1996 NISSAN ALTIMA brake light

Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ``ON'' without starting the engine. The
following lights will come on:
,or,,,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
or,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in theelectrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN
dealer or other authorized repair shop.Run-
ning the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause serious
damage to the engine.The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
the dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate that there is some-
thing wrong with the charging system. Turn
the engine off and check the generator belt.
If the belt is loose, broken, missing or if the
light remains on, see your NISSAN dealer
immediately.
orBrake warning lightSeat belt warning lightEngine oil pressure warning light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)CRUISE indicator light
High beam indicator lightorAnti-lock brake warning lightAir bag warning light
Charge warning lightOverdrive off indicator lightRear window defogger indicator light
Door open warning lightMalfunction indicator light (emission
system)Theft warning light (If so equipped)
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
1-5
ZX

CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is ``ON''.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
This light and chime remind you to fasten
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever
the ignition key is turned to ``ON'', and will
remain illuminated until the driver's seat belt
is fastened. At the same time, the chime will
sound for about seven seconds unless the
driver's seat belt is securely fastened.
Refer to ``Seat belts'' in the ``Pre-driving
checks and adjustments'' section for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Air bag warning light
When the ignition key is in the ``ON'' or
``START'' position, the air bag light will
illuminate for about 7 seconds and then turnoff. This means the Air Bag Supplemental
Restraint System is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the air
bag system needs servicing and your vehicle
should be taken to your nearest authorized
NISSAN dealer as soon as practical.
1. The air bag light does not come on for 7
seconds and then go off as described
above.
2. The air bag light flashes intermittently or
remains on.
3. The air bag light does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supple-
mental Restraint System may not function
properly. For additional details, see ``Supple-
mental Restraint System'' in the ``Pre-driving
checks and adjustments'' section.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer tank
fluid is at a low level. Add washer fluid as
necessary. See the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
The light comes on when the parking brake
is applied.
Low brake fluid warning:
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If
the light comes on while the engine is
running with the parking brake not applied,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake
fluid as necessary. See ``Brake and
clutch fluid'' in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, check
the warning system.
WARNING
cIf you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed because driving it could
be dangerous.
1-6
ZX

cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and require greater
pedal effort as well as greater pedal
travel.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it will make a high pitched scrap-
ing sound when the vehicle is in motion
whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed. Have the brakes checked as soon
as possible if the warning sound is heard.
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate there is something
wrong with the anti-lock portion of the brake
system. Have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the regular
braking system will continue to operate nor-
mally.
If the light comes on while you are driving,contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is pushed to the OFF position.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
This light flashes when the turn signal
switch lever or hazard switch is turned on.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
Rear window defogger indi-
cator light
This light comes on when the rear defogger
switch is activated.
Indicator light
This light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If
the CRUISE indicator blinks, have the sys-
tem checked by your NISSAN dealer.
Theft warning light (If so
equipped)
This light is used to verify theft warning
system activation. For further info, see
``Theft Warning'' later in this chapter.
Key reminder chime
The chime will sound if the driver side door
is opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch. Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime will sound when the driver side
door is opened if the light switch is turned on
(ignition switch is turned off).
Turn the light switch off when you leave the
vehicle.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)
If the MIL comes on or blinks while the
engine is running, it may indicate a potential
emission control problem.
1-7
ZX

Lighting
Turn the switch to the ``'' position.
The front park, side marker, tail, license
plate and instrument lights will come on.
Turn the switch to the ``
'' position. Head-lights will come on and all the other lights
remain on.
To select the high beam, push the lever
forward. Pull it back to select the low beam.
Daytime running light system
(For Canada)
Even if the headlight control switch is off,
the headlights' high beams will illuminate
after starting the engine. The headlights will
be a little dimmer than they are with the
headlight switch in the ``
'' position.
If the parking brake is applied before the
engine is started, the daytime running lights
will not be illuminated. The daytime running
lights will illuminate once the parking brake
is released. Thereafter, the daytime running
lights will not turn off when using the parking
brake at stop signals, etc.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle will
not be on. It is necessary at dusk to
turn on your headlights. Failure to do
so could cause an accident injuring
yourself and others.
Passing signal
Pulling the lever toward you will turn on the
headlight high beam.
AIC0505
HEADLIGHT AND TURN
SIGNAL SWITCH
1-11
ZX

1) Move the shift lever into the ``P'' (Park)
position.
2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ``ON''
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the ``LOCK'' posi-
tion.
4) Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition
switch, the shift lever cannot be moved from
``P'' (Park).The shift lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ``ACC'' posi-
tion. The shift lever can also be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ``ON'' posi-
tion and the foot brake pedal is de-
pressed.
There is an ``OFF'' position in between
``LOCK'' and ``ACC'', although it does not
show on the key cylinder. When the ignition
is in ``OFF'' the steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn coun-
terclockwise from the straight up position,
and the key must be removed from the
ignition.WARNING
To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. To unlock the steering wheel, in-
sert the key and turn it gently while
rotating the steering wheel slightly
right and left.
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
``OFF'' (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
``ACC'' (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
``ON'' Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.``START'' (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.
cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, for example, each
time you check engine oil.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ``ON'' (3) posi-
tion.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
4-5
ZX

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
ZX

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