traction control NISSAN ALTIMA 2005 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual

16. Storage or ashtray (if so equipped)(P. 2-29, P. 2-28)
17 Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-42)
18. Audio system controls (if so equipped)
(P. 4-23)
19. Ignition switch (P. 5-4)
20. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls
(P. 3-14)
21. Traction control system (TCS) off
switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-27)
22. Instrument brightness control (P. 2-24)
23. Trunk opener (P. 3-10)
24. Meters and guages (if so equipped)
(P. 2-3)
25. Navigation system* (if so equipped)
(P. 4-2)
26. Navigation system* controls
(if so equipped) (P. 4-2)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
Illustrated table of contents0-7
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Indicatorlight Name Page
High beam in-
dicator light
(blue) 2-14
Malfunction
indicator lamp
(MIL)2-14
Slip indicator
light (if so
equipped)2-15
Traction control
system off indi-
cator light (if
so equipped)2-15
Turn
signal/hazard
indicator lights
2-15
Illustrated table of contents0-11
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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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16. Storage or ashtray (if so equipped)(P. 2-29, P .2-28)
17. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-42)
18. Audio system controls (if so equipped)
(P. 4-23)
19. Ignition switch (P. 5-4)
20. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls
(P. 3-14)
21. Traction control system (TCS) off
switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-27)
22. Instrument brightness control (P. 2-24)
23. Trunk opener (P. 3-10)
24. Meters and gauges (if so equipped)
(P. 2-3)
25. Navigation system* (if so equipped)
(P. 4-2)
26. Navigation system* controls
(if so equipped) (P. 4-2)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
1. Tachometer
2. Warning/indicator lights
3. Speedometer
4. Engine coolant temperature gauge
5. Fuel gauge 6. Odometer/twin trip odometer/trip com-
puter (if so equipped)
LIC0681
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
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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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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
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The vehicle should be driven with the Traction Con-
trol System (TCS) on for most driving conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the TCS
reduces the engine output to reduce wheel spin.
The engine speed will be reduced even if the
accelerator is depressed to the floor. If maximum
engine power is needed to free a stuck vehicle,
turn the TCS off.
To turn off the TCS, push the TCS OFF switch.
The
indicator will come on.
Push the “TCS OFF” switch again or restart the
engine to turn ON the system. See “Traction
control system (TCS)” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section. The power outlets are for powering electrical
accessories such as cellular telephones. They
are rated at 12 volt, 120W (15A) maximum.
CAUTION
c
The outlet and plug may be hot during
or immediately after use.
c Only certain power outlets are designed
for use with a cigarette lighter unit. Do
not use any other power outlet for an
accessory lighter. See your NISSAN
dealer for additional information. c
Do not use with accessories that ex-
ceed a 12 volt, 120W (15A) power draw.
Do not use double adapters or more
than one electrical accessory.
c Use power outlets with the engine run-
ning to avoid discharging the vehicle
battery.
c Avoid using power outlets when the air
conditioner, headlights or rear window
defroster is on.
LIC0451
Instrument panel (if so equipped)
LIC0714
Console
WIC0699
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped) POWER OUTLET
Instruments and controls2-27
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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 ........................... 5-11
Parking brake .................................... 5-14
Cruise control (if so equipped) .....................5-15
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-15
Cruise control operations .......................5-15Break-in schedule
................................ 5-16
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-17
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-18
Power steering ................................... 5-19
Brake system .................................... 5-19
Brake precautions ............................. 5-19
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if so equipped) ............................... 5-20
Traction control system (TCS) (if so equipped) .......5-21
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-22
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................5-22
Anti-freeze .................................... 5-22
Battery ....................................... 5-22
Draining of coolant water .......................5-22
Tire equipment ................................ 5-22
Special winter equipment .......................5-23
Driving on snow or ice ......................... 5-23
Engine block heater (if so equipped) .............5-24
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cTire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.
c When replacing tires, install the speci-
fied size of tires on all four wheels.
c When installing a spare tire, make sure
it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the tire placard. For tire placard
location information, refer to “Tire plac-
ard” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
c Refer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual. When accelerating on slippery surfaces the tire
may spin or slip. With the vehicle traction control
system, sensors detect these movements and
control the braking and engine output to help
improve vehicle stability while accelerating.
c When the traction control system is operat-
ing, the slip indicator in the instrument panel
blinks.
c If the slip indicator blinks, the vehicle is un-
der slippery conditions. Be sure to drive
carefully. See “Slip indicator light” and “Trac-
tion control off indicator light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
c If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the
andindicator lights
come on in the meter panel.
As long as these warning lights are on, the trac-
tion control function is canceled. The vehicle will
behave like a vehicle without the system.
WARNING
c The traction control system is designed
to help improve driving stability but
does not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when
driving and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
c If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not stan-
dard equipment or are extremely dete-
riorated, the traction control system
may not operate properly and the
indicator light may come on.
c Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs and bushings
are not standard equipment or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the traction con-
trol system may not operate properly
and the
indicator light may come
on.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-21
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cWhen driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the traction control system may not op-
erate properly and the
indicator
light may come on. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
c If wheels or tires other than the recom-
mended ones are used, the traction
control system may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator light may
come on.
c The traction control system is not a sub-
stitute for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see ‘‘Engine cooling system’’ in the
‘‘Maintenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see ‘‘Battery’’ in the ‘‘Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle. For details, see ‘‘Changing engine coolant’’ in the
‘‘Maintenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires. 3. Tire chains may be used.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-22Starting and driving
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