check engine light NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 L31 / 3.G User Guide

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The SET indica-
tor light in the instrument panel then
blinks to warn the driver.
cIf the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have
the system checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cThe SET indicator light may blink when
the cruise control main switch is turned
ON while pushing the RES/ACCEL,COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch (lo-
cated on the steering wheel). To properly
use the cruise control system, use the
following procedures.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when
driving under the following conditions.
cWhen it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
cIn heavy traffic or in traffic that var-
ies in speed.
cOn winding or hilly roads.
c
On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
cIn very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do
not shift into N (Neutral) without de-
pressing the clutch pedal when the
cruise control is set. Should this occur,
depress the clutch pedal and turn the-
main switch off immediately. Failure to
do so may cause engine damage.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERA-
TIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 30 to 90 MPH (48 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the
main switch. The CRUISE indicator light in
the instrument panel comes on.
To set cruising speed,accelerate the ve-
hicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. The SET
light in the instrument cluster comes on.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle maintains the set speed.
cTo pass another vehicle,depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-
ously set speed.
c
The vehicle may not maintain the set speed
when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,use one of
the following three methods:
a) Push the CANCEL button; the SET light
in the instrument cluster goes out.
LSD0020
CRUISE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
5-14Starting and driving
ZX

WARNING
cThe traction control system is de-
signed to help improve driving sta-
bility but does not prevent accidents
due to abrupt steering operation at
high speeds or by careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering
on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully.
cIf suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs and bush-
ings are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the trac-
tion control off indicator light may
come on.
cWhen driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the traction control system
may not operate properly or the
indicator light may come on.
Do not drive on these types of roads.cIf tires other than the recommended
ones are used, the traction control
system may not operate properly or
the
indicator light may come on.
cThe traction control system is not a
substitute for winter tires or tire
chains on a snow covered road.
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 ``Maintenance
and do-it-yourself '' section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-21
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. 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, then tighten an additional
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.
WDI0121WDI0136
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
ZX

Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear, disc-type brakes self-
adjust every time the brake pedal is applied.
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 wear
indicator 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.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regard-
ing brake inspections, see the appropriate
maintenance schedule information in the
``NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide.''
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.
CHECKING CLUTCH PEDAL
Press the pedal by hand and be sure the
free travel is within the limits shown above.
If free travel is out of the range shown
above, see an authorized NISSAN dealer.
ADI0528
CLUTCH PEDAL
8-26Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher amperage
rating than specified on the fuse box
cover. This could damage the electrical
system or cause a fire.
If the electrical equipment does not come
on, check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the head-
light switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood.3. Remove the fuse box cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller
located in the passenger compartment
fuse box.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the elec-
trical system checked and repaired by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
Fusible links
If the electrical equipment does not operate
and fuses are in good condition, check the
fusible links. If any of these fusible links are
melted, replace only with genuine NISSAN
parts.WDI0149
FUSES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-27
ZX

If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and difficult hot-starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels,
immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygen-
ates can cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any fuel additives (i.e.: fuel injector cleaner,
octane booster, intake valve deposit remov-
ers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain
active solvents or similar ingredients that
can be harmful to the fuel system and
engine.
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should
use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber. However, you may use unleaded gaso-
line with an octane rating as low as 85 AKI
(Anti-Knock Index) number in high altitude
areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)] such as:
Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah,Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and the part of Texas which is
directly south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ``spark knock.''
(``Spark knock'' is a metallic rapping
noise.) If severe, this can lead to engine
damage. If you detect a persistent heavy
spark knock even when using gasoline
of the stated octane rating, or if you hear
steady spark knock while holding a
steady speed on level roads, have an
authorized dealer correct the condition.
Failure to correct the condition is misuse
of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is not
responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or en-
gine damage. If any of the above symptoms
are encountered, have your vehicle
checked at an authorized NISSAN dealer or
other competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This isno cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
9-4Technical and consumer information
ZX

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................ 1-8
Air bag warning light ................. 1-14, 1-19, 2-9
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-21
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner service .......................... 4-11
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations.................. 9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Servicing air conditioner ....................... 4-11
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-6
Alarm system (See vehicle security
system) ...................................................... 2-13
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-37
Antenna...................................................... 4-29
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-19
Anti-lock brake warning light ..................... 2-10
Armrests....................................................... 1-7
Audio system
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ....................................... 4-16, 4-21
Autolamp switch......................................... 2-20
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-32Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-14
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-4
B
Battery........................................................ 8-17
Battery
Charge warning light .............................. 2-9
Battery replacement (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................... 3-8
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-6
Belts (See drive belts) ........................ 8-19, 9-8
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-19
Brake booster ....................................... 8-26
Brake fluid............................................. 8-16
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-25
Brake system .............................. 2-12, 5-18
Brake warning light ............................... 2-10
Brake wear indicators ................. 2-12, 8-26
Parking brake check ............................. 8-25
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-13
Self-adjusting brakes ............................ 8-26
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-15
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-8
Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-32C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................................................... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-29
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ... 9-13
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) ................ 2-11
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-37
Child restraints ........................ 1-23, 1-28, 1-35
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-16
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-26
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-21
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-6
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................. 5-14
Cup holders ............................................... 2-27
ZX

D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-20
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-17
Dimensions and weights.............................. 9-9
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Door open warning light .............................. 2-9
Drive belts .................................................. 8-19
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 5-21
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-4
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-5
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-16
Emission control information label............. 9-12
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-19
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................... 8-10
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-13
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-9
Checking engine oil level ..................... 8-10Engine compartment check
locations .......................................... 8-7, 8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-6
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-9
Engine oil .............................................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light .. 2-12, 2-8
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-5
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
Engine specifications .............................. 9-8
Starting the engine ................................. 5-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
Eyeglass case............................................ 2-26
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-23
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-5
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-14
Brake fluid............................................. 8-16
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-16
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-9
Engine oil .............................................. 8-10
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-15
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-17
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-11Front fog light switch ................................. 2-21
Front seats ................................................... 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-16
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-12
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-12
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-4
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-3
Fuses ......................................................... 8-27
Fusible links ............................................... 8-27
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-6
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer............................................. 2-6
Trip odometer ......................................... 2-3
General maintenance .................................. 8-3
Glove box................................................... 2-28
Glove box lock ........................................... 2-28
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-23
Head restraints ............................................ 1-7
10-2
ZX

Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-18
Heated seats.............................................. 2-24
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Homelink Transceiver
Integrated HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver (If so equipped) ................ 2-35
Hood release ............................................... 3-9
Horn ........................................................... 2-23
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Immobilizer system ..................... 2-14, 3-2, 5-6
Important vehicle information label............ 9-11
Increasing fuel economy............................ 5-16
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders) .................................................... 2-8
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-15
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-20
Integrated HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver
(If so equipped).......................................... 2-35
Interior light ................................................ 2-34
Interior trunk lid release ............................. 3-11
J
Jump starting ...................................... 6-6, 8-18K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................... 3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-12
Emission control information label........ 9-12
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................ 9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ...................................................... 9-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-19
License plate
Installing the license plate .................... 9-13
Light
Air bag warning light ............ 1-14, 1-19, 2-9
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-8
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-32
Charge warning light .............................. 2-9
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-21
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-18
Interior light ........................................... 2-34
Low washer fluid warning light ............. 2-10
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-34
Trunk light ............................................. 2-35
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ................................................ 2-8Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-12
Glove box lock ...................................... 2-28
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Trunk lid lock opener lever ................... 3-10
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-3
Maintenance precautions ................ 8-2, 8-5
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-3
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-28
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ............... 2-11
Map lights .................................................. 2-34
Meters and gauges .............................. 2-2, 2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-15
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-16
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-14
Multi-remote control system (See remote
keyless entry system) .................................. 3-5
Multi-remote controller battery
replacement ............................................... 8-29
N
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS) ......................................... 2-13, 3-2, 5-6
10-3
ZX

O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ........ 9-3
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-13
Checking engine oil level ..................... 8-10
Engine oil .............................................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-5
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-16
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 6-8
Owner's manual/service manual order
information ................................................. 9-21
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-25
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-13
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-17
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power outlet.......................................... 2-25
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-15
Power steering system ......................... 5-18Power windows..................................... 2-31
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ................ 8-2, 8-5
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-21
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting ................................................ 6-8
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ......................... 4-29
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ....................................... 4-16, 4-21
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test..................................................... 9-20
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-6
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-17
Refrigerant recommendation ....................... 9-7
Registering your vehicle in another
country ....................................................... 9-10
Remote keyless entry system ..................... 3-5
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................. 9-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............ 9-19
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment................ 1-3
Front power seat adjustment.................. 1-4Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-21
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-28
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-28
Seat belts.............................................. 1-21
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........... 1-27
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-24
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-9
Seatback pockets ...................................... 2-26
Seatback side pockets............................... 2-26
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 1-2
Heated seats ........................................ 2-24
Rear seat ................................................ 1-6
Self-adjusting brakes ................................. 8-26
Servicing air conditioner ............................ 4-11
Shifting
Manual transmission............................. 5-12
Shoulder belt height adjustment ................ 1-27
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-20
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-34
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-19
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Jump starting................................. 6-6, 8-18
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting........................................... 6-8
Starting the engine ................................. 5-7
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-15
Power steering system ......................... 5-18
10-4
ZX