air condition NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual

Table of
ContentsSeats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
Instruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and care
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Technical and consumer information
Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Supplemental front air bag system
The driver supplemental air bag is located in
the center of the steering wheel; the front
passenger supplemental air bag is mounted in
the dashboard above the glove box. Thesesystems are designed to meet optional certi-
fication requirements under U.S. regulations.
They are also permitted in Canada. The op-
tional certification allows front air bags to be
designed to inflate somewhat less forcefully
than previously.However, all of the informa-tion, cautions and warnings in this manual
still apply and must be followed.The front
air bags are designed to inflate in higher
severity frontal collisions, although they may
inflate if the forces in another type of collision
are similar to those of a higher severity frontal
impact. They may not inflate in certain frontal
collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not
always an indication of proper supplemental
air bag operation.
The supplemental air bag system has dual
stage inflators for both the driver and pas-
senger air bags. The system monitors infor-
mation from the crash zone sensor, the
diagnosis sensor unit and seat belt buckle
sensors that detect if the seat belts are
fastened. Inflator operation is based on the
severity of a collision and whether the seat
belts are being used.
When the supplemental front air bag in-
flates, a fairly loud noise may be heard,
followed by release of smoke. This smoke is
not harmful and does not indicate a fire.
Care should be taken not to inhale it, as it
may cause irritation and choking. Those
with a history of a breathing condition
should get fresh air promptly.
Supplemental front air bags, along with the
LRS0104
1-14Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

Supplemental side air bag and cur-
tain air bag system (if so equipped)
The supplemental side air bags are located
in the outside of the seatback of the front
seats. The supplemental curtain air bags
are located in the roof side rails. These
systems are designed to meet voluntary
guidelines to help reduce the risk of injury to
out-of-position occupants.However, all of
the information, cautions and warnings
in this manual still apply and must be
followed.The supplemental side air bags
and curtain air bags are designed to inflate
in higher severity side collisions, althoughthey may inflate if the forces in another type
of collision are similar to those of a higher
severity side impact. They are designed to
inflate on the side where the vehicle is
impacted. They may not inflate in certain
side collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of
it) is not always an indication of proper
supplemental side air bag operation.
When the supplemental side air bag and
curtain air bag inflate, a fairly loud noise
may be heard, followed by release of
smoke. This smoke is not harmful and does
not indicate a fire. Care should be taken not
to inhale it, as it may cause irritation and
choking. Those with a history of a breathing
condition should get fresh air promptly.
Supplemental side air bags, along with the
use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact
force on the chest of the front occupants.
Curtain air bags help to cushion the impact
force to the head of occupants in the front
and rear outboard seating positions. They
can help save lives and reduce serious
injuries. However, an inflating side air bag
and curtain air bag may cause abrasions or
other injuries. Supplemental side air bags
and curtain air bags do not provide restraint
to the lower body.The seat belts should be correctly worn and
the driver and passenger seated upright as
far as practical away from the side air bag.
Rear seat passengers should be seated as
far away as practical from the door finishers
and side roof rails. The side air bags and
curtain air bag inflate quickly in order to help
protect the front occupants. Because of this,
the force of the side air bag and curtain air
bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if
the occupant is too close to, or is against,
these air bag modules during inflation. The
side air bag and curtain air bag will deflate
quickly after the collision is over.
After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warn-
ing light illuminates. The air bag warning
light will turn off after about 7 seconds if
the system is operational.
WARNING
cDo not place any objects near the
seatback of the front seats. Also, do
not place any objects (an umbrella,
bag, etc.) between the front door
finisher and the front seat. Such ob-
jects may become dangerous pro-
jectiles and cause injury if the side
air bag inflates.
LRS0105
1-16Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

the pre-tensioner seat belt system.
cIf you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, con-
tact an authorized NISSAN retailer.
Correct pre-tensioner disposal pro-
cedures are set forth in the appropri-
ate NISSAN Service Manual. Incor-
rect disposal procedures could
cause personal injury.
The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tem activates in conjunction with the supple-
mental front air bag. Working with the seat
belt retractor, it helps tighten the seat belt
the instant the vehicle becomes involved in
certain types of collisions, thereby restrain-
ing seat occupants.
The pre-tensioner is encased with the seat
belt's retractor. These seat belts are used
the same as conventional seat belts.
When the pre-tensioner seat belt activates,
smoke is released and a loud noise may be
heard. The smoke is not harmful, but care
should be taken not to inhale it as it may
cause irritation and choking. Those with a
history of a breathing condition should get
fresh air promptly.If any abnormality occurs in the pre-
tensioner system, the supplemental air bag
warning light
will not come on, will
flash intermittently or will turn on for 7
seconds and remain on after the ignition key
has been turned to the ON or START posi-
tion. In this case, the pre-tensioner seat belt
may not function properly. They must be
checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to
the nearest authorized NISSAN Retailer.
When selling your vehicle, we request that
you inform the buyer about the pre-
tensioner seat belt system and guide the
buyer to the appropriate sections in this
Owner's Manual.
1-18Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

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 and curtain air bag (if so
equipped) and pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tems need servicing:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental
front air bag, supplemental side air bags
and curtain air bag (if so equipped) or
pre-tensioner seat belt systems may not
operate properly. It must be checked and
repaired. Take your vehicle to the nearest
authorized NISSAN dealer.WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental front air bag, supplemen-
tal side air bag, curtain air bag systems
(if so equipped) and/or pre-tensioner
seat belt systems will not operate in an
accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental front air bags, supple-
mental side air bags, curtain air bags and
pretensioner seat belts are designed to in-
flate on a one-time-only basis. As a re-
minder, unless it is damaged, the supple-
mental air bag light remains illuminated
after inflation has occurred. Repair and re-
placement of these supplemental air bag
systems should be done only by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental front air bags,
supplemental side air bags, pre-tensioner
seat belts and related parts should be
pointed out to the person conducting the
maintenance. The ignition key should al-
ways be in the LOCK position when working
under the hood or inside the vehicle.
WARNING
cOnce the supplemental front air bag,
supplemental side air bag or curtain
air bag has inflated, the air bag mod-
ule will not function again and must
be replaced. Additionally, if any of
the supplemental air bags inflate, the
pre-tensioner seat belts must also
be replaced. The air bag module and
pre-tensioner seat belt system
should be replaced by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. The air bag module
and pre-tensioner seat belt system
cannot be repaired.
cThe supplemental front air bag,
supplemental side air bag and cur-
tain air bag systems should be in-
spected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer if there is any damage to the
front end or side portion of the ve-
hicle.
cIf you need to dispose of a supple-
mental air bag, pre-tensioner seat
belt system or scrap the vehicle,
contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Correct supplemental air bag
and pre-tensioner seat belt system
1-20Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

1. Headlight and turn signal switch
2. Meters and gauges
3. Windshield wiper/washer switch
4. Center ventilator
5. Audio system
6. Front passenger supplemental air bag
7. Glove box
8. Heater and air conditioner
9. Hazard warning flasher switch
10. Power point
11. Rear window defogger switch
12. Cruise control main/set switch
13. Driver supplemental air bag
14. Steering wheel switch for audio control
15. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel lever
16. Traction control system (TLS) cancel
switch
17. Instrument brightness control
18. Outside mirror remote control
LIC0161
INSTRUMENT PANEL
2-2Instruments and controls
ZX

in the speedometer display. When the igni-
tion is turned to ON, the display scrolls all
the modes of the trip computer and then
shows the mode chosen before the ignition
switch is turned OFF.
If the battery terminal is disconnected,
push the trip computer mode switch
more than 1 second to activate the com-
puter.
When the ignition switch is turned to ON,
modes of the trip computer can be selected
by pushing the trip mode switch on the
steering wheel switch for audio controls or
by the trip computer change button. The
following modes can be selected:
Outside air temperature (ICY±ÉF or
ÉC)
The outside air temperature is displayed in
ÉF or ÉC.
The outside air temperature mode includes
a low temperature warning feature: below
37ÉF (3ÉC), the outside air temperaturemode is automatically selected and ICY will
illuminate in order to draw the driver's atten-
tion. Press the mode switch if you wish to
return to the mode that was selected before
the warning occurred. The ICY indicator will
continue blinking as long as the tempera-
ture remains below 39ÉF (4ÉC).
The ambient temperature sensor is located
in front of the radiator. The sensor may be
affected by road or engine heat, wind direc-
tions and other driving conditions. The dis-
play may differ from the actual ambient
temperature or the temperature displayed
on various signs or billboards.
Distance to empty (dte±mile or km)
The distance to empty (dte) mode provides
you with an estimation of the distance that
can be driven before refueling. The dte is
constantly being calculated, based on the
amount of fuel in the fuel tank and the actual
fuel consumption.
The display is updated every 30 seconds.
The dte mode inlcudes a low range warning
feature: when the fuel level is low, the dte
mode is automatically selected and the dig-
its blink in order to draw the driver's atten-
tion. Press the mode switch if you wish to
WIC0159
2-4Instruments and controls
ZX

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
2-9
ZX

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.
2-12Instruments and controls
ZX

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
Instruments and controls2-23
ZX