check engine light NISSAN ALTIMA 2014 L33 / 5.G Owners Manual

0 Illustrated table of contents
Air bags, seat belts and child restraints..............0-2
Exterior front ......................................0-3
Exterior rear .......................................0-4
Passenger compartment ...........................0-5 Instrument panel
...................................0-6
Engine compartment check locations ................0-8
Warning/indicator lights ........................... 0-10

2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges ................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer . . ...................2-4
Tachometer ....................................2-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ...............2-5
Fuel gauge ....................................2-5
Compass display (if so equipped) ...................2-6
Compass display ...............................2-7
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ......2-10
Checking bulbs ............................... 2-10
Warning lights ................................ 2-10
Indicator lights ................................ 2-14
Audible reminders ............................. 2-16
Vehicle Information Display ........................2-17
How to use the vehicle information display .......2-18
Startup display ................................ 2-18
Settings ...................................... 2-18
Vehicle information display warnings and
indicators ..................................... 2-24
Security systems ................................. 2-27
Vehicle security system ......................... 2-27
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............2-28
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...............2-29Switch operation
.............................. 2-30
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch .................................. 2-30
Headlight and turn signal switch ....................2-31
Xenon headlights (if so equipped) ...............2-31
Headlight control switch ........................ 2-32
Daytime running light system (Canada only) ......2-34
Instrument brightness control ...................2-35
Turn signal switch ............................. 2-35
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ................2-35
Horn ............................................ 2-36
Heated seats (if so equipped) ......................2-36
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped) .............2-37
Warning systems switch (if so equipped) ............2-38
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch ...........2-38
P

ower outlet ..................................... 2-39
Storage ......................................... 2-40
Map pockets .................................. 2-40
Seatback pockets (if so equipped) ..............2-40
Sunglasses holder ............................. 2-40
Cup holders . . . ............................... 2-41
Glove box .................................... 2-42
Console box .................................. 2-42

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightSide light and headlight indicator light (green)
orBrake warning lightFog light indicator light (if so equipped)Slip indicator light
Charge warning lightFront passenger air bag status lightSPORT mode indicator light (if so equipped)
Low tire pressure warning lightHigh beam indicator light (blue)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Master warning lightMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator
light
Power steering warning lightOverdrive off indicator light (if so equipped)
Seat belt warning light and chimeSecurity indicator light
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,or,,,,
The following lights (if equipped) come on briefly
and then go off:
,,,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
For additional information on warnings and indi-
cators, see “Vehicle information display” later in
this section.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-10Instruments and controls

Anti-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 light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock braking sys-
tem 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 system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
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.
WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
● Pressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel. ●
If the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate the
ABS is not functioning properly. Have the brake
system checked, and if necessary, repaired by a
NISSAN dealer promptly. Avoid high-speed driv-
ing and abrupt braking. See “Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light” in this section.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
Instruments and controls2-11

●If the light illuminates while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Driving with under-inflated tires may
permanently damage the tires and in-
crease the likelihood of tire failure. Se-
rious vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could result
in serious personal injury. Check the
tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust the
tire pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire
placard located in the driver’s door
opening to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If the light still
comes on while driving after adjusting
the tire pressure, a tire may be flat. If
you have a flat tire, replace it with a
spare tire as soon as possible.
● 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.
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.
Master warning light
When the ignition is in the ON position, the master
warning light illuminates if any of the following are
displayed on the vehicle information display.
● No key warning
● Low fuel warning
● Low windshield-washer fluid warning
● Parking brake release warning
● Door/trunk open warning
● Loose fuel cap
● Check tire pressure warning
Power steering warning light
WARNING
●If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
● When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of
the vehicle, but the steering will be
much harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the power steering warning light illuminates. After
starting the engine, the power steering warning
light turns off. This indicates that the electric
power steering system is operational. If the
power steering warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, it may indicate the power
steering system is not functioning properly and
may need servicing. Have the hydraulic pump
electric power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer. See “Power steering system” in
the “Starting and driving” section.
Instruments and controls2-13

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.
The Malfunction Indicator Light may also come
on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing,
or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make
sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons
(11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20 sec-
onds and then blinks for 10 seconds when the
engine is not running, it indicates that the vehicle
is not ready for an emission control system
inspection/maintenance test. See “Readiness for
inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the “Tech-
nical 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 LOOSE FUEL CAP warning appears in
the vehicle information display. 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.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive OFF indicator light (if
so equipped)
QR25DE:
The overdrive off indicator light illuminates when
the overdrive off mode is selected.
VQ35DE:
This light illuminates and then turns off when the
ignition switch is placed to the ON position.
QR25DE and VQ35DE:
For additional information, see “Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Instruments and controls2-15

Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates that
the security systems equipped on the vehicle are
operational.
For additional information, see “Security sys-
tems” later in this section.
Side light and headlightindicator light (green)
The side light and headlight indicator light illumi-
nates when the side light or headlight position is
selected. See “Headlight and turn signal switch”
later in this section for further details.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the VDC system or
the traction control system is operating, thus
alerting that the vehicle is nearing its traction
limits. The road surface may be slippery.
SPORT mode indicator light (ifso equipped)
QR25DE:
This light illuminates and then turns off when the
ignition switch is placed to the ON position, and
when the SPORT mode off is selected.
For additional information, see “Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Turn signal/hazard indicatorlights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) OFF indicator light
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 be
reactivated. 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 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
indi-
cator 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 hear
the 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.
2-16Instruments and controls

12. Timer Alert – Time for a driver break?
13. Low Outside Temperature
14. Power will turn off to save the battery
15. CVT Error
16. Reminder: Turn OFF headlights
17. Low Oil Pressure
18. Key Registration Complete
19. Tire Pressure Low - Add Air (if so equipped)
20. TPMS Error
21. Remote Start (if so equipped)
22. Loose Fuel Cap
23. I-Key System Error: See Owner’s Manual
No Key Detected
This warning appears when the Intelligent Key is
left outside the vehicle with the ignition switch in
the ON or ACC position. Make sure the Intelli-
gent Key is inside the vehicle.
Key ID Incorrect
This warning appears when the ignition switch is
placed from the OFF position and the Intelligent
Key is not recognized by the system. You cannot
start the engine with an unregistered key.See “NISSAN Intelligent Key®” in “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” for more information.
Shift to Park
This warning illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the ACC or OFF position and the shift lever
is in any position other than P (Park) position.
Also, a chime sounds when the ignition switch is
in the OFF position.
If this warning illuminates, move the shift lever to
the P (Park) position or start the engine.
For additional information about Intelligent Key,
see “NISSAN Intelligent Key®” in the “Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section.
Push ignition to OFF
After the Push ignition to OFF warning illumi-
nates, the warning will illuminate if the ignition
switch is placed in the ACC position when the
shift lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
To turn off the Push warning, place the ignition
switch in the ON position and then in the LOCK
position.
Key Battery Low
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 “Battery replacement” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
Engine start operation for Intelligent Key
system
This indicator appears when the battery of the
Intelligent Key is low and when the Intelligent Key
system and the vehicle are not communicating
normally.
If this appears, touch the ignition switch with the
Intelligent Key while depressing the brake pedal.
For more information, see “Intelligent Key battery
discharge” in the “Starting and driving” section.
Release Parking brake
This warning illuminates in the message area of
the vehicle information display when the parking
brake is set and the vehicle is driven.
Low Fuel
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 0 (Empty) .
There will be a small re-
serve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches 0 (Empty) .
Instruments and controls2-25

Low Washer Fluid
This warning illuminates when the windshield-
washer fluid is at a low level. Add windshield-
washer fluid as necessary. See “Windshield-
washer fluid” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
Door Open
This warning illuminates when a door has been
opened when the engine is running.
Trunk Open
This warning illuminates when the trunk has been
opened when the engine is running.
Timer Alert – Time for a driver break?
This indicator appears when the set time is
reached. The time can be set up to 6 hours. For
setting the timer, see “Timer alert” in this section.
Low Outside Temperature
This warning appears if the outside temperature
is below 37°F (3°C) . The temperature can be
changed to display in Celsius or Fahrenheit. See
“Temperature” earlier in this section.Power will turn off to save the battery
This warning appears in message area of the
vehicle information display after a period of time if
the shift lever has not moved from the P (Park)
position.
CVT Error: See Owner’s Manual
This warning illuminates when the there is a prob-
lem with the CVT system. If this warning comes
on, have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Reminder: Turn OFF headlights
This warning appears when the headlights are
left in the ON position when exiting the vehicle.
Place the headlight switch in the OFF or AUTO
position. For additional information, see “Head-
light and turn signal switch” in this section.
Low Oil Pressure
This warning appears in message area of the
vehicle information display if low oil pressure is
detected. This gauge is not designed to indicate
low oil level.
The low oil pressure warning is
not designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
the dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil”
in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. Key registration complete
This appears when a new Intelligent Key is regis-
tered to the vehicle.
Tire Pressure Low - Add Air warning (if so
equipped)
This warning appears when the low tire pressure
warning light in the meter illuminates and low tire
pressure is detected. The warning appears each
time the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position as long as the low tire pressure warning
light remains illuminated. If this warning appears,
stop the vehicle and adjust the tire pressures of
all 4 tires to the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See “Low tire pressure warning light” ear-
lier in this section and “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
TPMS Error
This warning appears when there is a error with
your TPMS. If this warning comes on, have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
2-26Instruments and controls

Push to start (if so equipped)
This warning appears in the vehicle information
display when the vehicle has been started using
the remote start function. To start the vehicle,
apply the brake and place the ignition switch in
the ON position.
Loose Fuel Cap
This warning appears when the fuel-filler cap is
not tightened correctly after the vehicle has been
refueled. See “Fuel-filler cap” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section of this manual.
Intelligent Key error
After the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 seconds
and then turns off.
The I-Key System Error message warns of a
malfunction with the Intelligent Key system. If the
light comes on while the engine is stopped, it may
be impossible to start the engine.
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
you can drive the vehicle. However in these
cases, contact a NISSAN dealer for repair as
soon as possible.Your vehicle may has two types of security sys-
tems:
● Vehicle security system
● NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM
The vehicle security system provides visual and
audible alarm signals if someone opens the
doors, trunk lid or the hood when the system is
armed. It is not, however, a motion detection type
system that activates when a vehicle is moved or
when a vibration occurs. The system helps deter vehicle theft but cannot
prevent it, nor can it prevent the theft of interior or
exterior vehicle components in all situations. Al-
ways secure your vehicle even if parking for a
brief period. Never leave your Intelligent Key in
the vehicle, and always lock the vehicle when
unattended. Be aware of your surroundings, and
park in secure, well-lit areas whenever possible.
Many devices offering additional protection, such
as component locks, identification markers, and
tracking systems, are available at auto supply
stores and specialty shops. Your NISSAN dealer
may also offer such equipment. Check with your
insurance company to see if you may be eligible
for discounts for various theft protection features.
How to arm the vehicle security
system
1. Close all windows.
(The system can be
armed even if the windows are open.)
2. Remove the Intelligent Key from the vehicle.
3. Close all doors, hood and trunk/liftgate. Lock all doors. The doors can be locked with
the Intelligent Key, door handle request
switch (if so equipped) , power door lock
switch or mechanical key.
LIC0301
SECURITY SYSTEMS
Instruments and controls2-27