check engine NISSAN ALTIMA 2005 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual

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 more than
21,000 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
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima
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Warninglight Name Page
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped) 2-11
Automatic
transmission
check warning
light (if so
equipped)2-12
or
Brake warning
light
2-12
Charge warning
light2-12
Door open
warning light2-12
Warning
light Name Page
Engine oil pres-
sure warning
light 2-12
or
Low fuel warn-
ing light
2-13
Low windshield
washer fluid
warning light2-13
Seat belt warn-
ing light and
chime2-13
Supplemental
air bag warning
light1-48
Trunk lid open
warning light
2-13
Indicator
light Name Page
Automatic
transmission
position indica-
tor light (A/T
models) 5-4
CRUISE main
switch indicator
light (if so
equipped)
5-15
Cruise SET
switch indicator
light (if so
equipped)5-15
or
Front passenger
air bag status
light
2-14
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
0-10Illustrated table of contents
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2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges ................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer .....................2-4
Trip computer (if so equipped) ...................2-5
Tachometer ....................................2-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge ...............2-8
Fuel gauge ....................................2-8
Engine oil pressure gauge .......................2-9
Voltmeter ..................................... 2-10
Fuel consumption gauge .......................2-10
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ......2-11
Checking bulbs ............................... 2-11
Warning lights ................................ 2-11
Indicator lights ................................ 2-14
Audible reminders ............................. 2-15
Security systems ................................. 2-16
Vehicle security system (if so equipped) ..........2-16
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS) ........2-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...............2-19
Switch operation .............................. 2-19
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch .................................. 2-20
Headlight and turn signal switch ....................2-21Xenon headlights (if so equipped)
...............2-21
Headlight control switch ........................ 2-21
Daytime running light system (Canada only) ......2-23
Instrument brightness control ...................2-24
Turn signal switch ............................. 2-24
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ................2-25
Hazard warning flasher switch .....................2-25
Horn ............................................ 2-26
Heated seat (if so equipped) .......................2-26
Traction control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped) .................................. 2-27
Power outlet ..................................... 2-27
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (if so equipped) ........2-28
Storage ......................................... 2-29
Map pockets .................................. 2-29
Seatback pockets (if so equipped) ..............2-29
Sunglasses holder ............................. 2-30
Cup holders .................................. 2-30
Glove box .................................... 2-31
Console box .................................. 2-31
Instrument panel storage (if so equipped) ........2-33
Covered storage box (if so equipped) ............2-34
Grocery hooks (if so equipped) .................2-34
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Theindicates that the fuel filler lid is
located on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
CAUTION
c If the vehicle runs out of fuel,
the
malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon as
possible. After a few driving trips,
the
lamp should turn off. If the
lamp remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer.
c For additional information, see “Mal-
function indicator lamp (MIL)” later in
this section.
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running.
When the engine speed is high, the engine oil
pressure is also high. When it is low, the gauge
indicates the low oil pressure.
CAUTION
cThis gauge is not designed to indicate
low engine oil level. Use the dipstick to
check the oil level. (See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.) c
If the gauge needle does not move with
the proper amount of engine oil, have
the vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer. Continued vehicle operation in
such a condition could cause serious
damage to the engine.
Type A
LIC0749
Type B
LIC0752
Instruments and controls2-9
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VOLTMETER
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, the voltmeter indicates the battery voltage.
When the engine is running, it indicates the gen-
erator voltage.
While cranking the engine, the volts drop below
the normal range. If the needle is not in the normal
range (12 - 14.5 volts)
s1while the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging system
is not functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
FUEL CONSUMPTION GAUGE
This gauge shows the APPROXIMATE fuel con-
sumption while you are driving.
The vehicle speed must be 7 mph (11.2 km/h) or
greater for the gauge to give a reading.
LIC0750
Type A
LIC0751
Type B
LIC0803
2-10Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
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orAnti-lock brake warning light
(if so equipped)Low windshield washer fluid warning lightorFront passenger air bag status
light
Automatic transmission check warning light
(if so equipped)Seat belt warning light and chimeHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
orBrake warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Charge warning lightTrunk lid open warning lightSlip indicator light (if so equipped)
Door open warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator light
(A/T models)Traction control system off indicator light
(if so equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning lightCRUISE main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
orLow fuel warning lightCruise SET switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and turn the ignition key to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,or,,,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
or,,,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock brake
warning light (if so
equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the anti-lock brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-11
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Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly do-
ing so may cause the ABS light to stay on
when there is nothing wrong) . If the light
stays on, have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function ceases, but the regular braking
system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact a NISSAN dealer for repair.
Automatic transmission check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is turned ON, the light
comes on for about 2 seconds. If the light comes
on at any other time, it may indicate the automatic
transmission system is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
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 withthe 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.
c Pressing 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.
c If 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
immediately and call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
2-12Instruments and controls
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dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section 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.
orLow 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) .
Low windshield washer fluid
warning light
This light comes on when the windshield washer
fluid is at a low level. Add windshield washer fluid
as necessary. See “Window washer fluid” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition key is turned to the ON or START position
and remains illuminated until the driver’s seat belt
is fastened. At the same time, the chime sounds
for about 6 seconds unless the driver’s seat belt
is securely fastened.
Refer to “Seat belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning light
illuminates for about 7 seconds and then turns
off. This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
bag (if so equipped) , curtain side-impact air bags
(if so equipped) , and pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tems need servicing and your vehicle must be
taken to a NISSAN dealer:
c The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds. c
The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
c The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the pre-
tensioner seat belts may not function properly.
For additional details see “Supplemental restraint
system” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of this
manual.
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. To
help avoid injury to yourself or others,
have your vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
Trunk lid open warning light
This light comes on when the trunk lid is not
securely closed while the ignition key is in the ON
position.
Instruments and controls2-13
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INDICATOR LIGHTS
Automatic transmission posi-
tion indicator light (A/T mod-
els)
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, this indicator light shows the automatic
transmission selector lever position. See “Driving
the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
orFront passenger
air bag status light
The front passenger air bag status light (or) will be lit and the passenger front air
bag will be OFF depending on how the front
passenger seat is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system”section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If this indicator lamp comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also come on
steady if the fuel filler cap is loose or missing, or if
the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel filler cap is installed and closed tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons (11.4
liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator lamp comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:
c Malfunction indicator lamp on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If
the fuel filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
lamp should turn off after
a few driving trips. If thelamp does
not turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
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cMalfunction indicator lamp blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected by
a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This indicator light will blink when the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may exist if the slip indicator
blinks on. If this happens, adjust your driving
accordingly.
The slip indicator light also comes on when you
turn the ignition key to the ON position. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational. If the light does not come on or go
off, have the traction control system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Traction control system off
indicator light (if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the traction
control off switch is pushed to OFF. This indi-
cates the traction control system is not operating.
Push the traction control off switch again or re-
start the engine and the system will operate nor-
mally. See “Traction control system (TCS)” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
The traction control light also comes on when you
turn the ignition key to the ON position. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the traction
control system (TCS) is operational. If the light
stays on or comes on along with the SLIP indica-
tor light while you are driving, have the traction
control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the traction control system is operating,
you might feel slight vibration or hear the system
working when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing, but this is normal.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Instruments and controls2-15
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima
(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
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