light NISSAN ALTIMA 2012 Workshop Manual

Select Units:
Select the “US” (mi, °F, MPG) key or the “Metric”
(km, °C, L/100 km) key to change the units
shown on the display.
Voice Recognition:
For Voice Recognition settings, refer to “NISSAN
Voice Recognition system” in this section.
Navigation settings
Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual for information regarding these set-
tings.
Audio settings
For audio settings, refer to “Audio System” in this
section.
Phone settings
For phone settings refer to “BluetoothHands-
Free Phone System with Navigation System” in
this section.
Bluetooth settings
For Bluetooth phone settings, refer to
“Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System with
Navigation System” in this section.
For Bluetooth audio settings, refer to
“Bluetooth streaming audio” in this section.
Volume & beeps settings
Navigation volume
For navigation volume settings, refer to the sepa-
rate Navigation System Owner’s Manual for infor-
mation regarding these settings.
Phone volume
For phone volume settings refer to “Bluetooth
Hands-Free Phone System with Navigation Sys-
tem” in this section. Switch beeps
With this option on (indicator light illuminated) , a
beep will sound if any control panel button is
pressed.

●Do not adjust the Brightness or Contrast of
the RearView Monitor while the vehicle is
moving.
For vehicles with a touch screen (Type B): ● To adjust the Brightness, Contrast, Display
ON/OFF and Color of the RearView Moni-
tor, press the SETTING button and then
select the “Display” key with the RearView
Monitor on. When the display adjustment
screen appears, touch the “–” or “+” key on
the desired item and adjust the level. ●
Do not adjust the Brightness, Contrast, and
Color of the RearView Monitor while the
vehicle is moving.
OPERATING TIPS
● When the shift selector is shifted to R (Re-
verse) , the monitor screen automatically
changes to the RearView Monitor mode.
However, the radio can be heard.
● It may take some time until the RearView
Monitor is displayed after the shift selector
has been shifted to R (Reverse) . Objects
may be distorted momentarily until the Rear-
View Monitor screen is displayed com-
pletely. When the shift selector is returned to
a position other than R (Reverse) , it may take
some time until the screen changes. Objects
on the screen may be distorted until they are
completely displayed.
● When the temperature is extremely high or
low, the screen may not clearly display ob-
jects. This is not a malfunction.
● When strong light directly enters the cam-
era, objects may not be displayed clearly.
● Vertical lines may be seen in objects on the
screen. This is due to strong reflected light
from the bumper. This is not a malfunction. ●
The screen may flicker under fluorescent
light. This is not a malfunction.
● The colors of objects on the RearView Moni-
tor may differ somewhat from those of the
actual object.
● When the contrast of objects is low at night,
pressing the SETTING button or ENTER
button may not change the brightness.
● Objects on the monitor may not be clear in a
dark place or at night.
● If dirt, rain or snow attaches to the camera,
the RearView Monitor may not display ob-
jects. Clean the camera.
● Do not use alcohol, benzine or thinner to
clean the camera. This will cause discolor-
ation. To clean the camera, wipe with a cloth
dampened with a diluted mild cleaning agent
and then wipe with a dry cloth.
● Do not damage the camera as the monitor
screen may be adversely affected.
● Do not use body wax on the camera window.
If body wax does get on the camera window,
wipe off the wax with a clean cloth damp-
ened with mild detergent diluted with water.

RADIO
With the ignition placed in the ACC or ON posi-
tion, press the PWR (power)/VOL (volume) knob
to turn the radio on. If you listen to the radio with
the engine not running, the ignition should be
placed in the ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains and other external influ-
ences. Intermittent changes in reception quality
normally are caused by these external influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the ve-
hicle may influence radio reception quality.
Radio reception
Your NISSAN radio system is equipped with
state-of-the-art electronic circuits to enhance ra-
dio reception. These circuits are designed to
extend reception range, and to enhance the qual-
ity of that reception.
However, there are some general characteristics
of both FM and AM radio signals that can affect
radio reception quality in a moving vehicle, even
when the finest equipment is used. These char-
acteristics are completely normal in a given re-
ception area and do not indicate any malfunction
in your NISSAN radio system.Reception conditions will constantly change be-
cause of vehicle movement. Buildings, terrain,
signal distance and interference from other ve-
hicles can work against ideal reception. De-
scribed below are some of the factors that can
affect your radio reception.
Some cellular phones or other devices may
cause interference or a buzzing noise to come
from the audio system speakers. Storing the de-
vice in a different location may reduce or elimi-
nate the noise.
FM RADIO RECEPTION
Range: FM range is normally limited to 25 – 30 mi
(40 – 48 km) , with monaural (single channel) FM
having slightly more range than stereo FM. Exter-
nal influences may sometimes interfere with FM
station reception even if the FM station is within
25 mi (40 km) . The strength of the FM signal is
directly related to the distance between the
transmitter and receiver. FM signals follow a line-
of-sight path, exhibiting many of the same char-
acteristics as light. For example, they will reflect
off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away from
a station transmitter, the signals will tend to fade
and/or drift.
Static and flutter: During signal interference from
buildings, large hills or due to antenna position
(usually in conjunction with increased distance
from the station transmitter) , static or flutter can
be heard. This can be reduced by adjusting the
treble control to reduce treble response.
Multipath reception: Because of the reflective
characteristics of FM signals, direct and reflected
signals reach the receiver at the same time. The
signals may cancel each other, resulting in mo-
mentary flutter or loss of sound.
AM RADIO RECEPTION
AM signals, because of their low frequency, can
bend around objects and skip along the ground.
In addition, the signals can be bounced off the
ionosphere and bent back to earth. Because of
these characteristics, AM signals are also sub-
ject to interference as they travel from transmitter
to receiver.
Fading: Occurs while the vehicle is passing
through freeway underpasses or in areas with
many tall buildings. It can also occur for several
seconds during ionospheric turbulence even in
areas where no obstacles exist.
Static: Caused by thunderstorms, electrical
power lines, electric signs and even traffic lights.
AUDIO SYSTEM (if so equipped)
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-29

●CDs that are in poor condition or are
dirty, scratched or covered with finger-
prints may not work properly.
● The following CDs may not work prop-
erly:
● Copy control compact discs (CCCD)
● Recordable compact discs (CD-R)
● Rewritable compact discs (CD-RW)
● Do not use the following CDs as they
may cause the CD player to malfunc-
tion:
● 3.1 in (8 cm) discs with an adapter
● CDs that are not round
● CDs with a paper label
● CDs that are warped, scratched, or
have abnormal edges
● This audio system can only play pre-
recorded CDs. It has no capability to
record or burn CDs.
● If the CD cannot be played, one of the
following messages will be displayed.
CHECK DISC: ●
Confirm that the CD is inserted cor-
rectly (the label side is facing up,
etc.) .
● Confirm that the CD is not bent or
warped and it is free of scratches.
PRESS EJECT:
This is an error due to excessive tem-
perature inside the player. Remove the
CD by pressing the EJECT button. After
a short time, reinsert the CD. The CD
can be played when the temperature of
the player returns to normal.
UNPLAYABLE:
The file is unplayable in this audio sys-
tem (only MP3 or WMA (if so equipped)
CD) .
CD/DVD combination player (models
with Navigation System)
● Do not force a disc into the CD/DVD
insert slot. This could damage the
CD/DVD player.
● During cold weather or rainy days, the
player may malfunction due to the hu-
midity. If this occurs, remove the
CD/DVD and dehumidify or ventilate
the player completely. ●
The player may skip while driving on
rough roads.
● The CD/DVD player sometimes cannot
function when the passenger compart-
ment temperature is extremely high.
Decrease the temperature before use.
● Only use high quality 4.7 in (12 cm)
round discs that have the “COMPACT
disc DIGITAL AUDIO” or “DVD Video”
logo on the disc or packaging.
● Do not expose the CD/DVD to direct
sunlight.
● CDs/DVDs that are of poor quality,
dirty, scratched, covered with finger-
prints, or that have pinholes may not
work properly.
● The following CDs/DVDs are not guar-
anteed to play:
● Copy control compact discs (CCCD)
● Recordable compact discs (CD-R)
● Rewritable compact discs (CD-RW)
● Recordable compact discs (DVD±R,
DVD±R DL)
● Rewritable compact discs
(DVD±RW, DVD±RW DL)
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-31

●The TPMS will activate only when the vehicle
is driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25
km/h) . Also, this system may not detect a
sudden drop in tire pressure (for example a
flat tire while driving) .
● The low tire pressure warning light does not
automatically turn off when the tire pressure
is adjusted. After all 4 tires are inflated to the
recommended pressure, the vehicle must be
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h)
to activate the TPMS and turn off the low tire
pressure warning light. Use a tire pressure
gauge to check the tire pressure.
● The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning ap-
pears in the vehicle information display when
the low tire pressure warning light is illumi-
nated and low tire pressure is detected. The
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning turns off
when the low tire pressure warning light
turns off.
● The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning
does not appear if the low tire pressure
warning light illuminates to indicate a TPMS
malfunction. ●
Tire pressure rises and falls depending on
the heat caused by the vehicle’s operation
and the outside temperature. Low outside
temperature can lower the temperature of
the air inside the tire which can cause a
lower tire inflation pressure. This may cause
the low tire pressure warning light to illumi-
nate. If the warning light illuminates in low
ambient temperature, check the tire pres-
sure for all four tires.
● The Tire and Loading Information label (also
referred to as the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label) is located in the
driver’s door opening.
For additional information, see “Low tire pressure
warning light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)” in the “In case of emergency” section.

●When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, tire pressure will not be
indicated, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
● Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pressure
sensors.

3. When appropriate, slowly release the accel-erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from traffic if possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually stop the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and either contact a roadside emergency service
to change the tire or see “Changing a flat
tire” in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING

When the ignition switch is pushed without de-
pressing the brake pedal (CVT) or the clutch
pedal (M/T) , the ignition switch position will illu-
minate as follows:
Push center● once to change to ACC.
● two times to change to ON.
● three times to return to OFF.
The ignition switch will automatically return to the
LOCK position when any door is either opened or
closed with the switch in the OFF position. The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch position cannot be switched to OFF until
the shift selector is moved to the P (Park) position
(CVT) or N (Neutral) position (M/T) .
When the ignition switch cannot be pushed to-
ward the OFF position, proceed as follows:
1. Move the shift selector into the P (Park) position (CVT) or N (Neutral) position (M/T) .
2. Push the ignition switch. The ignition switch position will change to the ON position.
3. Push the ignition switch again to the OFF position.
The shift selector can be moved from the P
(Park) position if the ignition switch is in
the ON position and the brake pedal is
depressed.
If the battery of the vehicle is discharged,
the push-button ignition switch cannot be
moved from the LOCK position.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are
displayed on the vehicle information display. See
“Vehicle information display” in the “Instruments
and controls” section.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position):
The ignition switch can only be locked in this
position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the ACC position while carrying the
Intelligent Key or with the Intelligent Key inserted
in the port.
The ignition switch will lock when any door is
opened or closed with the ignition switched off.
OFF:
The ignition switch is in the OFF position when
the engine is turned off using the ignition switch.
No lights will illuminate on the ignition switch.
ACC (Accessories):
This position activates electrical accessories,
such as the radio, when the engine is not running.
ACC has a battery saver feature that will turn the
ignition switch to the OFF position after 30 min-
utes under the following conditions:
● all doors are closed.
● shift selector is in P (Park) .

Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid temperature
protection mode. If the fluid temperature be-
comes too high (for example, when climbing
steep grades in high temperature with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer) , engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to reduce
the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may be
limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. The MIL may
come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is
activated, see “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” in the “Instrument and controls” sec-tion. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this
case, place the ignition switch in the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then
push the switch back to the ON position.
The vehicle should return to its normal op-
erating condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
NISSAN dealer check the transmission and
repair if necessary.

3. Type A, firmly depress the parking brakepedal and it will release. Type B, while pulling
up on the parking brake lever slightly, push
the button and lower completely
B.
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning light goes out.
1. CANCEL switch
2. ACCEL/RES switch
3. COAST/SET switch
4. ON/OFF switch
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
●If the cruise control system malfunctions, it
cancels automatically. The SET indicator
light in the instrument panel then blinks to
warn the driver.
● If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control switch off and have the sys-
tem checked by a NISSAN dealer. ●
The 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.