brake fluid NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID 2008 L32A / 4.G User Guide

1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Air cleaner
4. Fuse/Fusible link box/Jump-start loca-
tion
5. Fuse block
6. Inverter coolant reservoir
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Radiator cap
9. Drive belt location
10. Engine coolant reservoir
11. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
LDI0577
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
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CHECKING INVERTER COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine and inverter are cold.If the cool-
ant level is below the MIN level
sB, add coolant to
the MAX level
sA.
If the inverter cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING INVERTER COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the inverter cool-
ant. The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in inverter
overheating.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the in-
verter is hot.
cNever remove the cap when the inverter
is hot. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from
the inverter coolant reservoir.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature.
3. Turn off the vehicle.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.
LDI0583LDI0555
ENGINE OIL
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with
a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the sealing surface of the en-
gine.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
8. Start the vehicle and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the vehicle off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
WARNING
cUse only Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
cUsing transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF will dam-
age the transmission, which is not cov-
ered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.For further brake fluid specification information,
refer to “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
WARNING
cUse only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can damage
the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
cBe sure to clean the filler cap before
removing.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (eCVT) FLUIDBRAKE FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
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BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN
Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT
3fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodically.
Add window washer fluid when the low window
washer fluid warning light comes on (if so
equipped) .
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap off the reservoir tank and pour the window
washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio.Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of win-
dow washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
cDo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
cDo not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
cPre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concen-
trate and water.
LDI0578LDI0579
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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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.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 75.6 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark *2
• Viscosity SAE 0W-20 *2, *3 Without oil filter
change4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.3
Cooling system
With reservoir 2 gal 1-3/4 gal
7.750% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Inverter unit cooling system 7/8 gal 3/4 gal 3.2 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmis-
sion (eCVT) fluid— — — Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF *4
Brake fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3 *5
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a) *6
Air conditioning system oil — — — Compressor oil ND OIL-11 *6
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 engine oil may also be used. However, SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for optimum fuel economy and optimum starting in cold weather.
*4:Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF will damage the eCVT.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations.”
*7: For further details, see “Engine Oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle.
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cDownshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, eCVT fluid should be
changed more frequently. For additional
information, see the “Maintenance and do-
it-yourself” section earlier in this manual.
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 vehicle, such as a motor
home.
Your vehicle is not designed to be flat towed with
all four wheels on the ground.
9-22Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
12-volt battery..................8-15
A
Active Head Restraint..............1-6
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-34
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-41
Air bag warning light...........1-49, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-13
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls. . . .4-11
Servicing air conditioner..........4-13
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-26
Anchor point locations.............1-19
Antenna.....................4-38
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-19
Armrests.....................1-5
Audible reminders................2-17
Audio system..................4-13
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-27, 4-33
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-22FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-20
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer.............4-25, 4-31
Radio....................4-13
Autolight switch.................2-30
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-43
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-12
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-23
AUX jack..............4-23, 4-29, 4-35
B
Battery
Charge warning light........2-11, 2-12
Before starting the vehicle............5-9
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15
Block heater
Engine....................5-23
BluetoothThands-free phone
system..................4-39, 4-53
Booster seats..................1-29
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-19
Brake fluid..................8-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-25
Brake system................5-17
Brake warning light.........2-10, 2-11
Brake wear indicators........2-17, 8-19Parking brake operation..........5-13
Self-adjusting brakes............8-19
Brakes......................8-19
Break-in schedule................5-15
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-32
Brightness/contrast button...........4-7
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-25
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-39
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-36
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-27, 4-33
CD player (See audio system).........4-22
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-18
Child restraints.......1-9, 1-10, 1-15, 1-17
Precautions on child
restraints............1-15, 1-23, 1-29
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-19
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-17
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock.............4-5, 4-21, 4-25, 4-31
(models with navigation system)......4-5
(models without navigation
system)................4-21, 4-25
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Clock set..............4-5, 4-21, 4-25
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-22
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-22
Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-39
Control panel buttons
Brightness/contrast button.........4-7
Setup button.................4-3
Startup screen................4-3
With navigation system...........4-2
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls. . . .4-11
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking inverter coolant level......8-10
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5,
HEV-4
Corrosion protection...............7-6
Cruise control..................5-14
Cup holders...................2-38
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-32
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-29
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-32
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2Door locks....................3-3
Drive belt....................8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-22
Driving with Electronically controlled
Continuously Variable Transmission
(eCVT)....................5-10
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-15
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable
Transmission (eCVT)
Driving with Electronically controlled
Continuously Variable Transmission
(eCVT)....................5-10
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid. . . .8-13
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-24
Energy flow..................HEV-4
Energy/fuel history..............HEV-5
Engine
Block heater.................5-23
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature
gauge................2-5, HEV-4Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil..................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-12
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
English/metric setting..............4-6
Event data recorders..............9-25
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-37
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-33
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-6
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid. . . .8-13
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil..................8-10
Inverter coolant................8-9
Window washer fluid............8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-33
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-41
Front seats....................1-2
10-2
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Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-49
Language setting.................4-6
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-17
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-49, 2-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-25
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-25
Charge warning light........2-11, 2-12
Fog light switch...............2-33
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-29
Headlight control switch..........2-29
Headlights..................8-24
Interior light.................2-45
Light bulbs..................8-24
Low tire pressure warning light......2-13
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-24
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-43
Spotlights (See map light).........2-46
Trunk light..................2-47
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lights
Map lights..................2-46
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-20
Glove box lock...............2-38
Power door locks...............3-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-17
Low fuel warning light......2-13, 2-14, 2-24Low tire pressure warning light........2-13
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-24
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-14
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-16
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map lights....................2-46
Map pocket...................2-36
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-32
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-23
Inside mirror.................3-23
Outside mirrors...............3-24
Vanity mirror.................3-23
N
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system . . .2-27, 5-9
NISSAN voice recognition system.......4-62
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine oil..................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirrors.................3-24
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-26
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-26
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-13
Parking/parking on hills...........5-16
Phone, BluetoothThands-free
system..................4-39, 4-53
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-35
Power rear windows............2-43
Power steering system...........5-17
Power windows...............2-41
Rear power windows............2-43
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints............1-15, 1-23, 1-29
10-4
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T
Tachometer...............2-4, HEV-4
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature
gauge................2-5, HEV-4
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start................2-27, 5-9
Three-way catalyst................5-3
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-40
Tire chains..................8-37
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-29
Tire rotation.................8-38
Types of tires................8-36
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-23
Wheels and tires..............8-29
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-13
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-18
Towing
Flat towing..................9-22
Tow truck towing..............6-11
Towing load/specification.........9-19
Trailer towing................9-16
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-47
Transmission
Driving with Electronically controlled
Continuously Variable Transmission
(eCVT)....................5-10Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid. . . .8-13
Selector lever lock release.........5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
Trip odometer...................2-4
Troubleshooting guide (NISSAN voice
recognition system)...............4-65
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-17
Trunk light....................2-47
Turn signal switch................2-33
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-23
V
Vanity mirror...................3-23
Vehicle
Before starting the vehicle..........5-9
Starting the vehicle.............5-10
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle does not start..............6-7
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-21
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number).................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.................6-13
Vehicle security system.............2-26
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle
immobilizer system) , engine start.....2-27, 5-9Visors......................3-22
Voice recognition system............4-62
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-49, 2-14
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-10
Battery charge warning light. . . .2-11, 2-12
Brake warning light.........2-10, 2-11
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-12
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-33
Low fuel warning light. . . .2-13, 2-14, 2-24
Low tire pressure warning light......2-13
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-24
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-43
Seat belt warning light...........2-14
Vehicle security system...........2-26
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-49
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Warning lights..................2-9
Washer switch
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-28
Weights (See dimensions and weights). . . .9-8
Wheels and tires................8-29
Wheel/tire size..................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................9-9
Window washer fluid..............8-14
Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-43
Power rear windows............2-43
Power windows...............2-41
Rear power windows............2-43
10-6
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