1996 NISSAN ALTIMA change time

Foreword
Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with confidence. It
was produced using the latest techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you understand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of
driving pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate ``Warranty Information Booklet'' explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle.
Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, he will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to him.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these five important rules to help ensure a safe and complete
trip for you and your passengers!
cNEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
cALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too
fast for conditions.
cALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child restraint
systems.
cALWAYS provide information about the proper use of ve-
hicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.
cALWAYS review this Owner's Manual for important safety
information.
1995 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA
NOTES ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN
THIS OWNER'S MANUAL
This owner's manual contains descriptions and operating
instructions for all systems, features and optional equipment
that might appear in any model of this vehicle built for any
destination in North America, including the continental United
States, Canada and Hawaii. Therefore, you may very well find
information in this manual that does not apply to your vehicle.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified. Modification could affect its
performance, safety or durability, and may even violate govern-
mental regulations. In addition, damage or performance prob-
lems resulting from modifications may not be covered under
NISSAN warranties.
All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are those
in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
specifications or design without notice and without obligation.
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
ZX

indicating tape side will illuminate in the
display window.
Do not force the cassette tape into the
tape door.
Pressing strongly could cause player
damage.
The cassette tape will automatically change
directions to play the other side when the
first side is completed. At this time, the
arrow in the display window will change
direction.
cTo maintain good quality sound, NIS-
SAN recommends that you use cas-
sette tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in
length.
cCassette tapes should be removed
from the player when not in use. Store
cassettes in their protective cases
and away from direct sunlight, heat,
moisture and magnetic sources.
cDirect sunlight can cause the cassette
to become deformed. The use of de-
formed cassettes may cause the cas-
sette to jam in the player.
cDo not use cassettes that have labels
which are peeling and loose. If used,the label could jam in the player.
cIf a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette
hubs and rewind the tape firmly
around the hubs. Loose tape may
cause tape jamming and wavering
sound quality.
cOver a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may
collect a tape coating residue as the
tape passes over the head. This resi-
due accumulation can cause weak or
wavering sound, and should be re-
moved periodically with a head clean-
ing tape. If the residue is not removed
periodically, the player may need to
be disassembled for cleaning.
Fast forwarding or rewinding the
tape
Push either the FF (fast forward) or REW
(rewind) button for the desired direction.
The
orsymbol will illuminate in
the display.
To stop the FF or REW function, press the
``PLAY/STOP'' button.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
fast forwarding or APS rewinding
the tape
Push either the APS FF or APS REW button
while the cassette tape is playing. The tape
will run quickly, and stop and play at the
next program. The indicator light flashes on
and off while searching the program. The
orsymbol will illuminate in
the display.
This system searches for the blank intervals
between selections. If there is a blank inter-
val within one program or there is no interval
between programs, the system may not
stop in the desired or expected location.
Changing the direction of tape play
Push the PROG (program) select button.
The
orsymbol will illuminate in
the display to indicate side of program play.
Playing and stopping the cassette
tape
Push the PLAY/STOP button while the cas-
sette tape is playing to stop the tape. Push
the button again to play the tape.
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POWERbutton with the cassette tape still in
the player, the tape will resume playing
when the POWER button is pushed once
again.
TAPE button
cWhen this button is pushed with the
system turned off and a tape loaded, the
system will come on and the tape will
play.
cWhen this button is pushed with either
the radio or compact disc turned on and
the tape loaded, the compact disc or the
radio will automatically be turned off and
the tape will play.
While the tape is playing, pushing the TAPE
button stops tape play. Pushing the button
again resumes tape play.
FF (fast forward), REW (rewind)
button
Push the FF (fast forward) button to fast
forward the tape. To rewind the tape, push
the REW (rewind) button. Either the indica-
tor light ``
'' or ``'' will come on when
the FF or REW function is started. To stop
the FF or REW function, press the TAPE
button.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
FF, APS REW button
When the APS FF button is pushed while
the tape is being played, the next program
will start to play from the beginning. Push
the APS FF button several times to skip
through programs. The tape will advance
the number of times the button is pushed
(up to 9 programs).
When the APS REW button is pushed once,
the program being played starts over from
the beginning. Push several times to fast
rewind programs. The tape will rewind back
the number of times the button is pushed.
Either the indicator light ``
'' or
``'' will come on when the APS FF or
APS REW function is started.
This system searches for the blank intervals
between selections. If there is a blank inter-
val within one program or there is no interval
between programs, the system may not
stop in the desired or expected location.
PROG (program) button
Push the PROG (program) button to change
the tape side while the tape is being played.The cassette tape will automatically change
directions to play the other side when the
first side is completed.
Dolby NR (noise reduction)
button
Push the``DOLBY NR'' button for
Dolby NR encoded tapes to reduce high
frequency tape noise. The indicator will
come on.
Dolby NR is manufactured under license
from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpora-
tion. ``DOLBY NR'' and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Li-
censing Corporation.
TAPE EJECT button
Push this button to eject an inserted tape.
When the tape is ejected while it is being
played, the system will be turned off.
Precautions on cassette player op-
eration
cTo maintain good quality sound,
NISSAN recommends that you use
cassette tapes of 60 minutes or
shorter in length.
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program being played returns to its begin-
ning. Push several times to skip back through
programs. The compact disc will go back the
number of times the button is pushed.
PROG (program) button
When this button is pushed while the com-
pact disc is being played, the play pattern
will change as follows:
ALL: All the programs will be played repeat-
edly in sequence.
1: Only one program (the one being played
when the PROG button is pushed) will be
repeated.
RANDOM: Programs will be played at ran-
dom, not following the sequence on the
compact disc. The same program may be
repeated twice.
h(no mark): All the programs will be played
in sequence and stop when the last pro-
gram is finished.
cWhen the compact disc is ejected, the
play pattern will automatically change
to ALL.
CD EJECT button
When the CD EJECT button is pushed withthe compact disc loaded, the compact disc
will be ejected.
When this button is pushed while the com-
pact disc is being played, the compact disc
will eject and the system will turn off.
If the compact disc ejects and is not
removed within 10 seconds, it will be
pulled back into the slot to protect it.
CD (DISC) indicator light
This light comes on when the compact disc
is loaded.
CAUTION
cDuring cold weather or rainy days,
the player may malfunction due to
the humidity. If this occurs, remove
the CD and dehumidify or ventilate
the player completely.
cThe player may skip while driving on
rough roads.
cThe CD player sometimes cannot
function when the compartment tem-
perature is extremely high. Decrease
the temperature before use.
cDo not expose the CD to direct sun-
light.
Power antenna (If so equipped)
The power antenna will automatically ex-
tend when the radio is turned on, and retract
when switched off. If the radio is left on, the
antenna will retract and extend with the
ignition key ``OFF-ON'' operation.
CAUTION
cBefore turning the radio on, make
sure that there is no one near the
antenna outlet and there is enough
space for it to extend.
cTo prevent damage, be sure that an-
tenna is fully retracted before the
vehicle enters an automated car
wash.
cDirt and other foreign matter on the
power antenna rod may interrupt its
operation. Clean the rod periodically
with a damp cloth. This type of
cleaning is especially important dur-
ing the winter seasons in areas
where road salt and other chemicals
may be spread on road surfaces and
splashed onto the antenna rod.
ANTENNA
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WARNING
Do not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
EXHAUST GAS
(Carbon Monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is dan-
gerous. It can cause unconsciousness
or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage for any
longer than is absolutely necessary.cDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive in this
manner for some reason, take the
following steps:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation switch to
``OFF'' and the fan control at 4
(high) to circulate the air.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the trunk lid or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust sys-
tem, underbody, or rear of the
vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYST
The three way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust system.
Exhaust gases in the three way catalyst are
burned at high temperatures to help reduce
pollutants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. While the en-
gine is running, keep people or flam-
mable materials away from the ex-
haust pipe.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags, as they
may burn easily.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
4-2
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Overdrive switch
ON: For normal driving, push the over-
drive switch ON with the shift lever in
the ``D'' position. The transmission
will shift into OVERDRIVE as the
vehicle speed increases.
The overdrive will not engage until the
engine has warmed up.OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine ``braking'' would be
advantageous, push the switch OFF.
When cruising at a low speed or
climbing a gentle slope, you may feel
uncomfortable shift shocks as the
transmission shifts between 3rd and
overdrive repeatedly. In this case,
set the overdrive switch in the OFF
position. The O/D OFF indicator light
on the instrument panel will come on
at this time.
When driving conditions change, reset the
overdrive switch to the ON position.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the overdrive
switch set in the OFF position. This reduces
the fuel economy.
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, and then move the gearshift lever.
After shifting, release the clutch pedal slowly.
On the 5-speed transmission model, you
cannot shift directly from 5th gear into Re-
verse. First shift into Neutral, then into Re-
verse.
If it is difficult to move the gear shift lever
into Reverse or First, shift into Neutral, then
release and depress the clutch pedal again
and shift into Reverse or First.
Driving precautions
cDo not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
ASD0511SD1022
DRIVING WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
4-8
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If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
cMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by your NISSAN dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.cImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
1. Perform following procedure to open the
heater water cock:
cAutomatic air conditioning
a. Turn ignition switch from ``OFF'' to ``ON''.
b. Within 5 seconds after ignition switch is
turned ``ON'', press the automatic air
conditioning ``OFF'' switch for at least 5
seconds.
c. Press ``
'' (HOT) switch 3 times.
d. Press ``
'' (DEF) switch 2 times.
e. Make sure that the A/C display indicates
``43''.
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7-5
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CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature, and then turn it off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
4. Remove the oil filler cap.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, removeand replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing oil filter''.
WARNING
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
CAUTION
Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly. Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug and
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 Nzm)
Do not overtighten.
7. Refill engine with recommended oil and
install the cap securely.
See the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section for refill capacity.
8. Start the engine.Check for leakage around the drain plug.
Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin
cancer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
DI1302
7-8
ZX