service NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 2003, Model line: ALTIMA, Model: NISSAN ALTIMA 2003 L31 / 3.GPages: 256, PDF Size: 3.34 MB
Page 1 of 256
Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilome-
ters) of driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
explains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle. The “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide” explains details
about maintaining and servicing your ve-
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle
best. When you require any service or have any
questions, they will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to them.Before driving your vehicle please read this Own-
er’s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity
with controls and maintenance requirements, as-
sisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RE-
MINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and complete trip for
you and your passengers!
cNEVER drive under the influence of al-
cohol or drugs.
cALWAYS observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for conditions.
cALWAYS use your seat belts and appro-
priate child restraint systems. Preteen
children should be seated in the rear
seat.
cALWAYS provide information about the
proper use of vehicle safety features to
all occupants of the vehicle.
cALWAYS review this owner’s manual for
important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification could affect its
performance, safety or durability, and
may even violate governmental
regulations. In addition, damage or per-
formance problems resulting from
modifications may not be covered un-
der NISSAN warranties.
FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY
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The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
Page 3 of 256
Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical
transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a suc-
cessful worldwide company that manufactures cars
and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them
in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world-
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest
automaker in the world. In addition to cars and
trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks, marine
engines, boats and other diversified products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing in-
vestment in North America. NISSAN’s commitment
is over $6 billion dollars in capital investments in
facilities across the continent. Some of the facilities
include the Nissan Manufacturing facilities in Can-
ton, Mississippi and in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehiclestyling design at Nissan Design America, Inc. in San
Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan Tech-
nical Center North America in Farmington Hills,
Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN employs nearly
19,000 people throughout the United States,
Canada, and Mexico. An additional 60,000 people
work for the 1,250 NISSAN and INFINITI dealers
across North America.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its suppli-
ers and over 150 dealers employ approximately
4,500 people. These include company employees
and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all across Canada.
In addition, many Canadians work for companies
that supply NISSAN and NISSAN dealers with ma-
terials and services ranging from the operation of
port facilities and transportation services, to the
supply of lubricants, parts and accessories.NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and com-
puters in automobiles, and has led the industry in
improving both performance and fuel efficiency
through new engine designs and the use of syn-
thetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The com-
pany has also developed ways to build quality into its
vehicles at each stage of the production process,
both through extensive use of automation and —
most importantly — through an awareness that
people
are the central element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers
until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, dozens
of checks were made to ensure that only the best job
was being done in producing and delivering your
vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to ensure that
when you take your NISSAN to your dealer for
maintenance, the service technician will perform his
work according to the quality standards that have
been established by NISSAN.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As you
know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety
systems that will help protect you and your passen-
gers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.
We urge you to use the seat belts every time you
drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement re-
flects our major goal: to provide you, our customer,
with a vehicle that is built with quality and craftsman-
ship — a product that we can be proud to build and
you can be proud to own.
WFW0002
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NISSAN
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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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Page 25 of 256
Pre-tensioner seat belt system (For
front seats)
WARNING
cThe pre-tensioner seat belt cannot be
reused after activation. It must be re-
placed together with the retractor and
buckle as a unit.
cIf the vehicle becomes involved in a
frontal collision but the pre-tensioner is
not activated, be sure to have the pre-
tensioner system checked and, if nec-
essary, replaced by your NISSAN
dealer.
cNo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the pre-tensioner seat belt system. This
is to prevent accidental activation of
the pre-tensioner seat belt or damage
to the pre-tensioner seat belt operation.
Tampering with the pre-tensioner seat
belt system may result in serious per-
sonal injury.cWork around and on the pre-tensioner
system should be done by a NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical equip-
ment should also be done by a NISSAN
dealer. Unauthorized electrical test
equipment and probing devices should
not be used on the pre-tensioner seat
belt system.
cIf you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, contact a
NISSAN dealer. Correct pre-tensioner
disposal procedures are set forth in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.
Incorrect disposal procedures could
cause personal injury.
The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system
activates in conjunction with the supplemental
front air bag. Working with the seat belt retractor,
it helps tighten the seat belt the instant the ve-
hicle becomes involved in certain types of colli-
sions, thereby restraining 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.
This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a
fire. Care should be taken not to inhale it, as it maycause 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
lightwill not come on, will flash intermit-
tently or will turn on for 7 seconds and remain on
after the ignition key has been turned to the ON or
START position. In this case, the pre-tensioner
seat belt may not function properly. They must be
checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to the
nearest NISSAN dealer.
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.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-19
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WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemental
front air bag, supplemental side air bag,
curtain side-impact 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, supplemental
side air bags, curtain side-impact air bags (if so
equipped) and pre-tensioner seat belts are de-
signed to inflate on a one-time-only basis. As a
reminder, unless it is damaged, the supplemental
air bag warning light remains illuminated after
inflation has occurred. Repair and replacement of
these supplemental air bag systems should be
done only by a NISSAN dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the ve-
hicle, the supplemental front air bags, supple-
mental side air bags, curtain side-impact air bags
(if so equipped) , pre-tensioner seat belts and
related parts should be pointed out to the person
performing the maintenance. The ignition key
should always be in the LOCK position when
working under the hood or inside the vehicle.
WARNING
cOnce a supplemental front air bag,
supplemental side air bag or curtain
side-impact air bag has inflated, the air
bag module will not function again and
must be replaced. Additionally, if any of
the supplemental front air bags inflate,
the activated pre-tensioner seat belts
must also be replaced. The air bag mod-
ule and pre-tensioner seat belt system
should be replaced by a NISSAN dealer.
The air bag module and pre-tensioner
seat belt system cannot be repaired.
cThe supplemental front air bag, side air
bag and curtain side-impact air bag sys-
tems, and the pre-tensioner seat belt
system should be inspected by a
NISSAN dealer if there is any damage to
the front end or side portion of the
vehicle.
cIf you need to dispose of the supple-
mental air bag, pre-tensioner seat belt
system or scrap the vehicle, contact a
NISSAN dealer. Correct supplemental
air bag and pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tem disposal procedures are set forth in
the appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures
could cause personal injury.
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-21
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Page 57 of 256
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is applied,
and also warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake and clutch fluid” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
brake system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
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 in the ON
position.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See “Engine
oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the fuel
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is conve-
nient, preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty) .There will be a small reserve of fuel
in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E (Empty) .
Instruments and controls2-9
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If the light still remains on and/or the en-
gine will not start, see a NISSAN dealer for
NVIS service as soon as possible. Please
bring all NVIS keys that you have when
visiting your NISSAN dealer for service.
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
The vehicle security system provides visual and
audio alarm signals if parts of the vehicle are
disturbed.
Security indicator light (Vehicle secu-
rity system)
The security indicator lights1is located on the
instrument panel near the windshield.
The security indicator light shows the status of
the vehicle security system.
The light operates whenever the ignition switch is
in the LOCK, OFF, or ACC position.
The vehicle security system has four phases. For
each phase the operation of the security indicator
light is different.
How to arm the vehicle security sys-
tem
1. Close all windows.(The system can be
armed even if the windows are open.)
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
WIC0270
LIC0053
2-14Instruments and controls
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— Air flows from center and side
ventilators.
— Air flows from center and side
ventilators and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
— Air flows from defroster and foot
outlets.
To turn system off
Push the OFF button.
OPERATING TIPS
cWhen the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. However, this is
not a malfunction. After the coolant tempera-
ture warms up, air flow from the foot outlets
will operate normally.The sunload sensor, located on the top passen-
ger side of the instrument panel, helps the system
maintain a constant temperature. Do not put any-
thing on or around this sensor.The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. See “Air conditioner system refrigerant
and lubricant recommendations” in the “Techni-
cal and consumer information” section of this
manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equipment.
WHA0209
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
4-12Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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Storing Travel Preset stations in permanent
memory
1. While in Travel Preset mode, press and hold
the TRAVEL preset button until it beeps (>3
seconds) .
2. The presets are transferred from Travel Pre-
set memory to the permanent preset
memory for A, B, and C.“PRESETS
LOADED”is displayed.
3. The TRAVEL preset indicator turns off.
RDS (radio data system)
RDS stands for Radio Data System, and is a data
information service transmitted by some radio
stations on the FM band (not AM band) encoded
within a regular radio broadcast. Currently, most
RDS stations are in large cities, but many stations
are now considering broadcasting RDS data.
RDS can display:
cStation call sign, such as “WHFR 98.3”.
cStation name, such as “The Groove”.
cMusic or programming type, such as “Clas-
sical”, “Country”, or “Rock”.
cTraffic reports about delays or construction.
If the station broadcasts RDS information the
RDS icon is displayed. The RDS information willbe displayed according to the option chosen in
the RDS setup mode. (FM & RDS is the default.)
Press the RDS button again to display the fre-
quency for 3 seconds. The radio will then return
to the normal display. If the station does not
broadcast RDS information, the RDS icon will not
be displayed.
Setting RDS mode
Press and hold the MENU button (>2 seconds)
until the radio beeps to start the editing mode.
Press the MENU button until the display shows
“RDS TRAFFIC”. This display will last 2 sec-
onds and then change to“TRAFFIC-OFF”.
Press TUNE/FF-REV (or) to toggle
the RDS traffic mode from “OFF” to “ON”. Press
the RDS button again to set your RDS mode
selection.
The display changes to“RDS DISPLAY”. This
display will last 2 seconds and then change to
“SHOW”. Press TUNE/FF-REV (
or) to switch between the following RDS
display modes:
c“FM & RDS”: the radio display will show the
station’s broadcast frequency and the sta-
tion’s name.
c“RDS ONLY”: the radio display will show the
station’s name only.c“RDS TEMP”: the radio display will show the
station’s name for 5 seconds and then dis-
play only the radio station’s broadcast fre-
quency.
PTY (program type)
PTY can be used to search for a certain program
type. Certain areas have a limited number of
stations that transmit RDS. Many stations trans-
mit call letters and frequencies only. Searching or
scanning by program type may yield a limited
number of selections.
1. Press the MIX·PTY button. The display
changes from“RDS PTY SEARCH”to
“SELECT BY TUNE”.
2. Press TUNE/FF-REV (
or)
up/down button to choose a specific pro-
gram type:
ROCK, CLASSIC ROCK, SOFT ROCK,
TOP 40, COUNTRY, JAZZ, CLASSICAL,
OLDIES, NEWS, SPORTS, TALK, ANY
3. Press the SEEK (
or) or SCAN
button to search for the next station with the
selected PTY. The SCAN icon flashes when
the SCAN button is pressed. If SCAN is
selected, push the PTY or SCAN button to
stop on a station.
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-23
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WARNING
cDo not leave children, impaired adults,
or pets alone in your vehicle. They could
accidentally injure themselves or oth-
ers 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 possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
cClosely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously in-
jured. Keep the car locked, with the rear
seatback and trunk lid securely latched
when not in use, and prevent children’s
access to car keys.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
cDo not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is danger-
ous. It can cause unconsciousness or
death.cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all win-
dows 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 driving,
otherwise exhaust gases could be
drawn into the passenger compart-
ment. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open, follow these precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation but-
ton (if so equipped) to off and the fan
control dial to 4 (high) to circulate
the air.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer through
the seal on the trunk lid or the body,
follow the manufacturer’s recommen-
dation to prevent carbon monoxide en-
try 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 involving
damage to the exhaust system, un-
derbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the three-way catalyst are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, animals
or flammable materials away from the
exhaust system components.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
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