ABS NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID 2010 L32A / 4.G First Responders Guide

Battery Information

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


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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.

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 the Ni-MH battery module is an alkaline mixture of potassium and sodium
hydroxide. The electrolyte is absorbed into the battery ce ll 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.


An air vent is located on the rear parcel shelf to cool the high voltage
battery. If the vent is covered, the battery will overheat, resulting in
reduced output performance of the hybrid system.

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

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Overhaul
During overhaul, immobilize and disable the vehicle if not already done. Refer to the high voltage electrical
system disable procedure located in Extrication. The high voltage battery cover should
never be breached or
removed under any circumstances, including fire. Doing so may result in severe electrical burns, shock and/or
electrocution.

Recovery/recycling of the Ni-MH high voltage battery

Clean up of the high voltage battery can be accomplished by the vehicle recovery crew without further concern
of runoff or spillage. For information regarding recycling of the high voltage battery, contact the nearest Nissan
dealer or Nissan customer assistance at: United States: 1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261) or in Canada:
1-800-387-0122.

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.

To neutralize a lead-acid battery electrolyte spill, 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.

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. First responders should follow the recommendations as outlined in this
emergency response 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:
¾ Splash shield or safety goggles (fold down helmet shields are not acceptable for acid or alkaline
electrolyte spills)
¾ Insulated rubber gloves
¾ Acid-resistant apron
¾ Insulated rubber boots
¾ Insulated rubber mats (for connect/disconnect of high voltage battery)

• Neutralize Ni-MH electrolyte
¾ Use a diluted boric acid solution or vinegar.
¾ Boric 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
¾ Perform gross decontamination by removing affected clothing and properly disposing of the
garments.
¾ Rinse the affected area with water for 20 minutes.
¾ Transport patients to the nearest emergency medical care facility.

• Inhalation in non-fire situations
¾ Toxic 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.
¾ Move patients from the hazardous environment to a safe area and administer oxygen.
¾ Transport patients to the nearest emergency medical care facility.

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

Submersion


When fully or partially submersed, an Altima Hybrid can be safely handled by following these
recommendations:
• Remove the vehicle from the water.
• Drain the water from the vehicle, if possible.
• Follow the immobilizing and disabling procedures.
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