stop start NISSAN ALTIMA SEDAN 2013 Owner's Guide

WARNING
●While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
● If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
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.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
effect of the parking brake is weakened or when-
ever 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.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
●
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is respon-
sible for safety.
● Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four
wheels. – When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See “Tire and
Loading Information label” in the
“Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
– For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
5-32Starting and driving

WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine
and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear
a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above3-6MPH(5
- 10 km/h). The speed varies according to road
conditions.When the ABS senses that 1 or more wheels are
close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies
and releases hydraulic pressure. This action is
similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving conditions,
the VDC System helps to perform the following
functions:
● Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of
vehicle control in all driving situations.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-33

3. Tire chains may be used. For details see“Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
● A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra washer fluid to refill the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
●Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded. ●
Whatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.
● Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
● Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
● Do not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
Engine block heaters are used to assist with cold
temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 20°F (-7°C) or lower.
WARNING
●Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be se-
riously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
● Disconnect and properly store the en-
gine block heater cord before starting
the engine. Damage to the cord could
result in an electrical shock and can
cause serious injury.
● Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-
tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug
the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded
110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the
proper extension cord or a grounded
outlet can result in a fire or electrical
shock and cause serious personal
injury.
5-36Starting 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, and the “Tire
Pressure Low - Add Air” warning appears in the
vehicle information display, one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. If equipped,
the system also displays pressure of all tires
(except the spare tire) on the display screen by
sending a signal from a sensor that is installed in
each wheel. 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 activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). For
more details, refer to “Warning/indicator lights
and audible reminders” in the “Instruments and
controls” section and “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
WARNING
●Radio waves could adversely affect
electric medical equipment. Those who
use a pacemaker should contact the
electric medical equipment manufac-
turer for the possible influences before
use.
● 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, tire pressure will not be
indicated, 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) .
FLAT TIRE
In case of emergency6-3

CAUTION
●Do not push start this vehicle. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
● Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models cannot be push-started or
tow-started. Attempting to do so may
cause transmission damage. If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading) , or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc. take the following steps.
WARNING
●
Do not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
● To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator
cap is removed, pressurized hot water
will spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
● Do not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the shift selector
to P (Park) .
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed. 3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not
open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling
fan can start at any time.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency

●Wipe the inside of the air cleaner filter hous-
ing and the cover with a damp cloth.
NOTE:
After installing a new air cleaner, make
sure the air cleaner cover is seated in the
housing and latch the clips.
WARNING
● Operating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or oth-
ers to be burned. The air cleaner not
only cleans the air, it stops the flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and
the engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with the air cleaner
removed, and be careful when working
on the engine with the air cleaner
removed.
● Never pour fuel into the throttle body or
attempt to start the engine with the air
cleaner removed. Doing so could result
in serious injury.
IN-CABIN MICROFILTER
The in-cabin microfilter restricts the entry of air-
borne dust and pollen particles and reduces
some objectionable outside odors. The filter is
located behind the glove box. Refer to the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide” for
change intervals.
If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer.
CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Your windshield is clean
if beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.
Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer fluid or a mild detergent. Then rinse
the blades with clear water. If your windshield is
still not clear after cleaning the blades and using
the wiper, install new windshield wiper blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
VQ35DE
LDI2118
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........5-32
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system). .1-37
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-44
Airbagwarninglight...........1-52,2-14
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-20
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-24
Air conditioner service ...........4-32
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-7
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-21,4-30
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-32
Airflowcharts..................4-25
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-26
Anchor point locations .............1-23
Antenna.....................4-72
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-10
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-32
Armrests .....................1-7
Audible reminders ...............2-16
Audio system ..................4-32
Bluetooth®audio.......4-65,4-66,4-67
Compact disc (CD) player . .4-43, 4-48, 4-54
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD)player.................4-41 FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player
..............4-46,4-51
Audio System iPod®Player.............4-60,4-62
Audio system Radio ....................4-32
USB interface ............4-57,4-58
Autolight switch .................2-31
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-44
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-17
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-34
Automatic door locks ..............3-6
AUXjack..............4-44,4-49,4-56
B
Battery ......................8-16
Chargewarninglight............2-11
Before starting the engine ...........5-11
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-19
Block heater Engine ....................5-36
Bluetooth®audio.........4-65,4-66,4-67
Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system ...............4-73,4-88,4-99
Boosterseats..................1-33
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-32
Brake fluid ..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-32
Brake system ................5-31 Brake warning light
.............2-11
Brake wear indicators ........2-16,8-23
Parking brake operation ..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-23
Brakes ......................8-23
Break-inschedule ...............5-28
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-11
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-33
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-10
Bulbreplacement................8-32
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CarphoneorCBradio.............4-73
CDcareandcleaning .............4-70
CD player (See audio system) . .4-43, 4-48, 4-54
Check tire pressure ...............2-25
Child restraints .......1-17,1-18,1-19,1-21
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-19,1-25,1-30,1-33
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-23
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
C h

imes,audiblereminders...........2-16
Cleaning exterior and interior ..........7-2
Clock ......................4-42 (models without navigation system) ....4-42
Clockset ....................4-42
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11

Fusiblelinks ...................8-25G
Garage door opener, HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver....................2-48
Gascap .....................3-30
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Fuel gauge ...................2-5
Odometer ...................2-4
Speedometer .................2-4
Tachometer ..................2-4
Trip odometer .................2-4
Generalmaintenance...............8-2
Glovebox.....................2-41
Gloveboxlock..................2-41
Grocery hooks ..................2-42
H
Hands-free phone system,
Bluetooth®.............4-73,4-88,4-99
Hazard warning flasher switch ..........6-2
Headlightandturnsignalswitch........2-30
Headlightcontrolswitch ............2-31
Headlights....................8-28
Heated seats ...................2-35
Heated steering wheel .............2-36
Heater Heater and air conditioner
controls ................4-21,4-30
Heater operation ...........4-23,4-30
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver .......2-48Hood release
...................3-27
Horn .......................2-34
I
Ignition Switch Push-Button Ignition Switch .........5-8
Immobilizer system .........2-27,3-4,5-11
Important vehicle information label .......9-11
In-cabin microfilter ................8-21
Increasing fuel economy .............5-29
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-10
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror ........3-34
Inside mirror ...................3-33
Instrument brightness control ..........2-33
Instrument panel ...............0-6,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch ........2-33
Intelligent Key system Key operating range ..........3-8,3-19
Key operation ................3-10
Mechanicalkey ................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation . . .3-13, 3-19
Troubleshooting guide ........3-17,3-24
Warning signals ............3-17,3-24
Interiorlight....................2-46
Interiortrunklidrelease.............3-29
iPod® Player ...............4-60,4-62
ISOFIX child restraints .............1-21
J
Jump starting ...................6-8 K
Keyfob battery replacement ...........8-27
Keyless entry With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system) .....3-13,3-19
Keys, For Intelligent Key system .........3-2
L
Labels Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ........9-11
Emission control information label .....9-12
Engine serial number ............9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-11
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-52
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System ..................... .1-21
License plate
Installing

the license plate ..........9-13
Light Airbagwarninglight.........1-52, 2-14
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-32
Bulb check/instrument panel ........2-10
Bulbreplacement..............8-32
Charge warning light ............2-11
Console light .................2-47
Fog light switch ...............2-34
Headlightandturnsignalswitch......2-30
Headlight control switch ..........2-31
Headlights..................8-28
10-3

R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-73
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..................4-41
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..............4-46,4-51
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test .....................9-20
Rear power windows ..............2-43
Rearseat......................1-6
RearViewMonitor................4-11
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .......................2-29
Recorders Eventdata..................9-20
Refrigerant recommendation ...........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Reporting safety defects (US only) .......9-19
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Child seat belts .....1-19,1-25,1-30,1-33
Reporting safety defects (US only) .....9-19
Seat adjustment Front manual seat adjustment ........1-2
Front power seat adjustment .........1-4
Rear seat adjustment .............1-6
Seatback pockets ................2-39
Seat belt Child safety ..................1-17 Infants and small children
..........1-18
Injured Person ................1-13
Largerchildren................1-18
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-10
Pregnant women ...............1-13
Seatbeltextenders .............1-16
Seatbeltmaintenance............1-17
Seatbelts...................1-10
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-16
Three-point type with retractor .......1-13
Seat belt warning light ..............2-13
Seats Adjustment ...................1-2
Frontseats...................1-2
Heatedseats.................2-35
Manual front seat adjustment .........1-2
Rearseat....................1-6
Security indicator light ..............2-15
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start ........2-27,3-4,5-11
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-23
Service manual order form ...........9-21
Servicing air conditioner .............4-32
Setting button ...................4-7
Shifting Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) .....................5-14
Shiftlockrelease.................5-17
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........1-16
Sparkplugreplacement.............8-20
Speedometer ...................2-4
Spotlights(Seemaplight) ...........2-48
SRSwarninglabel................1-52
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-11
Jump starting .................6-8 Precautions when starting and driving
....5-2
Push starting .................6-10
Starting the engine .............5-12
Steering Heated steering wheel ...........2-36
Power steering system ...........5-31
Stoplight.....................8-32
Storage......................2-38
Sunglasses case .................2-39
Sunglasses holder ................2-39
Sunroof ......................2-45
Sunroof (see

Moonroof) .............2-45
Sun visors ....................3-32
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-52, 2-14
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-44
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .......1-52
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-37
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .........1-37
Switch Autolight switch ...............2-31
Automatic power window switch ......2-44
Fog light switch ...............2-34
Hazard warning flasher switch ........6-2
Headlightandturnsignalswitch......2-30
Headlight control switch ..........2-31
Power door lock switch ............3-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-29
Turnsignalswitch..............2-34
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch .....................2-37
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-28
10-5