1999 NISSAN ALTIMA Owners Manual

When thebutton is pushed with either
the radio or compact disc turned on and a
tape loaded, the compact disc or the radio
turns off and the tape plays.
FF (fast forward) and REW (rewind)
buttons
Push thebutton to fast forward the
tape. Push the
button to rewind the
tape. Either REW or FF illuminates in the
display. To stop the FF or REW function,
press the
,,orbuttons.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
FF and REW buttons
When thebutton is pushed while the
tape is being played, the tape runs quickly,
stops, then plays the next selection from the
beginning. Push the
button several
times to skip several selections. Each time
the button is pushed, the tape fast forwards
one additional selection. This number ap-
pears in the display window. The tape can
be fast forwarded through up to nine selec-
tions. (for example: 7 in the display indi-
cates that the
button has been pushedseven times to skip forward through seven
selections).
When thebutton is pushed, the selec-
tion being played starts again from the be-
ginning. Push the
button several times
to rewind several selections. Each time the
button is pushed, the tape rewinds
back one additional selection. The number
of selections skipped appears in the display
window as a negative number (for example:
27 in the display indicates that the
but-
ton has been pushed seven times to rewind
back through seven selections).
Either the FF or REW blinks in the display
when the
orbutton is pushed.
The system searches for the blank intervals
between selections. If there is a blank inter-
val within one selection or there is no inter-
val between selections, the system may not
stop in the desired or expected location.
PROG (Program) button
Push thebutton to change the tape
side while the tape is being played.
The cassette tape automatically changes
directions to play the other side when the
first side is complete.
Dolby NR (noise reduction)
Push thebutton for Dolby NR encoded
tapes to reduce high frequency tape noise.
The
indicator illuminates in the display.
Dolby NR is manufactured under license
from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpora-
tion. DOLBY NR and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Li-
censing Corporation.
Metal or chrome tape usage
The cassette player is automatically set to
high performance play when playing a metal
or chrome cassette tape.
TAPE EJECT button
Push thebutton to eject the cassette
tape.
Precautions on cassette player op-
eration
cTo maintain good quality sound,
NISSAN recommends using cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in
length.
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cCassette tapes should be removed
from the player when not in use. Store
cassettes in their protective cases
and away from direct sunlight, heat,
dust moisture or magnetic sources.
cDirect sunlight can cause the cassette
to become deformed. The use of de-
formed cassettes may cause the cas-
sette to jam in the player.
cDo not use cassettes that have peel-
ing or loose labels. If used, the label
could jam in the player.
cIf a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette
hubs and rewind the tape firmly.
Loose tape may cause jamming and
wavering sound quality.
cOver a period of time, the playback
head, capstan and pinch roller may
collect a tape coating residue as the
tape is played. This residue accumu-
lation can cause a weak or wavering
sound and should be removed peri-
odically with a head cleaning tape. If
the residue is not removed periodi-
cally, the player may need to be dis-
assembled for cleaning.COMPACT DISC (CD) PLAYER
OPERATION
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON
position, and carefully insert the compact
disc into the slot with the label side up. The
compact disc is automatically pulled into the
slot and starts to play.
If the radio or cassette tape is already
operating, it automatically turns off and the
compact disc begins to play.
CAUTION
Do not force the compact disc into the
slot. This could damage the player.
CD button
When thebutton is pushed with the
compact disc loaded and the tape or the
radio playing, the tape or radio turns off and
compact disc starts to play.
FF (fast forward) REW (rewind)
buttons
When theorbutton is pushed
while the compact disc is playing, the com-
pact disc plays at an increased speed whilefast forwarding or rewinding. When the but-
ton is released, the compact disc returns to
normal play speed.
Automatic Program Search (APS)
APS FF, APS REW buttons
When thebutton is pushed while the
compact disc is playing, the selection fol-
lowing the present one starts to play from
the beginning. Push the
button several
times to skip several selections. Each time
the button is pushed, the CD advances one
additional selection. The number appears in
the display window. (When the last selec-
tion on the compact disc is skipped, the first
selection is played.)
When the
button is pushed, the selec-
tion being played returns to the beginning.
Push the
button several times to skip
back several selections. Each time the but-
ton is pushed, the CD moves back one
selection.
PROG (program) button
When thebutton is pushed while the
compact disc is playing, the play pattern
changes as follows.
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1.The current selection is repeated.
RANDOM:Selections are played at ran-
dom, not following the sequence on the
compact disc. The same program may be
repeated twice.
Blank(no symbol): All selections are played
repeatedly in sequence.
When a new compact disc is inserted,
the play pattern automatically changes
to Blank.
CD EJECT button
When thebutton is pushed with a com-
pact disc loaded, the compact disc ejects.
When the
button is pushed while the
compact disc is playing, the compact disc
ejects and the system turns off.If the compact disc ejects and is not
removed within 10 seconds, it is pulled
back into the slot.
CD IN (DISC) indicator light
CD IN appears in the display when a com-
pact disc is loaded into the player.
CAUTION
cDuring cold weather or rainy days,
the player may malfunction due to
the humidity. If this occurs, remove
the CD and dehumidify or ventilate
the player completely.
cThe player may skip while driving on
rough roads.
cThe CD player sometimes cannot
function when the compartment tem-
perature is extremely high. Decrease
the temperature before use.
cDo not expose the CD to direct sun-
light.
Power antenna (if so equipped)
The power antenna automatically extends
when the radio is turned on, and retracts
when the radio is turned off or when a
compact disc or cassette tape is playing. If
the radio is left on, the antenna retracts and
extends with the ignition key OFF-ON op-
eration.
CAUTION
cBefore turning the radio on, make
sure that there is no one near the
antenna outlet and there is enough
space for it to extend.
cTo prevent damage, be sure that an-
tenna is fully retracted before the
vehicle enters an automated car
wash.
cDirt and other foreign matter on the
power antenna rod may interrupt its
operation. Clean the rod periodically
with a damp cloth. This type of
cleaning is especially important dur-
ing the winter seasons in areas
where road salt and other chemicals
may be spread on road surfaces and
splashed onto the antenna rod.
ANTENNA
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Manual antenna
The manual antenna cannot be shortened,
but can be removed. When you need to
remove the antenna, turn the antenna rod
counterclockwise.
To install the antenna rod, turn the antenna
clockwise. Tighten the antenna rod to speci-
fication using a suitable tool such as a
open-end wrench. The antenna rod tighten-
ing specification is 3.4 - 3.6 Nzm(30-32
in-lb). Do not use pliers to tighten the an-
tenna as they can leave marks on the
antenna surface. The antenna rod can not
be hand tightened to the proper specifica-
tion.
CAUTION
Always properly tighten the antenna
rod during installation or the antenna
rod may break during vehicle opera-
tion.
Microphone installed model
If equipped with a genuine NISSAN cellular
phone, your NISSAN features a non-
directional microphone in the steering col-
umn cover, so it is not necessary to look at
or speak directly into the microphone when
calling. To do so could detract from the
driving operation and cause an accident.
See the manual for car phone operation.
Pre-wired and antenna for phone
installed model
Some models are pre-wired to accept the
genuine NISSAN cellular phone. In addition,
the same model has the phone antenna
built into the rear glass window.
When installing a CB, ham radio or car
phone in your NISSAN, be sure to observe
the following cautions, otherwise the new
equipment may adversely affect the MFI
(Multiport Fuel Injection) system and other
electronic parts.
CAUTION
cKeep the antenna as far as possible
away from the Engine Control Mod-
ule.
cAlso keep the antenna wire more
than 8 inches (20 cm) away from the
MFI harness. Do not route the an-
tenna wire next to any harness.
cAdjust the antenna standing-wave
ratio as recommended by the manu-
facturer.
cConnect the ground wire from the
CB radio chassis to the body.
cFor details, consult an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
CB RADIO OR CAR PHONE
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MEMO
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................5-2
Three way catalyst .................................................5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover................................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................5-4
Ignition switch .........................................................5-4
Manual transmission ..............................................5-4
Automatic transmission ..........................................5-5
Before starting the engine ......................................5-6
Driving with automatic transmission
(if so equipped) ......................................................5-6
Overdrive switch .....................................................5-9Driving with manual transmission ........................5-10
Starting the engine ...............................................5-11
Parking brake operation .......................................5-12
Cruise control .......................................................5-13
Break-in schedule ................................................5-15
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-15
Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-16
Power steering system .........................................5-17
Brake system........................................................5-17
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if so equipped) ....5-18
Cold weather driving ............................................5-19
ZX

WARNING
cDo not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on
hot, sunny days, temperatures in a
closed vehicle could quickly become
high enough to cause severe or pos-
sibly fatal injuries to people or ani-
mals.
cClosely supervise children when
they are around cars to prevent them
from playing and becoming locked
in the trunk where they could be
seriously injured.
Keep the car locked, with the trunk
closed, when not in use, and prevent
children's access to car keys.EXHAUST GAS
(Carbon Monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon-
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is dan-
gerous. It can cause unconsciousness
or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.
cDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive in this
manner for some reason, take the
following steps:
1. Open all the windows.2. Set the air recirculation switch to
off and the fan control at 4 (high)
to circulate the air.
3. Be sure the rear seat armrest and
tray are closed.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer-
through the seal on the trunk lid or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d.
You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
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THREE WAY CATALYST
The three way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust system.
Exhaust gases in the three way catalyst are
burned at high temperatures to help reduce
pollutants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust
system are very hot. Keep people or
flammable materials away from the
exhaust pipe.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
c
Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst's ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the catalyst, caus-
ing it to overheat. Do not keep driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
practices could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.As with any vehicle, loss of
control could result in a collision with
other vehicles or objects, or cause the
vehicle to roll over, particularly if the
vehicle slides sideways.Be attentive at all
times, and avoid driving when tired. Never
drive when under the influence of alcohol or
drugs (including prescription or over-the-
counter drugs which may cause drowsi-
ness). Always wear your seat belt as out-
lined in the ``Seat belts'' section of this
manual, and also instruct your passengers
to do so.
Starting and driving5-3
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