1996 NISSAN ALTIMA warning

VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
WARNING
cIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these ar-
eas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
cDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
c
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.
Terms
It is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:
cCurb Weight (actual weight of your ve-
hicle) - vehicle weight including: standard
and optional equipment, fluids, emer-
gency tools, and spare tire assembly.
This weightdoes notinclude passen-
gers and cargo.
cGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb
weight plus the combined weight of pas-
sengers and cargo.cGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total weight (load) limit speci-
fied for the vehicle.
cGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -
maximum weight (load) limit specified for
the front or rear axle.
Determining Vehicle Load Capacity
The load capacity of this vehicle is determined
by weight, not by available cargo space. For
example, a luggage rack, bike carrier, cartop
carrier or similar equipment does not increase
load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using
a commercial-grade scale, found at places
such as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain
elevator, or a scrap metal recycling facility.
1)
Determine the curb weight of your vehicle.
2) Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to de-
termine how much more weight your
vehicle can carry.
3) After loading (cargo and passengers),
re-weigh your vehicle to determine if
either GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle
is exceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, re-move cargo as necessary. If either the
front or rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the
load or remove cargo as necessary.
Loading Tips
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the FMVSS Cer-
tification Label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
CAUTION
c
Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. In a
sudden stop or collision, unsecured
cargo could cause personal injury.
cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum
front and rear GAWRs. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it
can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of
control and cause personal injury.
cOverloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by your
warranty.
9-13
ZX

Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer will place
additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
drive train, steering, braking and other sys-
tems.
Information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required should be ob-
tained from your NISSAN dealer. He can
obtain aNissan Trailer Towing Guidefor
you.
Maximum load limits
Maximum trailer loads:
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
1,000 lb (454 kg). The total trailer load
equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
Towing loads greater than 1,000 lb (454 kg)
or using improper towing equipment could
adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures is not covered by NISSAN warran-
ties. Information on trailer towing and
required towing equipment should be ob-
tained from dealers who specialize in pro-
viding trailers or other towing equipment.
Tongue load:
Keep the tongue load between 9 and 11%
of the total trailer load. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to al-
low for proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/maximum
gross axle weight:
The gross vehicle weight of the towing
vehicle must not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label. The gross ve-
hicle weight equals the combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
TI1011MTI1012M
TRAILER TOWING
9-14
ZX

or overdrive (automatic transmission).
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change the trans-
mission fluid more frequently.
See the Maintenance schedule.DOT (Department of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices and differ-
ences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction A, B and C
Traction grades are A (the highest), B and
C. They represent a tire's ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under con-
trolled conditions, on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked with a C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your
vehicle tires is based on straight line
braking traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause tire material to degenerate, reducing
tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to
a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A
and B represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on laboratory test wheels than the
minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
9-17
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

Changing engine oil................................ 7-8
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-9
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-7
Engine oil ................................................ 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation. 9-4
Opener lever for trunk lid............................. 2-6
Outside mirror remote control.................... 2-30
Outside mirrors .......................................... 2-30
Overdrive switch .......................................... 4-8
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 5-9
Owner's manuals/service manual
order form .................................................. 9-19
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 7-17
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-10
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 4-14
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 8-5
Power
Power antenna ..................................... 3-21
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Power rear windows ............................. 1-16
Power windows..................................... 1-15
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-17
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-15
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2Push starting ................................................ 5-8
Q
Quick reference (See gas station information)
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 3-16
CB radio or car phone .......................... 3-22
Rear seat ................................................... 2-11
Rear window defogger switch ................... 1-10
Refrigerant recommendation ....................... 9-6
Registering your vehicle in another
country ......................................................... 9-8
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................. 9-18
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............ 9-18
Seat adjustment ........................................... 2-9
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-17
Seat belt extenders .............................. 2-23
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-23
Seat belt warning light ............................ 1-6Seat belts.............................................. 2-17
2-point type without retractor................ 2-21
3-point type with retractor..................... 2-19
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 2-9
Rear seats ............................................ 2-11
Service manual/owner's manual
order form .................................................. 9-19
Shifting ......................................................... 4-7
Spark plug replacement............................. 7-14
Speedometer ............................................... 1-3
Spotlight ..................................................... 1-19
SRS warning labels ................................... 2-15
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Jump starting .......................................... 5-7
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Push starting........................................... 5-8
Starting the engine ................................ 4-9
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Tilting steering wheel............................ 2-30
Stop light .................................................... 7-27
Sunroof ...................................................... 1-17
Supplemental restraint system
(Air bag system) ........................................ 2-12
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-16
Front fog light switch ............................ 1-13
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-13
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-11
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4
10-4
ZX

Overdrive switch ..................................... 4-8
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-10
Windshield wiper and washer switch ..... 1-9
T
Tachometer .................................................. 1-3
Theft warning system .................................. 1-8
Theft warning light ....................................... 1-7
Three way catalyst....................................... 4-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 2-30
Timing chain ................................................ 9-7
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 5-2
Spare tire....................................... 5-2, 7-32
Tire chains ............................................ 7-29
Tire placard........................................... 9-11
Tire pressure ........................................ 7-28
Tire rotation .......................................... 7-30
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-17
Wheel/tire size ........................................ 9-7
Wheels and tires................................... 7-28
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 5-10
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-14
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-8
Manual transmission fluid ....................... 8-9Travel (see registering your vehicle
in a another country)
Trip odometer .............................................. 1-3
Trunk lid lock operation ............................... 2-6
Trunk light .................................................. 1-19
Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch)
U
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-17
V
Vanity mirror (If so equipped) .................... 2-31
Vehicle dimensions and weights ................. 9-8
Vehicle identification .................................... 9-9
Vehicle identification number plate.............. 9-9
Vehicle loading information ....................... 9-13
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 5-11
Ventilators .................................................... 3-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light............................. 2-16
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-13
Theft warning .......................................... 1-8
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-15
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-5
Weights (See dimensions and weights)Wheel/tire size ............................................. 9-7
Wheels and tires ........................................ 7-28
Window washer fluid.................................. 7-12
Windows
Locking passenger windows ................ 1-15
Power rear windows ............................. 1-16
Power windows..................................... 1-15
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ..... 1-9
Wiper blades......................................... 7-16
10-5
ZX