1996 NISSAN ALTIMA check oil

EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items marked with ``*'' is found in the
``Do-it- yourself operations'' section.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts*Ð Check drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace the drive belts if damaged.
Air cleaner filterÐ Under normal driving
conditions, the air cleaner filter should be
replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, driving the ve-
hicle in dusty areas may cause more rapid
clogging of the element. Consequently, the
element may have to be replaced more
frequently.
Vapor linesÐ Check vapor lines and con-
nections for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace them.
Fuel linesÐ Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. Replace any parts if they are
damaged.Fuel filterÐ If the vehicle is operated
under extremely adverse weather condi-
tions or in areas where ambient tempera-
tures are either extremely low or extremely
high, the filter might become clogged. In
such an event, replace the filter immedi-
ately.
Engine coolant*Ð Drain and flush the
cooling system.
Engine oil & oil filter*Ð Under normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs*Ð Replace with new plugs
having the correct heat range.
Intake & exhaust valve clearanceÐ
Check the valve clearance if valve noise
increases.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesÐ Check the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.
Brake pads, discs, drums & liningsÐ
Check these and the other neighboring
brake components for wear, deteriorationand leaks. Under severe driving conditions,
they may have to be inspected more fre-
quently.
Manual & automatic transmission fluid*
Ð Check the fluid level and visually inspect
for signs of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the fluid
should be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspen-
sion parts, and drive shaft bootsÐ
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, more frequent inspection should be
performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front sus-
pension ball jointsÐ Check the ball joints
for damage, looseness and grease leakage.
Exhaust systemÐ Visually check the ex-
haust pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abra-
sion, deterioration, etc. Under severe driv-
ing conditions, inspection should be per-
formed more frequently.
Air bag systemÐ Check the air bag
system components for proper attachment,
damage, deformities, cracks, rust, etc. Work
around and on the air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
8-10
ZX

Incorrect ignition timing will result in knock-
ing, after-run or overheating. This in turn
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
damage to the engine. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked at a NISSAN dealer or other
competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to chose the correct quality
and viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory en-
gine life and performance. Nissan recom-
mends the use of a low friction oil (energy
conserving oil) in order to improve fuel
economy and conserve energy. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.Only those engine oils with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should
be used. This type of oil supersedes the
existing API SG or SH and Energy Conserv-
ing II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the CER-
TIFICATION MARK, an API SG or SH and
Energy Conserving II oil with API Service
Symbol may be used. An oil with a single
designation ``SG'' or ``SH'', or in combina-
tion with other categories (for example,
``SG/CC'' or ``SG/CD'') may also be used if
one with the API CERTIFICATION MARK
ATI0507
9-4
ZX

Cooling
Engine cooling ....................................... 7-4
Interior cooling (automatic) ..................... 3-8
Interior cooling (manual)......................... 3-2
Cornering light ........................................... 1-12
Corrosion protection .................................... 6-5
Cruise control............................................. 4-11
Cup holder ................................................. 1-14
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 1-11
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-10
Defogging/defrosting
Defogging/defrosting (automatic) ........... 3-9
Defogging/defrosting (manual) ............... 3-4
Dimensions and weights.............................. 9-8
Door locks .................................................... 2-2
Door open warning light .............................. 1-6
Drive belts .................................................. 7-14
Driving
Cold weather driving cautions .............. 4-17
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-8
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-15
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 4-13Emission control information label............. 9-10
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-18
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
Changing engine oil................................ 7-8
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-9
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-7
Engine compartment check locations .... 7-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Engine cooling system ........................... 7-4
Engine oil ................................................ 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation. 9-4
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 1-5
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-5
Engine serial number ............................. 9-9
Engine specifications .............................. 9-7
Starting the engine ................................. 4-9
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).................. 4-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)
Flat tire ......................................................... 5-2
Floor mat positioning ................................... 6-4
Fluid (checking)
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid ........................... 7-11
Engine coolant ........................................ 7-4Engine oil ................................................ 7-7
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Window washer fluid ............................ 7-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-10
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-13
Front seats ................................................... 2-9
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 4-13
Fuel filler cap .......................................... 2-8
Fuel filler lid lock operation .................... 2-7
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-2
Fuses ......................................................... 7-19
Fusible links ............................................... 7-21
G
Gas station information.............................. 10-6
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Odometer ................................................ 1-3
Speedometer .......................................... 1-3
Tachometer............................................. 1-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 1-3
Gear selection (See shifting)
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Glove box..................................................... 2-5
10-2
ZX

H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-13
Head restraints .......................................... 2-10
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-11
Headlights .................................................. 7-21
Heater and air conditioner
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) .............................................. 3-8
Heater and air conditioner controls
(manual).................................................. 3-2
Hood release ............................................... 2-5
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes)
Inside mirror ............................................... 2-31
Instrument brightness control .................... 1-12
Interior light ................................................ 1-18
J
Jump starting ............................................... 5-7
K
Key ............................................................... 2-2L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-11
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-15
Emission control information label........ 9-10
Engine serial number ............................. 9-9
F.M.V.S.S.certification label ................. 9-10
Vehicle identification number plate ........ 9-9
License plate
Installing front license plate .................. 9-12
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 2-16
Brake light (See stop light)
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 1-5
Bulb replacement.................................. 7-24
Cornering light ...................................... 1-12
Front fog light switch ........................... 1-13
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-11
Headlights ............................................. 7-21
Interior light ........................................... 1-18
Light bulbs ............................................ 7-21
Spotlight ................................................ 1-19
Trunk light ............................................. 1-19
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-5
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-4
Door locks............................................... 2-2
Fuel filler lid lock operation .................... 2-7
Glove box ............................................... 2-5
Power door lock...................................... 2-3Power window lock switch .................... 1-15
Trunk lid lock operation .......................... 2-6
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 8-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-23
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............................ 1-7
Manual antenna ......................................... 3-22
Manual transmission
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-8
Manual transmission fluid ....................... 8-9
Map light (See spotlight)
Meters and gauges ...................................... 1-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 2-31
Outside mirror remote control .............. 2-30
Outside mirrors ..................................... 2-30
Vanity mirror (If so equipped) ............... 2-31
O
Octane rating (See fuel)
Odometer ..................................................... 1-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
10-3
ZX

Changing engine oil................................ 7-8
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-9
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-7
Engine oil ................................................ 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation. 9-4
Opener lever for trunk lid............................. 2-6
Outside mirror remote control.................... 2-30
Outside mirrors .......................................... 2-30
Overdrive switch .......................................... 4-8
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 5-9
Owner's manuals/service manual
order form .................................................. 9-19
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 7-17
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-10
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 4-14
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 8-5
Power
Power antenna ..................................... 3-21
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Power rear windows ............................. 1-16
Power windows..................................... 1-15
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-17
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-15
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2Push starting ................................................ 5-8
Q
Quick reference (See gas station information)
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 3-16
CB radio or car phone .......................... 3-22
Rear seat ................................................... 2-11
Rear window defogger switch ................... 1-10
Refrigerant recommendation ....................... 9-6
Registering your vehicle in another
country ......................................................... 9-8
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................. 9-18
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............ 9-18
Seat adjustment ........................................... 2-9
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-17
Seat belt extenders .............................. 2-23
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-23
Seat belt warning light ............................ 1-6Seat belts.............................................. 2-17
2-point type without retractor................ 2-21
3-point type with retractor..................... 2-19
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 2-9
Rear seats ............................................ 2-11
Service manual/owner's manual
order form .................................................. 9-19
Shifting ......................................................... 4-7
Spark plug replacement............................. 7-14
Speedometer ............................................... 1-3
Spotlight ..................................................... 1-19
SRS warning labels ................................... 2-15
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Jump starting .......................................... 5-7
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Push starting........................................... 5-8
Starting the engine ................................ 4-9
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Tilting steering wheel............................ 2-30
Stop light .................................................... 7-27
Sunroof ...................................................... 1-17
Supplemental restraint system
(Air bag system) ........................................ 2-12
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-16
Front fog light switch ............................ 1-13
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-13
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-11
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4
10-4
ZX