brake fluid 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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increases wear on the brake linings and
pads, and reduces gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down
a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and could
result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
c
While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerating
or downshifting. Abrupt braking or
accelerating could cause the wheels
to skid and result in an accident.
cIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.The anti-lock brake system installed in
some models controls the brakes at each
wheel so the wheels do not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slip-
pery surfaces. The system detects the rota-
tion speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing
wheel lockup, the system helps the driver
maintain steering control and helps to mini-
mize swerving and spinning on slippery
surfaces.
Using the System
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not oper-
ate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10
km/h). The speeds vary according to road
conditions. When the anti-lock system
senses that one or more wheels are close to
locking up, the actuator (under the hood)rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise or vibration from the actuator under
the hood. This is normal and indicates that
the anti-lock system is working properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that
road conditions are hazardous and extra
care is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system is sophisticated,
with electronic sensors, electric pumps, and
hydraulic solenoids controlled by a com-
puter. The computer has a built-in diagnos-
tic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle at
a low speed in forward or reverse. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a ``clunk''
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the
ABS brake warning light in the dashboard.
The brake system then operates normally,
but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self-test or
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
5-18Starting and driving
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while driving, take the vehicle to an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-
lock system. Stopping distances may
also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety
of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may
also affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tire on all 4 wheels.cWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
ªTire placardº in the Owner's Manual
index.
Refer to ``Wheels and Tires'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be-
fore inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check the anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base)
to assure proper winter protection. For de-
tails, see ``Engine cooling system'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' 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 ''
section.
Draining of coolant
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. Refill
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-19
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8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-4
Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................8-5
Engine oil ...............................................................8-7
Checking engine oil level .......................................8-7
Changing engine oil ...............................................8-8
Changing engine oil filter .......................................8-9
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........................8-9
Temperature conditions for checking ATF ...........8-10
Power steering fluid..............................................8-11
Brake fluid ............................................................8-11
Clutch fluid............................................................8-12
Window washer fluid ............................................8-12
Battery ..................................................................8-13
Jump starting ........................................................8-14Drive belts ............................................................8-14
Spark plug replacement .......................................8-14
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................8-15
Wiper blades ........................................................8-17
Parking brake check.............................................8-18
Brake pedal ..........................................................8-18
Brake booster .......................................................8-19
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-20
Fuses and fusible links.........................................8-20
Light bulbs ............................................................8-21
Headlights ............................................................8-21
Headlight aiming adjustment ................................8-22
Adjustment after headlight assembly
replacement ..........................................................8-23
Bulb replacement .................................................8-24
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-28
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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.
WARNING
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 OFF when
performing any parts replacement or
repairs.
cYour vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always dis-
connect the negative battery cable
before working near the fan.c
If 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.
cAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed 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
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
c
Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) sys-
tem, the fuel filter or fuel lines
should be serviced by a NISSAN
dealer because the fuel lines are
under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.
cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is ON.
cNever leave the engine or the auto-
matic transmission related compo-
nent harness connector discon-
nected while the ignition is ON.
c
Avoid contact with used engine oil.
Improperly disposed motor oil and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the en-
vironment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This ``Do-it-yourself'' section gives instruc-
tions 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 an authorized NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
ZX

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil
filter.
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench. Then, remove the oil filter by
turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old gasket mate-
rial remaining on the mounting surface of
the engine.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with
clean engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, and then tighten an addi-
tional 2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.
WARNING
cWhen engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away
from any moving parts such as cool-
ing fan and drive belt.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
DI1303ADI0532
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID (ATF)
Do-it-yourself8-9
ZX

TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKING ATF
cThe fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range on the dipstick after the
following conditions have been met:
Ð The engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
Ð The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
Ð The automatic transmission fluid should
be warmed to between 122É and 176ÉF
(50É to 80ÉC).
cThe fluid can be checked at fluid tem-
peratures of 86É to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstick,
after the engine is warmed up and before
driving. However, the fluid should be
re-checked using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the shift
selector lever through each gear range.
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park)
after you have moved it through all
ranges.3. Check the fluid level with the engine
idling.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean
with lint-free paper.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the charging
pipe as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the read-
ing. If the level is at the low side of either
range, add fluid through the charging
pipe.
CAUTION
DO NOT OVERFILL.
USE ONLY NISSAN Matic `D' (Continen-
tal U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Canada).
Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor equivalent
may also be used. Outside the continen-
tal United States and Alaska contact an
authorized NISSAN dealership for more
information regarding suitable fluids, in-
cluding recommended brand(s) of
Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Trans-
mission Fluid.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in
hot weather, or if it is being used to pull
a trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot
be read. You should wait until the fluid
has cooled down (about 30 minutes).
ADI1012
8-10Do-it-yourself
ZX

Check the fluid level in the reservoir. The
fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range on the dipstick at fluid temperatures
of 122É to 176ÉF (50É to 80ÉC) or using the
COLD range on the dipstick at fluid tem-
peratures of 32É to 86ÉF (0É to 30ÉC).
CAUTION
cDo not overfill.
cRecommended fluid is type
DEXRON
TMIII or equivalent.The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT MAX range on the power steering fluid
reservoir at fluid temperatures of 122É to
176ÉF (50É to 80ÉC) or using the COLD
MAX range on the power steering fluid
reservoir at fluid temperatures of 32É to
86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If
the fluid level is below the MIN line or the
brake warning light comes on, addDOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be
added frequently, the system should be thor-
oughly checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
ADI0511ADI1117DI1307
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-11
ZX