1996 NISSAN ALTIMA fuel

4 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ................. 4-2
Ignition switch ....................................................... 4-4
Before starting the engine .................................... 4-5
Driving with automatic transmission..................... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........................ 4-8
Starting the engine ............................................... 4-9
Parking brake operation ..................................... 4-10
Cruise control ..................................................... 4-11
Break-in schedule............................................... 4-12
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 4-13
Parking/parking on hills ...................................... 4-14
Precautions when driving ................................... 4-15
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If so equipped).. 4-15
Cold weather driving cautions ............................ 4-17
ZX

To help prevent damage
cDo not use leaded gasoline.
Deposits from leaded gasoline will se-
riously reduce the three way cata-
lyst's ability to help reduce exhaust
pollutants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the catalyst, causing it to
overheat. Do not keep driving if the
engine misfires, or if noticeable loss
of performance or other unusual op-
erating conditions are detected. Have
the vehicle inspected promptly by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damaging
the three way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warming
it up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
Avoiding Collision and Rollover
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner may result in loss of control
or an accident. Be alert and drive defen-
sively at all times. Obey all traffic regula-
tions. Avoid excessive speed, high speed
cornering, or sudden steering maneuvers,
because these driving practices could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle.As
with any vehicle, a loss of control could
result in a collision with other vehicles or
objects, or cause the vehicle to roll over,
particularly if the loss of control causes
the vehicle to slide sideways.Be attentive
at all times, and avoid driving when tired.
Never drive when under the influence of
alcohol or drugs (including prescription or
over-the-counter drugs which may cause
drowsiness). Always wear your seat belt as
outlined in the ``Seat Belts'' section of this
manual, and also instruct your passengers
to do so.
Drinking Alcohol/Drugs and Driving
WARNING
Alcohol in the blood stream reduces
coordination, delays reaction time and
impairs judgement. Driving after drink-
ing alcohol increases the likelihood of
being involved in an accident injuring
yourself and others. Additionally, if you
are injured in an accident alcohol can
increase the severity of the injury.
Nissan is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under
the influence of alcohol. Every year thou-
sands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol related accidents. Although the local
laws vary on what is considered to be
legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that's true for drugs, too (over the
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs).
Don't drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
4-3
ZX

Overdrive switch
ON: For normal driving, push the over-
drive switch ON with the shift lever in
the ``D'' position. The transmission
will shift into OVERDRIVE as the
vehicle speed increases.
The overdrive will not engage until the
engine has warmed up.OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine ``braking'' would be
advantageous, push the switch OFF.
When cruising at a low speed or
climbing a gentle slope, you may feel
uncomfortable shift shocks as the
transmission shifts between 3rd and
overdrive repeatedly. In this case,
set the overdrive switch in the OFF
position. The O/D OFF indicator light
on the instrument panel will come on
at this time.
When driving conditions change, reset the
overdrive switch to the ON position.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the overdrive
switch set in the OFF position. This reduces
the fuel economy.
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, and then move the gearshift lever.
After shifting, release the clutch pedal slowly.
On the 5-speed transmission model, you
cannot shift directly from 5th gear into Re-
verse. First shift into Neutral, then into Re-
verse.
If it is difficult to move the gear shift lever
into Reverse or First, shift into Neutral, then
release and depress the clutch pedal again
and shift into Reverse or First.
Driving precautions
cDo not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
ASD0511SD1022
DRIVING WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
4-8
ZX

while driving. This may cause clutch
damage.
cStop your vehicle completely before shift-
ing into reverse.
cWhen the vehicle is stopped for a dura-
tion, for example at a stop light, shift to
neutral and release the clutch pedal with
the foot brake applied.
Suggested upshift speeds
Shown below are suggested vehicle speeds
for shifting into a higher gear. These sug-
gestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle
performance. Actual upshift speeds will vary
according to road conditions, the weather
and individual driving habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude ar-
eas [less than 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear changeACCEL
shift point
MPH (km/h)CRUISE
shift point
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24) 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40) 18 (29)
3rd to 4th 36 (58) 30 (48)
4th to 5th 40 (64) 39 (63)
For quick acceleration in low altitude areas
and high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)]:
Gear change MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
Suggested maximum speed in each
gear
Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested
speed (shown below) in any gear. For level
road driving, use the highest gear sug-
gested for that speed. Always observe
posted speed limits, and drive according to
the road conditions, which will ensure safe
operation. Do not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear as it may cause
engine damage or loss of vehicle control.
Gear MPH (km/h)
1st 30 (50)
2nd 60 (95)
3rd 90 (145)
4th þ
5th þ1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shift lever to ``P'' (Park) or ``N''
(Neutral). (``P'' preferred.)
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
``P'' and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition key is turned to
``OFF'' or if the key is removed.
The starter is designed not to operate
if the shift lever is in any of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the gearshift lever to ``N'' (Neutral),
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to ``START''. Release the key when
the engine starts. If the engine starts, but
fails to run, repeat the above procedure.
Ð If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, de-
press and hold the accelerator pedal
to help start the engine.
Ð In the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
STARTING THE ENGINE
4-9
ZX

cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Main-
tain cruising speeds with a constant ac-
celerator position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the high-
way. Driving at high speed will lower fuel
economy.
cAvoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Maintain a safe distance behind
other vehicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated at the correct
pressure. Low pressure will increase tire
wear and waste fuel.
cKeep the front wheels in correct align-
ment. Improper alignment will cause not
only tire wear but also lower fuel
economy.
cAir conditioning operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioning only
when necessary.
cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condition-
ing and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
SD1001M
INCREASING FUEL
ECONOMY
4-13
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

7. Remove the headlight bulb. Do not shake
or rotate the bulb when removing it.
8. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
cBe sure the lip of the rubber cap
contacts the headlight body.
DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB.
CAUTION
cUse the same number and wattage
as originally installed:
Wattage 60/55
Bulb No. HB2
cAiming is not necessary after replac-
ing the bulb.
cDo not leave the bulb out of the
headlight reflector for a long period
of time as dust, moisture, and smoke
may enter the headlight body and
affect the performance of the head-
light.
HEADLIGHT AIMING
ADJUSTMENT
Before performing aiming adjustment, make
sure of the following.
a. Keep all tires inflated to correct pressure.
b. Place vehicle on level ground.
c. See that vehicle is unloaded (except for
full levels of coolant, engine oil and fuel,
and spare tire, jack, and tools). Have the
driver or equivalent weight placed in driv-
er's seat.
Low beam
1. Open the hood.
2. Adjust the vertical indicator by turning the
adjusting screw with a Phillips screw-
driver. The bubble in the gauge should
be centered on the ``0'' mark.
ADI0085ADI0526
7-22
ZX

Automatic transmission ``Park'' mecha-
nismÐ On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the gearshift
lever in the ``P'' position without applying
any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically, such as each time
you check the engine oil or refuel.
Additional information on the items
marked with ª*º can be found in the
ªDo-It-Yourself operationsº section.
Windshield washer fluid*Ð Check that
there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Ð Check the cool-
ant level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesÐ Check the front of
the radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Ð Make
sure that the brake and clutch fluid level is
between the ``MAX'' and ``MIN'' lines on the
reservoir.Battery*Ð Check the fluid level in each
cell. It should be between the ``MAX'' and
``MIN'' lines.
Engine drive belts*Ð Make sure that no
belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Ð Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine.
Power steering fluid level* and linesÐ
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
the engine is turned off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*Ð
Check the level after putting the shift lever in
``P'' with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemÐ Make sure there are no
cracks, holes, loose joints or supports. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected by
a qualified individual. (See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section.)
UnderbodyÐ The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. Itis very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust will form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. See the ``Appearance and interior
care'' section for additional information.
Fluid leaksÐ Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
8-4
ZX