coolant level NISSAN ALTIMA 2016 L33 / 5.G Owners Manual

CAUTION
If the gauge indicates coolant tempera-
ture near the hot (H) end of the normal
range, reduce vehicle speed to decrease
temperature. If the gauge is over the nor-
mal range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible. If the engine is over-
heated, continued operation of the vehicle
may seriously damage the engine. For ad-
ditional information, refer to “If your ve-
hicle overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual for
immediate action required.
FUEL GAUGE
The gauge indicates theapproximatefuel level
in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hills.
The gauge needle returns to 0 (Empty) after the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
The low fuel warning light comes on when the
amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge regis-
ters 0 (Empty) . The
indicates that the fuel-filler door is
located on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
CAUTION
● If the vehicle runs out of fuel, theMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may
come on. Refuel as soon as possible.
After a few driving trips. the
light
should turn off. If the light remains on
after a few driving trips, have the vehicle
inspected. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
● For additional information, refer to
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in
this section.
LIC2222
2-6Instruments and controls

3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen forsteam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not
open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan
can start at any time. 6. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the engine coolant reservoir tank
with the engine running. Add coolant to the
engine coolant reservoir tank if necessary. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must be
followed. Incorrect towing equipment could dam-
age your vehicle. Towing instructions are avail-
able from a NISSAN dealer. Local service opera-
tors are generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to your
vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a service
operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have
the service operator carefully read the following
precautions:
WARNING
●
Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
● Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
● When towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any of these conditions apply, dollies or
a flatbed tow truck must be used.
● Always attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-11

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 ................8-7
Engine cooling system .............................8-9
Checking engine coolant level ..................8-10
Changing engine coolant .......................8-10
Engine oil ........................................ 8-11
Checking engine oil level .......................8-11
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-12
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-14
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ......8-15
Power steering fluid ............................... 8-15
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-16
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-16
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-16
Battery .......................................... 8-17
Jump starting ................................. 8-19
Variable voltage control system .....................8-19
Drive belt ........................................ 8-20
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-21Replacing spark plugs
......................... 8-21
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-22
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped) ..............8-22
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-23
Cleaning ..................................... 8-23
Replacing .................................... 8-23
Brakes .......................................... 8-24
Fuses ........................................... 8-25
Engine compartment ........................... 8-25
Passenger compartment .......................8-26
Battery replacement .............................. 8-27
NISSAN Intelligent Key® .......................8-28
Lights ........................................... 8-29
Headlights .................................... 8-29
Fog

lights (if so equipped) ...................... 8-29
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-31
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-34
Tire pressure .................................. 8-34
Tire labeling ................................... 8-38
Types of tires .................................. 8-41
Tire chains .................................... 8-42
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-43

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

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
B, add coolant to the MAX level
A. If the reservoir is empty, check the coolant
level in the radiator when the engine is cold. If
there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the
radiator with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir up to the MAX level
A. This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) . The life expectancy of
the factory-fill coolant is 105,000 miles
(168,000 km) or 7 years. Mixing any other type of
coolant or the use of non-distilled water will re-
duce the life expectancy of the factory-fill coolant.
For additional information, refer to the NISSAN
Service and Maintenance Guide.
For additional information on the location of the
engine coolant reservoir, refer to “Engine com-
partment check locations” in this section.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
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.
LDI2750
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
windshield-washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
or equivalent.
WARNING
Antifreeze is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers out
of the reach of children.
CAUTION
●Do not substitute engine antifreeze
coolant for windshield-washer fluid.
This may result in damage to the paint.
● Do not fill the windshield-washer fluid
reservoir with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl al-
cohol based washer fluid concentrates
may permanently stain the grille if
spilled while filling the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir. ●
Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the windshield-washer fluid reser-
voir. Do not use the windshield-washer
fluid reservoir to mix the washer fluid
concentrate and water. ●
Keep the battery surface clean and dry.
Clean the battery with a solution of baking
soda and water.
● Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
● If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative (-) battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
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 accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone char-
gers, 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.
BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-17

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.
Fluid typeCapacity (Approximate)Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 18 gal15 gal 68 L • For additional information, refer to “Fuel recommenda-
tion” in this section of the manual.
Engine oil
Drain and refill
For additional
information, refer to
“Engine oil” in the
“Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual. QR25DE
With oil filter change 4-7/8 qt
4 qt4.6 L• Genuine NISSAN engine oil or equivalent
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark*1, Viscosity SAE
0W-20*2
*1 For additional information, refer to “Engine oil and oil
filter recommendations” in this section of the manual.
*2 As an alternative to this recommended oil, SAE 5W-30
conventional petroleum based oil may be used and meet
all specifications and requirements necessary to maintain
the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Without oil filter change 4-1/2 qt
3-3/4 qt 4.3 L
VQ35DE With oil filter change 5-1/8 qt
4-1/4 qt 4.8 L
Without oil filter change 4-3/4 qt 4 qt4.5 L
Engine coolant QR25DE With reservoir
2-1/8 gal 1-3/4 gal 7.9 L
• Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/
Coolant (blue) or equivalent
VQ35DE With reservoir 2-3/8 gal2 gal 9.2 L
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 Limited Warranty.
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper level according to the instruc-
tions in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual. See a NISSAN dealer for service. • Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent.
• Use of a power steering fluid other than Genuine
NISSAN E-PSF will prevent the power steering system
from operating properly.
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS/
LUBRICANTS AND CAPACITIES
9-2Technical and consumer information

C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants . .9-2
Cargonet.....................2-45
Cargo(Seevehicleloadinginformation)....9-13
Car phone or CB radio .............4-74
CD care and cleaning ..............4-67
CD player
(See audio system) .....4-37,4-41,4-47,4-54
Check tire pressure ...............2-27
Child restraints .......1-19,1-20,1-22,1-24
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System ..............1-24
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-22,1-28,1-34,1-39
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-26
Child safety rear door lock ............3-7
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-17
Cleaningexteriorandinterior........7-2,7-4
Clock (models without navigation system) ....4-36
Clockset.....................4-36
Clock setting
(models with Navigation System) ........4-7
Clock setting (models without Navigation
System) ...............4-36,4-40,4-44
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Cold weather driving ...............5-83
Compact disc (CD)
player ............4-37,4-41,4-47,4-54
Compass ......................2-7
Connect phone .................4-70
Consolebox...................2-43
Consolelight...................2-51
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . . .5-13 Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-15
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)
.............5-13
Control panel buttons ...............4-4
Brightness/contrast button ..........4-9
Enterbutton..................4-4
Controls Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-17,4-25
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changingenginecoolant..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level .......8-10
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Corrosion protection ...............7-6
Cruisecontrol..................5-37
Cupholders................2-44,2-45
D
Daytime Running Light System .........2-35
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-32
Dimensionsandweights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-36
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-4
Door locks .....................3-5
Doors ........................3-4
Drive belt .....................8-20
Driving Cold weather driving .............5-83 Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)
.............5-13
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Driving the vehicle ................5-13
E
Economy-fuel..................5-72
Emergency engine shutoff .........5-10,6-2
Emission control information label .......9-12
Emission control system warranty .......9-18
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-12
Blockheater.................5-85
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant ..........8-10
Changingengineoil.............8-12
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-14
Checking engine coolant level .......8-10
Checking engine oil level ..........8-11
Engine

compartment check locations ....8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine cooling system ............8-9
Engineoil...................8-11
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-7
Engine serial number ............9-11
Engine specifications .............9-8
Starting the engine .............5-12
Engine coolant temperature gauge .......2-5
Enter button ....................4-4
Event Data recorders ..............9-20
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Explanation of maintenance items ........8-2
10-2