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

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About the Nissan Altima Hybrid

There are two power sources stored on board that are used to drive the vehicle:
• Gasoline is stored in a fuel tank and used to supply the gasoline engine.
• Electricity is stored in a high voltage battery and is used to power the traction motor.

The result of combining these two power sources is improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The
gasoline engine also powers an electric generator to recharge the high voltage battery; unlike an entirely
electric vehicle, the Altima Hybrid never needs to be recharged from an external electric power source.

Depending on the driving conditions, one or both sources are used to drive the vehicle. The following
information explains how the Altima Hybrid operates in various driving modes:
1. During light acceleration at low speeds, the vehicle is driven by the traction motor. The gasoline engine
is shut off.

2. During normal driving, the vehicle is driven mainly by the gasoline engine. The gasoline engine also
powers the generator to recharge the high voltage battery.

3. During full acceleration, such as climbing a hill, both the gasoline engine and the traction motor drive
the vehicle.
4. During deceleration, such as when braking, the vehicle converts kinetic energy from the front wheels to
electricity that will recharge the high voltage battery.
5. While the vehicle is stopped, such as at a stoplight, the gasoline engine and the traction motor are off,
however the vehicle remains operational.

• A ground fault monitor continuously monitors for high voltage leakage to the metal chassis while the
vehicle is running. If a malfunction is detected, the high voltage ECU will illuminate the hybrid system
warning light in the instrument cluster.

• The high voltage battery relays (SMR1 and SMR2) will automatically open to stop the electrical flow in a
frontal collision that is sufficient enough to activate the supplemental restraint system (SRS).




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Emergency Response

On arrival, first responders should follow their standard operating procedures for vehicle incidents.
Emergencies involving the Altima Hybrid may be handled like other automobiles, except as noted in these
guidelines for Extrication, Fire, Recovery, Spills, First Aid, and Submersion.














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 deployment of
the SRS.
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) su ch as insulated rubber gloves, insulated rubber
boots, and insulated rubber mats must be used when disabling the high voltage electrical system.
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3. If the booster battery is in another vehicle, position the vehicles (E) and (F) shown in the illustration
below, to bring the batteries near each other.

Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.

4. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever to P (P ark). Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems
(lights, heater, air conditioner, etc.).

5. Remove the vent caps (if so equipped) on the booster battery and cover the battery with an old cloth
(G) to reduce the explosion hazard.
6. Connect jumper cables in the sequence illustrated (A), (B), (C), (D).


CAUTION:
• The booster battery must be rated at 12 volts. Use of an improperly rated battery can damage
the vehicle.
• Always connect positive (+) from booster vehicle to remote positive (+) battery terminal.
• Always connect negative (-) from booster vehicle to body ground (for example, strut mounting
bolt, engine lift bracket, etc.).
• Make sure the jumper cables do not touch moving parts in the engine compartment and that the
cable clamps do not contact any other metal.






















7. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
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8. Hold down the brake pedal and press the START button. The
vehicle instrument cluster will light up, and the READY operation
indicator light (green) will come ON.

9. After the READY operation indicator light (green) in the instrument
cluster comes ON, carefully disconnect the negative cable and
then the positive (+) cable.






CAUTION:
• If the READY operation indicator light (green) does not come on, press the START button to
turn the Hybrid System OFF. Carefully disconnect the negative (-) cable, then the positive (+)
cable. Have the vehicle taken to a Nissan dealership for repair.







10. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the vent holes, as
it may be contaminated with corrosive acid.

The high voltage battery CANNOT be jump started.

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