1997 NISSAN ALTIMA warning

The night position reduces glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
WARNING
Use the night position only when nec-
essary, because it reduces rear view
clarity.To access the vanity mirror, pull the sun
visor down and flip open the mirror cover.
Some vanity mirrors are illuminated and
turn on when the mirror cover is opened.
PD1006MAPD0510
INSIDE MIRROR VANITY MIRROR
2-38
ZX

Open or close (side vents only), and adjust
the air flow direction of ventilators.
WARNING
cThe air conditioner cooling function
operates only when the engine is
running.cDo not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
On hot sunny days, temperatures in a
closed vehicle could quickly become
high enough to cause severe or possi-
bly fatal injuries to people or animals.
HA1073
AHA0527
VENTILATORS HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER (MANUAL)
3-2
ZX

WARNING
cThe air conditioner cooling function
operates only when the engine is
running.
cDo not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
On hot sunny days, temperatures in
a closed vehicle could quickly be-
come high enough to cause severe
or possibly fatal injuries to people or
animals.cDo not use the recirculation mode
for long periods as it may cause the
interior air to become stale and the
windows to fog up.
cPositioning of the heating or air con-
ditioning controls should not be
done while driving, in order that full
attention may be given to the driving
operation.
Controls
Start the engine and operate the controls to
activate the climate control system. Push
the OFF switch to turn the system off.The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
Cooling and/or dehumidified heat-
ing (AUTO mode)
This mode may be used throughout the year
as the system automatically works to main-
tain the customer-selected temperature. Air
flow distribution and fan speed are also
controlled automatically.
1. Push the AUTO switch on. AUTO and the
previously selected temperature appear
in the display.
2. Push the temperature set button
orto set the desired temperature.
cAdjust the temperature to about 75ÉF
(24ÉC) for normal operation.
cThe temperature of the passenger com-
partment is maintained automatically. Air
flow distribution and fan speed are also
controlled automatically.
Heating (ECON mode)
The ECON (economy) mode provides cli-
mate control without activating the air con-
ditioner. When only heating of the passen-
ger compartment is desired, use this mode.
AHA0534
HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER (AUTOMATIC)
(If so equipped)
3-8
ZX

Clock Priority Mode
In this mode the clock is shown in the
display. If any radio or cassette tape func-
tions are activated, the radio (or cassette
tape) display illuminates for ten seconds
then returns to the clock mode.
NOTE:
After clock adjustment, the radio is in the
clock priority mode.
Radio/Cassette Tape Priority Mode
In this mode, the radio station illuminates in
the display during radio operation. During
cassette tape operation, TAPE illuminates
in the display.
Selecting the desired band
Push the band select button (FM/AM) to
change from AM to FM reception.
The stereo indicator glows during FM stereo
reception. When the stereo broadcast signal
is weak, the radio automatically changes
from stereo to monaural reception.
Tuning
WARNING
The radio should not be tuned while
driving in order that full attention may
be given to the driving operation.
Manual tuning
Push down either manual tuning button
or.
SEEK tuning
Push the SEEK/SCAN tuning buttonfor
less than 1.5 seconds. SEEK tuning begins
from low to high frequencies and stops at the
next broadcasting station. Pushing the but-
ton again continues the SEEK function. Once
the highest broadcasting station is reached,
the radio continues in the SEEK mode at the
lowest broadcast station.
SCAN tuning
Push the SEEK/SCAN tuning buttonfor
more than 1.5 seconds. SCAN illuminates in
the display window. SCAN tuning begins from
low to high frequencies and stops at each
broadcasting station for five seconds. Push-
ing the button again during this five second
period stops SCAN tuning and the radio
remains tuned to that station.
Station memory operations
Six stations can be set for each band.
1. Tune to the desired station.
2. Push the desired select button for more
AHA0525
3-13
ZX

Adjusting tone quality and speaker
balance
To adjust BASS, TREB (treble), FADER,
and BAL (balance) the control knobs must
be released from their stowed positions.
Pushing the knobs once moves them to the
released position.
In the released position, the knobs control
tone quality. Turn the control knobs to adjust
BASS and TREB to the most pleasing level.
From the released position, the knobs must
be pulled out in order to control FADER and
BAL. FADER adjusts the sound level be-tween the front and rear speakers, and BAL
adjusts the sound level between the right
and left speakers.
Once sound quality is set to the desired
levels, return the control knobs to the
stowed position by pushing them in com-
pletely and releasing.
FM/AM band select button
Pushing the FM/AM band select button
changes the band.
When the POWER button is pushed while
the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position, the radio comes on at the bandand the station last played.
The FM stereo indicator, ST, glows during
FM stereo reception. When the stereo
broadcast signal is weak, the radio auto-
matically changes from stereo to monaural
reception.
TUNE/DISC button
WARNING
The radio should not be tuned while
driving in order that full attention may
be given to the driving operation.
Use these buttons for manual tuning. To
move quickly through the channels, hold
either of the tuning buttons down for more
than 1.5 seconds.
SEEK/SCAN buttons
SEEK tuning
Push the SEEK/SCAN tuning button
orfor less than 1.5 seconds. SEEK tuning
begins from low to high frequencies or high
to low frequencies, depending on which
button is pressed, and stops at the next
broadcasting station. Once the highest
broadcasting station is reached, the radio
AHA0526
3-18
ZX

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
4-2
ZX

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.
4-3
ZX

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
4-4
ZX