thebutton is pushed with a com-
pact disc loaded, the compact disc ejects.
When the
button is pushed while the
compact disc is playing, the compact disc
ejects and the system turns off.
If the compact disc ejects and is not
removed within 10 seconds, it is pulled
back into the slot.
CD (DISC) indicator light
This light comes on when a compact disc is
loaded into the player.
CAUTION
cDuring cold weather or rainy days,
the player may malfunction due to
the humidity. If this occurs, remove
the CD and dehumidify or ventilate
the player completely.
cThe player may skip while driving on
rough roads.
cThe CD player sometimes cannot
function when the compartment tem-
perature is extremely high. Decrease
the temperature before use.
cDo no expose the CD to direct sun-
light.
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ZX

tions. (for example: 7 in the display indi-
cates that the
button has been
pushed seven times to skip forward through
seven selections).
When thebutton is pushed, the se-
lection being played starts again from the
beginning. Push the
button several
times to rewind several selections. Each
time the
button is pushed, the tape
rewinds back one additional selection. The
number of selections skipped appears in the
display window as a negative number (for
example:27 in the display indicates that the
button has been pushed seven times
to rewind back through seven selections).
Either theorilluminates in the
display when theorbutton is
pushed.
The system searches for the blank intervals
between selections. If there is a blank inter-
val within one selection or there is no inter-
val between selections, the system may not
stop in the desired or expected location.
PROG (Program) button
Push thebutton to change the tape
side while the tape is being played.
The cassette tape automatically changesdirections to play the other side when the
first side is complete.
Dolby NR (noise reduction)
Push thebutton for Dolby NR encoded
tapes to reduce high frequency tape noise.
The
indicator illuminates in the display.
Dolby NR is manufactured under license
from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpora-
tion. DOLBY NR and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Li-
censing Corporation.
Metal or chrome tape usage
The cassette player is automatically set to
high performance play when playing a metal
or chrome cassette tape.
TAPE EJECT button
Push thebutton to eject the cassette
tape.
Precautions on cassette player op-
eration
cTo maintain good quality sound,
NISSAN recommends using cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in
length.cCassette tapes should be removed
from the player when not in use. Store
cassettes in their protective cases
and away from direct sunlight, heat,
moisture or magnetic sources.
cDirect sunlight can cause the cassette
to become deformed. The use of de-
formed cassettes may cause the cas-
sette to jam in the player.
cDo not use cassettes that have peel-
ing or loose labels. If used, the label
could jam in the player.
cIf a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette
hubs and rewind the tape firmly.
Loose tape may cause jamming and
wavering sound quality.
cOver a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may
collect a tape coating residue as the
tape is played. This residue accumu-
lation can cause a weak or wavering
sound and should be removed peri-
odically with a head cleaning tape. If
the residue is not removed periodi-
cally, the player may need to be dis-
assembled for cleaning.
4-24Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZX

COMPACT DISC (CD) PLAYER
OPERATION
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON
position, and carefully insert the compact
disc into the slot with the label side up. The
compact disc is automatically pulled into the
slot and starts to play.
If the radio or cassette tape is already
operating, it automatically turns off and the
compact disc begins to play.
CAUTION
Do not force the compact disc into the
slot. This could damage the player.
CD button
When thebutton is pushed with the
compact disc loaded and the tape or the
radio playing, the tape or radio turns off and
compact disc starts to play. Push the
button again to stop compact disc play.
FF (fast forward) REW (rewind)
buttons
When theorbutton is pushed
while the compact disc is playing, the com-pact disc plays at an increased speed while
fast forwarding or rewinding. When the but-
ton is released, the compact disc returns to
normal play speed.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
APS FF, APS REW buttons
When thebutton is pushed while the
compact disc is playing, the selection fol-
lowing the present one starts to play from
the beginning. Push the
button sev-
eral times to skip several selections. Each
time the button is pushed, the CD advances
one additional selection. The number ap-
pears in the display window. (When the last
selection on the compact disc is skipped,
the first selection is played.)
When the
button is pushed, the se-
lection being played returns to the begin-
ning. Push the
button several times
to skip back several selections. Each time
the button is pushed, the CD moves back
one selection.
PROG (program) button
When thebutton is pushed while the
compact disc is playing, the play pattern
changes as follows.
ALL:All selections are played repeatedly in
sequence.
1.The current selection is repeated.
RANDOM:Selections are played at ran-
dom, not following the sequence on the
compact disc. The same program may be
repeated twice.
Blank(no symbol): All selections are played
in sequence, and the compact disc stops
when the last selection is finished.
When a new compact disc is inserted,
the play pattern automatically changes
to ALL.
CD EJECT button
When thebutton is pushed with a com-
pact disc loaded, the compact disc ejects.
When the
button is pushed while the
compact disc is playing, the compact disc
ejects and the system turns off.
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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ZX

WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
EXHAUST GAS
(Carbon Monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is dan-
gerous. It can cause unconsciousness
or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.cDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive in this
manner for some reason, take the
following steps:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation switch to
off and the fan control at 4 (high)
to circulate the air.
3. Be sure the rear seat armrest and
tray are closed.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the trunk lid or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d.
You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYST
The three way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust system.
Exhaust gases in the three way catalyst are
burned at high temperatures to help reduce
pollutants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. Keep people or
flammable materials away from the
exhaust pipe.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
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
ZX

CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it
reaches operating temperature, then turn
it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' later in this section.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug and
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 Nzm)
Do not overtighten.
7. Refill the engine with a recommended oil
through the oil filler opening, then install
the oil filler cap securely.
See the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section for refill capacity.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug. Correct as re-
quired.9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
DI1302
8-8Do-it-yourself
ZX