coolant reservoir NISSAN ALTIMA 1999 L30 / 2.G Owners Manual

before operating the vehicle. See ``Chang-
ing engine coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself''
section.
Tire equipment
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels. Please consult an authorized
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size,
speed rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
U.S. States and Canadian Provinces pro-
hibit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded
tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Tire chains may be used. Make sure they
are the proper size for the tires on yourvehicle and are installed according to the
chain manufacturer's suggestions.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.Use only SAE Class ``S'' chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In ad-
dition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or ve-
hicle handling and performance may be
adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on T-type spare
tires. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
Special winter equipment
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
Driving on snow or ice
WARNING
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The ve-
hicle will have a lot less traction or
``grip'' under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
cWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction.
5-20Starting and driving
ZX

3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and radia-
tor should not leak water. If coolant is
leaking, the water pump belt is missing or
loose, or the cooling fan does not run,
stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or to get caught in, the running
fan, belts, or fan motor.
The fan motor can start at any time
when the coolant temperature is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the res-
ervoir tank if necessary. Have your ve-
hicle repaired at an authorized NISSAN
dealer.When towing your vehicle, U.S. States,
Canadian Provinces and local regulations
for towing must be followed. Incorrect tow-
ing equipment could damage your vehicle.
Towing instructions are available from an
authorized NISSAN dealer. Local service
operators will generally be familiar with the
applicable laws and procedures for towing.
To assure proper towing and to prevent
accidental damage to your vehicle, NISSAN
recommends that you have a service opera-
tor tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have
the service operator carefully read the fol-
lowing precautions:
WARNING
cNever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
cNever get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.
TOW TRUCK TOWING
6-10In case of emergency
ZX

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so-
lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional engine cooling system
additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only an ethelene glycol anti-
freeze with the proper mixture ratio of
50% Genuine Nissan Anti-freeze coolant
or equivalent and 50% demineralized
water or distilled water. The use of other
types of coolant solutions may damage
the engine cooling system.
Outside
temperature
down toGenuine
Nissan
Anti-freeze
coolant or
equivalentDemineral-
ized or
Distilled
water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Wait until the en-
gine and radiator cool down. Serious
burns could be caused by high pres-
sure fluid escaping from the radia-
tor. See precautions in ``If your ve-
hicle overheats,'' found in the ``In
case of emergency'' section.
c
The radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. Use only a genuine NISSAN
cap when replacement is required.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
With coolant reservoir
Check the coolant level in the reservoir
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX
level. If the reservoir is empty, check the
coolant level in the radiatorwhen the en-
gine is cold.If there is insufficient coolant
in the radiator, fill the radiator with coolant
up to the filler opening and also add it to the
reservoir up to the MAX level.
ADI1006
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
8-4Do-it-yourself
ZX

drain plug on the engine water pipe se-
curely.
6. See the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section for cooling system ca-
pacity. Fill the radiator slowly with the
proper mixture of coolant and water. Fill
the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
7. Open and close the air release plug to
release air. Then fill the radiator again
and install the radiator cap.
8. Start the engine and let it idle until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
Then race the engine 2 or 3 times under
no load. Watch the engine coolant tem-
perature gauge for signs of overheating.
9. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up to the
MAX level.
10. Open and close the air release plug to
release air. Then fill the radiator again
and install the radiator cap.11. Check the radiator drain plug and the
drain plug on the engine water pipe for
any sign of leakage, tighten if neces-
sary.
AMA098DI1299
8-6Do-it-yourself
ZX

Automatic transmission ``Park'' mecha-
nismÐ On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the shift selec-
tor lever in the P (Park) position without
applying any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically, such as each time
you check the engine oil or refuel.
Additional information on the items
marked with an ª*º can be found in the
ªDo-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
Windshield washer fluid*Ð Check that
there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Ð Check the cool-
ant level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesÐ Check the front of
the radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Brake and (if so equipped) clutch fluid
levels*Ð Make sure that the brake and
clutch fluid level are between the MIN and
MAX lines on each reservoir.Battery*Ð Check the fluid level in each
cell. It should be between the MAX and MIN
lines.
Engine drive belts*Ð Make sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Ð Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface, with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Power steering fluid level* and linesÐ
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
with the engine off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*Ð
Check the level after putting the shift selec-
tor lever in P (Park) with the engine idling at
operating temperature.
Exhaust systemÐ Make sure there are no
cracks, holes, loose joints or supports. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected by
a qualified individual. (See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section of this manual.)
UnderbodyÐ The underbody is frequentlyexposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances from the underbody, otherwise rust
may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines
and exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, especially those areas
where mud and dirt may accumulate. See
the ``Appearance and care'' section for ad-
ditional information.
Fluid leaksÐ Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
9-4Maintenance
ZX

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 15-7/8 gal 13-1/4 gal 60Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87
AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and refillcAPI Certification Mark *2 *3
cAPI grade SG/SH, Energy Conserving II or API grade
SJ, Energy Conserving *2 *3
cILSAC grade GF-II *2 *3 With oil filter change 3-5/8 qt 3 qt 3.4
Without oil filter change 3-3/8 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.2
Cooling system
With reservoir 7-3/4 qt 6-3/8 qt 7.3 50% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
Reservoir 3/4 qt 5/8 qt 0.7 50% Demineralized water or Distilled water
Manual transaxle gear oil 9-1/2 to 10-1/8 pt 7-7/8 to 8-1/2 pt 4.5 to 4.8 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 80W-90 only
Automatic transaxle fluid 10 qt 8-1/4 qt 9.4
Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or
Genuine Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Canada). *4
Power steering fluid 1 qt 3/4 qt 0.9 Type DEXRONTMIII or equivalent
Brake and clutch fluidRefill to the proper level according to the instructions in
the ``Do-it-yourself'' section.Genuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)Air conditioning system refrigerantÐ Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricant Ð Ð Ð Nissan A/C System Oil Type R or exact equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation.''
*2: For further details, see ``Engine oil and oil filter recomendations.''
*3: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.''
*4: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealership for more information
regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label.''
*7: For further details, see ``Changing engine oil.''
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
10-2Technical and consumer information
ZX