fuel NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 L31 / 3.G Owner's Guide

WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose- down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cBe certain your rear view mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion, first block the wheels and apply the
parking brake, and then move the shift
lever into the P position. If you move the
shift lever to the P position before block-
ing the wheels and applying the parking
brake, transmission damage could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the airconditioner system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500
miles (800 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
this, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will ad-
versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When
being passed by larger vehicles, be pre-
pared for possible changes in crosswinds
that could affect vehicle handling. If
swaying does occur, firmly grip the steer-
ing wheel, steer straight ahead, and im-
mediately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
Technical and consumer information
9-17
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

Recommended fuel:
For 2.5L engine
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number
91).
For 3.5L engine
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number
91).
For improved vehicle performance, NISSAN
recommends the use of unleaded premium
gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91
AKI number (Research octane number 96).
Recommended engine oil:
cAPI Certification Mark
cAPI grade SG/SH Energy Conserving I &
II or API grade SJ Energy Conserving
cILSAC grade GF-1 & GF-II
c5W-30 Viscosity preferred
See ``Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion'' in the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section.
Tire cold pressure:
See the tire placard located under the cen-
ter console lid.
Recommended new vehicle
break-in procedure:
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations
outlined in the ªBREAK-IN SCHEDULE In-
formation found in the ªStarting and Drivingº
section of this Owner's Manual. Follow
these recommendations for the future reli-
ability and economy of your new vehicle.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
ZX