coolant NISSAN ALTIMA 2006 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. Drive belt location (P.8-19)
12. Fuse block (P. 8-26)
13. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-16)
14. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-8)
15. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WDI0488
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
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. Drive belt location (P.8-19)
12. Fuse block (P. 8-26)
13. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-16)
14. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-8)
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WDI0489
Illustrated table of contents0-9
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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 (if so equipped)........2-9
Voltmeter (if so equipped)......................2-10
Fuel consumption gauge (if so equipped)........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...............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)......2-24
Instrument brightness control...................2-24
Turn signal switch.............................2-25
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-25
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-26
Horn............................................2-26
Heated seat (if so equipped).......................2-27
Traction control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-28
Power outlet.....................................2-28
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (if so equipped)........2-29
Storage.........................................2-30
Map pockets..................................2-30
Seatback pockets (if so equipped)..............2-31
Sunglasses holder.............................2-31
Cup holders..................................2-32
Glove box....................................2-33
Console box..................................2-33
Instrument panel storage (if so equipped)........2-35
Covered storage box (if so equipped)............2-36
Grocery hooks (if so equipped).................2-36
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17. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-43)
18. Audio system controls (if so equipped)
(P. 4-23)
19. Ignition switch (P. 5-4)
20. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls
(P. 3-13)
21. Traction control system (TCS) off
switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-28)
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
Owner’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 gauge6. Odometer/twin trip odometer/trip com-
puter (if so equipped)
LIC0681
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
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ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine coolant tempera-
ture. The engine coolant temperature is within the
normal range
s1when the gauge needle points
within the zone shown in the illustration.
The engine coolant temperature varies with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates coolant tempera-
ture near the hot (H) end of the normal
range, reduce vehicle speed to decrease
temperature. If the gauge is over the nor-
mal range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible. If the engine is over-
heated, continued operation of the ve-
hicle may seriously damage the engine.
See “If your vehicle overheats” in the “In
case of emergency” section for immediate
action required.
FUEL GAUGE
The gauge indicates theapproximatefuel level
in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hills.
The gauge needle returns to E (Empty) after the
ignition key is turned to OFF.
The low fuel warning light comes on when the
amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge regis-
ters E (Empty) .
LIC0685LIC0686
2-8Instruments and controls
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5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify the air.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
3. Push the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
When the
,or positions in between
are selected, the air conditioner automatically
turns on (however, the indicator light will not
illuminate) if the outside temperature is more than
36°F (2°C) . The air conditioning system will con-
tinue to operate until the vehicle is restarted, even
if the air flow control dial is turned to a position
other than the
position. This dehumidifies
the air which helps defog the windshield.
The
mode automatically turns off, allowing
outside air to be drawn into the passenger com-
partment to further improve the defogging perfor-
mance.4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Operating tips
cKeep the windows and sunroof closed while
the air conditioner is in operation.
cAfter parking in the sun, drive for 2 or 3
minutes with the windows open to vent hot
air from the passenger compartment. Then,
close the windows. This allows the air con-
ditioner to cool the interior more quickly.
cThe air conditioning system should be
operated for approximately 10 minutes
at least once a month. This helps pre-
vent damage to the system due to lack
of lubrication.
cIf the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, turn
the air conditioner off. See “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and dial
positions forMAXIMUM AND QUICKheating,
cooling or defrosting.The air recirculation
button should always be in the OFF posi-
tion for heating and defrosting.
4-16Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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OPERATING TIPS
cWhen the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. However, this is
not a malfunction. After the coolant tempera-
ture warms up, air flow from the foot outlets
will operate normally.
The sunload sensor, located on the top driver’s
side of the instrument panel, helps the system
maintain a constant temperature. Do not put any-
thing on or around this sensor.The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. See “Air conditioner system refrigerant
and lubricant recommendations” in the “Techni-
cal and consumer information” section of this
manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equipment.
LHA0457
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
4-22Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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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................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).....................5-14
Precautions on cruise control...................5-14
Cruise control operations.......................5-15Break-in schedule................................5-16
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-16
Parking/parking on hills............................5-17
Power steering...................................5-18
Brake system....................................5-18
Brake precautions.............................5-18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if so
equipped)....................................5-19
Traction control system (TCS) (if so equipped).......5-20
Cold weather driving..............................5-21
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-21
Anti-freeze....................................5-21
Battery.......................................5-21
Draining of coolant water.......................5-22
Tire equipment................................5-22
Special winter equipment.......................5-22
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-23
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-23
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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.
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 the 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:
cA scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
cA sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
cA shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
cExtra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
5-22Starting and driving
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CAUTION
cAutomatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. At-
tempting to do so may cause transmis-
sion damage.
cThree-way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
cNever try to start the vehicle by towing
it. When the engine starts, the forward
surge could cause the vehicle to collide
with the tow vehicle.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading) , or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc. take the following steps.
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator
cap is removed, pressurized hot water
will spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the shift lever to
N (Neutral) (manual transmission) or to P
(Park) (automatic transmission) .
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner (if so equipped) .
Open all the windows, move the heater or air
conditioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not
open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling
fan can start at any time when the coolant
temperature is high.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-8In case of emergency
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