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

High Voltage Safety

High Voltage Safety System

The high voltage safety system is intended to help keep vehicle occupants, technicians and emergency
responders safe from high voltage electricity.

• A high voltage fuse provides short circuit protection inside the high voltage battery.

• The high voltage safety system is insulated from the metal chassis so there is no possibility of electric
shock when touching the chassis.

- 11 -
DANGER:
• The high voltage system may remain powered for up to 10 minutes after the vehicle is shut
off.
• The high voltage battery retains high voltage at all times.
• Positive and negative high voltage power cables are connected to the high voltage battery and are
controlled by normally open system main relays (SMR1 and SMR2). When the vehicle is shut off, the
relays stop electrical flow from leaving the high voltage battery.

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)
- 13 -

• 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

- 14 -