oil change NISSAN ALTIMA 2015 L33 / 5.G Owners Manual

Body Color
The color of the vehicle that displays in the ve-
hicle information display when the ignition switch
is placed in the ON position can be changed.1. scheduled service: oil and oil filter
2. tires
3. other
Maintenance
The maintenance mode allows you to set alerts
for the reminding of maintenance intervals. To
change an item:1. Press the
button.
2. Use the
button until “Settings” is se-
lected, and press ENTER. 3. Select “Maintenance” using the
but-
ton and press ENTER.
Oil and Filter
This indicator appears when the customer set
distance comes for changing the engine oil and
filter. You can set or reset the distance for check-
ing or replacing these items. For scheduled main-
tenance items and intervals, refer to your
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide.”
Tire
This indicator appears when the customer set
distance is reached for replacing tires. You can
set or reset the distance for replacing tires.
LIC2773
Instruments and controls2-21

WARNING
The tire replacement indicator is not a
substitute for regular tire checks, includ-
ing tire pressure checks. For additional
information, refer to “Changing wheels
and tires” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual. Many fac-
tors including tire inflation, alignment,
driving habits and road conditions affect
tire wear and when tires should be re-
placed. Setting the tire replacement indi-
cator for a certain driving distance does
not mean your tires will last that long. Use
the tire replacement indicator as a guide
only and always perform regular tire
checks. Failure to perform regular tire
checks, including tire pressure checks
could result in tire failure. Serious vehicle
damage could occur and may lead to a
collision, which could result in serious
personal injury or death.
Other
This indicator appears when the customer set
distance is reached for checking or replacing
maintenance items other than the engine oil, oil
filter and tires. Other maintenance items can in-
clude such things as air filter or tire rotation. The
distance for checking or replacing the items can
be set or reset.
Alarms
This setting allows the customer to set alarms for
outside temperature and a timer alert. 1. Press the
button.
2. Use the
button until “Settings” is se-
lected, and press ENTER.
3. Select “Alarms” using the
button and
press ENTER.
Outside Temperature
This setting allows the customer to
enable/disable the alert for low outside tempera-
ture in the vehicle information display.
1. Use the
button to select “Outside
Temperature”.
2. Press the ENTER button to turn on/off the outside temperature in the vehicle informa-
tion display.
Timer Alert
This setting allows the driver to set an alert to
notify a set time has been reached.
1. Use the
button to select “Timer Alert”.
2. Press the ENTER button.
3. To change the timer amount, use the
button and the ENTER button to save the
selected time amount. Navigation (if so equipped)
This setting allows the customer to
enable/disable the alert for navigation in the ve-
hicle information display.
1. Use the
buttons to select “Naviga-
tion”.
2. Press the ENTER button to turn ON/OFF the alert.
Language
The language of the vehicle information display
can be changed to:
● US English
● French
● Spanish
Use the
,, and the ENTER buttons to
select and change the language of the vehicle
information display. The language of the center
display/navigation can be changed indepen-
dently of the vehicle information display. For ve-
hicles not equipped with Navigation refer to
“How to use the
button” for vehicles
equipped with Navigation in the “System” in the
“Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recog-
nition systems” section of this manual.
2-22Instruments and controls

Low Washer Fluid
This warning illuminates when the windshield-
washer fluid is at a low level. Add windshield-
washer fluid as necessary. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Windshield-washer fluid” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
Door/liftgate 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 six hours. For
setting the timer, refer to “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. For
additional information, refer to “Temperature” 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, refer to
“Headlight and turn signal switch” in this section.
Low Oil Pressure: See Owner’s Manual
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. For additional
information, refer to “Engine oil” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. Key Registration Complete
This appears when a new Intelligent Key is regis-
tered to the vehicle.
Tire Pressure Low - Add Air warning
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 four tires to the recommended COLD tire
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. For additional information, refer to
“Low tire pressure warning light” in this section
and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)”
in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
TPMS Error: See Owner’s Manual
This warning appears when there is an error with
your TPMS. If this warning comes on, have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
2-26Instruments and controls

The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. For additional information, refer to “Air
conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommen-
dations” in the “Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains refrig-
erant under high pressure. To avoid per-
sonal injury, any air conditioner service
should be done only by an experienced
technician with proper equipment.
RADIO
With the ignition placed in the ACC or ON posi-
tion, press the
POWER button /VOL (vol-
ume) 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 vehicle
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.
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER AUDIO SYSTEM
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-35

3. Touch the ignition switch with the IntelligentKey as illustrated. (A chime will sound.)
After Step 3 is performed, when the ignition
switch is pushed without depressing the
brake pedal, the ignition switch position will
change to ACC.
4. Push the ignition switch while depressing the brake pedal within ten seconds after the
chime sounds. The engine will start.
NOTE: ● When the ignition switch is pushed to the
ACC or ON position or the engine is started
by the above procedure, the Intelligent Key
battery discharge indicator appears in the
vehicle information display even when the
Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle. This is
not a malfunction. To turn off the Intelligent
Key battery discharge indicator, touch the
ignition switch with the Intelligent Key again.
● If the Intelligent Key battery discharge indi-
cator appears, replace the battery as soon
as possible. For additional information, refer
to “Battery Replacement” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedure:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately
10 seconds.
3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device (which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices. ●
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and windshield-washer fluid
as frequently as possible, or at least when-
ever you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust headrests/head re-
straints.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. For additional information, refer to
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving5-11

Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient Driving
Tips to help you achieve the most fuel economy
from your vehicle.1. Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake
Pedal Application
● Avoid rapid starts and stops.
● Use smooth, gentle accelerator and
brake application whenever possible.
● Maintain constant speed while commut-
ing and coast whenever possible.
2. Maintain Constant Speed
● Look ahead to try and anticipate and mini-
mize stops.
● Synchronizing your speed with traffic
lights allows you to reduce your number
of stops.
●
Maintaining a steady speed can minimize
red light stops and improve fuel efficiency.
3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher
Vehicle Speeds
● Below 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load.
● Above 40 MPH (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag. ●
Recirculating the cool air in the cabin
when the A/C is on reduces cooling load.
4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-
tances
● Observing the speed limit and not ex-
ceeding 60 MPH (97 km/h) (where le-
gally allowed) can improve fuel efficiency
due to reduced aerodynamic drag.
● Maintaining a safe following distance be-
hind other vehicles reduces unnecessary
braking.
● Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate
changes in speed permits reduced brak-
ing and smooth acceleration changes.
● Select a gear range suitable to road con-
ditions.
5. Use Cruise Control
● Using cruise control during highway driv-
ing helps maintain a steady speed.
● Cruise control is particularly effective in
providing fuel savings when driving on flat
terrains.
6. Plan for the Shortest Route
● Utilize a map or navigation system to de-
termine the best route to save time. 7.
Avoid Idling
● Shutting off your engine when safe for
stops exceeding 30–60 seconds saves
fuel and reduces emissions.
8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll Roads
● Automated passes permit drivers to use
special lanes to maintain cruising speed
through the toll and avoid stopping and
starting.
9. Winter Warm Up
● Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel
economy.
● Vehicles typically need no more than
30 seconds of idling at start-up to effec-
tively circulate the engine oil before driv-
ing.
● Your vehicle will reach its ideal operating
temperature more quickly while driving
versus idling.
10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool
● Park your vehicle in a covered parking
area or in the shade whenever possible.
● When entering a hot vehicle, opening the
windows will help to reduce the inside
temperature faster, resulting in reduced
demand on your A/C system.
FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
Starting and driving5-29

Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer* Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery* Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level. NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electronic ac-
cessories that consume battery power when the
engine is not running (Phone chargers, GPS,
DVD players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or only
driven short distances. In these cases, the battery
may need to be charged to maintain battery
health.
Brake fluid levels*
Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MIN and MAX lines on
the reservoir.
Engine coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts* Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level* Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan. Exhaust system
Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Exhaust gas (carbon
monoxide)” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
Fluid leaks Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines Check
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

CAUTION
●Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not covered
by warranty.
● It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the se-
verity of operating conditions.
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 cap
Bby turning it
counterclockwise.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
A.
5. Remove the drain plug
Awith 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. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Changing engine oil filter” in
this section.
● Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
● Check your local regulations.
WARNING
●Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
● Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as
soon as possible.
● Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
LDI2338
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 18 gal15 gal68 L • For additional information, refer to “Fuel recommendation” in this section.
Engine oil Drain and refill• For additional information, refer to “Engine oil” in the “Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
QR25DE With oil filter
change 4-7/8 qt
4 qt4.6 L• Engine oil with API Certification Mark
• For additional information, refer to “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tions” in this section.
• Viscosity SAE 0W-20
• As an alternative to this recommended oil, SAE 5W-30 conventional pe-
troleum based oil may be used and meets all specifications and require-
ments necessary to maintain the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Without oil
filter change 4-1/2 qt
3-3/4 qt4.3 L
VQ35DE With oil filter
change 4-7/8 qt
4 qt4.8 L
Without oil
filter change 4-1/2 qt
3-3/4 qt4.5 L
Cooling system QR25DE With reservoir 2-1/8 gal 1-3/4 gal7.9 L • Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent
Cooling system VQ35DE With reservoir 2-3/8 gal 2 gal9.2 L • Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid ———• Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3
•
NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3
ONLY in NISSAN CVTs. Do not mix with other fluids. Using fluids
that are not equivalent to Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 may
damage the CVT. Damage caused by the use of fluids other than
as recommended is not covered under NISSAN’s New Vehicle Lim-
ited Warranty.
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. See your NISSAN dealer for service. • Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent.
• Use of a power steering fluid other than Genuine NISSAN E-PSF will pre-
vent the power steering system from operating properly.
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS/
LUBRICANTS AND CAPACITIES
9-2Technical and consumer information

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. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Recommended fluids/lubricants
and capacities” in this section. NISSAN recom-
mends 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
replacing, 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.
LTI2051
9-6Technical and consumer information