1996 NISSAN ALTIMA ECU

belt is not locked, repeat steps 3 through
6.
After the child restraint is removed and the
seat belt is allowed to wind back into the
retractor, the automatic locking mode (child
restraint mode) is canceled; the seat belt
may be used as normal and will only lock
during a sudden stop or impact.
TOP STRAP CHILD RESTRAINT
If your child restraint has a top strap, it must
be secured to the provided anchor point.
Anchor bracket hardware must be installed.
The top strap anchor bracket hardware is
available through your NISSAN dealer.
U.S. Part #88894-89900
Canadian Part #88894-89902
Secure the child restraint with the center lap
belt or the lap portion of an outboard 3-point
belt and latch the top strap hook onto the
appropriate anchor bracket. To install the
anchor bracket, a metric bolt of the dimen-sions listed below must be used.
Bolt diameter: 8.0 mm
Bolt length: more than 1.18 in (30 mm)
Thread pitch: 1.25 mm
Secure the top strap to the attaching bolt
which provides the straightest installation of
the top strap.
Child restraint anchor points are de-
signed to withstand only those loads
imposed by correctly fitted child re-
straints. Under no circumstances are
they to be used for adult seat belts or
harnesses.
APD0107
2-27
ZX

A child restraint with a top strap should not
be used in the front passenger seat.
WARNING
cThe 3-point belt in your vehicle is
equipped with a locking mode re-
tractor which must be used when
installing a child restraint.
cFailure to use the retractor's locking
mode will result in the child restraint
not being properly secured. The seat
could tip over or otherwise be unse-
cured and cause injury to the child in
a sudden stop or collision.
When you install a child restraint in the front
seat, follow these steps:
1.
Position the child restraint on the front
passenger seat.It should be placed in a
forward-facing direction only.Move the
seat as far back from the instrument panel
as possible. Always follow the child re-
straint manufacturer's instructions.Child
restraints for infants must be used in
the rear-facing direction and therefore
must not be used in the front seat.
2. Route the seat belt tongue through the
child restraint and insert it into the buckle
until you hear and feel the latch engage.Be sure to follow the child restraint manu-
facturer's instructions for belt routing.
3. Pull on the shoulder belt until all of the
belt is fully extended and a click is heard.
At this time, the belt retractor is in the
automatic locking mode (child restraint
mode). It will revert back to emergency
locking mode when the belt is fully re-
tracted.
4. Allow the belt to retract. A clicking sound
will be heard as the belt retracts. This
indicates that the retractor is in the auto-
matic locking mode. Pull down on the belt
to remove any slack in the belt.5. Before placing the child in the child re-
straint, use force to tilt the child restraint
from side to side, and tug it forward to
make sure that it is securely held in
place.
6. Check that the retractor is in the auto-
matic locking mode by trying to pull more
belt out of the retractor. If you cannot pull
any more belt webbing out of the retrac-
tor, the belt is in the automatic locking
mode.
7. Check to make sure the child restraint is
properly secured prior to each use. If the
lap belt is not locked, repeat steps 3
through 6.
After the child restraint is removed and the
seat belt is allowed to wind back into the
retractor, the automatic locking mode (child
restraint mode) is canceled; the seat belt
may be used as normal and will only lock
during a sudden stop or impact.
PD1336
2-29
ZX

Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole.
If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key
before inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to
assure proper winter protection. For details,
see ``Engine Cooling System'' in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
radiator and on the engine block. Refillbefore operating the vehicle. See ``Chang-
ing Engine Coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Tire equipment
1. The SUMMER tires are of a tread design
to provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels. Please consult your NISSAN
dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating
and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
provinces and states prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.3. Snow chains may be used if desired.
Make sure they are of proper size for the
tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's
suggestions.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.Use only SAE Class ``S'' chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In ad-
dition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or ve-
hicle handling and performance may be
adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on T-type and small
size spare tires. Do not use the chains on
dry roads.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
CAUTIONS
4-17
ZX

If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Shift the manual transmis-
sion into reverse (automatic transmission
in ``P'').
4. Turn off the engine.
WARNING
cMake sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into reverse
(automatic transmission in ``P'').
cNever change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is dangerous.
cNever change tires if oncoming traf-
fic is close to your vehicle. Wait for
professional road assistance.cRaise the hood to warn other traffic,
and to signal professional road as-
sistance personnel that you need
assistance.
cHave all passengers get out of the
vehicle and stand in a safe place,
away from traffic and clear of the
vehicle.Getting the spare tire and tools
1. Open the trunk. Lift the trunk floor carpet-
ing and spare tire cover. Remove the tool
bag and the spare tire. Use either end of
the jack rod (found in the tool bag) to
loosen the spare tire hold-down bolt.
Push the release clip on the jack access
door.
2. Pull the jack access door open. To re-
move the jack, turn the jack screw coun-
terclockwise. Use either end of the jack
rod (found in the tool bag) to loosen the
jack from its storage position.
CE1079
FLAT TIRE
5-2
ZX

2. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns
by turning counterclockwise with the
wheel nut wrench.Do not remove the
wheel nuts until the tire is off the
ground.
3. Carefully raise the vehicle until the tire
clears the ground. Remove the wheel
nuts, and then remove the tire.
WARNING
cNever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by the jack.cUse the jack provided with your ve-
hicle. Do not use the jack provided
with your vehicle on other vehicles.
The jack is designed only for lifting
your vehicle during a tire change.
cTo lift the vehicle, securely hold the
jack lever and rod with both hands
as shown above.
cUse the correct jack-up points; never
use any other part of the vehicle for
jack support.cNever jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.
cNever use blocks on or under the
jack.
cDo not start or run engine while
vehicle is on the jack as it may cause
the vehicle to move.
cDo not allow passengers to stay in
the vehicle while it is on the jack.
cDo not raise the vehicle using a
bumper jack.
cNever run the engine with the wheels
off the ground. It may cause the
vehicle to move. This is especially
true for vehicles with limited slip
differential carriers.
CE1092
5-5
ZX

or more or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the
tire placard affixed to the center console
lid.
cRetighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been run for 600 miles
(1,000 km) after installing the alumi-
num wheel.
5. Securely store the spare tire and jacking
equipment in the vehicle.
WARNING
cAlways make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.
The T-type spare tire and small size
spare tire are designed for emer-
gency use. See specific instructions
under the heading ``Wheels and
tires'' in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.To start your engine with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below must
be followed.
WARNING
cIf done incorrectly, jump starting can
be hazardous.
cExplosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
cDo not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, cloth or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
cA battery rated at above 12 volts
should not be used for a booster.
cWhenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye pro-
tectors (for example, goggles or in-
dustrial safety spectacles) and
remove rings, metal bands, or any
other metal jewelry.
c
Keep battery out of the reach of chil-
dren.
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another ve-
hicle, position the two vehicles to bring
their batteries into close proximity to
each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to
touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift
lever to Neutral (on automatic transmis-
sion models, move the lever to ``P'').
ACE0021
JUMP STARTING
5-7
ZX

When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle.
Towing instructions are available from your
NISSAN dealer. Local service operators will
generally be familiar with the applicable
laws and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental
damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recom-
mends that you have a service operator tow
your vehicle. It is advisable to have the
service operator carefully read the following
precautions.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.
cWhen towing with the front wheels
on the ground:Turn the ignition key to the ``OFF''
position and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
place the ignition key in the ``LOCK''
position. This will result in damage
to the steering lock mechanism.
Move the gearshift lever to the Neu-
tral (``N'' position).
On automatic transmission models,
to move the shift lever to the Neutral
position, turn the ignition key to the
``ACC'' position. After moving the
shift lever to the Neutral position, be
sure to turn the ignition key to the
``OFF'' position.
c
When towing with the rear wheels on
the ground, release the parking brake.
On automatic transmission models,
to move the shift lever to the Neutral
position, turn the ignition key to the
``ACC'' position. After moving the
shift lever to the Neutral position, be
sure to turn the ignition key to the
``OFF'' position.
cAttach safety chains for all towing.NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground as illustrated.
CE1051
TOW TRUCK TOWING
5-10
ZX

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
cPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
Neutral. For an automatic transmis-
sion, move the shift lever to ``P''
(Park).
cBe sure the ignition key is ªOFFº
when performing any parts replace-
ment or repairs.
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn off the engine and
wait until it cools down.
cYour vehicle is equipped with an au-
tomatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warning,
even if the ignition key is in the ``OFF''
position and the engine is not run-
ning. To avoid injury, always discon-
nect the negative battery cable beforeworking near the fan.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans,
belts and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to remove ties and any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle, sup-
port it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the battery.
cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition is
on.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer becausethe fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
cFailure to follow these or other com-
mon sense guidelines may lead to
serious injury or vehicle damage.
cImproperly disposed motor oil and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid. Avoid contact with used engine
oil.
This ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section
gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner
to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by your NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
7-2
ZX