oil filter NISSAN ALTIMA 2012 Owners Manual

Alert mode
The alert mode allows you to set alerts notifying
you of time to rest or icy conditions.
The time to rest alert lets you know when you
have been traveling for a long time and may need
a break.
The icy alert notifies you that icy driving condi-
tions may exist.Reset mode
The reset mode can be selected in any screen
that allows for preferences to be programmed.
Once the screen is selected, you have the option
to reset the selected distances or time to a new
setting.
Maintenance mode
The maintenance mode allows you to set alerts
for the reminding of maintenance intervals for the
following:
● tires
● oil
● filter
● other
Set a desired interval by pushing

Indicators for maintenance
1. Engine oil replacement indicatorThis indicator appears when the customer
set distance comes for changing the engine
oil. You can set or reset the distance for
changing the engine oil. See “Maintenance
mode” earlier in this section.
2. Oil filter replacement indicator This indicator appears when the customer
set distance comes for replacing the oil filter.
You can set or reset the distance for replac-
ing the oil filter. See “Maintenance mode”
earlier in this section.
3. Tire replacement indicator This indicator appears when the customer
set distance comes for replacing tires. You
can set or reset the distance for replacing
tires. See “Maintenance mode” earlier in this
section.

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions ...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-6
Engine cooling system .............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-9
Changing engine coolant ........................8-9
Engine oil ........................................ 8-10
Checking engine oil level .......................8-10
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-11
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-12
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid
(if so equipped) .................................. 8-13
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-14
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ..............8-14
Brake fluid .................................... 8-15
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-15
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-15
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-15
Battery .......................................... 8-16
Jump starting ................................. 8-17
Variable voltage control system .....................8-18Drive belt
........................................ 8-18
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-19
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-20
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-21
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-21
Cleaning ..................................... 8-21
Replacing .................................... 8-22
Brakes .......................................... 8-23
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-23
Brake pad wear indicators ......................8-23
Fuses ........................................... 8-23
Engine compartment ........................... 8-24
Passenger compartment .......................8-25
Battery replacement .............................. 8-27
NISSAN
Intelligent Key™ ....................... 8-27
Lights ........................................... 8-29
Headlights .................................... 8-29
Front park/turn/sidemarker light .................8-29
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-30
Upper tether anchor/key cylinder covers ............8-36
Removing covers from rear parcel shelf ..........8-36
Installing covers to rear parcel shelf ..............8-37

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 applythe 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. 5. Remove the drain plug
Bwith 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” in this section.
● Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
● Check your local regulations.

CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with a clean rag.

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality
and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. See “Capacities
and recommended fuel/lubricants” earlier 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. Choosing an oil
viscosity other than that recommended could
cause serious 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.

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:● repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
● driving in dusty conditions
● extensive idling
● towing a trailer
● stop and go commuting
Refer to the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.
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 NISSAN A/C
system oil Type S or the exact equivalents.

Child restraints.......1-20, 1-21, 1-22, 1-24
Precautions on child
restraints .........1-22, 1-28, 1-33, 1-37
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-26
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-16
Cleaning exterior and interior ...........7-2
Clock ...................4-45, 4-50
(models with navigation system) .......4-8
(models without navigation system) . . . .4-45
Clock set ..................4-8, 4-45
Clutch Clutch fluid ..................8-15
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-10
Cold weather driving ..............5-28
Compact disc (CD)
player ............4-46, 4-52, 4-58, 4-64
Compass display .................2-6
Console box ...................2-41
Console light ...................2-49
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). . .5-12 Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ..................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-12
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-16
Control panel buttons ...............4-2
Brightness/contrast button .........4-12
Enter button ..................4-2
Setting button .................4-6
Controls Heater and air conditioner
controls ................4-19, 4-26
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2 Changing engine coolant
...........8-9
Checking engine coolant level ........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Corrosion protection ...............7-6
Cruise control ..................5-20
Cup holders ................2-39, 2-40
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-33
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-29
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player .......4-63
Dimensions
and weights .............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-33
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2
Door locks .....................3-4
Drive belt .....................8-18
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-28
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-12
Driving with manual transmission ......5-17
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel ..................5-22
Emission control information label .......9-11
Emission control system warranty .......9-25
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-10
Block heater .................5-29 Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
.................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-9
Changing engine oil .............8-11
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level ........8-9
Checking engine oil level ..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations . . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine cooling system ............8-8
Engine oil ...................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-12
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-5
Engine serial number ............9-10
Engine specifications .............9-7
Starting the engine .............5-11
Enter button ....................4-2
Event data recorders ..............9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Extended storage switch ............8-26
Eyeglass case ..................2-38
F
Flashers
(See

hazard warning flasher switch) ......2-34
Flat tire .......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Clutch fluid ..................8-15
10-2

Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-13
Engine coolant .................8-8
Engine oil ...................8-10
Power steering fluid .............8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-10
Fog light switch .................2-34
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-50
Front seats .....................1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-22
Fuel-filler door and cap ...........3-25
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever ......3-25
Fuel gauge ...................2-6
Fuel octane rating ...............9-4
Fuel recommendation .............9-3
Loose fuel cap warning ........2-25, 3-25
Fuses .......................8-23
Fusible links ...................8-25
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink Universal
Transceiver ....................2-51
Gascap .....................3-25
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Fuel gauge ...................2-6
Odometer ...................2-4
Speedometer .................2-4
Tachometer ..................2-5
Trip odometer .................2-4 General maintenance
...............8-2
Glove box .....................2-41
Glove box lock ..................2-41
Grocery hooks ..................2-42
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth . . . .4-92,
4-106
Hazard warning flasher switch .........2-34
Headlight
and turn signal switch ........2-29
Headlight control switch ............2-31
Headlights ....................8-29
Heated seats ...................2-35
Heater Heater and air conditioner
controls ................4-19, 4-26
Heater operation ...........4-20, 4-27
HomeLink Universal Transceiver ........2-51
Hood release ...................3-23
Horn .......................2-35
I
Ignition Switch Push-Button Ignition Switch .........5-7
Immobilizer system .........2-27, 3-3, 5-10
Important vehicle information label .......9-10
In-cabin microfilter ................8-21
Increasing fuel economy .............5-22
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders) ....................2-10
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror ........3-30Inside mirror
...................3-29
Instrument brightness control ..........2-33
Instrument panel ...............0-8, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch ........2-33
Intelligent Key system Key operating range ..........3-8, 3-18
Key operation .................3-9
Mechanical key ................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation . . .3-12, 3-18
Troubleshooting guide ........3-16, 3-22
Warning signals ............3-16, 3-22
Interior light ....................2-48
Interior trunk lid release .............3-24
iPod Player................4-72, 4-74
ISOFIX child restraints .............1-24
J
Jump starting .................. .6-8
K
K

eyfob battery replacement ...........8-27
Keyless entry With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system) .....3-12, 3-18
Keys, For Intelligent Key system .........3-2
L
Labels Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........9-10
10-3

Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number ............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-10
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-56
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System ......................1-24
License plate Installing the license plate ..........9-12
Light Air bag warning light .........1-56, 2-14
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-30
Bulb check/instrument panel ........2-10
Bulb replacement ..............8-30
Charge warning light ............2-11
Console light .................2-49
Fog light switch ...............2-34
Headlight and turn signal switch ......2-29
Headlight control switch ..........2-31
Headlights ..................8-29
Interior light ..................2-48
Light bulbs ..................8-29
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-12
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light ......................2-24
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-51
Personal lights ................2-49
Security indicator light ............2-16
Spotlights (See map light) .........2-50
Trunk light ..................2-50
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...................2-10
Lights Map lights ..................2-50 Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Door locks ...................3-4
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever ......3-25
Glove box lock ................2-41
Power door locks ...............3-5
T

runk lid lock opener lever ..........3-23
Loose fuel cap warning ..........2-25, 3-25
Low fuel warning light ..........2-13, 2-24
Low tire pressure warning light .........2-12
Low windshield-washer fluid warning light . . .2-24
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance General maintenance .............8-2
Inside the vehicle ...............8-3
Maintenance precautions ...........8-5
Outside the vehicle ..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance ............1-19
Under the hood and vehicle .........8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............2-15
Manual front seat adjustment ...........1-2
Map lights ....................2-50
Map pocket ....................2-37
Meters and gauges ................2-3
Instrument brightness control ........2-33
Mirror Automatic anti-glare inside mirror ......3-30
Inside mirror .................3-29
Outside mirrors ...............3-31
Vanity mirror .................3-29
Moonroof .....................2-46
Music Box hard-disk drive audio system . . .4-77 N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ ............3-17
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system . . .2-27, 3-3, 5-10
NISSAN voice recognition system ......4-117
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ......9-4
Odometer .....................2-4
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine oil .............8-11
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-12
Checking engine oil level ..........8-10
Engine oil ...................8-10
Engine
oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-5
Outside mirrors .................3-31
Overheat If your vehicle overheats ...........6-10
Owner’s manual order form ...........9-27
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information ....................9-27
P
Parking Parking brake operation ...........5-19
Parking/parking on hills ...........5-23
Personal lights ..................2-49
10-4