NISSAN ALTIMA 2005 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual

When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
WARNING
cUse only Genuine Nissan Matic K ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
c Using automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine Nissan Matic K ATF
will cause deterioration in driveability
and automatic transmission durability,
and may damage the automatic trans-
mission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is also
described on caution labels located in the engine
compartment. The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122° - 176°F (50° -
80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the
power steering fluid reservoir at fluid tempera-
tures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) .
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF fluid. Remove the cap and fill
through the opening.
CAUTION
c
DO NOT OVERFILL.
c Recommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent. For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated fluid
may damage the brake and clutch sys-
tems. The use of improper fluids can dam-
age the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.WDI0256
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima
(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN
Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT
3 fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
CLUTCH FLUID
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmissions only) . If the fluid level is
below the MIN line, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3fluid
up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodically.
Add window washer fluid when the light comes
on (if so equipped) .
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap off the reservoir tank and pour the window
washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio.
LDI0079LDI0080WDI0223
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of win-
dow washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
cDo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
c Do not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
c Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concen-
trate and water. c
Keep the battery surface clean and dry. Any
corrosion should be washed off with a solu-
tion of baking soda and water.
c Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
c If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative (-) battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames or
electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas gener-
ated by the battery is explosive. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your skin,
eyes, fabrics or painted surfaces. After
touching a battery or battery cap, do not
touch or rub your eyes. Thoroughly
wash your hands. If the acid contacts
your eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 minutes
and seek medical attention.
c Do not operate the vehicle if the fluid in
the battery is low. Low battery fluid can
cause a higher load on the battery
which can generate heat, reduce bat-
tery life, and in some cases lead to an
explosion. c
When working on or near a battery, al-
ways wear suitable eye protection and
remove all jewelry.
c Battery posts, terminals and related ac-
cessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
c Keep battery out of the reach of
children.
BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-17
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

1. Remove the battery caps with a screwdriveras shown. Use a cloth to protect the battery
case.
2. Check the fluid level in each cell If it isnecessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level up to the bottom of
the filler opening. Do not overfill. Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting”
in the “In case of emergency” section of this
manual. If the engine does not start by jump
starting, the battery may have to be replaced.
Contact a NISSAN dealer.
WDI0224
LDI0302
8-18Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima
(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Water pump
3. Generator
4. Air conditioner (if so equipped)
5. Crank pulley
6. Auto tensioner pulley
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of un-
usual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the
belt is in poor condition or is loose, have it
replaced or adjusted by a NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi- tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule found in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide”.
1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Crank pulley
3. Generator
4. Air conditioner
QR25DE engine
WDI0225
VQ35DE engine
WDI0226
DRIVE BELTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-19
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Platinum-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace platinum-tipped
spark plugs as frequently as conventional type
spark plugs because they last much longer. Fol-
low the maintenance schedule, but do not reuse
the spark plugs by cleaning or regapping.c Always replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch are
off and that the parking brake is engaged
securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to re-
move the spark plugs. An incorrect socket
can damage the spark plugs.
QR25DE
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the engine cover.
3. Remove the coil pack bolt.
4. Remove the coil pack/spark plug boot from
the spark plug.
5. Remove the spark plugs with a spark plug socket.
The plug socket has a rubber seal that holds
the spark plug so it does not fall when it is
pulled out. Make sure each spark plug is
snugly fitted into the spark plug socket. 6. Fit the new plugs, one at a time, into the
spark plug socket and install them. Use
only the specified spark plugs. Turn
each plug several full turns by hand, then
tighten with the spark plug socket to the
correct torque. Do not overtighten.
Spark plug tightening torque: 14 - 22 ft-lb (20 - 29 N·m)
7. Install the coil pack/spark plug boot on the spark plug by pushing it on until you feel a
snap.
8. Install the coil pack bolt. Coil pack tightening torque: 48 - 65 in-lb (5.4 - 7.3 N·m)
9. Install the engine cover.
10. Connect the negative battery cable.
VQ35DE
If replacement is required, please see your
NISSAN dealer for assistance.
WDI0005
SPARK PLUGS
8-20Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the maintenance
intervals shown in the “NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide.” When replacing the filter,
wipe the inside of the air cleaner filter housing
and the cover with a damp cloth.
To remove the air cleaner filter:
s1Loosen the screw clamp.
s2Push down on the clips.
3. Remove the air cleaner housing.
WARNING
c Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or oth-
ers to be burned. The air cleaner not
only cleans the air, it stops the flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and
the engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with the air cleaner
removed, and be careful when working
on the engine with the air cleaner
removed.
c Never pour fuel into the throttle body or
attempt to start the engine with the air
cleaner removed. Doing so could result
in serious injury.
IN-CABIN MICROFILTER (if so
equipped)
The in-cabin microfilter restricts the entry of air-
borne dust and pollen particles and reduces
some objectionable outside odors. The filter is
located behind the glove box. Refer to the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide” for
change intervals.
To replace the filter, perform the following proce-
dure: 1. Remove the 2 lower glove box hinge pins.
Remove the glove box from the opening and
let it hang by the cord.
LDI0428LDI0154
AIR CLEANER
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

2. Remove the filter cover from the intake unitby disengaging the 2 hook tabs at the bot-
tom of the cover. NOTE:
The filter is marked “UP” with an arrow. The
end of the filter with the arrow should face
the rear of the vehicle.
3. Slide the filter into the housing.
LDI0155LDI0156
8-22Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

NOTE:
Make sure the filter sits on top of the 2
supporting tabs on the housing.4. Replace the cover by inserting the upper tabs inside the housing slot and pushing the
hook tabs until they snap on to the housing
lip.
5. Install the glove box door.
6. Fill out the date information on the small replacement label and attach it to the glove
box lid.
LDI0157
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-23
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer
solution or a mild detergent. Your windshield is
clean if beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer solution or a mild detergent. Then
rinse the blades with clear water. If your wind-
shield is still not clear after cleaning the blades
and using the wiper, replace the blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
REPLACING
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.
s1Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
s2Push the release tab, then move the wiper
blade down the wiper arm to remove.
s3Remove the wiper blade.4. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper
arm until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
cAfter wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position;
otherwise it may be damaged when the
hood is opened.
c Make sure the wiper blades contact the
glass; otherwise the arms may be dam-
aged from wind pressure.
WDI0194
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
8-24Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X