1996 NISSAN ALTIMA light

The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 30 to 90 MPH (48 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the
main switch. The indicator light on the
switch will come on.
To set cruising speed,accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the
``COAST/SET'' switch and release it. The
``CRUISE'' indicator light will come on. Take
your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your
vehicle will maintain the set speed.cTo pass another vehicle,depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle will return to the previ-
ously set speed.
c
The vehicle may not maintain the set speed
when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,use one of
the following three methods:
a) Push the CANCEL button; the ``CRUISE''
light will go out.
b) Tap the brake pedal; the ``CRUISE'' light
will go out.c) Turn the main switch off. Both the ``ON''
indicator and ``CRUISE'' lights will go out.
The cruise control is automatically can-
celled and the ``CRUISE'' light goes out if:
cYou depress the brake pedal while push-
ing the ``ACCEL'' set switch.
cThe vehicle slows down more than 8
MPH (13 km/h) below the set speed.
cYou depress the clutch pedal (manual
transmission), or move the shift lever to
``N'' (automatic transmission).
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the ``COAST/SET'' switch.
b) Push and hold the ``ACCEL'' set switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
c) Push, then quickly release the ``ACCEL''
set switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed will increase by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
ASD0512
CRUISE CONTROL
4-11
ZX

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

cDriving with vacuum assisted brake:
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you
can stop the vehicle by depressing the
brake pedal. However, greater foot pres-
sure on the brake pedal will be required
to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.
cDriving with power assisted steering:
The power assisted steering is designed
to use a hydraulic pump, driven by the
engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks,
you will still have control of the vehicle.
However, much greater steering effort is
needed, especially in sharp turns or at
low speeds.
cWet brakes:
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet.
As a result, your braking distance will be
longer and the vehicle may pull to one
side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake
pedal to heat-up the brakes. Do this untilthe brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the
brakes function correctly.
cAvoid resting your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This will overheat the
brakes, wear out the brake linings and
pads faster and reduce gas mileage.
cTo help save the brakes and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce
speed and downshift to a lower gear
before going down a slope or long grade.
Overheated brakes may reduce braking
performance and could result in loss of
vehicle control.
cWhile driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking actions or
acceleration could cause the wheels to
skid.The anti-lock brake system installed in
some models controls the brakes at each
wheel so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slip-
pery surfaces. The system detects the rota-
tion speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing
wheel lockup, the system helps the driver
maintain steering control and helps to mini-
mize swerving and spinning on slippery
surfaces.
Using the System
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
It is not necessary to pump the brake
pedal.
Doing so may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system will not operate
at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h)
to completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds
will vary according to road conditions.)
When the anti-lock system senses that one
or more wheels are close to locking up, the
actuator (under the hood) rapidly applies
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
DRIVINGANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (If so equipped)
4-15
ZX

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.
4-16
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

may dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
Only use black wax or black shoe polish on
black urethane or polypropylene bumpers.
Removing spots
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the surface of the paint to avoid lasting
damage or staining. Special cleaning prod-
ucts are available at your NISSAN dealer or
any automotive accessory store.
Underbody
In areas where road salt is used in winter,
the underbody must be cleaned regularly.
This will prevent dirt and salt from building
up and causing underbody and suspension
corrosion. Before winter and again in the
spring, the underseal must be checked and,
if necessary, re-treated.Cleaning glass
When cleaning the rear window, it may be
easier to clean if the high-mounted stop light
is removed first.
Be careful when removing the high-
mounted stop light to reduce the risk of
damaging the high-mounted stop light
wires.
The high-mounted stop light must be prop-
erly reinstalled before driving your vehicle.
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and
dust film from the glass surfaces. It is nor-
mal for glass to become coated with a filmafter the vehicle is parked in the hot sun.
Glass cleaner and a soft cloth will easily
remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the win-
dow, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine based
disinfectant cleaners. They could dam-
age electrical conductors or rear win-
dow defogger elements.
AI1009M
6-3
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

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