1998 NISSAN ALTIMA steering wheel

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
c
While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerating
or downshifting. Abrupt braking or
accelerating could cause the wheels
to skid and result in an accident.
cIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.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). The speeds vary according to road
conditions. When the anti-lock system
senses that one or more wheels are close to
locking up, the actuator (under the hood)rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise or vibration 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.
If the light comes on during the self-test or
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-17
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 an authorized NISSAN
dealer.When towing your vehicle, U.S. States,
Canadian Provinces and local regulations
for towing must be followed. Incorrect tow-
ing equipment could damage your vehicle.
Towing instructions are available from an
authorized NISSAN dealer. Local service
operators will generally 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 opera-
tor tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have
the service operator carefully read the fol-
lowing 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
6-10In case of emergency
ZX

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations ....................8-3
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-4
Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-4
Changing engine coolant .......................................8-5
Engine oil ...............................................................8-7
Checking engine oil level .......................................8-7
Changing engine oil ...............................................8-8
Changing engine oil filter .......................................8-9
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........................8-9
Temperature conditions for checking ATF ...........8-10
Power steering fluid..............................................8-11
Brake fluid ............................................................8-11
Clutch fluid............................................................8-11
Window washer fluid ............................................8-12
Battery ..................................................................8-13
Jump starting ........................................................8-13Drive belts ............................................................8-14
Spark plug replacement .......................................8-14
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................8-16
Wiper blades ........................................................8-17
Parking brake check.............................................8-18
Brake pedal ..........................................................8-18
Brake booster .......................................................8-19
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-20
Fuses and fusible links.........................................8-20
Light bulbs ............................................................8-21
Headlights ............................................................8-21
Headlight aiming adjustment ................................8-22
Adjustment after headlight assembly
replacement ..........................................................8-23
Bulb replacement .................................................8-24
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-28
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 a 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 hoodÐ Check that all doors
and the hood operate properly. 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.
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
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 downsmoothly and the locks (if so equipped) hold
securely in all latched positions.
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 mat 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 the floor mat 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.
Maintenance
9-3
ZX

Starting the engine ............................... 5-10
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-11
Power steering system ......................... 5-16
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-13
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-18
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels ............ 1-12
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................... 1-7
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-17
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-14
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-14
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-12
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 5-8
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-11
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-11
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-3
Theft warning ............................................... 2-9
Three way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-13
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire....................................... 6-6, 8-32
Tire chains ............................................ 8-29
Tire placard......................................... 10-12
Tire pressure ...................................... 10-16Tire rotation .......................................... 8-30
Types of tires ........................................ 8-29
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-18
Wheels and tires................................... 8-28
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 10-9
Tool kit ......................................................... 6-2
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-10
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-14
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-9
Driving with automatic
transmission .................................... 5-4, 5-6
Driving with manual transmission ... 5-4, 5-9
Travel (See registering your vehicle
in another country)................................... 10-10
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-3
Trunk access through the rear seat ............ 1-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever .......................... 3-9
Trunk light .................................................. 2-22
Tuning ........................................................ 4-11
Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch) ...................................... 2-12
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-18
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-14Vehicle dimensions and weights ............... 10-9
Vehicle identification ................................ 10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(chassis number) ..................................... 10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-10
Vehicle loading information ..................... 10-13
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-12
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ............ 1-10, 1-12, 2-6
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-14
Theft warning .......................................... 2-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-12
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-5
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .... 10-9
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-28
Wheel/tire size ........................................... 10-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country .................................... 10-10
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-12
Windows
Locking passengers' windows .............. 2-18
Power windows..................................... 2-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-11
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-11
Wiper blades......................................... 8-17
11-5
ZX