1996 NISSAN ALTIMA fuel

or other possible causes of either condi-
tion.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shifts while driving.
cBe certain your rear view mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, ifyou must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion, first block the wheels and apply the
parking brake, and then move the shift
lever into the ``P'' position. If you move
the shift lever to the ``P'' position before
blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
``HOT'' position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500
miles (800 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more oftenthan at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
this, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will ad-
versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When
being passed by larger vehicles, be pre-
pared for possible changes in crosswinds
that could affect vehicle handling. If
swaying does occur, firmly grip the steer-
ing wheel, steer straight ahead, and im-
mediately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
9-16
ZX

10 Index
A
Adjustment after headlamp assembly
replacement ............................................... 7-23
Air bag (See Supplemental restraint system)
Air bag warning light .................................. 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 7-15
Air conditioner
Air conditioner (Automatic) ..................... 3-8
Air conditioner (Manual) ......................... 3-2
Air conditioner specification label .............. 9-11
Air conditioning-servicing ........................... 3-10
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ....................... 9-6
Alarm system (See Theft warning system)
Anchor point locations ............................... 2-27
Antenna
Manual .................................................. 3-22
Power.................................................... 3-21
Anti-lock brake system ( ABS)
(If so equipped).......................................... 4-15
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 1-7
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and ashtray)
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 3-16Automatic
Automatic air conditioner operation ........ 3-8
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-16
Automatic transmission fluid ................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
B
Battery........................................................ 7-13
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-5
Belts
Inspection ............................................ 7-14
Size ......................................................... 9-7
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 4-15
Brake and clutch fluid ........................... 7-11
Brake booster ....................................... 7-19
Brake light (See stop light)
Brake pedal .......................................... 7-18
Brake warning light ................................. 1-6
Brake wear indicators ................... 1-7, 7-18
Parking brake check ............................. 7-17
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-10
Break-in schedule ...................................... 4-12
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 1-5
Bulb replacement ....................................... 7-24C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ............................................... 9-2
Cassette player (See audio system)
CB radio or car phone ............................... 3-22
Check engine indicator light (See Malfunction
indicator light)
Child restraints for infants and small
children ...................................................... 2-23
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-4
Cigarette lighter and ashtray ..................... 1-14
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 6-2
Clock Ð instrument panel ......................... 1-18
Clock-radio ................................................. 3-10
Clutch pedal ............................................... 7-19
Cold weather driving cautions .................. 4-17
Compact disc (CD) player ......................... 3-20
Controls
Audio controls ............................. 3-11, 3-16
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ... 3-8
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 3-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
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

Recommended fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, at least 87 AKI number
(RON 91).
For further details such as gasohol, see
``Fuel recommendation'' in the ``Technical
and consumer information'' section.
Recommended engine oil:
cAPI SG or SH and Energy Conserving II
cAPI Certification Mark
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for
all ambient temperatures.
See ``Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion'' in the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section.
Tire cold pressure:
See tire placard affixed to the center con-
sole lid.
Recommended new vehicle break-in
procedure:
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations
outlined in the ªBREAK-IN SCHEDULE In-
formation found in the ªStarting and Drivingº
section of this Owner's Manual. 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.
AGS0501
GAS STATION INFORMATION
10-8
ZX