brake NISSAN ALTIMA 1999 L30 / 2.G Owners Manual

Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights come on:
,or,,,
If the driver side seat belt is fastened the
light will not come on. 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 thesystem 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 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 air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag 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.
2-6Instruments and controls
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2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
brake system checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
c
Your 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 carefully to
the nearest service station for repairs.
Otherwise, have your vehicle 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 depressed.Have the brakes checked as soon as pos-
sible 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 sys-
tem. Have the system checked by an autho-
rized 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.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
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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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
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................5-2
Three way catalyst .................................................5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover................................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................5-4
Ignition switch .........................................................5-4
Manual transmission ..............................................5-4
Automatic transmission ..........................................5-5
Before starting the engine ......................................5-6
Driving with automatic transmission
(if so equipped) ......................................................5-6
Overdrive switch .....................................................5-9Driving with manual transmission ........................5-10
Starting the engine ...............................................5-11
Parking brake operation .......................................5-12
Cruise control .......................................................5-13
Break-in schedule ................................................5-15
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-15
Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-16
Power steering system .........................................5-17
Brake system........................................................5-17
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if so equipped) ....5-18
Cold weather driving ............................................5-19
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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.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. This allows the vehicle to be
moved if the battery is discharged.
The shift selector lever can also be
moved if the ignition switch is in the ON
position and the foot brake pedal is de-
pressed.
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.ASD1014
Starting and driving5-5
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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 ``Warning/Indicator lights and
chimes'' in the ``Instruments and con-
trols'' section.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
c
When 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.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINEDRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
(if so equipped)
5-6Starting and driving
ZX

The selector lever cannot be moved out
of P (Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned to
LOCK or if the key is removed.
The shift selector lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ACC posi-
tion. This allows the vehicle to be moved
if the battery is discharged.
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.
ASD0510
Starting and driving5-7
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3. Remove the key and turn it to the ACC
position.
4. Depress the foot brake pedal, and move
the 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 at an authorized NISSAN
dealership. Never drive the vehicle if the
stop lights are not operating properly.
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.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 (118 Km/h). Do not exceed
74 MPH (118 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.
ASD1018
5-8Starting and driving
ZX

Selector lever lock release
If the battery is discharged, the selector
lever may not be moved from the P position
even with the brake pedal depressed and
the selector lever button pushed.
To move the selector lever, push the shift
lock release and selector lever button. The
selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral).
To push the shift lock release, follow the
following procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the lock position
and remove the key
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cap.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
release slot, and push down.
5. Push the selector lever button and move
the selector lever to N (Neutral) position
while holding down the shift lock release.
6. Start the engine.
If there is any problem moving the selector
lever out of P (Park), take your vehicle to an
authorized NISSAN dealership as soon as
possible.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.
ASD1004
Starting and driving5-9
ZX