phone NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual
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NISSAN CARES...
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are
our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.
However, if there is something that your NISSAN
dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to
provide NISSAN directly with comments or ques-
tions, please contact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs
Department using our toll-free number:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
1-800-NISSAN-1
(1-800-647-7261)
For Hawaii customers1-808-836-0888 (Oahu Number)
For Canadian customers1-800-387-0122
The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the
following information:
– Your name, address, and telephone number
– Vehicle identification number (attached to the
top of the instrument panel on the driver’s
side)
– Date of purchase
– Current odometer reading
– Your NISSAN dealer’s name
– Your comments or questions
ORYou can write to NISSAN with the information at:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, California 90248-0191
For Hawaii customersNissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii
2880 Kilihau St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
For Canadian customersNissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.
NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM
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The vehicle should be driven with the Traction
Control System (TCS) on for most driving condi-
tions.
When the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the
TCS reduces the engine output to reduce wheel
spin. The engine speed will be reduced even if
the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If maxi-
mum engine power is needed to free a stuck
vehicle, turn the TCS off.To turn off the TCS, push the TCS OFF switch.
The
indicator will come on.
Push the “TCS OFF” switch again or restart the
engine and the system will operate normally. See
“Traction control system (TCS)” in the “Starting
and driving” section.
The power outlets are for powering electrical
accessories such as cellular telephones. They
are rated at 12 Volts 120 Watts maximum.
CAUTION
cThe outlet and plug may be hot during
or immediately after use.
cThis power outlet is not designed for
use with a cigarette lighter unit.
LIC0134
Instrument panel
WIC0276
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)POWER OUTLET
2-26Instruments and controls
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CONSOLE BOX
WARNING
The center console box should not be
used while driving so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
CAUTION
cThis power outlet is not designed for
use with a cigarette lighter unit.
cDo not use accessories that exceed 12
volt, 120W (10A) power draw. Do not use
double adapters or more than one elec-
trical accessory.
Armrest
Push the button to elevate the armrest. To return
armrest to regular position, push armrest rear-
ward until locked.
Upper half
Pull up on the lever to open the upper half of the
console box. The rubber mat may be removed for
cleaning.
The upper half of the console box may be used for
storage of cellular phones. An access hole is
provided at the bottom of the upper half of the
console box for phone cord routing to the power
socket.
To route a phone cord to the power socket:
1. Open the upper half of the console box.
2. Remove the rubber mat, and then remove
the cutout area from the mat.
WIC0283WIC0281
2-30Instruments and controls
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3. Remove the access hole cover.
4. Install the rubber mat.
5. Route the phone cord through the access
hole and plug into the power socket.
Lower half
Pull up on the lever to open the lower half of the
console box. A power socket is located inside the
console box and there is storage for compact
discs.
COVERED STORAGE BOX
Push the bottom center of the lid to open.
WIC0282WIC0284
Instruments and controls2-31
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PROGRAMMING TROUBLE-
DIAGNOSIS
If the HomeLinkTdoes not quickly learn the hand-
held transmitter information:
creplace the hand-held transmitter batteries
with new batteries.
cposition the hand-held transmitter with its
battery area facing away from the
HomeLinkTsurface.
cpress and hold both the HomeLinkTand
hand-held transmitter buttons without inter-
ruption.
cposition the hand-held transmitter 1- 3
inches (26 - 76 mm) away from the
HomeLinkTsurface. Hold the transmitter in
that position for up to 15 seconds. If
HomeLinkTis not programmed within that
time, try holding the transmitter in another
position – keeping the indicator light in view
at all times.
If you continue to have programming difficulties,
please contact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs
Department. The phone numbers are located in
the Foreword of this manual.
CLEARING THE PROGRAMMED
INFORMATION
Individual buttons cannot be cleared. However,
to clear all programming, press and hold the two
outside buttons and release when the indicator
light begins to flash (approximately 20 seconds) .
ROLLING CODE PROGRAMMING
Rolling code garage door openers (or other roll-
ing code devices) which are “code protected”
and manufactured after 1996, may be deter-
mined by the following:
cReference the garage door opener Owner’s
Manual for verification.
cThe hand-held transmitter appears to pro-
gram the HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver
but does not activate the garage door.
cPress and hold the trained HomeLinkTbut-
ton. If the garage door opener has the rolling
code feature, the HomeLinkTindicator light
will flash rapidly, then remains on after 2
seconds.
To program the HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver
to a garage door opener with the rolling code
feature, follow these instructions after completing
the “Programming HomeLink” (the aid of a sec-
ond person may make the following procedures
quicker and easier) .1. Locate the training button on the garage
door opener motor unit. Exact location and
color of the button may vary by garage door
opener brand. If there is difficulty locating
the training button, reference the garage
door opener Owner’s Manual.
2. Press the training button on the garage door
opener motor until (which may activate a
training light) .
NOTE:
Following step 2, there are 30 seconds in
which to initiate step 3.
3. Firmly press and release the programmed
HomeLinkTbutton a second time to com-
plete the training process. (Some garage
door openers may require you to do this
procedure a third time to complete the train-
ing.)
The garage door opener should now recognize
the HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver and acti-
vate when the HomeLinkTbutton is pressed. The
remaining two buttons may now be programmed
(if not yet programmed, follow steps 2 through 4
in the “Programming HomeLinkT” procedures
earlier in this section) .
2-40Instruments and controls
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4 Heater, air conditioner and audio
systems
Ventilators........................................4-2
Center ventilators...............................4-2
Side ventilators.................................4-2
Heater and air conditioner (manual)..................4-3
Controls.......................................4-3
Heater operation...............................4-4
Air conditioner operation (if so equipped).........4-5
Air flow charts..................................4-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)..............4-10
Automatic operation...........................4-11
Manual operation..............................4-11
Operating tips.................................4-12
Servicing air conditioner...........................4-12Audio system....................................4-13
Radio........................................4-13
FM radio reception............................4-13
AM radio reception............................4-13
Audio operation precautions....................4-14
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD) player......4-15
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer (if so equipped).......................4-20
CD care and cleaning..........................4-27
Steering wheel switch for audio control
(if so equipped)...............................4-27
Antenna......................................4-28
Car phone or CB radio............................4-28
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RADIO
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position
and press the power on switch to turn the radio
on. If you listen to the radio with the engine not
running, the key should be turned to the ACC
position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains and other external influ-
ences. Intermittent changes in reception quality
normally are caused by these external influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the ve-
hicle may influence radio reception quality.
Radio reception
Your NISSAN radio system is equipped with
state-of-the-art electronic circuits to enhance ra-
dio reception. These circuits are designed to
extend reception range, and to enhance the qual-
ity of that reception.
However there are some general characteristics
of both FM and AM radio signals that can affect
radio reception quality in a moving vehicle, even
when the finest equipment is used. These char-
acteristics are completely normal in a given re-
ception area, and do not indicate any malfunction
in your NISSAN radio system.Reception conditions will constantly change be-
cause of vehicle movement. Buildings, terrain,
signal distance and interference from other ve-
hicles can work against ideal reception. De-
scribed below are some of the factors that can
affect your radio reception.
FM RADIO RECEPTION
Range: FM range is normally limited to 25 - 30
miles (40 - 48 km) , with monaural (single chan-
nel) FM having slightly more range than stereo
FM. External influences may sometimes interfere
with FM station reception even if the FM station is
within 25 miles (40 km) . The strength of the FM
signal is directly related to the distance between
the transmitter and receiver. FM signals follow a
line-of-sight path, exhibiting many of the same
characteristics as light. For example they will
reflect off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away from
a station transmitter, the signals will tend to fade
and/or drift.
Static and flutter: During signal interference from
buildings, large hills or due to antenna position
(usually in conjunction with increased distance
from the station transmitter) static or flutter can
be heard. This can be reduced by adjusting the
treble control to reduce treble response.Multipath reception: Because of the reflective
characteristics of FM signals, direct and reflected
signals reach the receiver at the same time. The
signals may cancel each other, resulting in mo-
mentary flutter or loss of sound.
AM RADIO RECEPTION
AM signals, because of their low frequency, can
bend around objects and skip along the ground.
In addition, the signals can be bounced off the
ionosphere and bent back to earth. Because of
these characteristics, AM signals are also sub-
ject to interference as they travel from transmitter
to receiver.
Fading: Occurs while the vehicle is passing
through freeway underpasses or in areas with
many tall buildings. It can also occur for several
seconds during ionospheric turbulence even in
areas where no obstacles exist.
Static: Caused by thunderstorms, electrical
power lines, electric signs and even traffic lights.
AUDIO SYSTEM
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-13
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Change disc (CD) (if so equipped):
Push the tuning switch
orfor more
than 1.5 seconds to change the playing disc up
or down.
ANTENNA
Window antenna
The antenna pattern is printed inside the rear
window.
CAUTION
cDo not place metalized film near the
rear window glass or attach any metal
parts to it. This may cause poor recep-
tion or noise.
cWhen cleaning the inside of the rear
window, be careful not to scratch or
damage the rear window antenna.
Lightly wipe along the antenna with a
dampened soft cloth.When installing a CB, ham radio or car phone in
your NISSAN, be sure to observe the following
cautions, otherwise the new equipment may ad-
versely affect the MFI (Multiport Fuel Injection)
system and other electronic parts.
WARNING
cA cellular telephone should not be used
while driving so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation. Some juris-
dictions prohibit the use of cellular tele-
phones while driving.
cIf you must make a call while your ve-
hicle is in motion, the hands free cellu-
lar phone operational mode (if so
equipped) is highly recommended. Ex-
ercise extreme caution at all times so
full attention may be given to vehicle
operation.
cIf a conversation in a moving vehicle
requires you to take notes, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop your
vehicle before doing so.
CAUTION
cKeep the antenna as far away as pos-
sible from the Engine Control Module
(ECM) .cKeep the antenna wire more than 8 in
(20 cm) away from the Multiport Fuel
Injection harness. Do not route the an-
tenna wire next to any harness.
cAdjust the antenna standing-wave ratio
as recommended by the manufacturer.
cConnect the ground wire from the CB
radio chassis to the body.
cFor details, consult a NISSAN dealer.
CAR PHONE OR CB RADIO
4-28Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Owner’s Manualsfor the 2003 model
year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:
DDS Distribution Service, Ltd.
20770 Westwood Road
Strongsville, OH 44136
1-800-247-5321
For Canada
To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN Ser-
vice Manual or Owner’s Manual please contact
your nearest NISSAN dealer. For the phone num-
ber and location of a NISSAN dealer in your area
call the NISSAN Information Center at 1-800-
387-0122 and a bilingual NISSAN representa-
tive will assist you.
Also available are genuine NISSAN Service and
Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models.
IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION
Unfortunately, accidents do occur. In this unlikely
event, there is some important information you
should know.
Many insurance companies routinely authorize
the use of non-genuine collision parts in order to
cut costs, among other reasons.
Insist on the use of genuine NISSAN
collision parts!
If you want your vehicle to be restored using parts
made to NISSAN’s original exacting specifica-
tions – if you want to help it to last and hold its
resale value, the solution is simple.Tell your
insurance agent and your repair shop to
only use Genuine NISSAN Collision Parts.
NISSAN does not warrant non-NISSAN parts,
nor does NISSAN’s warranty apply to damage
caused by a non-genuine part.
Using Genuine NISSAN Parts can help protect
your personal safety, preserve your warranty pro-
tection and maintain the resale value of your
vehicle. And if your vehicle was leased, using
Genuine NISSAN Parts may prevent or limit un-
necessary excess wear and tear expenses at the
end of your lease.
NISSAN designs its hoods with crumple zones to
minimize the risk that the hood will penetrate the
windshield of your vehicle in an accident. Non-
genuine (imitation) parts may not provide such
built in safeguards. Also, non-genuine parts often
show premature wear, rust and corrosion.
Why should you take a chance?
In over 40 states, the law says you must be
advised if non-genuine parts are used to repair
your vehicle. And some states have enacted laws
that restrict insurance companies from authoriz-
ing the use of non-genuine collision parts during
the new vehicle warranty. These laws help pro-
tect you, so you can take action to protect your-
self.
It’s your right!
If you should need further information visit us at:
www.nissanusa.com.
Technical and consumer information9-21
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10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)......................1-8
Air bag warning light...........1-20, 2-10
Air cleaner housing filter............8-22
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service...........4-12
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-3, 4-11
Servicing air conditioner..........4-12
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-12
Anchor point locations.............1-38
Antenna.....................4-28
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-8
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-12
Audio system..................4-13
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-20
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-15
Radio....................4-13
Autolight switch.................2-20Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-34
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock release . .5-9
B
Battery......................8-18
Charge warning light.............2-9
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system). . . .3-8, 8-30
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-20
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-18
Brake booster................8-27
Brake fluid..................8-16
Brake light (See stop light).........8-33
Brake pedal.................8-26
Brake system................5-17
Brake warning light..............2-9
Brake wear indicators........2-12, 8-27
Parking brake check............8-26
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Self-adjusting brakes............8-27
Break-in schedule................5-14
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-22
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-8
Bulb replacement................8-33C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-28
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-27
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light)........2-11
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-38
Child restraints.......1-24, 1-25, 1-30, 1-37
Precautions on child restraints.......1-30
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-38
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-12
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-16, 4-21
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-17
Cold weather driving..............5-20
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls .4-3, 4-11
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..................5-13
Cup holders...................2-28
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