1997 NISSAN ALTIMA mirror

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

Tilt operation
Push the lock lever down and adjust the
steering wheel up or down to the desired
position.
Pull the lock lever up firmly to lock the
steering wheel in place.
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving. You could lose control of your
vehicle and cause an accident.The outside mirror remote control only op-
erates when the ignition switch is in the
ACC or ON position.
Push the right or left side of the switch to
select the right or left outside mirror, then
adjust using the control lever.
WARNING
Objects viewed in the outside mirror on
the passenger side are closer than they
appear. Be careful when moving to the
right. Using only this mirror could cause
an accident. Use the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder to properly
judge distances to other objects.
The driver and passenger outside mirrors
are foldable. Push the outside mirror back-
ward to fold it.
PD1028APD0529AIC0504
TILTING STEERING WHEEL OUTSIDE MIRROR REMOTE
CONTROLOUTSIDE MIRRORS
2-37
ZX

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

2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition
switch, the shift lever cannot be moved from
P (Park).The shift lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ACC posi-
tion. The shift lever can also be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position in between LOCK
and ACC, although it does not show on the
key cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF the
steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a turn counter-
clockwise from the straight up position, and
the key must be removed from the ignition.
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.
Key positions
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
OFF (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, for example, each
time you check engine oil.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
4-5
ZX

it has an abnormal nose-up or nose- down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shifts while driving.
cBe certain your rear view mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion, first block the wheels and apply the
parking brake, and then move the shift
lever into the P position. If you move the
shift lever to the P position before block-
ing the wheels and applying the parking
brake, transmission damage could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioner system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.cAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500
miles (800 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
this, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will ad-
versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When
being passed by larger vehicles, be pre-
pared for possible changes in crosswinds
that could affect vehicle handling. If
swaying does occur, firmly grip the steer-
ing wheel, steer straight ahead, and im-
mediately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
9-17
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

Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine oil................................ 7-8
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-9
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-7
Engine oil ................................................ 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Opener lever for trunk lid........................... 2-10
Outside mirror remote control.................... 2-37
Outside mirrors .......................................... 2-37
Overdrive switch .......................................... 4-8
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 5-9
Owner's manuals/service manual
order form .................................................. 9-21
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 7-18
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 4-15
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 8-5
Power
Power antenna ..................................... 3-22
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Power steering system ......................... 4-16
Power windows..................................... 1-17
Rear power windows ............................ 1-18Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-23
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Push starting ................................................ 5-9
Q
Quick reference (See gas station information)
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 3-17
CB radio or car phone .......................... 3-23
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test..................................................... 9-20
Rear seat ................................................... 2-15
Rear window defogger switch ................... 1-11
Refrigerant recommendation ....................... 9-7
Registering your vehicle in another
country ....................................................... 9-10
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................. 9-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............ 9-19Seat adjustment ......................................... 2-12
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-20
Seat belt extenders .............................. 2-30
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-30
Seat belts.............................................. 2-23
Seat belt warning light ............................ 1-6
2-point type without retractor................ 2-28
3-point type with retractor..................... 2-26
Seats
Front seats............................................ 2-12
Rear seat .............................................. 2-15
Service manual/owner's manual
order form .................................................. 9-21
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 4-7
Manual transmission............................... 4-9
Spark plug replacement............................. 7-15
Speedometer ............................................... 1-3
Spotlight ..................................................... 1-21
SRS warning labels ................................... 2-18
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Jump starting .......................................... 5-7
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Push starting........................................... 5-9
Starting the engine .............................. 4-10
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-11
Tilting steering wheel............................ 2-37
Stop light .................................................... 7-28
Sunroof ...................................................... 1-18
10-4
ZX

Supplemental air bag system .................... 2-19
Supplemental air bag warning light ........... 2-21
Supplemental restraint system
(supplemental air bag system) .................. 2-16
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-16
Front fog light switch ............................ 1-13
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-13
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-11
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 4-8
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-10
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 1-10
T
Tachometer .................................................. 1-3
Theft warning light ....................................... 1-7
Theft warning system .................................. 1-9
Three way catalyst....................................... 4-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 2-37
Timing chain ................................................ 9-8
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 5-2
Spare tire....................................... 5-2, 7-33
Tire chains ............................................ 7-30
Tire placard........................................... 9-12
Tire pressure ........................................ 7-29
Tire rotation .......................................... 7-31
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-18
Wheels and tires................................... 7-29
Wheel/tire size ........................................ 9-9Towing
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-16
Tow truck towing .................................. 5-10
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-9
Manual transmission fluid ....................... 8-9
Travel (see registering your vehicle
in a another country)
Trip odometer .............................................. 1-3
Trunk lid lock operation ............................... 2-9
Trunk light .................................................. 1-21
Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch)
U
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-18
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 2-38
Vehicle dimensions and weights ................. 9-9
Vehicle identification .................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification number plate............ 9-10
Vehicle loading information ....................... 9-14
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 5-12
Ventilators .................................................... 3-2W
Warning
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-14
Supplemental air bag warning light ...... 2-21
Theft warning .......................................... 1-9
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-5
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-21
Weights (See dimensions and weights)
Wheels and tires ........................................ 7-29
Wheel/tire size ............................................. 9-9
Windows
Locking passenger windows ................ 1-17
Power rear windows ............................. 1-18
Power windows..................................... 1-17
Window washer fluid.................................. 7-12
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 1-10
Wiper blades......................................... 7-17
10-5
ZX