1996 NISSAN ALTIMA cooling

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

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so-
lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional cooling system addi-
tives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only an ethylene glycol
anti-freeze with the proper mixture ra-
tio. Examples are shown below:
Outside temperature
down toAnti-
freezeSoft
water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
The use of other types of coolant solu-
tions may damage your cooling system.
The radiator is equipped with a pressure
cap. Use a NISSAN genuine cap or its
equivalent when replacement is re-
quired.
Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Wait until the engine andradiator cool down. Serious burns could
be caused by high pressure fluid escap-
ing from the radiator. See precautions in
``If your vehicle overheats'' found in the
``In case of emergency'' section.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
With coolant reservoir
Check the coolant level in the reservoir
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below ``MIN'', add coolant up to the
``MAX'' level. If the reservoir is empty, check
the coolant level in the radiatorwhen the
engine is cold.If there is insufficient cool-
ant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir up to the ``MAX'' level.
DI1347
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
7-4
ZX

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
cMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by your NISSAN dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.cImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
1. Perform following procedure to open the
heater water cock:
cAutomatic air conditioning
a. Turn ignition switch from ``OFF'' to ``ON''.
b. Within 5 seconds after ignition switch is
turned ``ON'', press the automatic air
conditioning ``OFF'' switch for at least 5
seconds.
c. Press ``
'' (HOT) switch 3 times.
d. Press ``
'' (DEF) switch 2 times.
e. Make sure that the A/C display indicates
``43''.
DI1349
7-5
ZX

f. Wait 10 seconds before turning ignition
switch ``OFF''.
cManual air conditioning
a. Turn ignition switch ``ON'' and set tem-
perature control lever to the maximum
hot position. Wait 10 seconds then turn
switch ``OFF''.
2. Open the radiator drain plug. Open the
drain plug on the engine water pipe.
3. Open the radiator cap to drain the cool-
ant.
4. Flush the cooling system by running
fresh water through the radiator.
5. Close the radiator drain plug and the
drain plug on the engine water pipe se-
curely.
6. See the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section for cooling system ca-
pacity. Fill the radiator slowly with the
proper mixture of coolant and water. Fill
the reservoir tank up to the ``MAX'' level.
7. Open and close the air release plug to
release air. Then fill the radiator again
and install the radiator cap.8. Start the engine, and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
Then race the engine 2 or 3 times under
no load. Watch the coolant temperature
gauge for signs of overheating.
9. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler
opening. Fill the reservoir tank up to the
``MAX'' level.
10. Open and close the air release plug to
release air. Then fill the radiator again
and install the radiator cap.11. Check the radiator drain plug and the
drain plug on the engine water pipe for
any sign of leakage, tighten if neces-
sary.
DI1351DI1299
7-6
ZX

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench. (Depending on the engine
model, a specialcap typewrench may
be required. See your NISSAN dealer if
in doubt.) Remove the oil filter by turning
it by hand.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.
4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with clean engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, and then tighten an addi-
tional 2/3 turn.
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
8. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.
WARNING
cWhen engine is running, keep hands
and clothing away from any moving
parts such as cooling fan and drive
belt.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
DI1303DI1304
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID (ATF)
7-9
ZX

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

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little
different. When refilling, follow the procedure described in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel15-7/8
gal13-1/4
gal60Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil (Refill)
With oil filter 4 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.8API SG or SH and Energy Conserving II
*2
API Certification Mark *2 Without oil filter 3-3/4 qt 3-1/8 qt 3.5
Cooling system
With reservoir 8-1/4 qt 6-7/8 qt 7.8
Anti- freeze coolant
(Ethylene glycol base)
Reservoir 3/4 qt 5/8 qt 0.7
Manual transmission gear oilÐ Ð Ð API GL-4*3
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level ac-
cording to the instructions in
the ``Do-it-yourself operations''
section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Genuine Nissan Automatic
Transmission Fluid (Canada). *4
Power steering fluid Type DEXRON IITMor equivalent
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose greaseÐ Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)Air conditioning system refrigerantÐ Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricant Ð Ð ÐNissan A/C System Oil Type R or exact
equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation''.
*2: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity''.
*3: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE gear oil viscosity''.
*4: DexronTIII/MerconTor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and
Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for more information regarding suitable fluids, including recom-
mended brand(s) of DexronTIII/MerconTor DexronTIIE/MerconTAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your Nissan dealer.*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specifi-
cation label''.
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
All models are designed to operate on un-
leaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number
(Research octane number 91).
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control devices and systems, and
could also affect warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three way catalyst.
Reformulated Gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing re-
formulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. NISSAN supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggests that you use refor-
mulated gasoline when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising their
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
9-2
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