warning light NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 L31 / 3.G User Guide

CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake and turn the ignition key to the ON
position without starting the engine. The
following lights come on:
,or,,,
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 the
system repaired promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
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, stopthe engineimmediatelyand call an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
The engine 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 ``Maintenance and
do-it-yourself'' section.
orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning lightSupplemental air bag warning light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsorAnti-lock brake warning lightLow fuel warning light
High beam indicator lightMalfunction indicator lamp
(emission system)Trunk open warning light
Charge warning lightEngine oil pressure warning lightTraction control off indicator light
Door open warning lightCRUISE main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Slip indicator light
Seat belt warning light and chimeCruise SET switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE
REMINDERS
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CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty. 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 the charging system is
not functioning properly. Turn the engine off
and check the generator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, 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.
Trunk open warning light
This light comes on when the trunk lid is not
securely closed while the ignition key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. The light illuminates when-
ever the ignition key is turned to ON, and
remains illuminated until the driver's seat
belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime
sounds for about seven seconds unless the
driver's 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 front air bag, supplemental side
air bag (if so equipped) and pre-tensioner seatbelt systems need servicing and your vehicle
must be taken to an authorized NISSAN
dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supple-
mental restraint system (air bag system)
and/or the pre-tensioner seat belts 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 or supplemental
side air bag system (if so equipped) or
pre-tensioner seat belt system will not
operate in an accident.
Instruments and controls
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Low washer fluid warning
light
This light comes on when the washer fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as neces-
sary. See the ``Maintenance and 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 ``Maintenance and do-it-
yourself'' section of this Owner's Manual.
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
because driving it could be danger-
ous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock portion
of the brake system is not functioning prop-erly. 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.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon
as it is convenient, preferably before the fuel
gauge reaches E (Empty).There will be a
small reserve of fuel in the tank when the
fuel gauge needle reaches E (Empty).
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The malfunction indicator lamp may stop
blinking and come on steady. Have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your ve-
hicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Traction control off indicator
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the light will illuminate. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the
traction control system (TCS) is operational.
If the light stays on or comes on when you
are driving, it may indicate the traction con-
trol system is not functioning properly. Have
the system checked by your NISSAN
dealer.The light comes on when the traction control
off switch is pushed to OFF. This indicates
the traction control system is not operating.
Push the traction control off switch again or
restart the engine and the system will oper-
ate normally. See ªTraction controlº in the
ª5. Starting and drivingº section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the traction
control system is limiting wheelspin. Slip-
pery road conditions may exist if the slip
indicator blinks on. If this happens, adjust
your driving accordingly.
The slip indicator light also comes on when
you turn the ignition key to ON. The light will
turn off after about 2 seconds if the system
is operational. If the light does not come on
or go off, have the traction control system
checked by your NISSAN dealer. The sys-
tem operates in all transmission shift lever
positions. But the system can upshift the
transmission only as high as the indicated
shift lever position.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
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.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver's door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch. Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch in the OFF position,
a chime sounds when the driver's door is
opened with the headlight switch on.
Turn the headlight switch OFF when leaving
the vehicle.
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SWITCH OPERATION
Push the lever down to operate the wind-
shield wipers. Pull the lever toward you to
operate the washer.
The intermittent operation speed is as fol-
lows:
cWhen the vehicle speed is continuously
low, so is the intermittent operation
speed.
cWhen the vehicle speed is continuously
high, so is the intermittent operation
speed.
LO: Continuous low speed operationHI: Continuous high speed operation
The wipers automatically cycle twice when
the washer is activated.
CAUTION
cDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
cDo not operate the washer if the
reservoir tank is empty.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer
solution may freeze on the windshield
and obscure your vision which may
lead to an accident. Warm the wind-
shield with the defroster before you
wash the windshield.To defog the rear window glass, start the
engine and push the rear window defogger
switch on. The rear window defogger indi-
cator light on the switch comes on. Push the
switch again to turn the defogger off.
The rear window defogger switch automati-
cally turns off after approximately 15 minutes.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inner side of the
window, be careful not to scratch or
damage the rear window defogger.
WIC0183LIC0170
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCHREAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-17
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NOTE: The top few rows of wires on the rear
window are not part of the rear window
defogging system. These wires make up the
antenna for the audio system.XENON HEADLIGHTS
WARNING
HIGH VOLTAGE
cWhen xenon headlights are on, they
produce a high voltage. To prevent
an electric shock, never attempt to
modify or disassemble. Always have
your xenon headlights replaced at
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
cXenon headlights provide consider-
ably more light than conventional
headlights. If they are not correctly
aimed, they might temporarily blind
an oncoming driver or the driver
ahead of you and cause a serious
accident. If headlights are not aimed
correctly, immediately take your ve-
hicle to an authorized NISSAN dealer
and have the headlights adjusted
correctly.When the xenon headlight is initially turned
on, its brightness or color varies slightly.
However, the color and brightness will soon
stabilize.
cThe life of xenon headlights will be
shortened by frequent on-off opera-
tion. It is generally desirable not to
turn off the headlights for short inter-
vals, (for example, when the vehicle
stops at a traffic signal). Even when
the daytime running lights are active
(Canada only), the xenon headlights
do not turn on. This way the life of the
xenon headlights is not reduced.
cIf the xenon headlight bulb is close to
burning out, the brightness will dras-
tically decrease, the light will start
blinking, or the color of the light will
become reddish. If one or more of the
above signs appear, contact a
NISSAN dealer.
HEADLIGHT AND TURN
SIGNAL SWITCH
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Instrument brightness control
The instrument cluster illuminates when the
ignition switch is in ON position.
The instrument brightness control operates
when the light switch is in the AUTO,
orposition.
Turn the control to adjust the brightness of
instrument panel lights when driving at night.
The instrument brightness control will not
adjust the brightness when the headlights or
parking lights are off.
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
theposition 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.
AUTOLAMP SYSTEM
(if so equipped)
The autolamp system allows the headlights
to be set so they turn on and off automati-
cally. The autolamp system can turn on the
headlights automatically when it is dark,
turn off the headlights when it is light, and
keep the headlights on for up to 45 seconds
after you turn the key to OFF and all doors
are closed.
If the ignition switch is turned OFF and one
of the doors is opened, the headlights re-
main ON for five minutes.
WIC0185LIC0135
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To set the autolamp system:
1. Make sure the headlight switch is in the
AUTO position.
2. Turn the ignition key to ON.
3. The autolamp system automatically turns
the headlights on and off.
To turn the autolamp system off, turn the
switch to the OFF,
,orposition.
Be sure you do not put anything on top
of the autolamp sensor located in the top
driver side of the instrument panel. The
autolamp sensor controls the autolamp;
if it is covered, the autolamp sensor
reacts as if it is dark out and the head-
lights will illuminate. If this occurs while
parked with the engine off and the key in
the ON position, your vehicle's battery
could become discharged.
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.
Normal operation of the fog lights in the
ON
position:
Headlight switch in the AUTO position;
daytime operation
cFog lights, marker and taillights come
ON.
cHeadlights do not come ON.
cDash readouts dim unless the dimmer
switch is on full bright.
cIf the ignition switch is in the OFF position
with the fog lights turned ON, a warning
chime will sound indicating the fog lights
LIC0173
FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if so
equipped)
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Push the switch on to warn other drivers
when you must stop or park under emer-
gency conditions. All turn signal lights flash.
WARNING
cIf stopping for an emergency, be
sure to move the vehicle well off the
road.cDo not use the switch while moving
on the highway unless unusual cir-
cumstances force you to drive so
slowly that your vehicle might be-
come a hazard to other traffic.
cTurn signals do not work when the
hazard warning flasher lights are on.
The flashers can be actuated with the igni-
tion switch either OFF or ON.
Some state laws may prohibit the use of
the hazard warning flasher switch while
driving.
To sound the horn, push the center pad
area of the steering wheel.
WARNING
Do not disassemble the horn. Doing so
could affect proper operation of the
supplemental front air bag system.
Tampering with the supplemental front
air bag system may result in serious
personal injury.
LIC0174WIC0119
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
SWITCHHORN
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cUse this power outlet with the engine
running. (If the engine is stopped,
this could result in a discharged bat-
tery.)
cAvoid using when the air conditioner,
headlights or rear window defogger is
on.
cBefore inserting or disconnecting a
plug, be sure the electrical accessory
being used is turned off.
cPush the plug in as far as it will go. If
good contact is not made, the plug
may overheat or the internal tempera-
ture fuse may blow.
cWhen not in use, be sure to close the
cap. Do not allow water to contact the
socket.
SEATBACK POCKETS (if so
equipped)
The seatback pockets are located on the
back of the driver and passenger seats. The
pockets can be used to store maps.
SEATBACK SIDE POCKETS (if so
equipped)
A seatback side pocket is located on the
inboard side of the front passenger seat.
SUNGLASSES CASE
The sunglasses case can be opened by
pushing the button.
WARNING
The sunglasses case should not be
used while driving so full attention may
be given to vehicle operation.
LIC0016LIC0137
STORAGE
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