check engine light NISSAN ALTIMA SEDAN 2015 Owners Manual

0 Illustrated table of contents
Air bags, seat belts and child restraints..............0-2
Exterior front ......................................0-3
Exterior rear .......................................0-4
Passenger compartment ...........................0-5 Instrument panel
...................................0-6
Engine compartment check locations . . ..............0-8
Warning/indicator lights ........................... 0-10

2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meter and gauges .................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer .....................2-4
Tachometer ....................................2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ...............2-5
Fuel gauge ....................................2-6
Compass display (if so equipped) ...................2-6
Compass display ...............................2-7
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ......2-10
Checking bulbs ............................... 2-10
Warning lights ................................ 2-10
Indicator lights ................................ 2-14
Audible reminders ............................. 2-17
Vehicle Information Display ........................2-17
How to use the vehicle information display .......2-18
Startup display ................................ 2-18
Resetting the trip computer .....................2-18
Settings ...................................... 2-18
Vehicle information display warnings and
indicators ..................................... 2-24
Security systems ................................. 2-27
Vehicle security system ......................... 2-27
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............2-28Windshield wiper and washer switch
...............2-29
Switch operation .............................. 2-30
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch .................................. 2-31
Headlight and turn signal switch ....................2-31
Xenon headlights (if so equipped) . . .............2-31
Headlight control switch ........................ 2-33
Daytime running light system (Canada only) ......2-35
Instrument brightness control ...................2-35
Turn signal switch ............................. 2-35
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ................2-36
Horn ............................................ 2-36
Heated seats (if so equipped) ......................2-37
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped) .............2-38
Warning systems switch (if so equipped) ............2-38
V ehicle Dynamic

Control (VDC) off switch ...........2-39
Power Outlet ..................................... 2-40
Storage ......................................... 2-41
Map pockets .................................. 2-41
Seatback pockets (if so equipped) ..............2-41
Sunglasses holder ............................. 2-41
Cup holders .................................. 2-42
Glove box .................................... 2-43

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive OFF indicator light (if so equipped)
oror Brake warning lightCruise main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Security indicator light
Charge warning lightCruise set switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Side light and headlight indicator light (green)
Low tire pressure warning lightFront fog light indicator light (if so equipped)Slip indicator light
Master warning lightFront passenger air bag status lightSPORT mode indicator light (if so equipped)
Power steering warning lightHigh beam indicator light (blue)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Seat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator
light
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,or,,,
The following lights (if equipped) come on briefly
and then go 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, refer to “Vehicle information display” in
this section.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-10Instruments and controls

Anti-lock Braking System(ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the ABS warning light illuminates and
then turns off. This indicates the ABS is opera-
tional.
If the ABS light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock braking sys-
tem 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. For
additional information, refer to “Brake system” in
the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, 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, the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light comes on while the engine is running
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. For additional information, re-
fer to “Brake fluid” in the “Maintenance 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.
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.
● Pressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance 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. 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 ABS warning light illumi-
nates, 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 driving and abrupt
braking. For additional information, refer to “Anti-
lock Braking System (ABS) warning light” in this
section.Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
Instruments and controls2-11

●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 result
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
placard 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, 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 a 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
When the ignition is in the ON position, the master
warning light illuminates if any of the following are
displayed on the vehicle information display.
● No key warning
● Low fuel warning
● Low windshield-washer fluid warning
● Parking brake release warning
● Door/trunk open warning
● Loose fuel cap
● Check tire pressure warning
Power steering warning light
WARNING
●If the engine is not running 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 engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of
the vehicle, but the steering will be
much harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the power steering warning light illuminates. After
starting the engine, the power steering warning
light turns off. This indicates that the electric
power steering system is operational. If the
power steering warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, it may indicate the power
steering system is not functioning properly and
may need servicing. Have the hydraulic pump
electric power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer. For additional information, refer
to “Power steering” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
Instruments and controls2-13

Seat belt warning light andchime
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
the ON position, the system does not activate the
warning light for the front passenger.
Refer to “Seat belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warninglight
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON or
START position, the supplemental air bag warn-
ing light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then
turns off. This means the system is operational. If any of the following conditions occur, the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag, and preten-
sioner systems need servicing and your vehicle
must be taken to a NISSAN dealer:
● The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
● The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
● The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the pre-
tensioners may not function properly. For addi-
tional details, refer to “Supplemental restraint
system (SRS)” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts
and supplemental restraint system” section of
this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the front air bag,
side air bag, curtain air bag systems
and/or pretensioner systems will not op-
erate in an accident. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle infor-
mation display” in this section.
Cruise main switch indicator light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicatorlight (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Front fog light indicator light (ifso equipped)
The front fog light indicator light illuminates when
the front fog lights are ON. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Fog light switch” in this section.
2-14Instruments and controls

Front passenger air bag statuslight
The front passenger air bag status light ()
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger seat
is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
refer to “Front passenger air bag and status light”
in the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supple-
mental restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light (blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
The MIL may also come on steady if the fuel-filler
cap is loose or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of
fuel. Check to make sure the fuel-filler cap is in-
stalled and closed tightly, and that the vehicle has
at least 3 gallons (11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, thelight should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20 sec-
onds and then blinks for 10 seconds when the
engine is not running, it indicates that the vehicle
is not ready for an emission control system
inspection/maintenance test. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Readiness for
inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the “Tech-
nical and consumer information” section of this
manual.
Operation
The MIL will come on in one of two ways:
● MIL on steady — An emission control system
malfunction has been detected. Check the
fuel-filler cap if the LOOSE FUEL CAP
warning appears in the vehicle information
display. If the fuel-filler cap is loose or miss-
ing, tighten or install the cap and continue to
drive the vehicle. The
light should turn
off after a few driving trips. If the
light
does not turn off after a few driving trips,
have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer. ●
MIL blinking — An engine misfire has been
detected which may damage the emission
control system. To reduce or avoid emission
control system damage:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h).
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
The MIL may stop blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer.
You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Instruments and controls2-15

Overdrive OFF indicator light(if so equipped)
QR25DE:
The overdrive off indicator light illuminates when
the overdrive off mode is selected.
VQ35DE:
This light illuminates and then turns off when the
ignition switch is placed to the ON position.
QR25DE and VQ35DE:
For additional information, refer to “Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates that
the security systems equipped on the vehicle are
operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security sys-
tems” in this section.
Side light and headlightindicator light (green)
The side light and headlight indicator light illumi-
nates when the side light or headlight position is
selected. For additional information, refer to
“Headlight and turn signal switch” in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system is operating, thus alerting
that the vehicle is nearing its traction limits. The
road surface may be slippery.
SPORT mode indicator light (ifso equipped)
QR25DE:
This light illuminates and then turns off when the
ignition switch is placed to the ON position, and
when the SPORT mode off is selected.
For additional information, refer to “Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Turn signal/hazard indicatorlights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated. Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF.
This indicates the Vehicle Dynamic Control has
been turned off.
Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch
again or restart the engine and the system will be
reactivated. For additional information, refer to
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on
when you push the push-button ignition switch to
the ON position. The light will turn off after about
2 seconds if the system is operational. If the light
stays on or comes on along with the
indi-
cator light while you are driving, have the Vehicle
Dynamic Control system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
operating, you might feel slight vibration or hear
the system working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, but this is normal.
2-16Instruments and controls

12. Timer Alert – Time for a driver break?
13. Low Outside Temperature
14. Power will turn off to save the battery
15. CVT Error: See Owner’s Manual
16. Reminder: Turn OFF headlights
17. Low Oil Pressure: See Owner’s Manual
18. Key Registration Complete
19. Tire Pressure Low - Add Air
20. TPMS Error: See Owner’s Manual
21. Remote Start (if so equipped)
22. Loose Fuel Cap
23. I-Key System Error: See Owner’s Manual
No Key Detected
This warning appears when the Intelligent Key is
left outside the vehicle with the ignition switch in
the ON or ACC position. Make sure the Intelli-
gent Key is inside the vehicle.
Key ID Incorrect (if so equipped)
This warning appears when the ignition switch is
placed from the OFF position and the Intelligent
Key is not recognized by the system. You cannot
start the engine with an unregistered key.For additional information, refer to “NISSAN In-
telligent Key®” in the “Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section of this manual.
Shift to Park
This warning illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the ACC or OFF position and the shift lever
is in any position other than P (Park) position.
Also, a chime sounds when the ignition switch is
in the OFF position.
If this warning illuminates, move the shift lever to
the P (Park) position or start the engine.
For additional information about Intelligent Key,
refer to “NISSAN Intelligent Key®” in the “Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section.
Push ignition to OFF
After the Push ignition to OFF warning illumi-
nates, the warning will illuminate if the ignition
switch is placed in the ACC position when the
shift lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
To turn off the Push warning, place the ignition
switch in the ON position and then in the LOCK
position.
Key battery low (if so equipped)
This indicator illuminates when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator illuminates, replace the battery
with a new one. For additional information, refer
to “Battery replacement” in the “Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
Engine start operation for Intelligent Key
system
This indicator appears when the battery of the
Intelligent Key is low and when the Intelligent Key
system and the vehicle are not communicating
normally.
If this appears, touch the ignition switch with the
Intelligent Key while depressing the brake pedal.
For additional information, refer to “NISSAN In-
telligent Key® battery discharge” in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
Release Parking Brake
This warning illuminates in the message area of
the vehicle information display when the parking
brake is set and the vehicle is driven.
Low Fuel
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 0 (Empty) .
There will be a small re-
serve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches 0 (Empty) .
Instruments and controls2-25

Low Washer Fluid
This warning illuminates when the windshield-
washer fluid is at a low level. Add windshield-
washer fluid as necessary. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Windshield-washer fluid” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
Door/liftgate Open
This warning illuminates when a door has been
opened when the engine is running.
Trunk Open
This warning illuminates when the trunk has been
opened when the engine is running.
Timer Alert – Time for a driver break?
This indicator appears when the set time is
reached. The time can be set up to six hours. For
setting the timer, refer to “Timer alert” in this
section.
Low Outside Temperature
This warning appears if the outside temperature
is below 37°F (3°C) . The temperature can be
changed to display in Celsius or Fahrenheit. For
additional information, refer to “Temperature” in
this section.Power will turn off to save the battery
This warning appears in message area of the
vehicle information display after a period of time if
the shift lever has not moved from the P (Park)
position.
CVT Error: See Owner’s Manual
This warning illuminates when the there is a prob-
lem with the CVT system. If this warning comes
on, have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Reminder: Turn OFF headlights
This warning appears when the headlights are
left in the ON position when exiting the vehicle.
Place the headlight switch in the OFF or AUTO
position. For additional information, refer to
“Headlight and turn signal switch” in this section.
Low Oil Pressure: See Owner’s Manual
This warning appears in message area of the
vehicle information display if low oil pressure is
detected. This gauge is not designed to indicate
low oil level.
The low oil pressure warning is
not designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
the dipstick to check the oil level. For additional
information, refer to “Engine oil” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. Key Registration Complete
This appears when a new Intelligent Key is regis-
tered to the vehicle.
Tire Pressure Low - Add Air warning
This warning appears when the low tire pressure
warning light in the meter illuminates and low tire
pressure is detected. The warning appears each
time the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position as long as the low tire pressure warning
light remains illuminated. If this warning appears,
stop the vehicle and adjust the tire pressures of
all four tires to the recommended COLD tire
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. For additional information, refer to
“Low tire pressure warning light” in this section
and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)”
in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
TPMS Error: See Owner’s Manual
This warning appears when there is an error with
your TPMS. If this warning comes on, have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
2-26Instruments and controls