1997 NISSAN ALTIMA hood release

2Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Key .........................................................................2-2
Door locks ..............................................................2-2
Manual door lock ....................................................2-2
Power door lock .....................................................2-3
Child safety rear door lock .....................................2-4
Multi-remote control system (if so equipped).........2-4
Battery replacement ...............................................2-6
Hood release ..........................................................2-8
Glove box ...............................................................2-8
Trunk lid lock operation ..........................................2-9
Opener cancel lever for trunk lid..........................2-10
Fuel filler lid lock operation ..................................2-10
Fuel filler cap ........................................................2-11
Front seats ...........................................................2-12
Seat adjustment ...................................................2-12
Head restraints .....................................................2-14
Rear seat ..............................................................2-15
Supplemental restraint system (air bag
system) .................................................................2-16Supplemental air bag system...............................2-19
Warning labels......................................................2-21
Supplemental air bag warning light......................2-21
Seat belts .............................................................2-23
Precautions on seat belt usage ...........................2-23
Child safety...........................................................2-25
3-point type with retractor ....................................2-26
2-point type without retractor (center position
of rear seat) ..........................................................2-28
Seat belt extenders ..............................................2-30
Seat belt maintenance .........................................2-30
Child restraints for infants and small children......2-30
Top strap child restraint .......................................2-34
Tilting steering wheel ...........................................2-37
Outside mirror remote control ..............................2-37
Outside mirrors .....................................................2-37
Inside mirror .........................................................2-38
Vanity mirror .........................................................2-38
ZX

1. Pull the hood lock release handles1
located below the instrument panel; the
hood springs up slightly.
2. Push the lever
s2at the front of the hood
with your fingertips and raise the hood.
3. Insert the support rod
s3into the slot on
the underside of the hood.
4. When closing the hood, return the sup-
port rod to its original position, then
slowly close the hood and make sure it
locks into place.
WARNING
cMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the
hood to fly open and result in an
accident.
cIf you see steam or smoke coming
from the engine compartment, to
avoid injury do not open the hood.Use the master key to lock or unlock the
glove box.
The glove box opens by pulling the handle.
To illuminate the interior of the glove box,
the headlight switch must be turned to the
orposition (If so equipped).
CAUTION
Keep glove box lid closed while driving
to help prevent injury in an accident or
a sudden stop.
APD0505PD1310
HOOD RELEASE GLOVE BOX
2-8
ZX

while driving. This overheats the brakes,
increases wear on the brake linings and
pads, and reduces gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down
a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and could
result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.The anti-lock brake system installed in
some models controls the brakes at each
wheel so the wheels do not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slip-
pery surfaces. The system detects the rota-
tion speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing
wheel lockup, the system helps the driver
maintain steering control and helps to mini-
mize swerving and spinning on slippery
surfaces.
Using the System
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not oper-
ate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10
km/h) to completely stop the vehicle. (The
speeds vary according to road conditions.)
When the anti-lock system senses that one
or more wheels are close to locking up, theactuator (under the hood) rapidly applies
and releases hydraulic pressure (like pump-
ing the brakes very quickly). While the ac-
tuator is working, you may feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibra-
tion from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock
system is working properly. However, the
pulsation may indicate that road conditions
are hazardous and extra care is required
while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system is sophisticated,
with electronic sensors, electric pumps, and
hydraulic solenoids controlled by a com-
puter. The computer has a built-in diagnos-
tic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle at
a low speed in forward or reverse. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a ``clunk''
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the
ABS brake warning light in the dashboard.
The brake system then operates normally,
but without anti-lock assistance.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (If so equipped)
4-17
ZX

If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below:
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off of the road
and away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Shift the manual transmis-
sion into Reverse (R), or the automatic
transmission into P (Park).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and
to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the ve-
hicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle
WARNING
cMake sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into Reverse
(R), or the automatic transmission
into P (Park).cNever change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
cNever change tires if oncoming traf-
fic is close to your vehicle. Wait for
professional road assistance.
Getting the spare tire and tools
1. Open the trunk. Lift the trunk floor carpet-
ing and spare tire cover. Remove the tool
bag and the spare tire. Use either end of
the jack rod (found in the tool bag) to
loosen the spare tire hold-down bolt.
2. Push the release clip on the jack access
door, and pull the door open. To remove
the jack, turn the jack screw counter-
clockwise. Use either end of the jack rod
(found in the tool bag) to loosen the jack
from its storage position.
ACE0606
FLAT TIRE
5-2
ZX

If you wax the surface of the hood, be
careful not to let wax get into the washer
nozzle. This may cause clogging or im-
proper windshield washer operation. If wax
gets into the nozzle, remove it with a needle
or small pin.From the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the
number of clicks is out of the range listed
above, see your NISSAN dealer.With the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and
the metal floor. If it is out of the range shown
above, see your NISSAN dealer.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.ADI0613
ADI0084DI1020M
PARKING BRAKE CHECK BRAKE PEDAL
7-18
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

Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-12
Headlights .................................................. 7-22
Head restraints .......................................... 2-14
Heater and air conditioner
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) .............................................. 3-8
Heater and air conditioner controls
(manual).................................................. 3-2
Hood release ............................................... 2-8
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes)
Inside mirror ............................................... 2-38
Instrument brightness control .................... 1-14
Interior light ................................................ 1-20
J
Jump starting ............................................... 5-7
K
Key ............................................................... 2-2L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-12
Emission control information label........ 9-12
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S.certification label ................. 9-11
Vehicle identification number plate ...... 9-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-21
License plate
Installing front license plate .................. 9-13
Light
Brake light (See stop light)
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 1-5
Bulb replacement.................................. 7-25
Cornering light ...................................... 1-13
Front fog light switch ........................... 1-14
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-12
Headlights ............................................. 7-22
Interior light ........................................... 1-20
Light bulbs ............................................ 7-22
Spotlight ................................................ 1-21
Supplemental air bag warning
light ................................................ 1-6, 2-18
Trunk light ............................................. 1-21
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-5
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-4
Door locks............................................... 2-2
Fuel filler lid lock operation .................... 2-7
Glove box ............................................... 2-5
Power door lock...................................... 2-3Trunk lid lock operation .......................... 2-6
Luggage (See vehicle loading information)
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 8-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-30
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............................ 1-8
Manual antenna ......................................... 3-23
Manual transmission
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-9
Manual transmission fluid ....................... 8-9
Manual windows ........................................ 1-15
Map light (See spotlight)
Meters and gauges ...................................... 1-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 2-38
Outside mirror remote control .............. 2-37
Outside mirrors ..................................... 2-37
Vanity mirror ......................................... 2-38
Multi-remote control system ........................ 2-4
O
Octane rating (See fuel)
Odometer ..................................................... 1-3
10-3
ZX