engine NISSAN ALTIMA 2004 L31 / 3.G Owner's Guide
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ON position (Indicator light on):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Push the
button to the on position when:
cdriving on a dusty road.
cto prevent traffic fumes from entering pas-
senger compartment.
cfor maximum cooling when using the air con-
ditioner.
OFF position (Indicator light off):
Outside air is drawn into the passenger compart-
ment and distributed through the selected outlet.
Use the off position for normal heater or air con-
ditioner operation.
Air conditioner button (if so
equipped)
The button is provided only on vehicles equipped
with an air conditioner.
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired (1 - 4) position and push the
button to turn on the air conditioner. The indicator
light comes on when the air conditioner is oper-
ating. To turn off the air conditioner, push
the
button again.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Rear window defroster switch
For more information about the rear window de-
froster switch, see “Rear window defroster
switch” in the “Instruments and controls” section
of this manual.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air to the foot
outlets. Some air also flows from the defrost
outlets.
1. Push the
button to the off position for
normal heating.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center ventilators.
1. Push the
button to the off position.2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode directs the air to the defrost outlets to
defrost/defog the windows.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
cTo quickly remove ice or fog from the win-
dows, turn the fan control dial to 4 and the
temperature control lever to the full HOT
position.
cWhen the
position is selected, the air
conditioner automatically turns on (however,
the indicator light will not illuminate) if the
outside temperature is more than 36°F
(2°C) . The air conditioning system will con-
tinue to operate until the vehicle is restarted,
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even if the air flow control dial is turned to a
position other than theposition. This
dehumidifies the air which helps defog the
windshield. The
mode automatically
turns off, allowing outside air to be drawn
into the passenger compartment to further
improve the defogging performance.
Bi-level heating
This mode directs air from the side, center and
the foot outlets.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Heating and defogging
This mode heats the interior and defogs the wind-
shield.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.3. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
cWhen the
position is selected, the air
conditioner automatically turns on (however,
the indicator light will not illuminate) if the
outside temperature is more than 36°F
(2°C) . The air conditioning system will con-
tinue to operate until the vehicle is restarted,
even if the air flow control dial is turned to a
position other than the
position. This
dehumidifies the air which helps defog the
windshield. The
mode automatically
turns off, allowing outside air to be drawn
into the passenger compartment to further
improve the defogging performance.
Operating tips
Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades
and air inlet in front of the windshield. This
improves heater operation.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION (if
so equipped)
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired (1 - 4) position, and push in the
button to activate the air conditioner. When the
air conditioner is on, cooling and dehumidifying
functions are added to the heater operation.The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Cooling
This mode is used to cool and dehumidify the air.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the MAX A/C
or
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Push the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
cFor quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, push the
button to
the on position (indicator light on) . Be sure
to return the
button to the off position
for normal cooling. MAX A/C may be used
for quick cooling.
Dehumidified heating
This mode is used to heat and dehumidify the air.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
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3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Push the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify the air.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
3. Push the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
When the
,or positions in between
are selected, the air conditioner automatically
turns on (however, the indicator light will not
illuminate) if the outside temperature is more than
36°F (2°C) . The air conditioning system will con-
tinue to operate until the vehicle is restarted, even
if the air flow control dial is turned to a position
other than the
position. This dehumidifies
the air which helps defog the windshield.
The
mode automatically turns off, allowingoutside air to be drawn into the passenger com-
partment to further improve the defogging perfor-
mance.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Operating tips
cKeep the windows and sunroof closed while
the air conditioner is in operation.
cAfter parking in the sun, drive for 2 or 3
minutes with the windows open to vent hot
air from the passenger compartment. Then,
close the windows. This allows the air con-
ditioner to cool the interior more quickly.
cThe air conditioning system should be
operated for approximately 10 minutes
at least once a month. This helps pre-
vent damage to the system due to lack
of lubrication.
cIf the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, turn
the air conditioner off. See “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and dial
positions forMAXIMUM AND QUICKheating,
cooling or defrosting.The air recirculation
button should always be in the OFF posi-
tion for heating and defrosting.
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1. Temperature dial
2. Rear window defroster switch
3. Front defroster switch
4. Display screen
5. Fan switch6. Mode switch
7. Recirculation switch
8. OFF switch
9. ECON switch
10. AUTO switch
WARNING
cThe air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
cDo not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support of
others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should not be left alone either. They
could accidentally injure themselves 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 possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
cDo not use the recirculation mode for
long periods as it may cause the interior
air to become stale and the windows to
fog up.
cPositioning of the heater and/or air
conditioner controls should not be
done while driving so full attention may
be given to vehicle operation.
Start the engine and operate the controls to
activate the air conditioner.
Type B
LHA0409
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Air flow control
Pushing the manual air flow control button se-
lects the air outlet to:
— 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
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RADIO
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position
and press the PWR (power)/VOL (volume) knob
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
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Type B
1. PRESET ABC button
2. MIX button
3. CD select button
4. Display
5. FM band select button
6. AM band select button
7. CD eject button
8. TRAVEL button
9. TUNE FF-REV button
10. MENU/CLOCK button for radios with
SCV
11. Preset scan button
12. AUDIO button
13. SCAN button
14. Station preset buttons
15. PWR/VOL control knob
16. CD insert slot
17. SEEK/TRACK button
FM-AM RADIO WITH COMPACT
DISC (CD) PLAYER (if so equipped)
PWR/VOL control knob
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position,
then push the PWR/VOL control knob. If you
listen to the radio with the engine not running,
turn the key to the ACC position. The mode (radio
LHA0452
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1. PRESET ABC button
2. LOAD button
3. CD select button
4. Display
5. FM band select button
6. AM band select button
7. CD eject button
8. TRAVEL button
9. TUNE FF-REV button
10. MENU/CLOCK button
11. MIX/PTY button
12. AUDIO button
13. SCAN button
14. Station preset buttons
15. POWER/VOL control knob
16. CD insert slot
17. SEEK/TRACK button
FM-AM RADIO WITH COMPACT
DISC (CD) CHANGER (if so
equipped)
PWR/VOL control knob
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position,
then push the PWR/VOL control knob. If you
listen to the radio with the engine not running,
turn the key to the ACC position. The mode (radio
or CD) that was playing immediately before the
system was turned off resumes playing.When no CD is loaded, the radio comes on.
Pushing the PWR/VOL control knob again turns
the system off.
Turn the PWR/VOL control knob to the right to
increase volume or to the left to decrease volume.
Adjusting tone quality and speaker balance
Press the AUDIO button to enter the audio adjust
mode:
Bass!Treb!Fade!Bal
Press the TUNE/FF-REV (
or)or
SEEK/TRACK (or) to adjust to the
desired levels. The display will return to the regu-
lar radio display after 7 seconds, or you may
press the AUDIO button again to return to the
regular radio display.
Clock operation
Pressing the MENU button displays the clock
with the radio on or off. Press the MENU button
again to turn off the clock display.
Clock set
1. Press and hold the MENU button until it
beeps (>2 seconds) .
2. The hours will start flashing. Press
TUNE/FF-REV (
or)or
SEEK/TRACK (or) to adjust
the hours.3. Press the MENU button to switch to the
minute adjustment.
4. Press TUNE/FF-REV (
or)or
SEEK/TRACK (or) to adjust
the minutes.
5. Press the MENU button again to exit the
clock set mode.
The display will return to the regular clock display
after 7 seconds, or you may press the MENU
button again to return to the regular clock display.
FM-AM radio operation
FM-AM band select
Push the AM or the FM button to change from AM
to FM reception.
The FM stereo indicator, ST, illuminates during
FM stereo reception. When the stereo broadcast
signal is weak, the radio automatically changes
from stereo to monaural reception.
TUNE/FF—REV
WARNING
The radio should not be tuned while driv-
ing so full attention may be given to ve-
hicle operation.
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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
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-3
Ignition switch.....................................5-4
Automatic transmission..........................5-4
Manual transmission............................5-5
Key positions..................................5-5
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS).........5-5
Before starting the engine..........................5-6
Starting the engine................................5-6
Driving the vehicle.................................5-7
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)...........5-7
Manual transmission...........................5-10
Parking brake....................................5-12
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-12
Precautions on cruise control...................5-12
Cruise control operations.......................5-13Break-in schedule................................5-14
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-14
Parking/parking on hills............................5-15
Power steering...................................5-16
Brake system....................................5-17
Brake precautions.............................5-17
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if so
equipped)....................................5-17
Traction control system (TCS) (if so equipped).......5-19
Cold weather driving..............................5-20
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-20
Anti-freeze....................................5-20
Battery.......................................5-20
Draining of coolant water.......................5-20
Tire equipment................................5-20
Special winter equipment.......................5-21
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-21
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-21
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