1997 NISSAN ALTIMA power steering fluid

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

NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in
hot weather, or if it is being used to pull
a trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot
be read. You should wait until the fluid
has cooled down (about 30 minutes).
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the dipstick at fluid tempera-
tures of 122É to 176ÉF (50É to 80ÉC) or using
the COLD range on the dipstick at fluid
temperatures of 32É to 86ÉF (0É to 30ÉC).
CAUTION
cDo not overfill.
cRecommended fluid is type
DEXRON
TMIIE, DEXRONTMIII or
equivalent.Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
If the fluid level is below the MIN line or the
brake warning light comes on, addDOT 3
fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be
added frequently, the system should be
thoroughly checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
ADI0511DI1307
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
7-11
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

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

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