emergency towing NISSAN ALTIMA 1999 L30 / 2.G Owners Manual

6 In case of emergency
Flat tire ...................................................................6-2
Jump starting ..........................................................6-7
Push starting ..........................................................6-9If your vehicle overheats ........................................6-9
Tow truck towing ..................................................6-10
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ...........6-12
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

cWhen towing manual transmission
models with the front wheels on the
ground (if you do not use towing
dollies):
Turn the ignition key to the OFF
position and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
place the ignition key in the LOCK
position. This will result in damage
to the steering lock mechanism.
Move the gearshift lever to the Neu-
tral (N position).
c
When towing with the rear wheels on
the ground, release the parking brake.
cAttach safety chains for all towing.
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground as illustrated.
CAUTION
cNever tow an automatic transmis-
sion model with the rear wheels
raised (with the front wheels on the
ground) as this may cause serious
and expensive damage to the trans-
mission. If it is necessary to tow the
vehicle with the rear wheels raised,
always use towing dollies under the
front wheels.
ACE0511
ACE1001
In case of emergency6-11
ZX

cIf you have to tow an automatic
transmission model with four wheels
on ground, observe the following re-
stricted towing speeds and dis-
tances:
cSpeed: Below 30 MPH (50 km/h)
cDistance: Less than 40 miles (65
km)
cNever tow an automatic transmis-
sion model from the rear (for ex-
ample, backward) with four wheels
on the ground as this may cause
serious and expensive damage to
the transmission.cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structual members of the
vehicle.
cPulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull
on the vehicle at an angle.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
WARNING
Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing
a stuck vehicle)
6-12In case of emergency
ZX