1996 NISSAN ALTIMA warning lights

1 Instruments and controls
Meters and gauges .............................................. 1-2
Speedometer and odometer ................................ 1-3
Tachometer .......................................................... 1-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge and
Fuel gauge ........................................................... 1-4
Warning/indicator lights and chimes .................... 1-5
Theft warning (If so equipped) ............................. 1-8
Windshield wiper and washer switch ................... 1-9
Rear window defogger switch ............................ 1-10
Headlight and turn signal switch ........................ 1-11
Cornering light .................................................... 1-12Instrument brightness control ............................. 1-12
Front fog light switch (If so equipped) ............... 1-13
Hazard warning flasher switch ........................... 1-13
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray .......... 1-14
Cup holder .......................................................... 1-14
Power windows (If so equipped) ........................ 1-15
Sunroof (If so equipped) .................................... 1-17
Clock Ð instrument panel (If so equipped) ....... 1-18
Interior light......................................................... 1-18
Spotlight (If so equipped) ................................... 1-19
Trunk light........................................................... 1-19
ZX

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

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

Theft warning system operation
The warning system will give the following
alarm:
cThe headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently. In addition, the starter mo-
tor will not operate.
cThe alarm automatically turns off after 2
to 3 minutes; however, the alarm will
reactivate if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by
unlocking a door or trunk lid with the key.
The alarm is activated by:
cOpening the door or trunk lid without
using the key (even if the door is un-
locked by releasing the door inside lock
switch) or opening the trunk lid by oper-
ating the opener lever.
cOpening the hood.
cPushing in or pulling out of the key
cylinder on the door or trunk lid.
How to stop the alarm
The alarm will stop only by unlocking a door
or the trunk lid with the key. The alarm will
not stop if the ignition switch is turned to
``ACC'' or ``ON''.If the system does not operate as de-
scribed above, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
Push the lever down to operate the wind-
shield wipers. Pull the lever toward you to
operate the washer.
Intermittent operation can be adjusted from
2 to approximately 20 seconds by turning
the knob (Type B only).
AIC0079
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCH
1-9
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

To turn the fog lights on, turn the switch
toward the front of the vehicle to the ``''
position.
To turn them off, turn the switch toward the
back of the vehicle to the OFF position.
The low-beam headlight function must be
on for the fog lights to operate. The fog
lights will automatically turn off whenever
the high-beam headlight function is se-
lected.Push the switch on to warn other drivers
when you must stop or park under emer-
gency conditions. All turn signal lights will
flash.
WARNING
cWhen stalled or stopped on the road-
way under emergency conditions,
move the vehicle well off the road.cDo not use the switch while moving
on the highway unless unusual cir-
cumstances force you to drive so
slowly that your vehicle might be-
come a hazard to other traffic.
cSome state laws may prohibit the
use of the hazard warning flasher
switch while driving.
cTurn signals do not work when the
switch is operating.
The hazard warning flasher can be actuated
with the ignition switch either OFF or ON.
IC1292IC1271
FRONT FOG LIGHT SWITCH
(If so equipped)HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
SWITCH
1-13
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

Tire rotation*Ð Tires should be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceÐIfthe
vehicle should pull to either side while driv-
ing on a straight and level road, or if you
detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there
may be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Ð Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hoodÐ Check that all
doors and the engine hood operate prop-
erly. Also ensure all latches lock securely.
Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*Ð Make sure the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Warning lights and chimesÐ Make sure
that all warning lights and buzzers/chimes
are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Ð Check
that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterÐ Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelÐ Check for changes in
the steering conditions, such as excessive
freeplay, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsÐ Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and that all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and that the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.Seat beltsÐ Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Accelerator pedalÐ Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Ð Make sure the pedal
operates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
BrakesÐ Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal*Ð Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed
fully. Check the brake booster function. Be
certain to keep floor mats away from the
pedal.
Parking brake*Ð Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
8-3
ZX