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

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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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
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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.
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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.
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Keyfob operation:
cPush the
button on the keyfob.
All doors lock. The hazard lights flash
twice and the horn beeps once to indicate
all doors are locked.
c When the
button is pushed with
all doors locked, the hazard lights flash
twice and the horn beeps once as a re-
minder that the doors are already locked.
For vehicles with navigation system, see
9 Vehicle electronic systems 9in the 9Display
screen, heater, air conditioner and audio
systems 9section later in this manual. For
vehicles without navigation system, see 9Si-
lencing the horn beep feature 9in the 9Pre-
driving checks and adjustments 9section
later in this manual.
4. Confirm that the security indicator light comes on. The security light stays on for
about 30 seconds. The vehicle security sys-
tem is now pre-armed. After about 30 sec-
onds the vehicle security system automati-
cally shifts into the armed phase. The
security light begins to flash once every 3
seconds. If, during the 30-second pre-arm
time period, the door is unlocked by the key
or the keyfob, or the ignition key is turned to
ACC or ON, the system will not arm. c
If the key is turned slowly when locking
the door, the system may not arm. Fur-
thermore, if the key is turned beyond
the vertical position toward the unlock
position to remove the key, the system
may be disarmed when the key is re-
moved. If the indicator light fails to
glow for 30 seconds, unlock the door
once and lock it again.
c Even when the driver and/or passen-
gers are in the vehicle, the system will
arm with all doors and trunk lid closed
and locked with the ignition key in the
OFF position.
Vehicle security system activation
The vehicle security system will give the following
alarm:
c The headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
c The alarm automatically turns off after ap-
proximately 50 seconds. However, the alarm
reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by unlocking
a door or trunk lid with the key, or by pressing
the
button on the keyfob. The alarm is activated by:
c opening the door or trunk lid without using
the key or keyfob (even if the door is un-
locked by releasing the door inside lock
switch) .
How to stop an activated alarm
The alarm stops only by unlocking a door or the
trunk lid with the key, or by pressing the
button on the keyfob.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS)
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS)
will not allow the engine to start without the use of
a registered NVIS key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered NVIS
key (for example, when interference is caused by
another NVIS key, an automated toll road device
or automatic payment device on the key ring) ,
restart the engine using the following proce-
dures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately 10 sec-
onds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
Instruments and controls2-17
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To sound the horn, push the center pad area of
the steering wheel.
WARNING
Do not disassemble the horn. Doing so
could affect proper operation of the
supplemental front air bag system. Tam-
pering with the supplemental front air bag
system may result in serious personal
injury.The front seats are warmed by built-in heaters (if
so equipped) . The switches are located on the
center console.
1. Start the engine.
2.Push the low or high position of the switch, as
desired, depending on the temperature. The
indicator light in the switch will illuminate.
The heater is controlled by a thermostat,
automatically turning the heater on and off.
The indicator light will remain on as long as
the switch is on.
3.
When the seat is warmed or before you leave
the vehicle, be sure to turn the switch off.
CAUTION
c Do not use the seat heater for extended
periods or when no one is using the
seat.
c Do not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket, cush-
ion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the seat
may become overheated.
c Do not place anything hard or heavy on
the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
object. This may result in damage to the
heater.
c Any liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with a
dry cloth.
c When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any simi-
lar materials.
c If any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn the
switch off and have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
c The battery could run down if the seat
heater is operated while the engine is
not running.
LIC0395LIC0690
HORN HEATED SEAT (if so equipped)
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s1Pull the hood lock release handle located
below the driver side instrument panel; the
hood springs up slightly.
s2Lift the lever at the front of the hood with your
fingertips and raise the hood.
s3Remove the support rod from the clamp.
s4Insert the support rod into the slot on the
passenger side fender ledge.5. When closing the hood, return the support
rod to its original position, lower the hood to
approximately 12 inches above the latch and
release it. This allows proper engagement of
the hood latch.
WARNING
cMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving. Fail-
ure to do so could cause the hood to fly
open and result in an accident.
c If you see steam or smoke coming from
the engine compartment, to avoid injury
do not open the hood.
WPD0288
HOOD
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-9
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