1997 NISSAN ALTIMA coolant temperature

1Instruments 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) ...............................1-9
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................1-10
Rear window defogger switch ..............................1-11
Headlight and turn signal switch ..........................1-12
Daytime running light system (for Canada) .........1-13
Cornering light (if so equipped)............................1-13
Instrument brightness control ...............................1-14
Front fog light switch (if so equipped)..................1-14Hazard warning flasher switch .............................1-14
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ash tray ...........1-15
Cup holder ............................................................1-16
Manual windows ...................................................1-16
Power windows ....................................................1-17
Automatic power window switch ..........................1-17
Rear power windows ............................................1-18
Sunroof (if so equipped).......................................1-18
If the sunroof does not close ...............................1-19
Clock instrument panel (if so equipped) ..............1-20
Interior light...........................................................1-20
Trunk light.............................................................1-21
Spotlight (if so equipped) .....................................1-21
ZX

Engine coolant temperature gauge
The gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature.
The engine coolant temperature varies with
the outside air temperature and driving con-
ditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature over the normal range,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely pos-
sible. If the engine is overheated, con-
tinued operation of the vehicle may
seriously damage the engine. See the
``In case of emergency'' section for
immediate action required.
Fuel gauge
The gauge indicates theapproximatefuel
level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during brak-
ing, turning, acceleration, or going up or
down hills.
The gauge needle remains in approximately
the same position even when the ignition
key is turned to OFF.
The indicator light comes on when the
amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers Empty (E).AIC0077
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND
FUEL GAUGE
1-4
ZX

Cooling
This mode is used to cool and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the off
position.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
cFor quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, push the air recirculation
button to the on position. Be sure to
return the air recirculation button to the
off position for normal cooling.
Dehumidified heating
This mode is used to heat and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the off
position.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.4. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode defogs the windows and dehu-
midifies.
1. Push the
button in.
2. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. Push the air conditioner button. The indi-
cator light comes on.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
When the
button is pushed, the air
conditioner automatically turns on to de-
fog the windshield, and the air recircula-
tion mode automatically turns off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging per-
formance.
Operating tips
cKeep the windows and sun roof closed
while the air conditioner is in operation.cAfter parking in the sun, drive for two or
three minutes with the windows open to
vent hot air from the passenger compart-
ment. Then, close the windows. This
allows the air conditioner to cool the
interior more quickly.
cThe air conditioner system should be
operated for about ten minutes at
least once a month. This helps pre-
vent damage to the system due to lack
of lubrication.
cIf the coolant temperature gauge ex-
ceeds the H (hot) position, turn the air
conditioner off. See ``If your vehicle over-
heats'' in the ``In case of emergency''
section for additional information.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The charts on the following pages show the
switch and lever positions forMAXIMUM
and QUICKheating, cooling, or defrosting.
3-5
ZX

Operating tips
cWhen the engine coolant temperature
and outside air temperature are low, the
air flow from the foot outlets may not
operate for a maximum of 180 seconds.
This is not a malfunction. After the cool-
ant temperature warms up, the air flows
from the foot outlets normally.
The sensor on the instrument panel helps
maintain a constant temperature; do not put
anything on or around this sensor.
Servicing air conditioner
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a refrigerant de-
signed with the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the
earth's ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is
required when servicing your NISSAN air
conditioner. Using improper refrigerants or
lubricants will cause severe damage to your
air conditioner system. See ``Air conditioner
system refrigerant and lubricant recommen-
dations'' in the ``Technical and consumer
information'' section of this manual.
Your NISSAN dealer is able to service your
environmentally conscious air conditioner
system.
AHA0501
3-10
ZX

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

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