1996 NISSAN ALTIMA stop start

cCassette tapes should be removed
from the player when not in use. Store
cassettes in their protective cases
and away from direct sunlight, heat,
moisture or magnetic sources.
Direct sunlight can cause the cassette
to become deformed. The use of de-
formed cassettes may cause the cas-
sette to jam in the player.
cDo not use cassettes that have peel-
ing or loose labels. If used, the label
could jam in the player.
cIf a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette
hubs and rewind the tape firmly.
Loose tape may cause jamming and
wavering sound quality.
cOver a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may
gather a tape coating residue as the
tape passes over the head. This resi-
due accumulation can cause a weak
or wavering sound and should be re-
moved periodically with a head clean-
ing tape.
If the residue is not removed periodi-
cally, the player may need to be dis-
assembled for cleaning.Compact Disc (CD) Player Opera-
tion
Turn the ignition key to the ``ACC'' or ``ON''
position and insert the compact disc into the
slot with the label side facing up. The com-
pact disc will be guided automatically into
the slot and start playing.
If the radio or tape is already operating, it
will automatically turn off and the compact
disc will play.
Forcing in the compact disc will damage
the player.
If the system has been turned off while the
compact disc was playing, pushing the
POWER button will start the compact disc.
CD button
When this button is pushed with the system
off and the compact disc loaded, the system
will turn on and the compact disc will start to
play.
When this button is pushed with the com-
pact disc loaded but the tape or the radio
playing, the tape or radio will automatically
be turned off and the compact disc will start
to play.When this button is pushed while the com-
pact disc is playing, the compact disc will
stop playing. When this button is pushed
with the compact disc stopped, the compact
disc will start to play.
FF (fast forward), REW (rewind)
button
When the FF (fast forward) or REW (rewind)
button is pushed while the compact disc is
being played, the compact disc will play
while fast forwarding or rewinding. When
the button is released, the compact disc will
return to normal play speed.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
FF, APS REW button
When the APS FF button is pushed while
the compact disc is being played, the pro-
gram following the present one will start to
play from its beginning. Push several times
to skip through programs. The compact disc
will advance the number of times the button
is pushed. (When the last program on the
compact disc is skipped through, the first
program will be played.)
When the APS REW button is pushed, the
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WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
EXHAUST GAS
(Carbon Monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is dan-
gerous. It can cause unconsciousness
or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage for any
longer than is absolutely necessary.cDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive in this
manner for some reason, take the
following steps:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation switch to
``OFF'' and the fan control at 4
(high) to circulate the air.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the trunk lid or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust sys-
tem, underbody, or rear of the
vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYST
The three way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust system.
Exhaust gases in the three way catalyst are
burned at high temperatures to help reduce
pollutants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. While the en-
gine is running, keep people or flam-
mable materials away from the ex-
haust pipe.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags, as they
may burn easily.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
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The automatic transmission in your vehicle
(if so equipped) is electronically controlled
by the A/T control unit to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the rec-
ommended operating procedures for this
transmission. Follow these procedures for
maximum vehicle performance and driving
enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
cAfter starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before shifting the selector
lever to the ``D'', ``R'', ``2'' or ``1'' position.
Be sure the vehicle is fully stopped before
attempting to shift the selector lever.
This automatic transmission is designed
so that the foot brake pedal MUST be
depressed before shifting from ``P'' to
any drive position while the ignition
switch is ``ON''.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of
``P'' and into any of the other gear posi-
tions if the ignition key is turned to
``OFF'' or if the key is removed.
When the battery charge is low, the shift
lever can be moved if the ignition switch
is in the ``ACC'' position.1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
shift into a driving gear.
2.Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
CAUTION
cCold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
c
Avoid revving up the engine while the
vehicle is stopped. This could cause
unexpected vehicle movement.
Driving precautions
To help prevent transmission damage:
c
Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from ``P'' or ``N'' to ``R'',
``D'', ``2'' or ``1''. Always depress the
brake pedal until shifting is completed.
cNever shift to ``P'' or ``R'' while the
vehicle is moving.
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an up-
hill grade, do not hold the vehicle by
depressing the accelerator pedal. The
foot brakes should be used for this
purpose.
ASD0510
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
4-6
ZX

Push the button to shift into ``P'', ``R'' or from
``D'' to ``2''. All other positions can be se-
lected without pushing the button.
``P'' (Park):
Use this position when the vehicle is parked
or when starting the engine. Always be sure
the vehicle is at a complete stop. For maxi-
mum safety, depress the brake pedal, then
push in the select lever button and move the
shift lever to the ``P'' position. Apply the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply
the parking brake first, then move the shift
lever into the ``P'' position.
Shifting from ``P'' (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ``ON'' position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the shift lever still cannot be moved out of
``P'' (Park), follow these instructions:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the ignition key and turn it clock-
wise to the ``ACC'' position.
4. Depress the brake pedal, move the gear-
shift lever to ``N'' (Neutral) and start the
engine.These instructions for starting the vehicle in
``N'' (Neutral) position should only be used
until service can be obtained.
``R'' (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. With the
brake pedal depressed, push in the select
lever button and move the shift lever to the
``R'' position.
``N'' (Neutral):
In Neutral, neither forward nor reverse gear
is engaged. The engine can be started in
this position. You may shift to ``N'' and
restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is
moving.
``D'' (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
``2'' (Second gear):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on
downhill grades.
Do not shift into the ``2'' position at speeds
over 74 MPH (119 Km/h). Do not exceed 74
MPH (119 Km/h) in the ``2'' position.``1'' (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak-
ing on steep downhill grades.
Do not shift into the ``1'' position at speeds
over 74 MPH (119 km/h). Do not exceed 41
MPH (66 km/h) in the ``1'' position.
Accelerator downshift
Ð In ``D'' position Ð
For rapid passing or hill climbing, fully de-
press the accelerator pedal to the floor. This
shifts the transmission down into 2 (Sec-
ond) gear or 1 (Low) gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
4-7
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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

been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal fully depressed while starting.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not
start, wait 10 seconds before crank-
ing again, otherwise the starter could be
damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially
in cold weather.To engage:pull the lever up.
To release:pull the lever up slightly, push
the button and lower completely. Before
driving, be sure the brake warning light goes
out.
ASD0502
PARKING BRAKE
OPERATION
4-10
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and releases hydraulic pressure (like pump-
ing the brakes very quickly). While the ac-
tuator is working, you may feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibra-
tion from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock
system is working properly. However, the
pulsation may indicate that road conditions
are hazardous and extra care is required
while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system is sophisticated,
with electronic sensors, electric pumps, and
hydraulic solenoids controlled by a com-
puter. The computer has a built-in diagnos-
tic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle at
a low speed in forward or reverse. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a ``clunk''
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the
ABS brake warning light in the dashboard.
The brake system will then behave nor-
mally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self-test orwhile you are driving, you should take your
car to your NISSAN dealer for repair at your
earliest convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-
lock system. Stopping distances may
also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety
of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may
also affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tire on all 4 wheels.cWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
ªTire placardº in the Owner's Manual
index.
Refer to ``Wheels and Tires'' in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section of
this manual.
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Special winter equipment
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
Driving on snow or ice
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have a lot less traction or ``grip'' under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
cWhatever the condition, drive with
caution and accelerate gently. If accel-
erated too fast, the drive wheels will
spin and will lose even more traction.cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
Engine block heater
WARNING
Do not use your heater (if so equipped)
with an ungrounded electrical system
or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. You
can be injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
4-18
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