1997 NISSAN ALTIMA check engine

If the light comes on during the self-test or
while 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.
Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be-
fore inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check the anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base)
to assure proper winter protection. For de-
tails, 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. Refill
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
4-18
ZX

before operating the vehicle. See ``Chang-
ing engine coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Tire equipment
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed 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. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make
sure they are the proper size for the tires
on your vehicle and are installed accord-
ing to the chain manufacturer's sugges-
tions.
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 the 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 spare
tires. Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
Special winter equipment
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
Driving on snow or ice
WARNING
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The ve-
hicle will have a lot less traction or
``grip'' under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.
cWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
4-19
ZX

CAUTION
cAutomatic transmission models can-
not be push started. This may cause
transmission damage.
cThree way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three way catalyst may be
damaged.
cNever try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge read-
ing), or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect abnormal noise, etc., take the follow-
ing steps:
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never remove the radiator
cap while the engine is still hot.
When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake and move the
shift lever to Neutral (automatic transmis-
sion to P).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and radia-
tor should not leak water. If coolant is
leaking, the water pump belt is missing or
loose, or the cooling fan does not run,
stop the engine.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS
5-9
ZX

WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or to get caught in, the running
fan, belts, or fan motor.
The fan motor can start at any time
when the coolant temperature is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the res-
ervoir tank if necessary. Have your ve-
hicle repaired at the nearest NISSAN
dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle. Tow-
ing instructions are available from your NIS-
SAN dealer. Local service operators will gen-
erally be familiar with the applicable laws and
procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, NISSAN recommends that you
have a service operator tow your vehicle. It is
advisable to have the service operator care-
fully read the following precautions:
WARNING
cNever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
cNever get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.
cWhen towing with the front wheels
on the ground:Turn the ignition key to the OFF
position and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
place the ignition key in the LOCK
position. This will result in damage
to the steering lock mechanism.
Move the gearshift lever to the Neu-
tral (N position).
On automatic transmission models,
to move the shift lever to the Neutral
position, turn the ignition key to the
ACC position. After moving the shift
lever to the Neutral position, be sure
to turn the ignition key to the OFF
position.
c
When towing with the rear wheels on
the ground, release the parking brake.
On automatic transmission models,
to move the shift lever to the Neutral
position, turn the ignition key to the
ACC position. After moving the shift
lever to the Neutral position, be sure
to turn the ignition key to the OFF
position.
cAttach safety chains for all towing.
TOW TRUCK TOWING
5-10
ZX

7Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions .......................................7-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................7-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................7-4
Checking engine coolant level ...............................7-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................7-5
Engine oil ...............................................................7-7
Checking engine oil level .......................................7-7
Changing engine oil ...............................................7-8
Changing engine oil filter .......................................7-9
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........................7-9
Temperature conditions for checking ATF ...........7-10
Power steering fluid..............................................7-11
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................7-11
Window washer fluid ............................................7-12
Battery ..................................................................7-13
Jump starting ........................................................7-14
Drive belts ............................................................7-14Spark plug replacement .......................................7-15
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................7-16
Wiper blades ........................................................7-17
Parking brake check.............................................7-18
Brake pedal ..........................................................7-18
Brake booster .......................................................7-19
Clutch pedal .........................................................7-20
Fuses ....................................................................7-20
Fusible links..........................................................7-21
Light bulbs ............................................................7-22
Headlights ............................................................7-22
Headlight aiming adjustment ................................7-23
Adjustment after headlight assembly
replacement ..........................................................7-24
Bulb replacement .................................................7-25
Wheels and tires ..................................................7-29
ZX

ADI0501
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS
7-3
ZX

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so-
lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional cooling system addi-
tives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only an ethylene glycol
anti-freeze with the proper mixture ratio
of 50% anti-freeze and 50% distilled
water. The use of other types of coolant
solutions may damage your cooling
system.
Outside temperature
down toAnti-
freezeDistilled
water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Wait until the en-
gine and radiator cool down. Serious
burns could be caused by high pres-
sure fluid escaping from the radia-
tor. See precautions in ``If your ve-
hicle overheats,'' found in the ``In
case of emergency'' section.
cThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. Use a genuine NISSAN cap
or its equivalent when replacement
is required.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
With coolant reservoir
Check the coolant level in the reservoir
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX
level. If the reservoir is empty, check the
coolant level in the radiatorwhen the en-
gine is cold.If there is insufficient coolant
in the radiator, fill the radiator with coolant
up to the filler opening and also add it to the
reservoir up to the MAX level.
DI1347
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
7-4
ZX

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 the following procedure to open
the heater water cock:
cAutomatic air conditioner
a. Turn ignition switch from OFF to ON.
b.
Within 5 seconds after ignition switch is
turned ON, press the automatic heater
and air conditioner OFF switch for at least
5 seconds. At this time, AUTO, ECON,
88ÉF and
appear in the display.
c. Press(HOT) switch 3 times.
d. Press
(defrost) switch 2 times.
e. Make sure that the display indicates 43.
DI1349
7-5
ZX