ABS NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID 2008 L32A / 4.G Dismantling Guide

Battery Information

The Altima Hybrid utilizes two batteries in order to supply both low and high voltage.

Low Voltage Battery

The Altima Hybrid contains a lead-acid 12 volt DC low voltage
battery. The low voltage battery is located in the passenger rear
quarter panel well of the trunk and is concealed by a trim cover.
The negative (-) 12 volt battery cable can be accessed through
an access panel in the trim cover.

The 12 volt battery powers the vehicle’s 12 volt electrical
system, similar to a conventional vehicle. As with conventional
vehicles, the 12 volt battery is grounded to the metal chassis of
the vehicle. However, the 12 volt battery is charged by the high
voltage battery through the DC/DC converter.

High Voltage Battery

The Altima Hybrid contains a Ni-MH 245 volt DC high voltage
battery. The high voltage battery is enclosed in a metal case,
which is isolated from high voltage, and is securely mounted in
the trunk area behind the rear seat and is concealed by a trim
cover. The service disconnect can be accessed through an
access panel in the trim cover.
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The 245 volt battery powers the vehicle’s high voltage electrical
system. The high voltage battery consists of 34 low voltage (7.2
volt) Ni-MH battery modules connected in series to produce
approximately 245 volts DC. Each Ni-MH battery module is
sealed in a non-spillable plastic case. The electrolyte used in t
Ni-MH battery module is an alkaline mixture of potassium and sodium hydroxide. The electrolyte is abso
into the battery cell plates and forms a gel that should not normally leak, even in a collision. In the unlikely
event that the high voltage battery is overcharged, the modules vent gases directly outside the vehicle through
a vent hose.
he
rbed

The high voltage battery supplies power to the following:
• Power cables
• EPS DC/DC converter
• DC/DC converter
• Inverter unit
• Transaxle
• Electric air conditioning compressor

High Voltage Battery Specifications
High voltage battery voltage 245 V
Number of Ni-MH battery modules in the pack 34
Ni-MH battery module voltage 7.2 V
Ni-MH battery module dimensions 5 x 1 x 11 in. (125.5 x 25.1 x 276.1 mm)
Ni-MH module weight 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)
Ni-MH high voltage battery dimensions 8 x 34 x 19 in. (200.8 x 853.4 x 476.9 mm)
Ni-MH high voltage battery weight 114.6 lbs (52 kg)

Precautions for Dismantling

Dismantling the Altima Hybrid may be performed like conventional Nissan vehicles, except as noted in these
guidelines.

DANGER:
• Failure to disable the high voltage electrical system before emergency response procedures are
performed may result in serious injury or death from electrical shock.
• Failure to disable the low and high voltage electrical systems before emergency response procedures are
performed may result in serious injury or death from the unintentional d\
eployment of the SRS.
• The Ni-MH battery electrolyte is a caustic alkaline (pH 13.5) that is damaging to human tissues. To avoid
injury by coming in contact with the electrolyte, wear proper personal protective equipment.
WARNING:
• Never assume that the Altima Hybrid is shut off simply because it is quiet.
• Always observe the instrument cluster for the READY operation indicator light (green) status to verify
whether the vehicle is on or shut off. The vehicle is shut off when the READY operation indicator light
(green) is off.
• The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as insulated rubber gloves, insulated rubber boots,
and insulated rubber mats must be used when disabling the high voltage electrical system.
Spills
The Altima Hybrid contains the same common automotive fluids used in other non-hybrid Nissan vehicles, with
the exception of the Ni-MH electrolyte used in the high voltage battery. The Ni-MH battery electrolyte is a
caustic alkaline (pH 13.5) that is damaging to human tissues. The electrolyte, however, is absorbed in the cell
plates and should not normally spill or leak out even if a battery module is cracked. Both the metal battery case
and the plastic battery modules could be breached if a catastrophic crash occurred.

DANGER:
• The Ni-MH battery electrolyte is a caustic alkaline (pH 13.5) that is damaging to human tissues. To
avoid injury by coming in contact with the electrolyte, wear proper personal protective equipment.
A diluted boric acid solution or vinegar can be used to neutralize a Ni-MH battery electrolyte spill, similar to the
use of baking soda to neutralize a lead-acid battery electrolyte spill.

NOTE:
Electrolyte leakage from the high voltage battery is unlikely due to the battery construction and the amount of
available electrolyte contained within the Ni-MH modules. Any spillage would not warrant a declaration as a
hazardous material incident. The technician should follow the recommendations as outlined in this dismantling
guide.

In an emergency, Nissan Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available by contacting:

United States: CHEMTREC at 1-800-424-9300
Canada: CANUTEC at *666 or 1-613-996-6666 (collect)

• Handle Ni-MH electrolyte spills using the following personal protective equipment:
¾Splash shield or safety goggles (fold down helmet shields are not acceptable for acid or alkaline
electrolyte spills)
¾Insulated rubber gloves
¾Acid-resistant apron
¾Insulated rubber boots
¾Insulated rubber mats (for connect/disconnect of high voltage battery)
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• Neutralize Ni-MH electrolyte
¾Use a diluted boric acid solution or vinegar.
¾Boric acid solution = 800 grams boric acid to 20 liters water or 5.5 ounces boric acid to 1 gallon of
water.

First Aid

Emergency responders may not be familiar with a Ni-MH electrolyte exposure when rendering aid to a patient.
Exposure to the electrolyte is unlikely except in a catastrophic crash or through improper handling. Utilize the
following guidelines in the event of exposure.

DANGER:
• The Ni-MH battery electrolyte is a caustic alkaline (pH 13.5) that is damaging to human tissues. To
avoid injury by coming in contact with the electrolyte, wear proper personal protective equipment.
• Absorption
¾Perform gross decontamination by removing affected clothing and properly disposing of the
garments.
¾Rinse the affected area with water for 20 minutes.
¾Transport patients to the nearest emergency medical care facility.

• Inhalation in non-fire situations
¾Toxic gases are given off as by-products of combustion. All responders in the Hot Zone should
wear the proper PPE for fire fighting, including SCBA.
¾Move patients from the hazardous environment to a safe area and administer oxygen.
¾Transport patients to the nearest emergency medical care facility.

• Ingestion
¾Do not induce vomiting.
¾Allow patient to drink large quantities of water to dilute the electrolyte (never give water to an
unconscious person).
¾If vomiting occurs spontaneously, keep the patient’s head lowered and forward to reduce the r\
isk
of asphyxiation.
¾Transport patients to the nearest emergency medical care facility.
¾Contact Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222

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