oil change NISSAN ALTIMA 2006 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual

Triple meter (if so equipped):
1. Fuel consumption gauge
2. Engine oil pressure gauge
3. Voltmeter1. Speedometer
2. Odometer/twin trip display
3. Change button
SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER
Speedometer
The speedometer indicates vehicle speed in
miles per hour (MPH) and kilometers per hour
(km/h) .
Odometer/Twin trip odometer (if so
equipped)
The odometer/twin trip odometer (if so equipped)
is displayed when the ignition key is in the ON
position.
The odometer records the total distance the ve-
hicle has been driven.
The twin trip odometer (if so equipped) records
the distance of individual trips.
LIC0746LIC0682
2-4Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.
QR25DE
WDI0211
VQ35DE
WDI0212
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

5. Remove the drain plugsBwith a wrench by
turning it counterclockwise and completely
drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See “Changing engine
oil filter” later in this section.
WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
cWaste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
cCheck your local regulations.
6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench. Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 - 29 ft-lb (29 - 39 N·m)
7. Refill engine with recommended oil through
the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual for
drain and refill capacity.The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine when the proper
amount of oil is in the engine.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage around
the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as re-
quired.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
VQ35DE
WDI0493
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 75.6 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *9
Drain and Refill
With oil filter
changeQR25DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.2 QR25DE engine
• API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SG/SH Energy Conserving II or API grade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-II or GF-III*2 *3
VQ35DE engine
• API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II, or GF-III*2 *3 VQ35DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.2
Without oil
filter changeQR25DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
VQ35DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
Cooling system
With reservoir
QR25DE 2 gal 1-5/8 gal 7.6
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VQ35DE 2-1/8 gal 1-3/4 gal 8.2
Manual transmission gear oil 2-3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the
instructions in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section. 4 Speed Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission
Fluid.*4
5 Speed Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF *5
Power steering fluid (PSF) Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*6
Brake and clutch fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*7 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease———NLGINo.2(Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*8
Air conditioning system oil— — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent*8
Windshield washer fluid— — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: For further details, see “Recommended SAE viscosity number.”
*4: DEXRON™ III/MERCON™ or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealership for more information regarding suitable fluids, including
recommended brand(s) of DEXRON™ III/MERCON™ Automatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission,
which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*6: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ III/MERCON™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
*7: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*8: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*9: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/20/05Ðbetty
X

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality
and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. See9Capacities
and recommended fuel/lubricants9earlier in this
section. NISSAN recommends the use of an
energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel
economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and ApprovalCommittee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label should not
be used as they could cause engine damage.Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been
previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. The chart “Rec-
ommended SAE viscosity number” shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the expected
ambient temperatures. Choosing an oil viscosity
other than that recommended could cause seri-
ous engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals”.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
WTI0082
Technical and consumer information9-5
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:
crepeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
cdriving in dusty conditions
cextensive idling
ctowing a trailer
cstop and go commuting
Refer to the9NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide9for the maintenance schedule.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE
10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (-18°C) .
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil, NISSAN
A/C system oil Type S or the exact equiva-
lents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replace-
ment of all air conditioner system
components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the
earth’s atmosphere, certain government regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
ATI1028
9-6Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/20/05Ðbetty
X

cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is
not recommended; however, if you must do
so, and if your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion before blocking the wheels and applying
the parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .cFor the first 500 miles that you do tow, do
not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive
(automatic transmission) .
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
9-20Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

10 Index
A
Active head restraint...............1-8
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system). .1-34
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-41
Air bag warning light...........1-49, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter............8-21
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation..........4-15
Air conditioner service...........4-22
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-11, 4-20
Servicing air conditioner..........4-22
Air flow charts..................4-16
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-16
Anchor point locations.............1-26
Antenna.....................4-41
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-19
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-11
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-15
Audio system..................4-23
AM-FM-SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer................4-35
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-38FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-30
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-25
Radio....................4-23
Autolight switch.................2-22
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-39
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-13
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-14
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-10
B
Battery......................8-17
Charge warning light............2-12
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-19
Booster seats..................1-29
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-19
Brake booster................8-26
Brake fluid..................8-15
Brake light (See stop light).........8-32
Brake pedal.................8-25
Brake system................5-18
Brake warning light.............2-12
Brake wear indicators........2-15, 8-26Parking brake check............8-25
Parking brake operation..........5-14
Self-adjusting brakes............8-26
Break-in schedule................5-16
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-24
Brightness/Contrast button..........4-10
Control panel buttons...........4-10
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-11
Bulb replacement................8-32
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-41
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-40
CD changer (See audio system)........4-38
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-25
Child restraints.......1-11, 1-12, 1-17, 1-24
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-17, 1-29
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-26
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-15
Cigarette lighter and ashtray..........2-29
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock............4-26, 4-30, 4-36, 4-40
(models with navigation system)......4-8
Clock set
Control panel buttons............4-8
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

Lights
Map lights..................2-42
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-12
Glove box lock...............2-33
Power door locks...............3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-10
Low fuel warning light.............2-13
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-13
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maint (maintenance) button
Control panel buttons............4-4
Maint (Maintenance) button, control panel
display.......................4-4
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-16
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-14
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map lights....................2-42
Map pocket...................2-30
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-24
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-15
Outside mirrors...............3-15Vanity mirror.................3-14
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
N
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-17, 3-2, 5-5
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirrors.................3-15
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats...........6-8
Owner’s manual order form..........9-24
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-24
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-25Parking brake operation..........5-14
Parking/parking on hills...........5-17
Power
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-28
Power rear windows............2-39
Power steering fluid.............8-15
Power steering system...........5-18
Power windows...............2-38
Rear power windows............2-39
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-17, 1-29
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-9
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-34
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
PREV button...................4-3
Prev button
Control panel buttons............4-3
Programmable features...........4-3, 4-6
Push starting...................6-8
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-41
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-38
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-30
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-25
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-23
Rear power windows..............2-39
10-4
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X