length NISSAN ALTIMA 2002 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual

SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, because of body size or driving position, it
is not possible to properly fit the lap-shoulder
belt and fasten it, an extender is available
which is compatible with the installed seat
belts. The extender adds approximately 8
inches (200 mm) of length and may be used
for either the driver or front passenger seat-
ing position. See your NISSAN dealer for
assistance if an extender is required.
WARNING
cOnly NISSAN seat belt extenders,
made by the same company which
made the original equipment seat
belts, should be used with NISSAN
seat belts.
cAdults and children who can use the
standard seat belt should not use an
extender. Such unnecessary use
could result in serious personal in-
jury in the event of an accident.
Never use seat belt extenders to in-
stall child restraints. If the child re-
straint is not secured properly, the
child could be seriously injured in a
collision or a sudden stop.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
cTo clean the seat belt webbings,apply
a mild soap solution or any solution rec-
ommended for cleaning upholstery or
carpet. Then wipe with a cloth and allow
the seat belts to dry in the shade. Do not
allow the seat belts to retract until they
are completely dry.
cIf dirt builds up on the shoulder belt
guideof the seat belt anchors, the seat
belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoul-
der belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
cPeriodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal components,such
as buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible
wires and anchors, work properly. If
loose parts, deterioration, cuts or other
damage on the webbing is found, the
entire seat belt assembly should be re-
placed.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD
RESTRAINTS
WARNING
cInfants and small children should
always be placed in an appropriate
child restraint while riding in the ve-
hicle. Failure to use a child restraint
can result in serious injury or death.
cInfants and small children should
never be carried on your lap. It is not
possible for even the strongest adult
to resist the forces of a severe
ARS1098
CHILD RESTRAINTS
1-28Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

WARNING
cDo not leave children, impaired
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on
hot, sunny days, temperatures in a
closed vehicle could quickly become
high enough to cause severe or pos-
sibly fatal injuries to people or ani-
mals.
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.
EXHAUST GAS
(Carbon Monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbonmonoxide. Carbon monoxide is dan-
gerous. It can cause unconsciousness
or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.
cDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive with the
trunk lid open, follow these precau-
tions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation but-
ton (if so equipped) to the off
position and turn the fan control
dial to 4 (high) to circulate the air.cIf electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the trunk lid or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d.
You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust system.
Exhaust gases in the three-way catalyst are
burned at high temperatures to help reduce
pollutants.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
ZX

WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels
Steel All 2.5 models 16 x 6.5JJ
Aluminum All 3.5 models 17 x 7JJ
T type (Spare) 16 x 4T
Offset in (mm) 1.57 (40)
Tire size All 2.5 models 205/65R16
All 3.5 models 215/55R17
Spare tire T135/70R16
Spare tire T135/90R16
(1)
Spare tire
T135/90D16(1)
Speed Rating 2.5L T
3.5L A/T H
3.5L M/T V
(1) if so equipped
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Overall length in (mm) 191.5 (4,864)
Overall width in (mm) 70.4 (1,788)
Overall height in (mm) 57.9 (1,471)
Front tread in (mm) 61.0 (1,549)
Rear tread in (mm) 61.2 (1,554)
Wheelbase in (mm) 110.2 (2,799)
Gross vehicle weight rating lb (kg)
See the ``F.M.V.S.S.
certification label'' on
the driver side, center
door pillar. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
Technical and consumer information9-9
ZX

speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember, the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
or overdrive (automatic transmission).
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change the trans-
mission fluid more frequently. For addi-
tional information see the ``Maintenance
and do-it-yourself'' section earlier in this
manual.DOT (Department of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Tempera-
ture A
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-sent the tire's ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled condi-
tions on specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause tire material to degenerate, reducing
tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to
a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A
and B represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on laboratory test wheels than the
minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
9-18Technical and consumer information
ZX