stop start NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID 2011 L32A / 4.G Owners Manual

Place the ignition switch in the ON position.
Depress the brake pedal and push the ignition
switch when the transmission is in the P (Park)
position to start the Hybrid System.
The READY light illuminates indicating that the
vehicle is ready to be driven. If the ambient tem-
perature is low, the READY may flash and may
take time until the READY light stays on. For
details, see “Starting the Hybrid System” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
As long as the READY light remains on you can
drive your vehicle using the traction motor even
though the gasoline engine may not be running.Drive your vehicle with smooth accelera-
tion and deceleration.
● While driving, energy is recovered through
the regenerative brake as the vehicle decel-
erates. However, for most efficient use, do
not accelerate or decelerate your vehicle
more than necessary.
● Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration.
● The power of the high voltage battery can be
checked on the high voltage battery status
meter. See “High voltage battery status me-
ter” in this section for details. Gradual or
non-abrupt acceleration and deceleration
will make more effective use of the traction
motor without having to use gasoline engine
power.
● When parking, be sure to place the shift
selector in the P (Park) position. While driv-
ing, place the shift selector in the D (Drive)
position.
● The Hybrid System recharges the high volt-
age battery as necessary. However, the Hy-
brid System can not charge the high voltage
battery when the transmission is in the N
(Neutral) position even if the engine is run-
ning. ●
If the high voltage battery becomes dis-
charged, the engine will run for a longer
period of time. Do not keep the transmission
in the N (Neutral) position with the system in
the ready mode.
NOTE:
The gasoline engine starts and stops auto-
matically. It may stop during low load driv-
ing, deceleration or when the vehicle is
stopped.
As long as the READY light remains on, you
can drive your vehicle using the traction
motor even with the gasoline engine
stopped.
The gasoline engine may not stop auto-
matically in the following conditions: ● During gasoline engine warm-up.
● During high voltage battery charging.
● During high or low high voltage battery
temperature.
STARTING THE HYBRID SYSTEM EFFICIENT USE OF YOUR VEHICLE
HEV OverviewHEV-7

1. Air conditioner compressor location
2. Electric power steering location
3. 42V DC/DC converter
4. High voltage battery and 12V DC/DCconverter
5. Service disconnect
6. High voltage harnesses
7. Traction motor location
8. Inverter unit
The Hybrid System uses high voltage up to 650
V. High voltage components are indicated in the
illustration. High voltage cables are orange. The
system can be hot while and after starting. Be
careful of both the high voltage and the high
temperature.
HYBRID VEHICLE
CHARACTERISTICS
WARNING
● Pay special attention to pedestrians
when the vehicle is powered only by the
traction motor. Because there is no en-
gine noise, pedestrians may not know
the vehicle is moving or about to move
and step into the direction of vehicle
travel. ●
When you leave your vehicle, be sure to
turn off the Hybrid System.
● Be sure to put the transmission in the P
(Park) position because the vehicle can
move when the READY light is on even
if the engine is stopped. When the
READY light is on, do not leave your
vehicle in a shift position other than the
P (Park) position. The vehicle will creep
and start abruptly if the accelerator
pedal is depressed by mistake. This may
cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION
● If the vehicle is parked for a long time,
the high voltage battery will discharge
gradually. To keep the high voltage bat-
tery in good condition, drive the vehicle
at least once every several months for
at least 30 minutes or ten miles. If the
high voltage battery becomes fully dis-
charged and the vehicle will not start
even with a jump-start to the 12-volt
system, contact your NISSAN dealer. ●
After the 12-volt battery is discon-
nected, run down, or replaced, the
gasoline engine may not stop even
while the vehicle is powered only by the
traction motor. If this condition contin-
ues for several days, take the vehicle to
your NISSAN dealer.
● Do not load large amounts of water in
open containers (aquariums or buck-
ets) into the vehicle. If the water spills
onto the high voltage battery, it may
cause a short circuit and damage the
battery.
High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid
vehicles emit approximately the same amount of
electromagnetic waves as the conventional
gasoline powered vehicles or home electronic
appliances despite of their electromagnetic
shieldings. Unwanted noise may occur in the
reception of a mobile two-way radio.
Charging the high voltage battery while driving is
important. The vehicle cannot run if the high
voltage battery is discharged. In the N (Neutral)
position, the high voltage battery does not re-
charge. Leaving the transmission in the N (Neu-
tral) position for an extended period of time may
discharge the high voltage battery. The high volt-
age battery recharges when the shift selector is
in any position other than N (Neutral) . Repeated
HEV OverviewHEV-9

acceleration also consumes high voltage battery
power, resulting in poor acceleration. Battery
power can be restored by driving at a constant
speed.
When you put the shift selector in the B (Brake)
position and take your foot off the accelerator
pedal, engine braking will be applied. However,
during high speed driving you may feel that en-
gine braking is less effective than that of an
ordinary vehicle. This is normal.
Because the vehicle is powered by both the
gasoline engine and the traction motor, you may
hear a sound coming from the engine compart-
ment, high voltage battery, transmission or the
regenerative brakes. When the gasoline engine
starts and stops with the Hybrid System on, you
may feel a vibration. When accelerating rapidly,
the engine noise may rise. A noise may also be
heard while braking. These are normal character-
istics of the hybrid vehicle.An air vent is located on the rear parcel shelf
A
to cool the high voltage battery. If the vent is
covered, the battery will overheat resulting in
reduced output performance of the Hybrid Sys-
tem.
You may hear the noise of the cooling fan from the
air vent.CAUTION
Do not place objects over or into the air
vent. The high voltage battery may over-
heat and be damaged.
LHV0004LHV0006
HEV-10HEV Overview

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

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
If the high temperature warning light illu-
minates while the engine is running, it
may indicate the engine temperature is
extremely high. Stop the vehicle safely as
soon as possible. If the vehicle is over-
heated, continuing vehicle operation may
seriously damage the engine. See “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section.
High-voltage battery warninglight
This light may appear during the following condi-
tions:
● The high voltage battery voltage drops due
to the shift selector being left in “N”.
– The Hybrid System will work properly if the shift selector is placed in “P” and the
light goes off.
● The high voltage battery is discharged.
– If this light comes on when the READY light is on, stop your vehicle and contact
your NISSAN dealer
Hybrid system warning light
The hybrid system warning light comes on when:
● The amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
● There is a problem with the traction motor or
other Hybrid System components.
If the fuel gauge indicates the fuel level is low,
refill the fuel tank immediately. See “Fuel gauge”
earlier in this section. After the fuel tank is filled,
the ignition switch is placed in the ON position,
and the Hybrid System is in the READY mode,
the hybrid system warning light should be off.
If the fuel gauge indicates a sufficient fuel level, or
if the hybrid system warning light comes on after
refilling the tank, there may be a problem with the
traction motor or other Hybrid System compo-
nents. Stop your vehicle immediately and contact
your NISSAN dealer.
Low tire pressure warning light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of low
tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly. After the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light illuminates for about 1 second
and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the warning light will illuminate.
When the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates, you should stop and adjust the
tire pressure of all 4 tires to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label located
in the driver’s door opening. The low tire
pressure warning light does not automati-
cally turn off when the tire pressure is ad-
justed. After the tire is inflated to the rec-
ommended pressure, the vehicle must be
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h)
to activate the TPMS and turn off the low
tire pressure warning light. Use a tire pres-
sure gauge to check the tire pressure.
For additional information, see “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and
driving” section and in the “In case of emergency”
section.
Instruments and controls2-13

TPMS malfunction:
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the low
tire pressure warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute when the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position. The light will remain on
after the 1 minute. The CHECK TIRE PRES-
SURE warning is not displayed if the low tire
pressure warning light illuminates to indicate a
TPMS malfunction. Have the system checked by
a NISSAN dealer.
For additional information, see “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and
driving” section and “Tire pressure” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.
WARNING
●If the light does not illuminate with the
ignition switch placed in the ON posi-
tion, have the vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
● If the 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 in-
crease the likelihood of tire failure. Se-
rious vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could re-
sult in serious personal 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 Information label located
in the driver’s door opening to turn the
low tire pressure warning light OFF. If
the light still comes on while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire
may be flat. If you have a flat tire, re-
place 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.
CAUTION
● The TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure to
check the tire pressure regularly.
● If the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of less than 16 MPH (25 km/h) , the
TPMS may not operate correctly.
● Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the 4 wheels correctly.
Master warning light
This light comes on when various vehicle infor-
mation display warnings appear.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition switch is placed in the ON or START
position and remains illuminated until the driver’s
seat belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime
sounds for about 6 seconds unless the driver’s
seat belt is securely fastened.
The seat belt warning light may also illuminate if
the front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied. For
7 seconds after the ignition switch is placed in
2-14Instruments and controls

12. NISSAN Intelligent Key™ insertion indicator
13. NISSAN Intelligent Key™ removal indicator
14. NISSAN Intelligent Key™ battery dischargeindicator
15. Loose fuel cap warning
Door and trunk open warning
This warning illuminates when a door or the trunk
has been opened when the engine is running.
Push warning
After the Shift P warning illuminates, the Push
warning will illuminate if the ignition switch is
placed in the ACC position when the shift selec-
tor is moved to the P (Park) position.
See “Shift P warning” in this section for additional
information.
To turn off the Push warning, place the ignition
switch in the ON position and then in the LOCK
position.
Low fuel warning
This warning illuminates when the fuel level in the
fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches E (Empty) . There will be a small re-
serve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty) . Low windshield-washer fluid warning
This warning illuminates when the windshield-
washer fluid is at a low level. Add windshield-
washer fluid as necessary. See “Windshield-
washer fluid” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
No key warning
This warning illuminates following two condi-
tions:
1. When the ignition switch is pushed and the Intelligent Key cannot be recognized by the
system. If this warning illuminates, you can-
not start the engine.
Check for the following causes and perform
the assigned remedies:
– The battery of the Intelligent Key carried with you is discharged completely. Re-
place the battery with a new one.
– The Intelligent Key carried with you is not registered to the system. Use the regis-
tered Intelligent Key.
– You do not have an Intelligent Key with you. Carry an Intelligent Key with you. 2. When the door is closed with the Intelligent
Key left outside the vehicle and the ignition
switch is placed in the ACC or ON position.
A chime will also sound.
Parking brake warning
This warning illuminates when the parking brake
is set and the vehicle is driven.
SHIFT P warning
This warning may appear during the following
conditions:
– the ignition switch is pushed to stop the Hy- brid System with the shift selector in any po-
sition except in the “P” position,
– the high voltage battery drops because the transmission is in the “N” position,
– the driver’s door is opened with the shift se- lector in “N”, “B” or “D”.
If this warning illuminates while the ignition switch
is placed in the OFF position, move the shift
selector to the “P” position or place the ignition
switch in the ON position.
An inside warning chime will also sound. See
“NISSAN Intelligent Key™” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
Instruments and controls2-25

The alarm is activated by:● opening the door or trunk lid without using
the key or Intelligent Key (even if the door is
unlocked by releasing the door inside lock
switch) .
How to stop an activated alarm
The alarm stops only by unlocking the driver’s
door or the trunk lid with the key, pressing
the
button on the Intelligent Key, or press-
ing the request switch on the driver’s or passen-
ger’s door with the Intelligent Key in range of the
door handle.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the Hybrid System to start without the use
of a registered key.
Statement related to Section 15 of FCC
Rules for NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions; (1) This device may not cause harmful in-
terference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device.
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EX-
PRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RE-
SPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE COULD
VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPER-
ATE THE EQUIPMENT.
Security indicator light
The security indicator light blinks whenever the
ignition switch is placed in the LOCK, OFF or ACC
position. This function indicates the NISSAN Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System is operational.
If the NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System is mal-
functioning, the light will remain on while the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
If the light still remains on and/or the Hybrid
System will not start, see a NISSAN dealer
for NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ser-
vice as soon as possible. Please bring all
registered keys that you have when visiting
your NISSAN dealer for service.
LIC0474
2-28Instruments and controls

To open the trunk from the inside, pull the illumi-
nated release handle until the lock releases and
push up on the trunk lid. The release handle is
made of a material that glows in the dark after a
brief exposure to ambient light.
The handle is located inside the trunk compart-
ment on the interior of the trunk lid.
OPENER OPERATION
The fuel-filler door release is located on the floor
to the left of the driver’s seat. To open the fuel-
filler door, pull up the release. There may be a
delay of up to 15 seconds before the fuel filler
door will open. To lock, close the fuel-filler door
securely.
FUEL-FILLER CAP
WARNING
●Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop the engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or sparks
near the vehicle when refueling.
● Do not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a fire.
● Use only an original equipment type
fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It has a
built-in safety valve needed for proper
operation of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury. It could also cause
the
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) to come on.
● Never pour fuel into the throttle body to
attempt to start your vehicle.
LPD0397
FUEL-FILLER DOOR
3-20Pre-driving checks and adjustments