oil level NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID 2011 L32A / 4.G Owners Manual

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

CAUTION
●Never place anything except the Intelli-
gent Key in the Intelligent Key port. Do-
ing so may cause damage to the
equipment.
● Make sure the Intelligent Key is in the
correct direction when inserting it to
the Intelligent Key port. The engine may
not start if it is in the wrong direction.
● Remove the Intelligent Key from the
Intelligent Key port after the ignition
switch is pushed to the LOCK position.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer system will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedure:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position for approximately 5 seconds. 2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or
LOCK position, and wait approximately 10
seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device (which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices. ●
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
● Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and windshield–washer fluid
as frequently as possible, or at least when-
ever you refuel.
● Check that all windows and lights are clean.
● Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
● Lock all doors.
● Position seat and adjust head restraints.
● Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
● Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
● Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. See “Warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.
BEFORE STARTING THE HYBRID
SYSTEM
5-10Starting and driving

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions . . .........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-7
Engine cooling system .............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-9
Changing engine coolant ........................8-9
Inverter cooling system ............................ 8-10
Checking inverter coolant level ..................8-10
Changing inverter coolant ......................8-11
Engine oil ........................................ 8-11
Checking engine oil level .......................8-11
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-12
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-13
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable
Transmission (eCVT) fluid ......................... 8-14
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-14
Brake fluid .................................... 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-15
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-15
12-volt battery ................................... 8-15
Jump starting ................................. 8-16Drive belt
........................................ 8-16
Spark plugs . ..................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-17
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-18
Cleaning ..................................... 8-18
Replacing .................................... 8-18
Brakes .......................................... 8-19
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-19
Brake pad wear indicators ......................8-19
Fuses ........................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ........................... 8-21
Passenger compartment .......................8-22
Battery replacement .............................. 8-23
NISSAN
Intelligent Key™ ....................... 8-23
Lights ........................................... 8-25
Headlights .................................... 8-25
Front park/turn/sidemarker light .................8-25
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-26
Upper tether anchor covers ........................8-30
Removing covers from rear parcel shelf ..........8-30
Installing covers to rear parcel shelf ..............8-31

Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer* Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Brake fluid level* Make sure that the brake fluid
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on the
reservoir.
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid* Check
under the vehicle for leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while.
Engine coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold. Engine drive belts*
Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level* Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
“Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaks Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Inverter coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the inverter is cold.
Radiator and hoses Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections. Underbody
The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield-washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

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
●To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the in-
verter is hot.
● Never remove the cap when the inverter
is hot. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from
the inverter coolant reservoir.
● Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
● Keep 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. 5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) marksB. This is the normal oper-
ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark
A, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
opening. Do not overfill
C.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
LDI0555WDI0214
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11

CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Op-
erating the engine with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine, and
such damage is not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and applythe parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature, then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap
Aby turning it
counterclockwise.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
B. 5. Remove the drain plug
Bwith a wrench by
turning it counterclockwise and completely
drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See “Changing engine
oil filter” later in this section.
● Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
● Check your local regulations.
WARNING
●Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
● Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
● Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
AOil filler cap
BOil drain plug
COil filter
WDI0597
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself

6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a newwasher. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench. Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torque: 22 - 29 ft-lb (29 - 39 N·m)
7. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual for
drain and refill capacity.
The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine when the proper
amount of oil is in the engine.
8. Start the vehicle. Check for leakage around the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as re-
quired.
9. Turn the vehicle off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Turn the vehicle off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter
C.
4. Loosen the oil filter
Cwith an oil filter
wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Then
remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
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.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the sealing surface of the
engine. Failure to do so could lead to
engine damage.
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.
AOil filler cap
BOil drain plug
COil filter
WDI0597
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13

Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-22
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-17
Cleaning exterior and interior ...........7-2
Clock ...................4-38, 4-43
(models with navigation system) .......4-8
(models without navigation system) . . . .4-38
Clock set ..................4-8, 4-38
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-10
Cold weather driving ..............5-24
Compact disc
(CD) player .........4-39, 4-45, 4-51, 4-57
Compass display .................2-6
Console box ...................2-39
Console light ...................2-46
Control panel buttons ...............4-2
Brightness/contrast button .........4-12
Enter button ..................4-2
Setting button .................4-6
Controls Heater and air conditioner controls .....4-19
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-9
Checking engine coolant level ........8-9
Checking inverter coolant level .......8-10
Corrosion protection ...............7-7
Cruise control ..................5-15
Cup holders ...................2-38
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-32 Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-30
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player .......4-56
Dimensions and weights .............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-33
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2
Door locks .....................3-4
Drive belt .....................8-16
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-24
Driving

with Electronically controlled
Continuously Variable Transmission
(eCVT) ....................5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel ..................5-17
Electronically Continuously Variable
Transmission (eCVT) Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-14
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable
Transmission (eCVT) Driving with Electronically controlled
Continuously Variable Transmission
(eCVT) ....................5-11
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid .....8-14
Emission control information label .......9-10
Emission control system warranty .......9-24
Energy flow ...................HEV-4
Energy/fuel history ...............HEV-5
Engine Block heater .................5-25 Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
.................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-9
Changing engine oil .............8-12
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-13
Checking engine coolant level ........8-9
Checking engine oil level ..........8-11
Engine compartment check locations . . . .8-7
Engine cooling system ............8-8
Engine oil ...................8-11
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
Enter button ....................4-2
Event data recorders ..............9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Eyeglass case ..................2-37
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) ......2-34
Flat tire .......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-6
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Electronically

controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid .....8-14
Engine coolant .................8-8
Engine oil ...................8-11
Inverter coolant ................8-10
10-2

L
Labels Air conditioner specification label .....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........9-10
Emission control information label .....9-10
Engine serial number ............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-10
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-49
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System ......................1-20
License plate Installing the license plate ..........9-12
Light Air bag warning light .........1-50, 2-15
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-26
Bulb check/instrument panel .........2-9
Bulb replacement ..............8-26
Charge warning light .........2-11, 2-13
Console light .................2-46
Headlight and turn signal switch ......2-30
Headlight control switch ..........2-30
Headlights ..................8-25
Interior light ..................2-46
Light bulbs ..................8-25
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-13
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light ......................2-25
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-44
Personal lights ................2-47
Security indicator light ............2-17
Spotlights (See map light) .........2-47
Trunk light ..................2-47 Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders
...................2-9
Lights Map lights ..................2-47
Lock Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Door locks ...................3-4
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever ......3-20
Glove

box lock ................2-39
Power door locks ...............3-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever ..........3-18
Loose fuel cap warning ..........2-26, 3-20
Low fuel warning light .......2-13, 2-14, 2-25
Low tire pressure warning light .........2-13
Low windshield-washer fluid warning light . . .2-25
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 ............1-16
Under the hood and vehicle .........8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............2-16
Manual front seat adjustment ...........1-2
Map lights ....................2-47
Map pocket ....................2-36
Meters and gauges ................2-3
Instrument brightness control ........2-33
Mirror Automatic anti-glare inside mirror ......3-24
Inside mirror .................3-24 Outside mirrors
...............3-25
Vanity mirror .................3-23
Moonroof .....................2-44
Music Box hard-disk drive audio system . . .4-69
N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ .............3-7
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system ................2-28, 3-3, 5-10
NISSAN voice recognition system ......4-110
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ......9-4
Odometer .....................2-3
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine oil ............ .8-12
Changing

engine oil filter ..........8-13
Checking engine oil level ..........8-11
Engine oil ...................8-11
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-5
Outside mirrors .................3-25
Overheat If your vehicle overheats ...........6-10
Owner’s manual order form ...........9-26
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information ....................9-26
10-4