check engine NISSAN ALTIMA 2009 Owners Manual

or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light2-11
or
Brake warning light 2-11
Charge warning
light2-11
Continuously Vari-
able Transmission
(CVT) check warn-
ing light (if so
equipped)2-11
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-12
Low tire pressure
warning light2-12
Warning
lightName Page
Master warning light 2-13
NISSAN Intelligent
Key ™ warning light2-13
Seat belt warning
light and chime2-13
Supplemental air
bag warning light1-57
Indicator
lightName Page
Continuously Vari-
able Transmission
(CVT) position indi-
cator light (if so
equipped)2-14
Front passenger air
bag status light2-14
High beam indicator
light (blue)2-14
Indicator
lightName Page
Malfunction Indica-
tor Light (MIL)2-14
Security indicator
light2-26
Slip indicator light (if
so equipped)2-15
Traction Control
System off indicator
light (if so equipped)2-35
Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights2-16
Vehicle Dynamic
Control off indicator
light (if so equipped)2-35
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
0-12Illustrated table of contents
REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima(alt)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/08/08—debbie


Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightNISSAN Intelligent Key™ warning lightSecurity indicator light
orBrake warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeSlip indicator light (if so equipped)
Charge warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightTraction Control System off indicator light (if so
equipped)
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
check warning light (if so equipped)Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
position indicator light (if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning lightFront passenger air bag status lightVehicle Dynamic Control off indicator light
(if so equipped)
Low tire pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
Master warning lightMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch in 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,,,,,

orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light illuminates and then turns off. This
indicates the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
Brake systemin theStarting and drivingsec-
tion.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the parking
brake is applied.Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level.
If the light comes on while the engine is running
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.

CAUTION
●The TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure to
check the tire pressure regularly.
●If the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of less than 16 MPH (25 km/h) , the
TPMS may not operate correctly.
●Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the 4 wheels correctly.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™
warning light
The Intelligent Key warning light warns of a mal-
function with the electrical steering lock system
or the Intelligent Key system.
After the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 seconds
and then turns off.
If the light comes on while the engine is stopped,
it may not be possible to free the steering lock or
to start the engine. If the light comes on while the
engine is running, you can drive the vehicle. How-
ever, in these cases, contact a NISSAN dealer for
repair as soon as possible.
See “NISSAN Intelligent Key™ ” in the “Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition switch is placed in 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.
Instruments and controls2-13
REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima(alt)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/08/08—debbie


Supplemental air bag warning
light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON or
START position, the supplemental air bag warn-
ing light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then
turns off. This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag, and preten-
sioner systems need servicing and your vehicle
must be taken to a NISSAN dealer:
●The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
●The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
●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-
tensioners may not function properly. For addi-
tional details, see “Supplemental restraint sys-
tem” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of this
manual.
Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) position
indicator light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this indicator light shows the shift selec-tor position. See “Driving the vehicle” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Front passenger air bag status
light
The front passenger air bag status light ()
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger seat
is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
2-14Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima(alt)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/08/08—debbie


light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
Operation
The Malfunction Indicator Light will come on in
one of two ways:●Malfunction Indicator Light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after
a few driving trips. If the
light does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
●Malfunction Indicator Light 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 Light 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.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This indicator light will blink when the traction
control system (if so equipped) or vehicle dy-
namic control system is limiting wheel spin. Slip-
pery 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
place the ignition switch in the ON position. The
Instruments and controls2-15
REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima(alt)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/08/08—debbie


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 operat-
ing.
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
place the ignition switch in 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
indicator 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.
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 has
been turned off.
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” sec-
tion of this manual.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on
when you place the ignition switch in the ON
position. The light will turn off after about 2 sec-
onds if the system is operational. If the light stays
on or comes on along with the SLIP indicator light
while you are driving, have the Vehicle Dynamic
Control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
operating, you might feel slight vibration or hearthe system working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, 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.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ door buzzer
The Intelligent Key door buzzer sounds if the
Intelligent Key is left inside the vehicle when
locking the doors. When the buzzer sounds, be
sure to check both the vehicle and the Intelligent
Key. See “NISSAN Intelligent Key™ ” in the “Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the ignition switch is placed in the ACC or
OFF position or placed in the OFF or LOCK
position with the Intelligent Key left in the Intelli-
gent Key port. Make sure the ignition switch is
placed in the LOCK position, and take the Intel-
ligent Key with you when leaving the vehicle.
2-16Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima(alt)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/08/08—debbie


Symptom Possible Cause Remedy
When pushing the ignition switch to stop
the engineThe SHIFT P warning appears on the dis-
play and the inside warning chime sounds
continuously.The shift selector is not in the P (Park)
position.Shift the shift selector to the P (Park)
position.
When opening the driver’s door to get out
of the vehicleThe inside warning chime sounds
continuously.The ignition switch is in the ACC position.Push the ignition switch to the OFF
position.
The Intelligent Key is in the Intelligent Key
port.Remove the Intelligent Key from the Intelli-
gent Key port.
When closing the door after getting out of
the vehicleThe NO KEY warning appears on the
display, the outside chime sounds 3 times
and the inside warning chime sounds for
approximately 3 seconds.The ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.Push the ignition switch to the OFF
position.
The NO KEY warning appears on the dis-
play and the outside chime sounds
continuously.The ignition switch is in the ACC position
and the shift selector is not in the P (Park)
position.Move the shift selector to the P (Park) posi-
tion and push the ignition switch to the
OFF position.
The shift “P” warning light appears on the
display and the outside chime sounds
continuously.The ignition switch is in the OFF position
and the shift selector is not in the P (Park)
position.Move the shift selector to the P (Park)
position.
When closing the door with the inside lock
knob turned to LOCKThe outside chime sounds for approximately
3 seconds and all the doors unlock.The Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle or
trunk.Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
3-16Pre-driving checks and adjustments
REVIEW COPY—2009 Altima(alt)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
09/08/08—debbie


WARNING
●To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
●Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
●Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
●Keep 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.

CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Op-
erating the engine with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine, and
such damage is not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
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, then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler
Acap by turning it
counterclockwise.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
B.