cruise control NISSAN ALTIMA 2008 L32A / 4.G Owners Manual

1. Vents (P. 4-10)
2. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/turn
signal switch (P. 2-27)3. Steering wheel switch for audio control
(if so equipped)/BluetoothThands-free
phone system (if so equipped)
(P. 4-43, P. 4-46, P. 4-60)
4. Meters and gauges (P. 2-3)5. Driver supplemental air bag/horn
(P. 1-39, P. 2-33)
6. Cruise control main/set switch
(P. 5-17)
7. Windshield wiper/washer switch
(P. 2-26)
8. Push-button ignition switch (P. 5-6)
9. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-32)
10. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-48)
11. Front passenger supplemental air bag
(P. 1-39)
12. Glove box (P. 2-39)
13. Navigation system* (if so equipped)
(P. 4-2)
14. Heater and air conditioner (manual or
automatic) (P. 4-10, P. 4-18)
15. Shift selector lever (P. 5-10)
16. Audio system controls (P. 4-20)
17. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls
(P. 3-20)
18. Vehicle information display controls
(P. 2-16)
19. Hood release (P. 3-16)
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INSTRUMENT PANEL
0-6Illustrated table of contents
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1. Vents (P. 4-10)
2. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/turn
signal switch (P. 2-27)3. Steering wheel switch for audio control
(if so equipped)/BluetoothThands-free
phone system (if so equipped)
(P. 4-43, P. 4-46, P. 4-60)
4. Meters and gauges (P. 2-3)5. Driver supplemental air bag/horn
(P. 1-39, P. 2-33)
6. Cruise control main/set switch
(P. 5-17)
7. Windshield wiper/washer switch
(P. 2-26)
8. Push-button ignition switch (P. 5-6)
9. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-32)
10. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-48)
11. Front passenger supplemental air bag
(P. 1-39)
12. Glove box (P. 2-39)
13. Navigation system* (if so equipped)
(P. 4-2)
14. Heater and air conditioner (manual or
automatic) (P. 4-10, P. 4-18)
15. Shift selector lever (P. 5-10)
16. Audio system controls (P. 4-20)
17. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls
(P. 3-20)
18. Vehicle information display controls
(P. 2-16)
19. Hood release (P. 3-16)
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INSTRUMENT PANEL
2-2Instruments and controls
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Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle dynamic control off
indicator light (if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the vehicle
dynamic control off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates the vehicle dynamic control system is
not operating.
Push the vehicle dynamic control off switch again
or restart the engine and the system will operate
normally. See “Vehicle dynamic control (VDC)
system” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
The vehicle dynamic control light also comes on
when you push the push-button ignition switch to
the ON position. The light will turn off after about
2 seconds if the system is operational. If the light
stays on or comes on along with the SLIP indica-
tor light while you are driving, have the vehicle
dynamic control system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
While the vehicle dynamic control system is op-
erating, you might feel slight vibration or hear the
system working when starting the vehicle or ac-
celerating, but this is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc 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 ignition switch is pushed to the ACC or
OFF position or pushed to the OFF or LOCK
position with the Intelligent Key left in the Intelli-
gent Key port. Make sure the ignition switch is
pushed to the LOCK position, and take the Intel-
ligent Key with you when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch in the OFF position, a
chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened if
the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.The vehicle information display
s1is located to
the left of the speedometer. It displays such items
as:
ccruise control system information
cIntelligent Key operation information
csome indicators and warnings
cother information
For details about the Intelligent Key system, see
“Intelligent Key system” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
WIC1102
VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY
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Vehicle information display warnings
and indicators
1. Door and trunk open warning
2. Push warning
3. Low fuel warning4. Low windshield washer fluid warning
5. No key warning
6. Parking brake indicator
7. Shift P warning8. Cruise main switch indicator
9. Cruise set switch indicator
10. Engine start operation indicator (CVT mod-
els)
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11. Engine start operation indicator (MT mod-
els)
12. Intelligent Key insertion indicator
13. Intelligent Key removal indicator
14. Intelligent Key battery discharge indicator
15. Steering lock release malfunction indicator
Door and trunk open warning
This warning illuminates when a door or the trunk
has been opened when the engine is running.
Push warning (CVT models)
After the Shift P warning illuminates, the Push
warning will illuminate if the ignition switch in the
ACC position when the shift selector lever is
moved to the P (Park) position.
See “Shift P warning” in this section for additional
information.
To turn off the Push warning, push the ignition
switch to the ON position and then to the LOCK
position.
Low fuel warning
This warning illuminates when the fuel level in the
fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches E (Empty) .There will be a small re-serve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty) .
Low windshield washer fluid warning
This warning illuminates 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.
No key warning
This warning illuminates following two condi-
tions:
1. When the ignition switch is pushed and the
Intelligent Key cannot be recognized by the
system. If this warning illuminates, you can-
not start the engine.
Check for the following causes and perform
the assigned remedies:
– The battery of the Intelligent Key carried
with you is discharged completely. Re-
place the battery with a new one.
– The Intelligent Key carried with you is not
registered to the system. Use the regis-
tered Intelligent Key.
– You do not have an Intelligent Key with
you. Carry an Intelligent Key with you.2. When the door is closed with the Intelligent
Key left outside the vehicle and the ignition
switch is in the ACC or ON position. A
chime will also sound.
Parking brake warning
This warning illuminates when the parking brake
is set and the vehicle is driven.
SHIFT P warning (CVT models)
This warning illuminates when the ignition switch
is pushed to stop the engine with the selector
lever in any position except in the P (Park) posi-
tion.
If this warning illuminates, the ignition switch is in
the OFF position. Move the selector lever to the P
(Park) position or push the ignition switch to the
ON position.
An inside warning chime will also sound.
If the shift selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position, the Push warning will appear. Refer to
“Push warning” in this section.
For additional information about Intelligent Key,
see “Intelligent Key system” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
Cruise main switch indicator
This indicator illuminates when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The indicator turns off
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when the main switch is pushed again. When the
cruise main switch indicator illuminates, the
cruise control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator light
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.
Engine start operation indicator (CVT mod-
els)
This indicator illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the LOCK, OFF, ACC or ON position with
the selector lever in the P (Park) position.
This indicator means that the engine will start by
pushing the push-button ignition switch with the
brake pedal depressed.
Engine start operation indicator (MT mod-
els)
This indicator illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the LOCK, OFF, ACC or ON position with
the manual transmission gear selector lever in
neutral and the parking brake on.
This indicator means that the engine will start by
pushing the push-button ignition switch with the
clutch and the brake pedal depressed.Intelligent Key insertion indicator
This indicator illuminates when the Intelligent Key
needs to be inserted into the Intelligent Key port.
(For example, the Intelligent Key battery is dis-
charged.)
If this indicator illuminates, insert the Intelligent
Key into the Intelligent Keys port in the correct
direction. See “Push-button ignition switch” in
the “Starting and driving” section.
Intelligent Key removal indicator
This indicator illuminates when the driver’s door
is opened with ignition switch in the OFF position
and the Intelligent Key placed in the Intelligent
Key port. A key reminder chime also sounds.
If this indicator illuminates, remove the Intelligent
Key from the Intelligent Key port and take it with
you when leaving the vehicle.
Intelligent Key battery discharge indicator
This indicator illuminates when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator illuminates, replace the battery
with a new one. See “Intelligent Key battery” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Steering lock release malfunction indica-
tor
This indicator illuminates when the steering
wheel cannot be released from the LOCK posi-
tion.
If this indicator illuminates, push the push-button
ignition switch while lightly turning the steering
wheel right and left.
Instruments and controls2-23
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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
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-5
Push-Button Ignition Switch........................5-6
Push-button ignition switch positions.............5-7
Intelligent key battery discharge..................5-7
Before starting the engine..........................5-8
Starting the engine................................5-9
Driving the vehicle................................5-10
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped)...............................5-10
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-14
Parking brake....................................5-16
Cruise control....................................5-17
Precautions on cruise control...................5-17
Cruise control operations.......................5-17Break-in schedule................................5-18
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-19
Parking/parking on hills............................5-20
Power steering...................................5-21
Brake system....................................5-21
Brake precautions.............................5-21
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-22
Traction control system (TCS) (if so equipped).......5-23
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-24
Cold weather driving..............................5-25
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-25
Anti-freeze....................................5-25
Battery.......................................5-25
Draining of coolant water.......................5-26
Tire equipment................................5-26
Special winter equipment.......................5-26
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-26
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-27
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1. CANCEL switch
2. ACCEL/RES switch
3. COAST/SET switch
4. ON/OFF switch
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions, it
cancels automatically. The SET indicator
light in the instrument panel then blinks to
warn the driver.
cIf the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control switch off and have the sys-
tem checked by a NISSAN dealer.cThe SET indicator light may blink when the
cruise control switch is turned ON while
pushing the ACCEL/RES, COAST/SET, or
CANCEL switch. To properly set the cruise
control system, use the following proce-
dures.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driving
under the following conditions:
cWhen it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
cIn heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed.
cOn winding or hilly roads.
cOn slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.) .
cIn very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed be-
tween 25 - 89 MPH (40 - 144 km/h) without
keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the main
switch. The CRUISE indicator light in the instru-
ment panel comes on.To set cruising speed,accelerate the vehicle to
the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch
and release it. The SET indicator light in the
instrument panel comes on. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set
speed.
cTo pass another vehicle,depress the ac-
celerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previously
set speed.
cThe vehicle may not maintain the set speed
when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,use one of the
following three methods.
cPush the CANCEL button; the SET indicator
light in the instrument panel goes out.
cTap the brake pedal; the SET indicator light
goes out.
cTurn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE
indicator light and SET indicator light in the
instrument panel go out.
LSD0184
CRUISE CONTROL
Starting and driving5-17
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The cruise control is automatically canceled and
the SET light in the instrument panel goes out if:
cyou depress the brake or clutch pedal while
pushing the ACCEL/RES or SET/COAST
switch. The preset speed is deleted from
memory.
cthe vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH
(13 km/h) below the set speed.
cyou depress the clutch pedal (manual trans-
mission) , or move the shift selector lever to N
(Neutral) (CVT) .
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use one
of the following three methods.
cDepress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push and
release the COAST/SET switch.
cPush and hold the ACCEL/RES switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you de-
sire, release the switch.
cPush and release the ACCEL/RES switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed in-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h) .To reset at a slower cruising speed,use one
of the following three methods.
cLightly tap the brake pedal. When the ve-
hicle attains the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it.
cPush and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re-
lease the switch when the vehicle slows to
the desired speed.
cPush and release the COAST/SET switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed de-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h) .
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehicle re-
turns to the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h) .CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) ,
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and en-
sure the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these
recommendations may result in short-
ened engine life and reduced engine
performance.
cAvoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) . Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
5-18Starting and driving
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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. For details see
“Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
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.
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.cWhatever 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.
cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch 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.
cDo not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
5-26Starting and driving
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