engine NISSAN ALTIMA 2004 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual

When planning to drive your NISSAN ve-
hicle in another country,you should first find
out if the fuel available is suitable for your vehi-
cle’s engine.
Using fuel with an octane rating that is too low
may cause engine damage. All gasoline vehicles
must be operated with unleaded gasoline. There-
fore, avoid taking your vehicle to areas where
appropriate fuel is not available.
When transferring the registration of your
vehicle to another country, state, province
or district,it may be necessary to modify the
vehicle to meet local laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle emis-
sion control and safety standards vary according
to the country, state, province or district; there-
fore, vehicle specifications may differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into an-
other country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, transpor-
tation, and registration are the responsibil-
ity of the user. NISSAN is not responsible
for any inconvenience that may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATE
The vehicle identification number (VIN) plate is
attached as shown. This number is the identifica-
tion for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle
registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)
The vehicle identification number is located as
shown.
LTI0025WTI0037
WHEN TRAVELING OR REGISTERING
YOUR VEHICLE IN ANOTHER
COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Technical and consumer information9-9
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ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The number is stamped on the engine as shown.
F.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION LABEL
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (F.M-
.V.S.S.) certification label is affixed as shown.
This label contains valuable vehicle information,
such as: Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) ,
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) , month and
year of manufacture, Vehicle Identification Num-
ber (VIN) , etc. Review it carefully.
QR25DE engine
WTI0096
VQ35DE engine
WTI0049LTI0026
9-10Technical and consumer information
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Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only)is
available from a NISSAN dealer. This guide in-
cludes information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the Towing Load/Specification
Chart found later in this section. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
Towing loads greater than specified or using
improper towing equipment could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also
the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced on very steep grades or in low traction
situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps) .
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures are not covered by
NISSAN warranties. A NISSAN Trailer
Towing Guide (U.S. only) containing infor-
mation on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required may be ob-
tained from a NISSAN dealer.
Tongue load
Keep the tongue load between9-11percent of
the total trailer load within the maximum tongue
load limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILER
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Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup into
the vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is
not recommended; however, if you must do
so, and if your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission, first block thewheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion before blocking the wheels and applying
the parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating. However, for
long steep grades, do not stay in 1st or 2nd
gear when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
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cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. 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
5th 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 reduced
braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission
cAlways tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
cAfter towing 500 miles, start and idle the
engine with the transmission in Neutral for
two minutes. Failure to idle the engine after
every 500 miles of towing may cause dam-
age to internal transmission parts.
Technical and consumer information9-17
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Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties:
For USA
1. Emission Defects Warranty
2. Emissions Performance Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN
vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re-
placement by writing to:
cNissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN
vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re-
placement by writing to:
cNissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which
could cause a crash or could cause injury or
death, you should immediately inform the Na-
tional Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may
open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a
recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Auto Safety
Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236. You may
also write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Trans-
portation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor vehicle
safety from the Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our Con-
sumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at 1-800-
NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call 1-808-836-0888.Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the
I/M test, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
Technical and consumer information9-19
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2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 5
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least three
times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission se-
lector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast one more time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed.
9-20Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
Air bag
(See supplemental restraint system)......1-8
Air bag warning light...........1-20, 2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service...........4-13
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-3, 4-12
Servicing air conditioner..........4-13
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-13
Anchor point locations.............1-38
Antenna.....................4-29
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-17
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-9
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-13
Audio system..................4-14
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-22
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-17
Radio....................4-14
Autolight switch.................2-20Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-34
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-13
Automatic transmission position
indicator light................2-11
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock release . .5-9
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-16
B
Battery......................8-17
Charge warning light............2-10
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system). . . .3-9, 8-29
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-18
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-17
Brake booster................8-26
Brake fluid..................8-15
Brake light (See stop light).........8-31
Brake pedal.................8-25
Brake system................5-17
Brake warning light.............2-10
Brake wear indicators........2-13, 8-26
Parking brake check............8-25
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Self-adjusting brakes............8-26
Break-in schedule................5-14Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-21
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-31
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-30
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-28
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light)........2-12
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...........2-13
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-18, 4-22
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-15
Cold weather driving..............5-20
Console box...................2-29
Controls
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-3, 4-12
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Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-12
Cup holders...................2-28
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-21
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-17
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-10
Drive belts....................8-18
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-20
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-10
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-14
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-19
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-6Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-6
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-27
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-23
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-13
Brake fluid..................8-15
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-15
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9Power steering fluid.............8-14
Window washer fluid............8-16
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-22
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-14
Fuel filler cap................3-13
Fuel filler lid.................3-13
Fuel filler lid and cap............3-13
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever.......3-13
Fuel gauge..................2-8
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-26
Fusible links...................8-27
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-38
Gascap.....................3-13
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Fuel gauge..................2-8
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-6
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-29
Glove box lock.................2-29
10-2
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H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-23
Head restraints..................1-7
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-18
Heated seats..................2-24
Heater
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-3, 4-12
Heater operation............4-4, 4-12
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-38
Hood release..................3-10
Horn.......................2-24
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-15, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-21
Increasing fuel economy............5-14
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror.......3-16
Inside mirror...................3-16
Instrument brightness control.........2-21
Instrument panel.................2-2
Interior light...................2-36
Interior trunk lid release.............3-12
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-37
J
Jump starting...................6-6K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-20
LATCH
(Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-37
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-20, 2-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-31
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-31
Charge warning light............2-10
Fog light switch...............2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-18
Interior light.................2-36
Light bulbs..................8-30
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-11
Spotlights (See map light).........2-37
Trunk light..................2-38
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9Lights
Map lights..................2-37
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever.......3-13
Glove box lock...............2-29
Power door locks...............3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-11
Low fuel warning light.............2-10
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-11
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-29
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-12
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map lights....................2-37
Map pocket...................2-27
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-21
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-16
Inside mirror.................3-16
Vanity mirror.................3-15
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
10-3
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