1997 NISSAN ALTIMA Owners Manual

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 or 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 peel-
ing or loose labels. 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.
Loose tape may cause jamming and
wavering sound quality.
cOver a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may
gather a tape coating residue as the
tape passes over the head. This resi-
due accumulation can cause a 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.COMPACT DISC (CD) PLAYER
OPERATION
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON
position and insert the compact disc into the
slot with the label side facing up. The com-
pact disc is automatically pulled into the slot
and starts to play.
If the radio or cassette tape is already
operating, it automatically turns off and the
compact disc begins to play.
CAUTION
Do not force the compact disc into the
slot. This could damage the player.
If the system is turned off while the compact
disc is playing, pushing the POWER button
starts the compact disc.
CD button
When this button is pushed with the system
off and the compact disc loaded, the system
turns on and the compact disc starts to play.
When this button is pushed with the com-
pact disc loaded and the tape or the radio
playing, the tape or radio automatically
turns off and the compact disc starts to play.When this button is pushed while the com-
pact disc is playing, the compact disc stops
playing.
FF (fast forward), REW (rewind)
button
When the FF (fast forward) or REW (rewind)
button is pushed while the compact disc is
playing, the compact disc plays at an in-
creased speed while fast forwarding or re-
winding. When the button is released, the
compact disc returns to normal play speed.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
FF, APS REW button
When the APS FF button is pushed while
the compact disc is playing, the selection
following the present one starts to play from
its beginning. Push several times to skip
several selections. The compact disc ad-
vances the number of times the button is
pushed. (When the last selection on the
compact disc is skipped, the first selection is
played.)
When the APS REW button is pushed, the
selection being played returns to its begin-
ning. Push several times to skip back several
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selections. The compact disc goes back the
number of selections the button is pushed.
PROG (program) button
When this button is pushed while listening
to the compact disc, the play pattern
changes as follows:
ALL: All selections are played repeatedly in
sequence.
1: Only one selection (the one playing when
the PROG button is pushed) is repeated.
RANDOM: Selections are played at ran-
dom, not following the sequence on the
compact disc. The same program may be
repeated twice.
h(no mark): All selections are played in
sequence, and the compact disc stops
when the last selection is finished.
When the compact disc is ejected, the
play pattern automatically changes to
ALL.
CD EJECT button
When the CD EJECT button is pushed with
a compact disc loaded, the compact disc
ejects.When this button is pushed while the com-
pact disc is playing, the compact disc ejects
and the system turns off.
If the compact disc ejects and is not
removed within 10 seconds, it is pulled
back into the slot.
CD (DISC) indicator light
This light comes on when a compact disc is
loaded into the player.
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 automatically extends
when the radio is turned on, and retracts
when the radio is turned off. If the radio is
left on, the antenna retracts and extends
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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Manual antenna
The manual antenna cannot be shortened,
but can be removed. When you need to
remove the antenna, turn its base counter-
clockwise.
Microphone installed model
If equipped with a genuine cellular phone,
your NISSAN features a non-directional
microphone in the steering column cover,
so it is not necessary to look at or speak
directly into the microphone when calling.
To do so could detract from the driving
operation and cause an accident. See the
manual for car phone operation
Pre-wired and antenna for phone
installed model
Some models are pre-wired to accept the
genuine NISSAN cellular phone. In addition,
the same model has the phone antenna
built into the rear glass window
When installing a CB, ham radio or car
phone in your NISSAN, be sure to observe
the following cautions, otherwise the new
equipment may adversely affect the MFI
(Multiport Fuel Injection) system and other
electronic parts.
CAUTION
cKeep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Engine Control
Module.
cAlso keep the antenna wire more
than 8 inches (20 cm) away from the
MFI harness. Do not route the an-
tenna wire next to any harness.
cAdjust the antenna standing-wave
ratio as recommended by the
manufacturer.
cConnect the ground wire from the
CB radio chassis to the body.
cFor details, consult a NISSAN dealer.
CB RADIO OR CAR PHONE
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ZX

4Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................4-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................4-2
Three way catalyst .................................................4-2
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................4-3
Ignition switch .........................................................4-4
Manual transmission ..............................................4-4
Automatic transmission ..........................................4-4
Before starting the engine ......................................4-5
Driving with automatic transmission.......................4-6
Overdrive switch .....................................................4-8
Driving with manual transmission ..........................4-9Starting the engine ...............................................4-10
Parking brake operation .......................................4-11
Cruise control .......................................................4-12
Break-in schedule ................................................4-14
Increasing fuel economy ......................................4-14
Parking/parking on hills ........................................4-15
Power steering system .........................................4-16
Brake system........................................................4-16
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if so equipped) ....................................................4-17
Cold weather driving ............................................4-18
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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.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.
3. Be sure the rear seat armrest and
tray are closed.
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 system,
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. Keep people or
flammable materials away from the
exhaust pipe.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
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CAUTION
c
Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst's ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the catalyst, caus-
ing it to overheat. Do not keep driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
Avoiding Collision and Rollover
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
practices could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.As with any vehicle, a loss of
control could result in a collision with
other vehicles or objects, or cause the
vehicle to roll over, particularly if the loss
of control causes the vehicle to slide
sideways.Be attentive at all times, and
avoid driving when tired. Never drive when
under the influence of alcohol or drugs (in-
cluding prescription or over-the-counter
drugs which may cause drowsiness). Al-
ways wear your seat belt as outlined in the
``Seat Belts'' section of this manual, and also
instruct your passengers to do so.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS
AND DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgement. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likelihood
of being involved in an accident injuring
yourself and others. Additionally, if you
are injured in an accident alcohol can
increase the severity of the injury.
Nissan is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under
the influence of alcohol. Every year thou-
sands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol related accidents. Although the local
laws vary on what is considered to be
legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that's true for drugs, too (over the
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs).
Don't drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
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MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes an anti-theft
steering lock device.
The key can only be removed when the
ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, turn
the key to OFF and press in the key release
button, then turn the key to LOCK.
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.To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. To unlock the steering wheel, insert
the key and turn it gently while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
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.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models the igni-
tion lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the shift
lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift lever is in the P (Park)
position.
When the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the
key:
1) Move the shift lever into the P (Park)
position.
ASD0022ASD0023
IGNITION SWITCH
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