washer fluid NISSAN ALTIMA 2005 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual

QR25DE engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-15)
2. Spark plug caps (P. 8-20)
3. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-16)
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)(P. 8-16)
5. Air cleaner (P. 8-21)
6. Battery (P. 8-17)
7. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-26)
8. Transmission dipstick (A/T models)
(P. 8-13)
9. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-9)
10. Radiator cap (P. 8-8)
11. Fuse block (P. 8-26)
12. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-16)
13. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-8)
14. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
LDI0418
ENGINE COMPARTMENT LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents
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VQ35DE engine
1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-15)
2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)
3. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-16)
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)(P. 8-16)
5. Air cleaner (P. 8-21)
6. Battery (P. 8-17)
7. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-26)
8. Transmission dipstick (A/T models)
(P. 8-15)
9. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-9)
10. Radiator cap (P. 8-8)
11. Fuse block (P. 8-26)
12. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-16)
13. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-8)
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
LDI0417
Illustrated table of contents0-9
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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
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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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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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SWITCH OPERATION
The windshield wiper and washer switch oper-
ates when the ignition key is in the ON position.
Push the lever down to operate the wiper at the
following speed:
s1Intermittent — intermittent operation can be
adjusted by turning the knob toward
sA
(Slower) orsB(Faster) . Also, for vehicles
equipped with speed dependent wipers, the
intermittent operation speed varies in accor-
dance with the vehicle speed. (For example,
when the vehicle speed is high, the intermit-
tent operation speed will be faster.) NOTE:
You can turn on or turn off the speed de-
pendent wiper function (if so equipped) .
Refer to “Vehicle electronic systems” (ve-
hicles with navigation system) in the “Dis-
play screen, heater, air conditioner and au-
dio systems” section later in this manual.
s2Low — continuous low speed operation
s3High — continuous high speed operation
Push the lever up
s4to have one sweep opera-
tion of the wiper.
Pull the lever toward you
s5to operate the
washer. The wiper will also operate several times.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solu-
tion may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to an
accident. Warm the windshield with the
defroster before you wash the windshield.
CAUTION
c Do not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
c Do not operate the washer if the reser-
voir tank is empty. 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.
LIC0386
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER
SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-19
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cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
c Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, and window
washer fluid as frequently as possible, or at
least whenever you refuel.
c Check that all windows and lights are clean.
c Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
c Lock all doors.
c Position seat and adjust head restraints.
c Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
c Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
c Check the operation of warning lights when
the key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual. 1. Apply the parking brake.
2.
Automatic transmission:
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
key is turned to the OFF position or if
the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector lever is in any of the
driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) . Depress
the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking
the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure. c
If the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/5 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
c If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5-6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accel-
erator pedal. Crank the engine with your
foot off the accelerator pedal by turn-
ing the ignition key to START. Release the
key when the engine starts. If the engine
starts, but fails to run, repeat the above
procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise
the starter could be damaged.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec- onds after starting. Drive at moderate speed
for a short distance first, especially in cold
weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-6Starting and driving
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CAUTION
Tire chains/cables cannot be installed on
P225/45R18 size tires. Installation of the
tire chains/cables on P225/45R18 size
tires will cause damage to the vehicle. If
you plan to use tire chains/cables, you
should install P215/55R17 size tires on
your vehicle.Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size for
the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer’s sug-
gestions. Use only SAE Class “S”
chains. Class “S” chains are used on ve-
hicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear-
ance. Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains
are designed to meet the minimum clear-
ances between the tire and the closest ve-
hicle suspension or body component re-
quired to accommodate the use of a winter
traction device (tire chains or cables) . The
minimum clearances are determined using
the factory equipped tire size. Other types
may damage your vehicle. Use chain ten-
sioners when recommended by the tire
chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit.
Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle
handling and performance may be adversely
affected.
Never install tire chains on spare tires. Do
not use tire chains on dry roads.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
c A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
c A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
c A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
c Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
cWet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
c Whatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.
c Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
c Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
c Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
Starting and driving5-23
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions ...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-6
Engine cooling system .............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................8-9
Engine oil .........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-12
4-speed automatic transmission fluid ...............8-13
Temperature conditions for checking .............8-13
5-speed automatic transmission fluid ...............8-15
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-15
Brake and clutch fluid ............................. 8-15
Brake fluid .................................... 8-16
Clutch fluid ................................... 8-16
Window washer fluid ............................. 8-16
Window washer fluid reservoir ..................8-16
Battery .......................................... 8-17
Jump starting ................................. 8-18Drive belts
....................................... 8-19
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-20
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-20
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-21
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped) ..............8-21
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-24
Cleaning ..................................... 8-24
Replacing .................................... 8-24
Parking brake and brake pedal .....................8-25
Checking parking brake ........................ 8-25
Checking brake pedal .......................... 8-25
Brake booster ................................. 8-26
Fuses ........................................... 8-26
Engine compartment ........................... 8-26
Passenger compartment .......................8-28
Keyfob battery replacement ........................8-29
Lights ........................................... 8-30
Headlights .................................... 8-30
Front park/turn/sidemarker light .................8-30
Fog lights (if so equipped) ......................8-30
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-31
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-38
Tire pressure .................................. 8-38
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Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Automatic transmission fluid level* Check
the level after putting the selector lever in P with
the engine idling at operating temperature.
Battery* Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid levels* Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts* Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily. Engine oil level*
Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaks Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections. Underbody
The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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