1996 NISSAN ALTIMA tires

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
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cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Main-
tain cruising speeds with a constant ac-
celerator position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the high-
way. Driving at high speed will lower fuel
economy.
cAvoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Maintain a safe distance behind
other vehicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated at the correct
pressure. Low pressure will increase tire
wear and waste fuel.
cKeep the front wheels in correct align-
ment. Improper alignment will cause not
only tire wear but also lower fuel
economy.
cAir conditioning operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioning only
when necessary.
cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condition-
ing and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
SD1001M
INCREASING FUEL
ECONOMY
4-13
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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

Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole.
If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key
before inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to
assure proper winter protection. For details,
see ``Engine Cooling System'' in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
radiator and on the engine block. Refillbefore operating the vehicle. See ``Chang-
ing Engine Coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Tire equipment
1. The SUMMER tires are of a tread design
to provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels. Please consult your NISSAN
dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating
and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
provinces and states prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may
be poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.3. Snow chains may be used if desired.
Make sure they are of proper size for the
tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's
suggestions.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.Use only SAE Class ``S'' chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In ad-
dition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or ve-
hicle handling and performance may be
adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on T-type and small
size spare tires. Do not use the chains on
dry roads.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
CAUTIONS
4-17
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If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Shift the manual transmis-
sion into reverse (automatic transmission
in ``P'').
4. Turn off the engine.
WARNING
cMake sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into reverse
(automatic transmission in ``P'').
cNever change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is dangerous.
cNever change tires if oncoming traf-
fic is close to your vehicle. Wait for
professional road assistance.cRaise the hood to warn other traffic,
and to signal professional road as-
sistance personnel that you need
assistance.
cHave all passengers get out of the
vehicle and stand in a safe place,
away from traffic and clear of the
vehicle.Getting the spare tire and tools
1. Open the trunk. Lift the trunk floor carpet-
ing and spare tire cover. Remove the tool
bag and the spare tire. Use either end of
the jack rod (found in the tool bag) to
loosen the spare tire hold-down bolt.
Push the release clip on the jack access
door.
2. Pull the jack access door open. To re-
move the jack, turn the jack screw coun-
terclockwise. Use either end of the jack
rod (found in the tool bag) to loosen the
jack from its storage position.
CE1079
FLAT TIRE
5-2
ZX

Installing wheel
The T-type spare tire is designed for
emergency use. See specific instruc-
tions under the heading ``Wheels and
tires'' in the ``Do-it- yourself operations''
section.
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface
between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the wheel on and install the
wheel nuts finger-tight.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel
nuts alternately and evenly until they are
tight.4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts se-
curely in the sequence as illustrated.
CAUTION
cAs soon as possible tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
72 to 87 ft-lb
(98 to 118 Nzm)
cAdjust tire pressure to the COLD
pressure.
Cold pressure can be determined after
vehicle has been parked for three hours
CE1030CE1082
5-6
ZX

or more or driven less than 1 mile (1.6
km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the
tire placard affixed to the center console
lid.
cRetighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been run for 600 miles
(1,000 km) after installing the alumi-
num wheel.
5. Securely store the spare tire and jacking
equipment in the vehicle.
WARNING
cAlways make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.
The T-type spare tire and small size
spare tire are designed for emer-
gency use. See specific instructions
under the heading ``Wheels and
tires'' in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.To start your engine with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below must
be followed.
WARNING
cIf done incorrectly, jump starting can
be hazardous.
cExplosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
cDo not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, cloth or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
cA battery rated at above 12 volts
should not be used for a booster.
cWhenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye pro-
tectors (for example, goggles or in-
dustrial safety spectacles) and
remove rings, metal bands, or any
other metal jewelry.
c
Keep battery out of the reach of chil-
dren.
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another ve-
hicle, position the two vehicles to bring
their batteries into close proximity to
each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to
touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift
lever to Neutral (on automatic transmis-
sion models, move the lever to ``P'').
ACE0021
JUMP STARTING
5-7
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