change time NISSAN ALTIMA 2000 L30 / 2.G Owners Manual

Foreword
Welcome to the growing family of new
NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered
to you with confidence. It was produced
using the latest techniques and strict quality
control.
This manual was prepared to help you
understand the operation and maintenance
of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many
miles of driving pleasure. Please read
through this manual before operating your
vehicle.
In the U.S., a separate Warranty Informa-
tion and Maintenance Log Booklet and
in Canada, a Warranty and Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet ex-
plains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle and vehicle mainte-
nance schedules. Additionally, a
separate Customer Care/Lemon Law
Booklet (U.S. only) will explain how to
resolve any concerns you may have with
your vehicle, as well as clarify your
rights under your state's lemon law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your ve-
hicle best. When you require any service or
have any questions, they will be glad to
assist you with the extensive resources
available to them.READ FIRST Ð THEN DRIVE SAFELY
Before driving your vehicle please read this
Owner's Manual carefully. This will ensure
familiarity with controls and maintenance
requirements, assisting you in the safe op-
eration of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important rules to help
ensure a safe and comfortable trip for
you and your passengers!
cNEVER drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
cALWAYS observe posted speed lim-
its and never drive too fast for con-
ditions.
c
ALWAYS use your seat belts and
appropriate child restraint systems.
Pre-teen children should be seated
in the rear seat.
cALWAYS provide information about
the proper use of vehicle safety fea-
tures to all occupants of the vehicle.
c
ALWAYS review this owner's manual
for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification could affect its perfor-
mance, safety or durability, and may
even violate governmental regulations.
In addition, damage or performance
problems resulting from modifications
may not be covered under NISSAN
warranties.
WHEN READING THE MANUAL
This manual includes information for all
options available on this model. Therefore,
you may find some information that does
not apply to your vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustra-
tions in this manual are those in effect at the
time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right
to change specifications or design without
notice and without obligation.
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
ZX

Instrument brightness control
The instrument brightness control operates
when the light switch is in the
or
position.
Turn the control to adjust the brightness of
instrument panel lights.
Passing signal
Pulling and releasing the lever flashes the
headlight high beams on and off.
Daytime running light system
(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.
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
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.
AIC0608
Instruments and controls2-17
ZX

BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Replace the battery in the multi-remote con-
troller as follows:
1. Open the lid using a coin.
2. Replace the battery with a new one.Recommended battery: Sanyo CR2025
or equivalent.
3. Close the lid securely.
4. Press the
button, then thebut-
ton two or three times to check themulti-remote controller operation.
Each time the
button is pressed, the
hazard lights flash once.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step 4.
cAn improperly disposed battery can
hurt the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.
cThe multi-remote controller is water-
resistant; however, if it does get wet,
immediately wipe completely dry.
cThe operational range of the multi-
remote controller extends to approxi-
mately 33 ft (10 m) from the vehicle.
This range may vary with conditions.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer for com-
pliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not
APD1026
3-8Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX

lowing the present one starts to play from
the beginning. Push or hold thebut-
ton several times to skip several selections.
Each time the button is pushed, the CD
advances one selection. (When the last
selection on the compact disc is skipped,
the first selection is played.)
When thebutton is pushed, the selec-
tion being played returns to the beginning.
Push or hold the
button several
times to skip back several selections. Each
time the button is pushed, the CD moves
back one selection.
RPT (Repeat)
When the
repeat button is pushed
while the compact disc is playing, the play
pattern changes as follows.
1: The current selection is repeated.
MIX: Selections are played at random, not
following the sequence on the compact
disc. The same program may be repeated
twice.
Normal(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 the ``Normal'' play pattern.
CD EJECT
When the
button 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.
If the compact disc ejects and is not
removed within 10 seconds, it is pulled
back into the slot.
DISC indicator light
CD IN appears on the display when a CD is
loaded with the system ON.
CD CARE AND CLEANING
cHandle a CD by its edges. Never touch
the surface of the disc.
cTo clean a disc, wipe the surface from
the center to the outer edge using a
clean, soft cloth. Do not wipe the disc
using a circular motion.
Do not use a conventional record cleaner
or alcohol intended for industrial use.
cA new disc may be rough on the inner
and outer edges. Remove the rough
edges by rubbing the inner and outer
edges with the side of a pen or pencil as
illustrated.
LHA0049
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-15
ZX

PLAY/STOP
When the
button is pushed with the
system turned off and a tape loaded, the
system comes on and the tape plays. The
word TAPE illuminates in the display.
When the
button is pushed with either
the radio or compact disc turned on and a
tape loaded, the compact disc or the radio
turns off and the tape plays.
FF (Fast Forward),
REW (Rewind)
Push the
button to fast forward the
tape. Push thebutton to rewind the
tape. Either REW or FF illuminates in the
display. To stop the FF or REW function,
press the
,,orbuttons.
APS (Automatic Program
Search) FF, APS REW
When thebutton is pushed while the
tape is being played, the tape runs quickly,
stops, then plays the next selection from the
beginning. Push the
button several
times to skip several selections. Each time
the button is pushed, the tape fast forwards
one additional selection. This number ap-pears in the display window. The tape can
be fast forwarded through up to nine selec-
tions. (for example: 7 in the display indi-
cates that the
button has been pushed
seven times to skip forward through seven
selections).
When the
button is pushed, the selec-
tion 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 selec-
tions).
Either the FF or REW blinks in the display
when the
orbutton 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)
Push the
button to change the tape
side while the tape is being played.
The cassette tape automatically changes
directions to play the other side when the
first side is complete.
Dolby NR (Noise Reduction)
Push the
button 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
Push the
button to eject the cassette
tape.
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
4-21
ZX

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/CHG button
When the CD/CHG button 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.
FF (Fast Forward),
REW (Rewind)
When the
orbutton is pushed
while the compact disc is playing, the com-
pact disc plays at an increased speed whilefast forwarding or rewinding. When the but-
ton is released, the compact disc returns to
normal play speed.
APS (Automatic Pro-
gram Search) FF, APS REW
When the
button is pushed while the
compact disc is playing, the selection fol-
lowing the present one starts to play from
the beginning. Push the
button several
times to skip several selections. Each time
the button is pushed, the CD advances one
additional selection. The number appears in
the display window. (When the last selec-
tion on the compact disc is skipped, the first
selection is played.)
When the
button is pushed, the selec-
tion being played returns to the beginning.
Push the
button several times to skip
back several selections. Each time the but-
ton is pushed, the CD moves back one
selection.
PROG (Program)
When the
button is pushed while the
compact disc is playing, the play pattern
changes as follows.RPT (Repeat)
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.
Normal(no symbol): All selections are
played repeatedly in sequence.
When a new compact disc is inserted,
the play pattern automatically changes
to the ``Normal'' play pattern.
CD EJECT
When the
button 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.
If the compact disc ejects and is not
removed within 10 seconds, it is pulled
back into the slot.
DISC indicator light
CD IN appears in the display when a com-
pact disc is loaded with the system on.
4-22Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZX

WARNING
cDo not leave children, impaired
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 pos-
sibly fatal injuries to people or ani-
mals.
cClosely supervise children when
they are around cars to prevent them
from playing and becoming locked
in the trunk where they could be
seriously injured. Keep the car
locked, with the trunk closed, when
not in use, and prevent children's
access to car keys.
EXHAUST GAS
(Carbon Monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbonmonoxide. 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 with the
trunk lid open, follow these precau-
tions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation but-
ton (if so equipped) to the off
position and turn the fan control
dial to 4 (high) to circulate the air.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.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
ZX

Accelerator downshiftÐ
in D positionÐ
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.OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine braking is necessary,
push the OVERDRIVE switch once.
The O/D OFF indicator light on the
instrument panel comes on at this
time.
When cruising at a low speed or
climbing a gentle slope, you may feel
uncomfortable shift shocks as the
transmission shifts between 3rd gear
and overdrive repeatedly. In this
case, depress the OVERDRIVE
switch to turn the OVERDRIVE off.
The O/D off indicator light on the
instrument panel comes on at this
time.
When driving conditions change, depress
the overdrive switch on the selector/lever to
turn the OVERDRIVE on.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the OVER-
DRIVE off. This reduces fuel economy.
ASD1004
Starting and driving5-11
ZX

CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it
reaches operating temperature, then turn
it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' later in this section.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The
engine oil may be hot.
Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 Nzm)
Do not overtighten.
7. Refill the engine with a recommended oil
through the oil filler opening, then install
the oil filler cap securely.
See the ``Technical and consumer informa-
tion'' section for drain and refill capacity.
The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Alwaysuse the dipstick to determine when the
proper amount of oil is in the engine.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug. Correct as re-
quired.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
DI1302
Do-it-yourself8-9
ZX

Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front (and rear, if equipped) disc-type
brakes self-adjust every time the brake
pedal is applied. The rear drum-type brakes
also self-adjust every time the brake pedal
is applied.
If the brake pedal goes down farther than
normal, it may be due to a lack of adjust-
ment of the rear drum brakes. To adjust,
apply the parking brake several times.
WARNING
See an authorized NISSAN dealer for a
brake system check if the brake pedal
height does not return to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it makes a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wearindicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do
not have audible wear indicators. Should
you ever hear an unusually loud noise from
the rear drum brakes, have them inspected
as soon as possible by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regard-
ing brake inspections, see the appropriate
maintenance schedule information in the
``Maintenance'' section of this manual.
BRAKE BOOSTER
Check the brake booster function as fol-
lows:
1. With the engine off, press and release
the brake pedal several times. When
brake pedal movement (distance of
travel) remains the same from one pedal
application to the next, continue on to the
next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start
the engine. The pedal height should drop
a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keep the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds. The pedal height
should not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it
off. Depress the brake pedal several
times. The pedal travel distance will de-
crease gradually with each depression
as the vacuum is released from the
booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, see an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
8-20Do-it-yourself
ZX