1997 NISSAN ALTIMA clutch

Press the pedal by hand and be sure the
free travel is within the limits shown above.
If free travel is out of the range shown
above, see your NISSAN dealer.Engine compartment
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
If the electrical equipment does not come
on, check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the head-
light switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood.3. Remove the fuse box cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller
located on the reverse side of the pas-
senger compartment fuse box cover.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the elec-
trical system checked and repaired by
your NISSAN dealer.
ADIO528DI1313
CLUTCH PEDAL FUSES
7-20
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 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
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 all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and 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

Automatic transmission ``Park'' mecha-
nismÐ On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the gearshift
lever in the P position without applying any
brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically, such as each time
you check the engine oil or refuel.
Additional information on the items
marked with ª*º can be found in the
ªDo-It-Yourself operationsº section.
Windshield washer fluid*Ð Check that
there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Ð Check the cool-
ant level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesÐ Check the front of
the radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Ð Make
sure that the brake and clutch fluid level is
between the MAX and MIN lines on the
reservoir.Battery*Ð Check the fluid level in each
cell. It should be between the MAX and MIN
lines.
Engine drive belts*Ð Make sure that no
belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Ð Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
Power steering fluid level* and linesÐ
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
the engine is turned off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*Ð
Check the level after putting the shift lever in
P with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemÐ Make sure there are no
cracks, holes, loose joints or supports. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected by
a qualified individual. (See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section.)
UnderbodyÐ The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such asthose used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust forms on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. See the ``Appearance and interior
care'' section for additional information.
Fluid leaksÐ Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
8-4
ZX

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 15-7/8 gal 13-1/4 gal 60Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87
AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil (Refill)
With oil filter 4 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.8
API SG or SH and Energy Conserving II *2
API Certification Mark *2
Without oil filter 3-3/4 qt 3-1/8 qt 3.5
Cooling system
With reservoir 8-1/4 qt 6-7/8 qt 7.8
Anti- freeze coolant
(Ethylene glycol base)
Reservoir 3/4 qt 5/8 qt 0.7
Manual transmission gear oil Ð Ð Ð API GL-4*3
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or
Genuine Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Canada). *4
Power steering fluidType DEXRONTMIIE, DEXRONTMIII or equivalent.
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)Air conditioning system refrigerantÐ Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricant Ð Ð Ð Nissan A/C System Oil Type R or exact equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation.''
*2: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.''
*3: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE gear oil viscosity.''
*4: DexronTIII/MerconTor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for more information
regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTIII/MerconTor DexronTIIE/MerconTAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your Nissan dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label.''
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
9-2
ZX

10 Index
A
Adjustment after headlamp assembly
replacement ............................................... 7-24
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system)
Air bag warning light .......................... 1-6, 2-18
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 7-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner (Automatic) ..................... 3-8
Air conditioner (Manual) ......................... 3-2
Air conditioner-servicing ............................ 3-10
Air conditioner specification label .............. 9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ....................... 9-7
Alarm system (See Theft warning system)
Anchor point locations ............................... 2-31
Antenna
Manual .................................................. 3-23
Power.................................................... 3-22
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................. 4-17
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 1-7
Ash tray (See cigarette lighter (accessory)
and ash tray)
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 3-17Automatic
Automatic air conditioner operation ........ 3-8
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-17
Automatic transmission fluid ................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
B
Battery........................................................ 7-13
Battery replacement..................................... 2-6
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-5
Belts
Inspection ............................................ 7-14
Size ......................................................... 9-8
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 4-17
Brake and clutch fluid ........................... 7-11
Brake booster ....................................... 7-19
Brake light (See stop light)
Brake pedal .......................................... 7-18
Brake system ........................................ 4-16
Brake warning light ................................. 1-6
Brake wear indicators ................... 1-7, 7-19
Parking brake check ............................. 7-18
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Break-in schedule ...................................... 4-14
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 1-5
Bulb replacement ....................................... 7-25C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ............................................... 9-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)
Cassette player (See audio system)
CB radio or car phone ............................... 3-23
Check engine indicator light (See Malfunction
indicator light)
Child restraints for infants and small
children ...................................................... 2-30
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-4
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ash
tray ............................................................. 1-15
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 6-2
Clock Ð instrument panel ......................... 1-20
Clock-radio ................................................. 3-11
Clutch pedal ............................................... 7-20
Cold weather driving ................................. 4-18
Compact disc (CD) player operation ......... 3-21
Controls
Audio controls ............................. 3-12, 3-17
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) ... 3-8
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 3-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
ZX

Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Cornering light ........................................... 1-13
Corrosion protection .................................... 6-5
Cruise control............................................. 4-12
Cup holder ................................................. 1-16
D
Daytime running light system
(for Canada)............................................... 1-13
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-10
Dimensions and weights.............................. 9-9
Door locks .................................................... 2-2
Door open warning light .............................. 1-6
Drive belts .................................................. 7-14
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 4-18
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-9
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 4-14
Emission control information label............. 9-12
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-19
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Capacities and recommendedfuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
Changing engine oil................................ 7-8
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-9
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-7
Engine compartment check locations .... 7-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Engine cooling system ........................... 7-4
Engine oil ................................................ 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 1-5
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-6
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
Engine specifications .............................. 9-8
Starting the engine ............................... 4-10
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).................. 4-2
Explanation of maintenance items ............ 8-10
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)
Flat tire ......................................................... 5-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 6-5
Fluid (checking)
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid ........................... 7-11
Engine coolant ........................................ 7-4
Engine oil ................................................ 7-7
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Window washer fluid ............................ 7-12F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-11
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-14
Front seats ................................................. 2-12
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 4-14
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 2-11
Fuel filler lid lock operation .................. 2-10
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-3
Fuses ......................................................... 7-20
Fusible links ............................................... 7-21
G
Gas station information.............................. 10-6
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Odometer ................................................ 1-3
Speedometer .......................................... 1-3
Tachometer............................................. 1-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 1-3
Gear selection (See shifting)
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Glove box..................................................... 2-8
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-14
10-2
ZX