stop start NISSAN ALTIMA 1998 L30 / 2.G Owners Manual

Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new Nissan is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economi-
cal transportation. Your vehicle is the product of
a successful worldwide company that manufac-
tures cars and trucks in over 17 countries and
distributes them in 170 nations.
Nissan vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and Nissan affiliates world
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth
largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars
and trucks, Nissan also makes textile machinery,
forklift trucks, marine engines, boats and other
products.
Nissan has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960 and continuing with the production of some
cars and trucks at one of the world's mostmodern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design
International in San Diego, California, and engi-
neering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. and its dealers
indirectly employ about 60,000 Americans.
Nissan is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 170 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of Nissan dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply Nissan and Nis-
san dealers with materials and services ranging
from the operation of port facilities and transpor-
tation services, to the supply of lubricants, parts
and accessories.Nissan pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. Nissan also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your Nissan to
your dealer for maintenance, the service techni-
cian will perform his work according to the quality
standards that have been established by Nissan.
Safety has also been built into your Nissan. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the belts every time
you drive the vehicle.
The Nissan story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
AFW0001
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
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Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights come on:
,or,,,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
or,,
If any light fails to come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an open
circuit in the electrical system. Have the
system repaired promptly.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
the dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause serious
damage to the engine almost immedi-
ately. Turn off the engine as soon as it is
safe to do so.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a problem with the
charging system. Turn the engine off and
check the generator belt. If the belt is loose,
orBrake warning lightSeat belt warning lightEngine oil pressure warning light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)CRUISE indicator light
High beam indicator lightorAnti-lock brake warning lightSupplemental air bag warning light
Charge warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
Door open warning lightMalfunction indicator light
(emission system)
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls2-5
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broken, or missing, or if the light remains on,
see an authorized NISSAN dealer immedi-
ately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever
the ignition key is turned to ON, and re-
mains illuminated until the driver's seat belt
is fastened. At the same time, the chime
sounds for about seven seconds unless the
driver's seat belt is securely fastened.
Refer to ``Seat belts'' in the ``Seats, re-
straints and supplemental air bag systems''
section for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag system needs servicing
and your vehicle must be taken to an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer:
1. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on and remain on for 7
seconds and then go off as described
above.
2. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently or remains on.
3. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supple-
mental restraint system (air bag system)
may not function properly. For additional
details, see ``Supplemental restraint system''
in the `` Seats, restraints and supplemental
air bag systems'' section.
WARNING
If the supplemental airbag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental airbag will not operate in
an accident.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as neces-
sary. See the ``Do-it-yourself'' section.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied, and also warns of a low brake fluid
level. If the light comes on while the engine
is running with the parking brake not applied,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1.Check the brake fluid level. Add brake
fluid as necessary. See ``Brake and clutch
fluid'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
owner's manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
2-6Instruments and controls
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brake system checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is
on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
greater pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
minimum mark on the brake fluid
reservoir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked at a NIS-
SAN dealer.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion,
whether or not the brake pedal is de-pressed. Have the brakes checked as soon
as possible if the warning sound is heard.
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something is wrong
with the anti-lock portion of the brake system.
Have the system checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly
doing so may cause the ABS light to stay
on when there is nothing wrong). If the
light stays on, have the system checked
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases, but the regular
braking system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for
repair.
Overdrive off indicator light
(Automatic transmission
models only)
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is pushed to the OFF position.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
High beam indicator light
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
Cruise indicator light
This light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If
the CRUISE indicator blinks, have the sys-
tem checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
Instruments and controls
2-7
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WARNING
cGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain con-
ditions. You could be burned or se-
riously injured if it is misused or
mishandled. Always stop the engine
and do not smoke or allow open
flames or sparks near the vehicle
when refueling.
c
Fuel may be under pressure. Turn the
cap one-half turn, and wait for any
``hissing'' sound to stop to prevent
fuel from spraying out and possible
personal injury. Then remove the cap.
cDo not attempt to top off the fuel
tank after the fuel pump nozzle shuts
off automatically. Continued refuel-
ing may cause fuel overflow, result-
ing in fuel spray and possibly fire.
cUse only a genuine NISSAN fuel filler
cap as a replacement. It has a built-in
safety valve needed for proper op-
eration of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect
cap can result in a serious malfunc-
tion and possible injury.
cNever pour fuel into the throttle body
to attempt to start your vehicle.
CAUTION
cIf fuel is spilled on the car body,
flush it away with water to avoid
paint damage.
cTighten until the cap clicks. Failure
to tighten the fuel cap properly may
cause the
malfunction indica-
tor light (MIL) to illuminate. If this
occurs, securely close the fuel filler
cap. After driving for a while, the
light should remain off. If the light
remains on, have the vehicle in-
spected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
For additional information, see the
``Malfunction indicator light (MIL)'' in
the ``Instruments and controls'' sec-
tion.Put the fuel filler cap on the cap holder while
refueling.
APD1006
3-12Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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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 the off position for normal heater or air
conditioner 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, to
avoid traffic fumes, and for maximum cool-
ing when using the air conditioner.
Air conditioner button
(if so equipped)
This button is provided only on vehicles
equipped with an air conditioner.
Start the engine, move the fan control dial tothe desired (1 to 4) position and push the
A/C button to turn on the air conditioner.
The indicator light comes on when the air
conditioner is on. To stop the air condi-
tioner, push the switch again.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air to the
foot outlets. Some air also flows from the
defroster outlets.
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 to the side and
center ventilators.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.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode is used to defrost/defog the
windows.
1. Push the
button in.
2. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. 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
conditioner automatically turns on to de-
humidify the air, which helps defog the
windshield. The air recirculation mode
4-4Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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Adjusting tone quality and speaker
balance
To adjust BASS/TREB or FAD/BAL
(Bass/Treble or Fader/Balance), press the
AUDIO button until the desired mode (BAS,
TRE, FAD, or BAL) appears in the display.
Press the
orbutton to adjust Bass
(BAS) and Treble (TRE) to the desired level.
Use the
orbutton also to adjust
Fader (FAD) or Balance (BAL) modes.
Fader (FAD) adjusts the sound level be-
tween the front and rear speakers and Bal-
ance (BAL) adjusts the sound between the
right and left speakers.
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 is already operating, it automati-
cally turns off and the compact disc begins
to play.
CAUTION
Do not force the compact disc into the
slot. This could damage the player.
PLAY/STOP button
When this button is pushed with the compact
disc loaded and the radio playing, the radio
turns off and the compact disc starts to play.
When this button is pushed while the com-
pact disc is playing, the compact disc stops
playing.
Fast forward or rewind button
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.
Program search buttons
When thebutton is pushed while the
compact disc is playing, the selection fol-
lowing the present one starts to play from
AHA1028
4-18Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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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
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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
4-25
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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