1998 NISSAN ALTIMA warning

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
cMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by your NISSAN dealer. The
service procedures can be found in an
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.cImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
Perform the following procedure to open the
heater water cock:
1. Turn the ignition switch ON and set the
temperature control lever to the maxi-
mum hot position. Wait 10 seconds, then
turn the switch OFF.
2. Open the radiator drain plug. Open the
drain plug on the engine water pipe.
3. Open the radiator cap to drain the cool-
ant.
4. Flush the cooling system by running
fresh water through the radiator.
5. Close the radiator drain plug and the
DI1349
Do-it-yourself8-5
ZX

CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it
reaches operating temperature, then turn
it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' later in this section.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
6. Clean and re-install the drain plug and
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 Nzm)
Do not overtighten.
7. Refill the engine with a recommended oil
through the oil filler opening, then install
the oil filler cap securely.
See the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section for refill capacity.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug. Correct as re-
quired.9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
DI1302
8-8Do-it-yourself
ZX

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil
filter.
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench. Then, remove the oil filter by
turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil may be hot.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old gasket mate-
rial remaining on the mounting surface of
the engine.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with
clean engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, and then tighten an addi-
tional 2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.
WARNING
cWhen engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away
from any moving parts such as cool-
ing fan and drive belt.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
DI1303ADI0532
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID (ATF)
Do-it-yourself8-9
ZX

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
TMIII 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 thor-
oughly checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmission only). If the fluid level
is below the MIN line, addDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be thoroughly
checked by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
For further brake and clutch fluid specifica-
tion information, refer to ``Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Tech-
nical and consumer information'' section of
this manual.
ADI0511DI1307DI1348
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE FLUID CLUTCH FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-11
ZX

WARNING
Use only new fluid. old, inferior, or
contaminated fluid may damage the
brake and clutch systems. The use of
improper fluids can damage the brake
system and affect the vehicle's stop-
ping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash with water.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir tank and pour the
window washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind-
shield washer antifreeze. Follow the manu-
facturer's instructions for the mixture ratio.
USA Only
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir peri-
odically. Perform the refilling operation
more often under driving conditions that
require an increased amount of window
washer fluid.
Canada Only
Add window washer fluid when thelight comes on.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for windshield washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
DI1308
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-12Do-it-yourself
ZX

cKeep the battery surface clean and dry.
Any corrosion should be washed off with
a solution of baking soda and water.
cMake certain the terminal connections
are clean and securely tightened.
c
If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative (Ð) battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by battery action is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention.
cWhen working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
cKeep the battery out of the reach of
children.1. To remove the cap, gently pry between
the battery cap and cover as illustrated.
Use a cloth to protect the battery case.2. Check the fluid level in each cell.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only
distilled water to bring the level up to the
OK level indicator in each filler opening.
Do not overfill.
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see the ``In
case of emergency'' section of this owner's
manual. If the engine does not start by jump
starting, the battery may have to be re-
placed. Contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
ADI0500DI1310
BATTERY
Do-it-yourself8-13
ZX

WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is OFF. The
engine could rotate unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of
unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or is loose,
have it replaced or adjusted by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for con-
dition and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule found in the
``Maintenance'' section of this manual.WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the plugs. An incorrect socket
can cause damage.1. Remove brackets as necessary to give
access to the high tension spark plug
cables and spark plugs.
2. Disconnect the spark plug cables from
the spark plugs.
When disconnecting, always hold the
boots, not the cables. Mark all cables to
identify their original locations.
ADI0533DI1229M
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT
8-14Do-it-yourself
ZX

The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned
and reused. Replace it according to the
maintenance intervals shown in the ``Main-
tenance'' section of this manual. When re-
placing the filter, wipe the inside of the air
cleaner filter housing and the cover with a
damp cloth.
WARNING
cOperating the engine with the air
cleaner off can cause you or others
to be burned. The air cleaner not
only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn't there,
and the engine backfires, you could
be burned. Don't drive with it off, and
be careful working on the engine
with the air cleaner off.
cNever pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with
the air cleaner removed. Doing so
could result in serious injury.
DI1312
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
FILTER
8-16Do-it-yourself
ZX