engine coolant NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID 2007 L32A / 4.G Owners Manual

1. Brake fluid reservoir (P. 8-14)
2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-10)
3. Air cleaner (P. 8-17)
4. Fuse/fusible link box/jump-start location
(P. 8-19)
5. Fuse block (P. 8-19)
6. Inverter coolant reservoir
7. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-10)
8. Radiator cap (P. 8-8)
9. Drive belt location (P.8-15)
10. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-8)
11. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-14)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
LDI0577
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Illustrated table of contents0-7
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WARNING
Your brake system may not be working
properly if both the brake warning light
and electronically controlled brake sys-
tem warning light come on when the Hy-
brid System is in READY mode and the
parking brake is not applied. Driving could
be dangerous. If you judge it to be safe,
drive carefully to the nearest service sta-
tion for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed because driving could be
dangerous.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light 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 of
this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
High temperature warning
light (red)
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the high temperature warning light illuminates
and then turns off. This indicates that the high
temperature sensor in the engine coolant system
is operational.
CAUTION
If the high temperature warning light illu-
minates while the engine is running, it
may indicate the engine temperature is
extremely high. Stop the vehicle safely as
soon as possible. If the vehicle is over-
heated, continuing vehicle operation may
seriously damage the engine. See “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section.
High-voltage battery warning
light
This light may appear during the following condi-
tions:
cThe high voltage battery voltage drops due
to the shift selector lever being left in “N”.
– The Hybrid System will work properly if
the shift selector lever is placed in “P” and
the light goes off.
cThe high voltage battery is discharged.
– If this light comes on when the READY
light is on, stop your vehicle and contact
your NISSAN dealer
Hybrid system warning light
This light comes on when there is a problem with
the traction motor or other Hybrid System com-
ponents.
If this light comes on, stop your vehicle immedi-
ately and contact your NISSAN dealer.
Intelligent Key system warning
light
The Intelligent Key system warning light warns of
a malfunction with the electrical steering lock
system or the Intelligent Key system.
2-12Instruments and controls
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Vehicle dynamic control
warning light
The vehicle dynamic control light also comes on
when you push the push-button ignition switch to
the ON position and the Hybrid System is in the
READY mode. The light will turn off after about 2
seconds if the system is operational.
The light also comes on when the power of the
12-volt battery is reduced or the battery cable is
disconnected. The light will turn off automatically
after the vehicle is driven slightly for more than 5
seconds at above 22 mph. If the light remains on,
have the vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the vehicle dynamic control system is op-
erating, you might feel slight vibration or hear the
system working when starting the vehicle or ac-
celerating, but this is normal.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Electronically controlled
Continuously Variable
Transmission (eCVT) position
indicator light
When the push-button ignition switch is pushed
to the ON position, this indicator light shows thetransmission selector lever position. See “Driving
the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
Front passenger air bag
status light
The front passenger air bag status light ()
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger seat
is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Low temperature indicator
light (blue)
The low temperature indicator light illuminates
when the engine coolant temperature is low.When the push-button ignition switch is pushed
to the ON position, the low temperature indicator
light illuminates and then turns off after the engine
coolant has warmed up.
If the low temperature indicator light stays illumi-
nated after the engine has sufficiently warmed
up, it may indicate the low temperature sensor in
the engine coolant system is not functioning
properly and may need servicing. Have the sys-
tem checked, and if necessary repaired, by a
NISSAN dealer promptly.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the Hybrid System is in READY mode, it
may indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
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.
Instruments and controls2-15
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OPERATING TIPS
cWhen the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. However, this is
not a malfunction. After the coolant tempera-
ture warms up, air flow from the foot outlets
will operate normally.
The sunload sensor, located on the top of the
instrument panel on the driver’s side, helps the
system maintain a constant temperature. Do not
put anything on or around this sensor.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. See “Air conditioner system refrigerant
and lubricant recommendations” in the “Techni-
cal and consumer information” section of this
manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equipment.
WHA0791
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-6
Push-Button Ignition Switch........................5-6
Push-button ignition switch positions.............5-7
Intelligent key battery discharge..................5-7
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system................5-8
Before starting the Hybrid System...................5-9
Starting the Hybrid System.........................5-9
Driving the vehicle................................5-10
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT)...................5-10
Parking brake....................................5-13
Cruise control....................................5-14
Precautions on cruise control...................5-14Cruise control operations.......................5-14
Break-in schedule................................5-15
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-16
Parking/parking on hills............................5-17
Power steering...................................5-17
Brake system....................................5-18
Brake precautions.............................5-18
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-19
Traction control system (TCS)......................5-21
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system..............5-21
Cold weather driving..............................5-22
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-22
Anti-freeze....................................5-22
Draining of coolant water.......................5-22
Tire equipment................................5-23
Special winter equipment.......................5-23
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-23
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-23
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at a slow speed. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a clunk noise. This is normal and is not
an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
cThe vehicle dynamic control system is
designed to help improve driving stabil-
ity but does not prevent accidents due
to abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful when
driving and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
cIf brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not stan-
dard equipment or are extremely dete-
riorated, the vehicle dynamic control
system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light may come on.
cDo not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs and bushings
are not standard equipment or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the vehicle dy-
namic control system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning light may
come on.cWhen driving on extremely inclined sur-
faces such as higher banked corners,
the vehicle dynamic control system may
not operate properly and the VDC warn-
ing light may come on. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
cWhen driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light may illumi-
nate. This is not a malfunction. Restart
the engine after driving onto a stable
surface.
cIf wheels or tires other than the recom-
mended ones are used, the vehicle dy-
namic control system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning light may
come on.
cThe vehicle dynamic control system is
not a substitute for winter tires or tire
chains on a snow covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole or use the remote keyless entry keyfob (if so
equipped) .
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see “Engine cooling system” and
“Inverter cooling system” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “Changing engine coolant” and
“Changing inverter coolant” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-22Starting and driving
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cDisconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before turning
the Hybrid System ON. Damage to the
cord could result in an electrical shock
and can cause serious injury.
cUse a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-
tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug
the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the
proper extension cord or a grounded
outlet can result in a fire or electrical
shock and cause serious personal
injury.
Engine block heaters are available through
NISSAN dealers to assist in cold temperature
starting. The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20° F (-7° C) or
lower.
To use the engine block heater:
1. Turn the Hybrid System OFF.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block
heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a
grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension
cord.4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110-
volt AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in
for at least2-4hours, depending on outside
temperatures, to properly warm the engine
coolant. Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.
6. Before turning the Hybrid System ON, un-
plug and properly store the cord to keep it
away from moving parts.
5-24Starting and driving
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CAUTION
Hybrid models cannot be push-started or
tow-started. Attempting to do so may
cause electrical or transmission damage.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by the
high temperature warning light) , or if you feel a
lack of engine power, detect abnormal noise, etc.
take the following steps.
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine and/or inverter is still hot. When
the radiator cap is removed, pressur-
ized hot water will spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the shift lever to
P (Park) .
Do not turn the Hybrid System off.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed.3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn the Hybrid System off.)
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 and/or inverter, stand clear to pre-
vent 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, turn the Hybrid
System off.
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 or engine
cooling fan can start at any time when the
coolant temperature is high.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
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6. After the engine and inverter cools down,
check the coolant level in the engine and
inverter coolant reservoir tank with the en-
gine running. Add coolant to the engine and
inverter coolant reservoir tank if necessary.
Have your vehicle repaired at a NISSAN
dealer.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
cNever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
cNever get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any unit is damaged, dollies must be
used.
cAlways attach safety chains before
towing.For information about towing your vehicle behind
a recreational vehicle (RV) , refer to “Flat towing”
in the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-11
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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.............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................8-8
Changing engine coolant........................8-9
Inverter cooling system.............................8-9
Checking inverter coolant level..................8-10
Changing inverter coolant......................8-10
Engine oil........................................8-10
Checking engine oil level.......................8-10
Changing engine oil...........................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-12
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable
Transmission (eCVT) fluid.........................8-13
Brake fluid.......................................8-13
Brake fluid....................................8-14
Window washer fluid.............................8-14
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-14
12-volt battery...................................8-15
Jump starting.................................8-15
Drive belt........................................8-15
Spark plugs......................................8-16Replacing spark plugs.........................8-16
Air cleaner.......................................8-17
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-17
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-17
Cleaning.....................................8-17
Replacing....................................8-18
Brakes..........................................8-19
Self-adjusting brakes..........................8-19
Brake pad wear indicators......................8-19
Fuses...........................................8-19
Engine compartment...........................8-20
Passenger compartment.......................8-21
Battery replacement..............................8-22
Intelligent key battery..........................8-23
Lights...........................................8-24
Headlights....................................8-24
Front park/turn/sidemarker light.................8-24
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-25
Wheels and tires.................................8-29
Tire pressure..................................8-29
Tire labeling...................................8-32
Types of tires..................................8-35
Tire chains....................................8-36
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-37
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