open hood NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID 2008 L32A / 4.G Owners Manual

1. Vents (P. 4-10)
2. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/turn
signal switch (P. 2-29)3. Steering wheel switch for audio control
(if so equipped)/BluetoothTHands-free
Phone System (if so equipped)
(P. 4-36, 4-39)
4. Meters and gauges (P. 2-3)5. Driver supplemental air bag/horn
(P. 1-34, 2-34)
6.
Cruise control main/set switch (P. 5-14)7. Windshield wiper/washer switch
(P. 2-28)
8. Push-button ignition switch (P. 5-6)
9.
Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-33)10. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 2-15)
11. Front passenger supplemental air bag
(P. 1-34)
12. Glove box (P. 2-38)
13. Navigation system* (if so equipped)
(P. 4-2)
14. Heater and air conditioner (P. 4-11)
15. Shift selector lever (P. 5-10)
16. Audio system controls (P. 4-13)
17. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls
(P. 3-21)
18. Vehicle information display controls
(P. 2-18)
19. Hood release (P. 3-17)
20. Intelligent Key port (P. 3-6)
Trunk opener (P. 3-17)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WIC1258
INSTRUMENT PANEL
0-6Illustrated table of contents
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1. Vents (P. 4-10)
2. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/turn
signal switch (P. 2-29)3. Steering wheel switch for audio control
(if so equipped)/BluetoothTHands-free
Phone System (if so equipped)
(P. 4-36, 4-39)
4. Meters and gauges (P. 2-3)5. Driver supplemental air bag/horn
(P. 1-34, 2-34)
6.
Cruise control main/set switch (P. 5-14)7. Windshield wiper/washer switch
(P. 2-28)
8. Push-button ignition switch (P. 5-6)
9. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-33)
10. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 2-15)
11. Front passenger supplemental air bag
(P. 1-34)
12. Glove box (P. 2-38)
13. Navigation system* (if so equipped)
(P. 4-2)
14. Heater and air conditioner (P. 4-11)
15. Shift selector lever (P. 5-10)
16. Audio system controls (P. 4-13)
17. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls
(P. 3-21)
18. Vehicle information display controls
(P. 2-18)
19. Hood release (P. 3-17)
20. Intelligent Key port (P. 3-6)
Trunk opener (P. 3-17)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WIC1258
INSTRUMENT PANEL
2-2Instruments and controls
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Your vehicle may have two types of security sys-
tems:
cVehicle security system
cNISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM
The vehicle security system provides visual and
audible alarm signals if someone opens the doors
or trunk lid when the system is armed. It is not,
however, a motion detection type system that
activates when a vehicle is moved or when a
vibration occurs.
The system helps deter vehicle theft but cannot
prevent it, nor can it prevent the theft of interior orexterior vehicle components in all situations. Al-
ways secure your vehicle even if parking for a
brief period. Never leave your Intelligent Key in
the vehicle, and always lock the vehicle when
unattended. Be aware of your surroundings, and
park in secure, well-lit areas whenever possible.
Many devices offering additional protection, such
as component locks, identification markers, and
tracking systems, are available at auto supply
stores and specialty shops. Your NISSAN dealer
may also offer such equipment. Check with your
insurance company to see if you may be eligible
for discounts for various theft protection features.
How to arm the vehicle security
system
1. Close all windows.(The system can be
armed even if the windows are open.)
2. Remove the intelligent key from the vehicle.
3. Close all doors, hood and trunk. Lock all
doors. The doors can be locked with the
intelligent key, door handle request switch,
power door lock switch or mechanical key.
For vehicles with navigation system, see
9Vehicle electronic systems9in the9Display
screen, heater, air conditioner and audio
systems9section later in this manual. For
vehicles without navigation system, see9Si-lencing the horn beep feature9in the9Pre-
driving checks and adjustments9section
later in this manual.
4. Confirm that the security indicator light
comes on. The security light stays on for
about 30 seconds. The vehicle security sys-
tem is now pre-armed. After about 30 sec-
onds the vehicle security system automati-
cally shifts into the armed phase. The
security light begins to flash once every 3
seconds. If, during the 30-second pre-arm
time period, the driver’s door is unlocked by
the key or the keyfob, or the ignition switch is
pushed to ACC or ON, the system will not
arm.
cEven when the driver and/or passen-
gers are in the vehicle, the system will
activate with all the doors, hood and
trunk lid locked with the ignition
switch in the LOCK position. When
pushing the ignition switch to the ACC
or ON position, the system will be re-
leased.
Vehicle security system activation
The vehicle security system will give the following
alarm:
cThe headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
LIC0301
SECURITY SYSTEMS
2-26Instruments and controls
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3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys .............................................3-2
Intelligent Keys.................................3-2
Doors............................................3-3
Locking with key................................3-4
Locking with inside lock knob....................3-4
Locking with power door lock switch.............3-5
Child safety rear door lock.......................3-5
Intelligent Key system..............................3-6
Operating range................................3-8
Door locks/unlocks precaution...................3-8
Intelligent Key operation.........................3-9
How to use the remote keyless entry
function......................................3-12
Warning signals...............................3-15
Troubleshooting guide.........................3-16
Hood...........................................3-17
Trunk lid.........................................3-17Opener operation..............................3-17
Secondary trunk lid release.....................3-18
Interior trunk lid release........................3-19
Fuel-filler door...................................3-20
Opener operation..............................3-20
Fuel-filler cap.................................3-20
Tilting telescopic steering column..................3-21
Tilt operation..................................3-21
Telescopic operation...........................3-22
Sun visors.......................................3-22
Vanity mirrors.................................3-23
Mirrors..........................................3-23
Rearview mirror (if so equipped).................3-23
Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror
(if so equipped)...............................3-23
Outside mirrors...............................3-24
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s1Pull the hood lock release handle located
below the driver’s side instrument panel; the
hood springs up slightly.
s2Lift the lever at the front of the hood with your
fingertips and raise the hood.
s3Remove the support rod from the clamp.
s4Insert the support rod into the hole on the
passenger’s side of the hood.
5. When closing the hood, return the support
rod to its original position, lower the hood to
approximately 12 inches above the latch and
release it. This allows proper engagement of
the hood latch.
WARNING
cMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving. Fail-
ure to do so could cause the hood to fly
open and result in an accident.
cIf you see steam or smoke coming from
the engine compartment, to avoid injury
do not open the hood.
OPENER OPERATION
WARNING
cDo not drive with the trunk lid open. This
could allow dangerous exhaust gases
to be drawn into the vehicle. See “Ex-
haust gas” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
WPD0441LPD0394
HOODTRUNK LID
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-17
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cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
WARNING
cDo not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be se-
riously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.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.
Starting and driving5-23
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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.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
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In order to maintain the appearance of your ve-
hicle, it is important to take proper care of it.
To protect the paint surfaces, please wash your
vehicle as soon as you can:
cafter a rainfall to prevent possible damage
from acid rain.
cafter driving on coastal roads.
cwhen contaminants such as soot, bird drop-
pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get
on the paint surface.
cwhen dust or mud builds up on the surface.
Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle
inside a garage or in a covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in a
shady area or protect the vehicle with a body
cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body
cover.
WASHING
Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of
water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a mild
soap, a special vehicle soap or general purpose
dishwashing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm
(never hot) water.
CAUTION
cDo not use car washes that use acid in
the detergent. Some car washes, espe-
cially brushless ones, use some acid for
cleaning. The acid may react with some
plastic vehicle components, causing
them to crack. This could affect their
appearance, and also could cause them
not to function properly. Always check
with your car wash to confirm that acid
is not used.
cDo not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical deter-
gents, gasoline or solvents.
cDo not wash the vehicle in direct sun-
light or while the vehicle body is hot, as
the surface may become water-spotted.
cAvoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care
must be taken when removing
caked-on dirt or other foreign sub-
stances so the paint surface is not
scratched or damaged.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean
water.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors,
hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable tothe effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas
must be cleaned regularly. Take care that the
drain holes in the lower edge of the door are
open. Spray water under the body and in the
wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.
A damp chamois can be used to dry the vehicle to
avoid water spots.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface and
helps retain new vehicle appearance. Polishing is
recommended to remove built-up wax residue
and to avoid a weathered appearance before
re-applying wax.
A NISSAN dealer can assist you in choosing the
proper product.
cWax your vehicle only after a thorough wash-
ing. Follow the instructions supplied with the
wax.
cDo not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting compounds or cleaners that may
damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing
on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
CLEANING EXTERIOR
7-2Appearance and care
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Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with long
service intervals to save you both time and
money. However, some day-to-day and regular
maintenance is essential to maintain your NIS-
SAN’s good mechanical condition, as well as its
emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives proper
maintenance. You are a vital link in the mainte-
nance chain.
Scheduled maintenance
For your convenience, both required and optional
scheduled maintenance items are described and
listed in your “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide.” You must refer to that guide to ensure
that necessary maintenance is performed on your
NISSAN at regular intervals.
General maintenance
General maintenance includes those items which
should be checked during normal day-to-day op-
eration. They are essential for proper vehicle op-
eration. It is your responsibility to perform these
maintenance procedures regularly as prescribed.Performing general maintenance checks requires
minimal mechanical skill and only a few general
automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by you,
a qualified technician, or, if you prefer, a NISSAN
dealer.
Where to go for service
If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and corrected by a NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
who are kept up-to-date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-dealership training programs. They
are completely qualified to work on NISSAN ve-
hiclesbeforethey work on your vehicle, rather
than after they have worked on it.
You can be confident that a NISSAN dealer’s
service department performs the best job to meet
the maintenance requirements on your vehicle —
in a reliable and economical way.During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smells, be sure to check for the cause or have a
NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify a NISSAN dealer if you think that
repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the “Maintenance precau-
tions” later in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this section.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hoodCheck that the doors
and engine hood operate properly. Also ensure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges,
latches, latch pins, rollers and links as necessary.
Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch is
released.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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REPLACING
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
s2Push the release tab, then move the wiper
blade down the wiper arm to remove.
s3Remove the wiper blade.
4. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper
arm until it clicks into place.
5. Rotate wiper blade so the dimple is in the
groove.
CAUTION
cAfter wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position;
otherwise it may be damaged when the
hood is opened.
cMake sure the wiper blades contact the
glass; otherwise the arms may be dam-
aged from wind pressure.
If you wax the surface of the hood, be careful not
to let wax get into the washer nozzle
sA. This may
cause clogging or improper windshield washer
operation. If wax gets into the nozzle, remove it
with a needle or small pin
sB.
WDI0594
WDI0570
8-18Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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