hood release NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual

3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys .......................................................................3-2
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS) keys .......................................................3-2
Doors ......................................................................3-2
Locking with key ................................................3-3
Locking with inside lock knob............................3-3
Locking with power door lock switch.................3-4
Child safety rear door lock ................................3-4
Remote keyless entry system (if so equipped)......3-5
How to use remote keyless entry
system ...............................................................3-5
Battery replacement ..........................................3-8
Hood .......................................................................3-9
Trunk lid................................................................3-10
Opener operation ............................................3-10Key operation ..................................................3-11
Interior trunk lid release...................................3-11
Fuel filler lid ..........................................................3-12
Opener operation ............................................3-12
Fuel filler cap ...................................................3-12
Steering wheel .....................................................3-13
Tilt operation ....................................................3-13
Telescopic operation .......................................3-14
Sun visors.............................................................3-14
Vanity mirrors ..................................................3-14
Mirrors ..................................................................3-15
Inside mirror.....................................................3-15
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror
(if so equipped)................................................3-15
Outside mirror remote control .........................3-16
ZX

cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference re-
ceived including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
1. Pull the hood lock release handle
s1
located below the driver side instrument
panel; the hood springs up slightly.
2. Lift the lever
s2at the front of the hood
with your fingertips and raise the hood.3. Remove the support rod
s3from the
clamp.
4. Insert the support rod
s4into the slot on
the passenger side fender ledge.
5. When closing the hood, return the sup-
LPD0072
HOOD
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-9
ZX

port rod to its original position, lower the
hood to approximately 12 inches above
the latch and release it. This allows
proper engagement of the hood latch.
WARNING
cMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the
hood to fly open and result in an
accident.
cIf you see steam or smoke coming
from the engine compartment, to
avoid injury do not open the hood.
OPENER OPERATION
WARNING
cDo not drive with the trunk lid open.
This could allow dangerous exhaust
gases to be drawn into the vehicle.
See ``Exhaust gas'' in the ``Starting
and driving'' section of this manual.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.
The trunk lid opener lever is located below
the armrest of the driver's door trim panel.
To open the trunk lid, pull the opener lever
out.
To close the trunk lid, lower and push the
trunk lid down securely.
WPD0105
TRUNK LID
3-10Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX

parking brake is weakened or whenever the
parking brake shoes and/or drums are re-
placed, in order to assure the best braking
performance.
This procedure is described in the Vehicle
service manual and can be performed by
your NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
c
While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerating
or downshifting. Abrupt braking or
accelerating could cause the wheels
to skid and result in an accident.
cIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As a
result, your braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedalto heat-up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
The anti-lock brake system installed in
some models controls the brakes at each
wheel so the wheels do not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slip-
pery surfaces. The system detects the rota-
tion speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing
wheel lockup, the system helps the driver
maintain steering control and helps to mini-
mize swerving and spinning on slippery
surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not oper-
ate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10
km/h). The speeds vary according to road
conditions. When the anti-lock system
senses that one or more wheels are close to
locking up, the actuator (under the hood)
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise or vibration from the actuator under
the hood. This is normal and indicates that
the anti-lock system is working properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that
road conditions are hazardous and extra
care is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system is sophisticated,
with electronic sensors, electric pumps, and
hydraulic solenoids controlled by a com-
puter. The computer has a built-in diagnos-
tic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle at
a low speed in forward or reverse. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a ``clunk''
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
Starting and driving
5-19
ZX

During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should be
performed regularly as prescribed in this
section. If you detect any unusual sounds,
vibrations or smells, be sure to check for the
cause or have an authorized NISSAN
dealer do it promptly. In addition, you should
notify an authorized NISSAN dealer if you
think that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the precau-
tions in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found later in this sec-
tion.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge at
least once a month and always prior to long
distance trips, including the spare, and ad-
just to the specified pressure if necessary.Check carefully for damage, cuts or exces-
sive wear.
Wheel nuts*When checking the tires, make
sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check for
any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be
a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
WindshieldClean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-
age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and hoodCheck that the doors and
the hood operate properly. Also ensure that
all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges,
latches, latch pins, rollers and links as nec-essary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
ZX

If you wax the surface of the hood, be
careful not to let wax get into the washer
nozzle. This may cause clogging or im-
proper windshield washer operation. If wax
gets into the nozzle, remove it with a needle
or small pin.
CHECKING PARKING BRAKE
From the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the
number of clicks is out of the range listed
above, see an authorized NISSAN dealer.
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
With the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and
the metal floor. If it is out of the range shown
above, see an authorized NISSAN dealer.
ADI0613
LDI0085WDI0129
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-25
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