transmission NISSAN ALTIMA 2018 Owner´s Manual

2WD models with Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flatbed
truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
∙ Never tow CVT models with the frontwheels on the ground or four wheels
on the ground (forward or backward),
as this may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the transmission. If it
is necessary to tow the vehicle with
the rear wheels raised always use
towing dollies under the front wheels.
∙ When towing CVT models with the rear wheels on the ground or on tow-
ing dollies: – Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by plac-
ing the ignition switch in the LOCK
position. This may damage the
steering lock mechanism (for
models with a steering lock
mechanism).
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious per-
sonal injury or death when recovering a
stuck vehicle:
∙ Contact a professional towing serviceto recover the vehicle if you have any
questions regarding the recovery
procedure.
∙ Tow chains or cables must be at- tached only to main structural mem-
bers of the vehicle.
∙ Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to tow or free a stuck vehicle.
LCE2369
6-14In case of emergency

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions.......................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ...........8-3
Engine cooling system ..........................8-5
Checking engine coolant level ................8-6
Changing engine coolant .....................8-6
Engine oil ........................................8-7
Checking engine oil level .....................8-7
Changing engine oil ..........................8-8
Changing engine oil filter ....................8-10
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid ............................................. 8-11
Power Steering Fluid (PSF) .......................8-11
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-12
Windshield-washer fluid ........................8-13
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ............8-13
Battery......................................... 8-14
Jump starting ............................... 8-15
Variable voltage control system ................8-16
Drive belt ....................................... 8-16
Spark plugs .................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ....................... 8-17Air cleaner
...................................... 8-18
In-cabin microfilter .......................... 8-19
Windshield wiper blades ........................8-19
Cleaning .................................... 8-19
Replacing ................................... 8-20
Brakes.......................................... 8-21
Fuses ........................................... 8-21
Engine compartment .......................8-22
Passenger compartment ....................8-23
Battery replacement ........................... 8-24
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ......................8-25
Lights .......................................... 8-26
Headlights ................................... 8-26
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................8-26
Exterior and interior lights ...................8-28
Wheels and tires ................................ 8-31
Tire pressure ................................ 8-31
Tir

e labeling ................................. 8-35
Types of tires ................................ 8-38
Tire chains .................................. 8-39
Changing wheels and tires ..................8-40

7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resis-tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level. Add en-
gine oil if necessary.CAUTION
∙ NISSAN recommends using GenuineNISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or equivalent)
ONLY in NISSAN CVTs. Do not mix with
other fluids.
∙ Do not use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or manual transmission
fluid in a NISSAN CVT, as it may dam-
age the CVT. Damage caused by the
use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under
NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
∙ Using fluids that are not equivalent to Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 may
also damage the CVT. Damage caused
by the use of fluids other than as rec-
ommended is not covered under
NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
When checking or replacement of CVT fluid
is required, it is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for this service. Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked when the
fluid is cold at fluid temperatures of 32 to
86F (0 to 30C). The fluid level can be
checked with the level gauge which is at-
tached to the cap. To check the fluid level,
remove the cap. The fluid level should be
between the MAX
Aand MINBlines.
If the fluid is below the MIN
Bline, add
Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent. Re-
move the cap and fill through the opening.
LDI2752
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID POWER STEERING FLUID (PSF)
Do-it-yourself8-11

6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates whether the tire requires
an inner tube (“tube type”) or not
(“tubeless”).
7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown if the tire
has radial structure.
8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is
shown.
Other Tire-related Terminology
In addition to the many terms that
are defined throughout this section,
Intended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the
sidewall that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or model
name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on
the other sidewall of the tire, or (2)
the outward facing sidewall of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particu-
lar side that must always face out-
ward when mounted on a vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
∙ When changing or replacing tires, be sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and
construction. A NISSAN dealer may be
able to help you with information
about tire type, size, speed rating and
availability.
∙ Replacement tires may have a lower speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
∙ Replacing tires with those not origi- nally specified by NISSAN could affect
the proper operation of the low tire
pressure warning system. ∙ Always use tires of the same type,
size, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Failure to
do so may result in a circumference
difference between tires on the front
and rear axles which can cause the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
to malfunction resulting in personal
injury or death, excessive tire wear
and may damage the transmission
and differential gears.
∙ For additional information regarding tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance all
year, including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. All Season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON and/or M&S on the tire sidewall.
Snow tires have better snow traction than
All Season tires and may be more appropri-
ate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance
8-38Do-it-yourself

secondary latch keeps the hood from
opening when the primary latch is re-
leased.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and in-
stalled securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated ev-
ery 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
of ten and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires, including the spare, to the pressure
specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the
TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core
and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age. Wheel alignment and balance:
If the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may
be a need for wheel alignment. If the steer-
ing wheel or seat vibrates at normal high-
way speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-
age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc. Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, have your vehicle checked imme-
diately. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. Keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) P (Park) position mechanism: On a
fairly steep hill check that the vehicle is held
securely with the shif t lever in the P (Park)
position without applying any brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Maintenance and schedules9-3

Engine coolant*:Replace coolant at the
specified interval. When adding or replac-
ing coolant, be sure to use only Genuine
NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent with the proper mixture. (For
additional information on the proper mix-
ture for your area, refer to “Engine cooling
system” in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of
this manual.)
NOTE: Mixing any other type of coolant
or the use of non-distilled water may re-
duce the recommended service interval
of the coolant.
Engine oil and oil filter: Replace engine oil
and oil filter at the specified intervals. For
recommended oil grade and viscosity refer
to “Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
Engine valve clearance*: Inspect only if
valve noise increases. Adjust valve clear-
ance if necessary.
Evaporative emissions control vapor
lines*: Check vapor lines for leaks or loose-
ness. Tighten connections or replace parts
as necessary.
Fuel filter: Periodic maintenance is not re-
quired. (in-tank type filter) Fuel lines*:
Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness, or
deterioration. Tighten connections or re-
place parts as necessary.
Spark plugs: Replace at specified intervals.
Install new plugs of the type as originally
equipped.
CHASSIS AND BODY
MAINTENANCE:
Brake lines and cables: Visually inspect for
proper installation. Check for chafing,
cracks, deterioration, and signs of leaking.
Replace any deteriorated or damaged
parts immediately.
Brake pads and rotors: Check for wear,
deterioration and fluid leaks. Replace any
deteriorated or damaged parts immedi-
ately.
Exhaust system: Visually inspect the ex-
haust pipes, muffler and hangers for leaks,
cracks, deterioration, and damage. Tighten
connections or replace parts as necessary.
In-cabin microfilter: Replace at specified
intervals. When driving for prolonged peri-
ods in dusty conditions, replace the filter
more frequently. Steering gear and linkage, axle and sus-
pension parts, drive shaf t boots:
Check
for damage, looseness, and leakage of oil
or grease. Under severe driving conditions,
inspect more frequently.
Tire rotation: Tires should be rotated every
5,000 miles (8,000 km) according to the in-
structions under “General maintenance” in
this section. When rotating tires, check for
damage and uneven wear. Replace if nec-
essary.
Transmission fluid/oil: Visually inspect for
signs of leakage at specified intervals.
If using a car-top carrier or driving on rough
or muddy roads:
∙ Replace the CVT fluid every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or request the dealer to in-
spect the fluid deterioration data using
a CONSULT. If the deterioration data is
more than 210000, replace the CVT fluid.
9-6Maintenance and schedules

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Do-it-yourself ” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Fluid typeCapacity (approximate) Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
Metric
Measure US
Measure Imperial
Measure
Fuel 68 L 18 gal 15 gal• For additional information, refer to “Fuel recommendation” in
this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill
*1: For additional
information, refer
to “Engine oil” in
the “Do-it-yourself ”
section of this
manual. QR25DE
With oil filter
change 4.6 L 4-7/8 qt 4 qt
• Genuine “Nissan Motor Oil 0W-20 SN” is recommended.
• If the above motor oil is not available, use an equivalent motor
oil that matches the above grade and viscosity. For additional
information, refer to “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations”
in this section.
Without oil
filter change 4.3 L 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt
VQ35DE With oil filter
change 4.8 L 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt
Without oil
filter change 4.5 L 4-3/4 qt 4 qt
Engine coolant
with reservoir QR25DE
7.9 L 2-1/8 gal 1-3/4 gal
• Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue)
or equivalent
VQ35DE 9.2 L 2-3/8 gal 2 gal
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ———• Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3
• NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or
equivalent) 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
instructions in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual. • Genuine NISSAN E-PSF or equivalent.
• Use of a power steering fluid other than Genuine NISSAN E-PSF
may prevent the power steering system from operating
properly.
Brake fluid Refill to the proper level according to the
instructions in the “Do-it-yourself ” section of this manual. • Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*3 or equivalent
DOT 3.
*3 Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN dealer
RECOMMENDED FLUIDS/
LUBRICANTS AND CAPACITIES
10-2Technical and consumer information

Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when
towing a vehicle behind a recreational ve-
hicle, such as a motor home.
CAUTION
∙ Failure to follow these guidelines canresult in severe transmission damage.
∙ Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al- ways tow forward, never backward.
∙ Never tow your front wheel drive ve- hicle with the front tires on the
ground. Doing so may cause serious
and expensive damage to the
powertrain.
∙ DO NOT tow any continuously variable transmission vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground (flat towing).
Doing so WILL DAMAGE internal trans-
mission parts due to lack of transmis-
sion lubrication. ∙ For emergency towing procedures re-
fer to “Towing recommended by
NISSAN” in the “In case of emergency ”
section of this manual.
Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)
To tow a vehicle equipped with a CVT, an
appropriate vehicle dolly MUSTbe placed
under the towed vehicle’s drive wheels. Al-
ways follow the dolly manufacturer’s rec-
ommendations when using their product. DOT (Department of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature
A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
TOWING A TRAILER
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information10-17

Childrestraints........1-20, 1-21, 1-23, 1-25LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren)System..............1-25
Precautions on child
restraints .........1-23, 1-29, 1-36, 1-41
Top tether strap anchor point
locations.................. .1-27
Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Chimes, audible reminders ..........2-17
Cleaningexteriorandinterior......7-2,7-4
Clock setting (models without Navigation
System)..................4-34,4-38
C.M.V.S.S. certification label .........10-11
Coldweatherdriving.............5-91
Compact disc (CD) player .......4-35,4-41
Compass .....................2-7
Console box ..................2-47
Console light ..................2-54
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) .......................5-14
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ..................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) ............5-14
Controls Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-13,4-21
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-6
Checking engine coolant level ......8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge . .2-5
Corrosionprotection..............7-7
Cruisecontrol..................5-41
Cupholders...............2-48,2-49 D
Daytime Running Light System ......2-38
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror
defrosterswitch..............2-35
Dimensions and weights ...........10-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel . . .2-39
Door locks ..................3-4,3-5
Drivebelt ....................8-16
Driving Cold weather driving ...........5-91
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) ............5-14
Precautions when starting and
driving.....................5-2
Drivingthevehicle...............5-14
E
E-CALL (SOS) SWITCH .............2-43
Economy - fuel .................5-78
Emergency engine shutoff .......5-11, 6-3
Emission control information label . . . .10-12
Emission control system warranty . . . .10-18
Engine Before starting the engine ........5-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-6
Changing engine oil ............8-8
Changing engine oil filter .........8-10
Checking engine coolant level ......8-6
Checking engine oil level .........8-7Engine compartment check
locations...................8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge . .2-5
Engine cooling system
..........8-5
Engine oil ...................8-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation .............10-6
Engine oil viscosity .............10-6
Engine serial number ...........10-11
Engine specifications ...........10-8
Starting the engine ............5-13
Engine Block Heater .............5-92
Engine coolant temperature gauge ....2-5
EventDatarecorders............10-20
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .......5-2
Explanation of maintenance items .....9-2
Explanation of scheduled maintenance
i
tems .......................9-5
Extended storage switch ..........2-44
Eyeglasscase .................2-47
F
Firstaidkit....................6-2
Flashers
(Seehazardwarningflasherswitch)....6-2
Flattire....................6-3,6-4
Floormatpositioningaid...........7-6
Fluid Brakefluid..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-11
Engine coolant ...............8-5
11-2

Armrests ...................1-7
Frontseats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment ......1-3
Rearseat.................. .1-6
Security indicator light ............2-17
Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), engine start ..........2-32,5-12
Security systems Vehicle security system ..........2-31
Self-adjustingbrakes.............8-21
Service manual order form .........10-21
Servicing air conditioner ...........4-24
Shif ting Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) .....................5-16
Shiftleverlockrelease............5-19
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-19
Siri® Eyes-Free .................4-50
Spark plug replacement ...........8-17
Spark plugs ...................8-17
Specifications .................10-8
Speedometer ..................2-4
Speedometer and odometer ........2-4
Spotlights(Seemaplight)..........2-55
SRS warning label ...............1-61
Stability control ................5-83
Standard maintenance ............9-7
Starting Before starting the engine ........5-12
Jumpstarting............6-10,8-15
Precautions when starting and
driving .....................5-2
Push starting ................6-12
Starting the engine ............5-13
Starting the engine ..............5-13 Steering
Powersteeringfluid............8-11
Powersteeringsystem .........5-80
Steering wheel .................3-28
Stoplight....................8-28
Storage.....................2-45
Sunglasses case ................2-47
Sunglasses holder ...............2-47
Sunroof (see Moonroof ) ...........2-52
Sunvisors....................3-29
Supplemental air bag warning
light.................... .1-62, 2-15
Supplemental front impact air bag
system ..................... .1-51
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .....1-61
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ................... .1-44
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .......1-44
Switch Autolightswitch..............2-36
Automatic power window switch . . .2-51
Foglightswitch..............2-40
Hazard warning flasher switch ......6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch ....2-35
Headlightcontrolswitch.........2-35
Instrument brightness control .....2-39
Power door lock switch ........3-5,3-6
Rear window and outside mirror
defrosterswitch..............2-35
Turn signal switch .............2-39 T
Tachometer ...................2-5
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge . .2-5
Thef t (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start ...............2-32,5-12
Three-waycatalyst...............5-2
Tilt Telescopicsteering............3-29
Tire F
lattire..................6-3,6-4
Spare tire ................6-5,8-43
Tire and Loading Information label . .10-12
Tire chains .................8-39
Tire pressure ................8-31
Tirerotation ................8-40
Types of tires ................8-38
Uniform tire quality grading .......10-17
Wheels and tires ..............8-31
Wheel/tire size ...............10-9
Tire pressure Low tire pressure warning light .....2-12
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)....................5-3,6-3
Towing 4-wheel drive models ...........6-14
Flattowing.................10-17
Trailertowing ...............10-17
Towingatrailer................10-17
Towingyourvehicle..............6-13
Transceiver HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver ..........2-56,2-58,2-59
11-6