park assist NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID 2010 L32A / 4.G Owners Manual

The following light comes on briefly and then
goes off:
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
For additional information on warnings and indi-
cators, see “Vehicle information display” later in
this section.
orAnti-lock BrakingSystem (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light illuminates. After the Hybrid System
is in the READY mode, the ABS warning light
turns off.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
Hybrid System is running, or while driving, it may
indicate the ABS is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
Brake system
in theStarting and driving sec-
tion.
orBrake warning light
(red)
This light preforms the following functions for the
parking brake and brake systems.
● Parking brake indicator
● Low brake fluid warning light
● Hydraulic brake system warning light
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode, the light comes on when the parking brake
is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode, the light warns of a low brake fluid level.
Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as
necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. If the
brake fluid level is correct, see “Hydraulic brake
system warning light” in this section. Hydraulic brake system warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode, the light warns that the hydraulic brake
system is not functioning properly. If the brake
warning light comes on with the parking brake not
applied when the Hybrid System is in READY
position, perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
If the hydraulic brake warning light comes on
when the parking brake is not applied and the
electronically controlled brake system warning
light also comes on, stop the vehicle immedi-
ately and call a NISSAN dealer.
2-10Instruments and controls

WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
● Pressing the brake pedal with the igni-
tion switch placed in the OFF position
and/or a low brake fluid level may in-
crease your stopping distance and
braking will require greater pedal effort
as well as pedal travel.
● If the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer. ●
Your brake system may not be working
properly if both the brake warning light
and electronically controlled brake sys-
tem warning light come on when the
Hybrid System is in READY mode and
the parking brake is not applied. Driving
could be dangerous. If you judge it to be
safe, drive carefully to the nearest ser-
vice station for repairs. Otherwise, have
your vehicle towed because driving
could be dangerous.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) waning light illuminate, it may indicate the
ABS is not functioning properly. Have the brake
system checked, and if necessary, repaired by a
NISSAN dealer promptly. Avoid high-speed driv-
ing and abrupt braking. (See “Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light” in this section.)
12–volt battery charge warning light
If this light comes on while the Hybrid System is
running, it may indicate the 12-volt battery charg-
ing system is not functioning properly. See a
NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
The charging system may not be function-
ing properly if the charge warning light
comes on while the Hybrid System is run-
ning. The Hybrid System will stop operat-
ing when the 12-volt battery becomes dis-
charged. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your NISSAN
dealer.
Electric power steering
warning light
WARNING
● If the ignition switch is not placed in the
ON position and the Hybrid System is
not in the READY mode, the power as-
sist for the steering will not work. Steer-
ing will be harder to operate.
● When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the Hybrid System in
the READY mode, there will be no
power assist for the steering. You will
still have control of the vehicle but the
steering will be harder to operate. Have
the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Instruments and controls2-11

When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the power steering warning light illumi-
nates. After the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode, the power steering warning light turns off.
This indicates the power steering system is op-
erational.
If the power steering warning light illuminates
while the Hybrid System is in the READY mode, it
may indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
When the power steering warning light illumi-
nates with the Hybrid System in the READY
mode, there will be no power assist for the steer-
ing but you will still have control of the vehicle. At
this time, greater steering effort is required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp
turns and at low speeds.
See “Power steering” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
Electronically controlled brakewarning light (yellow)
This light functions for both the regenerative
brake and electronically controlled brake sys-
tems. When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode, the light stays on for about 2 seconds. If
the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the regenerative brake and/or the elec-
tronically controlled brake systems are not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
If the hydraulic brake warning light also comes on
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and call a NISSAN dealer. For
additional information, see
Brake systemin
Starting and Driving section.
WARNING
Your brake system may not be working
properly if both the brake warning light
and electronically controlled brake sys-
tem warning light come on when the Hy-
brid System is in READY mode and the
parking brake is not applied. Driving could
be dangerous. If you judge it to be safe,
drive carefully to the nearest service sta-
tion for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed because driving could be
dangerous.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediately and call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
High temperature warning light
(red)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the high temperature warning light illu-
minates and then turns off. This indicates that the
high temperature sensor in the engine coolant
system is operational.
2-12Instruments and controls

WARNING
●Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the assistance
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should also not be left alone. They
could accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent operation of
the vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
● Closely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously in-
jured. Keep the car locked and the trunk
lid securely latched when not in use,
and prevent children’s access to car
keys. ●
Do not attempt to test the vehicle on a
dynamometer (such as the dynamom-
eters used by some states for emissions
testing) , or similar equipment. Doing so
may cause damage to the drivetrain or
the high voltage battery. Make sure you
inform test facility personnel that your
vehicle is a hybrid. Using the wrong test
equipment may result in drivetrain dam-
age or unexpected vehicle movement
which could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
● Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is danger-
ous. It can cause unconsciousness or
death.
● If you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all win-
dows fully open, and have the vehicle
inspected immediately.
● Do not run the engine in closed spaces
such as a garage. ●
Do not park the vehicle with the ignition
switch in the ON position and the Hy-
brid System in the READY mode for any
extended length of time.
● Keep the trunk lid closed while driving,
otherwise exhaust gases could be
drawn into the passenger compart-
ment. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open, follow these precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation but-
ton to off and the fan control dial to
high to circulate the air.
● If electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer through
the seal on the trunk lid or the body,
follow the manufacturer’s recommen-
dation to prevent carbon monoxide en-
try into the vehicle.
● The exhaust system and body should be
inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes are entering into the passenger
compartment.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving

WARNING
●If the Hybrid System is not in the READY
mode or is turned off while driving, the
power assist for the steering will not
work. Steering will be harder to
operate.
● When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the Hybrid System in
the READY mode, there will be no
power assist for the steering. You will
still have control of the vehicle but the
steering will be harder to operate. Have
the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. When the temperature of the power steer-
ing system goes down, the power assist level will
return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering wheel operations that could cause the power
steering system to overheat.
You may hear a sound when the steering wheel is
operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunc-
tion.
If the power steering warning light
PSilluminates
while the Hybrid System is in the READY mode, it
may indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
When the power steering warning light illumi-
nates with the Hybrid System in the READY
mode, there will be no power assist for the steer-
ing but you will still have control of the vehicle. At
this time, greater steering effort is required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp
turns and at low speeds.
For additional information see “Electric Power
steering warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section.
WARNING
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the hydraulic brake warning
light and the electronically controlled
brake system warning light is on. Driving
could be dangerous. If you judge it to be
safe, drive carefully to the nearest service
station for repairs. Otherwise, have your
vehicle towed because driving it could be
dangerous.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Regenerative brake
The Hybrid System changes vehicle motion into
electricity. The electricity is used to recharge the
high voltage battery. When applying the brakes,
you may hear a sound coming from the regenera-
tive braking system. This is a normal operating
characteristic of a hybrid vehicle.
The regenerative braking works in the following
conditions:
1. When the accelerator pedal is released, the Hybrid System makes electricity while the
vehicle slows down during coasting.
2. When the brake pedal is depressed with the shift selector in “D” or “B”.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-19

Hydraulic system
The brake system has separate hydraulic circuits.
If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have brak-
ing at other wheels.
However, the brake pedal will have to be de-
pressed harder and your stopping distance will
increase. The brake system warning light will also
come on.
Brake actuator
The brake actuator uses a pump to provide
power assisted braking.
The brake warning light comes on if the actuator
is not functioning properly. The brake pedal will
be hard to depress and stopping distance will
increase. Depress the brake pedal firmly to stop
the vehicle in a safe place and contact a NISSAN
dealer.
If the brake pedal is depressed repeatedly, the
brake warning light may turn on. However this is
normal if the light turns off after a few seconds.
Noise may be heard in the engine room under the
following conditions. This is a normal operating
characteristic and does not indicate a malfunc-
tion.● When you open a door.
● When the brake pedal is depressed firmly. ●
When the brake pedal is depressed repeat-
edly.
● When the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode.
● When the Hybrid System is turned off.
It may be hard to depress the brake pedal or the
pedal stroke may be short with the Hybrid System
OFF. This is not a malfunction.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
When applying the brakes, you may hear a sound
coming from the braking system. This is normal.
WARNING
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or acceler-
ating could cause the wheels to skid and
result in an accident.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best brake performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
5-20Starting and driving

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire pres-
sure of all tires except the spare. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. If the
vehicle is being driven with low tire pressure, the
TPMS will activate and warn you of it by the low
tire pressure warning light. This system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 16 MPH (25 km/h) . For more details, refer
to “Warning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “Instruments and controls” section,
and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)”
in the “Starting and driving” section.
WARNING
●If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage
the tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an acci-
dent and could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Check the tire pressure for
all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting. ●
Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
● Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pressure
sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions be-
low:
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Move the shift selector to P (Park) .
4. Turn Hybrid System OFF.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency

WARNING
●Make sure the parking brake is securely
applied and the transmission is shifted
into P (Park) .
● Never change tires when the vehicle is
on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
● Never change tires if oncoming traffic is
close to your vehicle. Wait for profes-
sional road assistance.
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocks1at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire
2to prevent the vehicle from moving when it is
jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle
may move and result in personal injury.
Getting the spare tire and tools
Open the trunk. Lift the trunk floor carpeting.
Remove the jack
1and wheel nut wrench2
from the holder. Lift the molded tool holder to
remove the spare tire.
WCE0044LCE0141
In case of emergency6-3

4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tiretouches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely
in the sequence illustrated (
A,B,C,D,
E) . Lower the vehicle completely.
WARNING
●Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
● Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the nuts
to become loose.
● Retighten the wheel nuts when the ve-
hicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.) .
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel nuts
to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque: 83 ft-lb (113 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
specifications at each lubrication interval. Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.
COLD pressure: After vehicle has been
parked for three hours or more or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km) .
COLD tire pressures are shown on the tire
and loading information label affixed to the
driver side center pillar.
5. Securely store the flat tire and jacking equip- ment in the vehicle.
6. Place the spare tire cover and the trunk floor carpeting over the damaged tire.
7. Close the trunk.
WARNING
● Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly se-
cured after use. Such items can become
dangerous projectiles in an accident or
sudden stop.
● The spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use. See specific instructions un-
der the heading “Wheels and tires” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
WARNING
● If the Hybrid System stops operating
while driving, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work. Brak-
ing and steering will be harder.
● If the Hybrid System stops operating
while driving, do not open any door until
the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Opening a door will lock the steering
wheel. This may cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle and could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
The Hybrid System may stop operating while
driving if the high voltage battery becomes dis-
charged, the 12-volt battery becomes dis-
charged or the fuel tank is empty. If the Hybrid
System stops operating while driving, perform
the following: 1. Reduce your speed gradually. Pull to the side of the road to a safe area.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Set the “POWER” switch at ACC or OFF, and try to start the Hybrid System.
4. If the Hybrid System will not start, see “Ve- hicle does not start” in this section.
HYBRID SYSTEM STOPS
OPERATING WHILE DRIVING
6-6In case of emergency

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:● after a rainfall to prevent possible damage
from acid rain.
● after driving on coastal roads.
● when contaminants such as soot, bird drop-
pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get
on the paint surface.
● when 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
● Do 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.
● Do not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical deter-
gents, gasoline or solvents.
● Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun-
light or while the vehicle body is hot, as
the surface may become water-spotted.
● Avoid 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 to the 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.
● Wax your vehicle only after a thorough wash-
ing. Follow the instructions supplied with the
wax.
● Do 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