1996 NISSAN ALTIMA transmission

a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the ``COAST/SET'' switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the ``COAST/SET'' switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
c) Push, then quickly release the
``COAST/SET'' switch. Each time you do
this, the set speed will decrease by about
1 MPH (1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the ``RESUME'' switch. The vehicle will
resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48 km/h).
Precautions
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it will cancel automatically. The cruise
indicator light in the instrument panel will
then blink to warn the driver.
cWhen the cruise indicator light blinks,
turn the cruise control main switch off
and have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
cThe cruise indicator light may blink when
the cruise control main switch is turned
on while pushing the ªRES/ACCELº,ªCOAST/SETº, or ªCANCELº switch (lo-
cated on the steering wheel). To properly
set the cruise control system perform the
steps above in the order indicated.
Avoid using the cruise control when
driving under the following conditions:
cwhen it is not possible to keep the vehicle
at set speed.
cin heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed.
con winding roads, or hilly roads.
con slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
cin very windy areas.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do
not shift into neutral without depress-
ing the clutch pedal when the cruise
control is on. Should this occur, de-
press the clutch pedal and turn the
main switch off immediately. Failure to
do so may cause engine damage.During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km),
follow these recommendations for the future
reliability and economy of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in vehicle damage or shortened
engine life.
cDo not drive over 55 MPH (90 km/h) and
do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
4-12
ZX

CAUTION
Do not park the vehicle over flammable
materials such as dry grass, waste pa-
per or rags, as they may burn easily.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the gearshift lever in Reverse.
When parking on an uphill grade, place
the gearshift lever in 1 (First) gear.Automatic transmission models:
Move the gearshift lever to the ``P'' (Park)
position.
CAUTION
Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into ``P'' (Park) po-
sition. Make sure the shift lever has
been pushed as far forward as it can go
and cannot be moved.3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling
into traffic when parked on an incline, it is
a good practice to turn the wheels as
illustrated.
cHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
s1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move
the vehicle forward until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
s2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the ``LOCK''
position and remove the key.
CAUTION
cNever leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
cNever leave children unattended in
the vehicle.
SD1006M
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
4-14
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

Switch off all unnecessary electrical
systems (lights, heater, air conditioning,
etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence
as illustrated.
CAUTION
cAlways connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (þ) to body
ground (for example, strut mounting
bolt, etc. Ð not to the battery).
cMake sure that cables do not touch
moving parts in the engine compart-
ment and that clamps do not contact
any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
and let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster
vehicle at about 2,000 rpm, and start
your engine in the normal manner.
CAUTION
Do not keep starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before
trying again.
7. After starting your engine, carefully dis-
connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped).
Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be con-
taminated with corrosive acid.CAUTION
cAutomatic transmission models can-
not be push started. This may cause
transmission damage.
cThree way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three way catalyst may be
damaged.
cNever try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.
PUSH STARTING
5-8
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

Towing an automatic transmission
model with rear wheels raised (with
front wheels on the ground)
CAUTION
Never tow an automatic transmission
model with the rear wheels raised (with
the front wheels on the ground) as this
may cause serious and expensive dam-
age to the transmission. If it is neces-
sary to tow the vehicle with the rear
wheels raised, always use towing dol-
lies under the front wheels.
If you have to tow an automatic
transmission model with four
wheels on ground
Observe the following restricted towing
speeds and distances.
cSpeed: Below 30 MPH (50 km/h)
cDistance: Less than 40 miles (65 km)
CAUTION
Never tow an automatic transmission
model from the rear (for example, back-
ward) with four wheels on the ground
as this may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the transmission.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle)
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structual members of the
vehicle.
cPulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pullon the vehicle at a sideways angle.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
CE1052
5-11
ZX

7 Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 7-2
Engine compartment check locations ................. 7-3
Engine cooling system ......................................... 7-4
Engine oil.............................................................. 7-7
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...................... 7-9
Power steering fluid............................................ 7-11
Brake and clutch fluid......................................... 7-11
Window washer fluid .......................................... 7-12
Battery ................................................................ 7-13
Drive belts .......................................................... 7-14
Spark plug replacement ..................................... 7-14Air cleaner housing filter .................................... 7-15
Wiper blades ...................................................... 7-16
Parking brake check........................................... 7-17
Brake pedal ........................................................ 7-18
Brake booster ..................................................... 7-19
Clutch pedal ....................................................... 7-19
Fuses .................................................................. 7-19
Fusible links........................................................ 7-21
Light bulbs .......................................................... 7-21
Wheels and tires ................................................ 7-28
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