1999 NISSAN ALTIMA heater

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 an authorized 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

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 and booster*Ð Check the
pedal for smooth operation and make sure it
has the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
tion. 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

11 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................ 1-9
Air bag warning light ................. 1-12, 1-14, 2-6
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-15
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ................ 10-7
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 4-3
Servicing air conditioner ......................... 4-9
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-6
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............... 2-9
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-34
Antenna
Manual .................................................. 4-27
Power.................................................... 4-26
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 2-7
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-15
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 4-20AM-FM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-15
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-17
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-9
Driving with automatic transmission ...... 5-5,
5-6
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................... 5-9
B
Battery........................................................ 8-13
Battery
Charge warning light .............................. 2-5
Battery Replacement (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-7
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-6
Belts (See drive belts) ...................... 10-8, 8-14
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-18
Brake booster ....................................... 8-19
Brake fluid............................................. 8-11
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-27
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-18
Brake system ........................................ 5-17
Brake warning light ................................. 2-6Brake wear indicators ................... 2-7, 8-19
Parking brake check ............................. 8-18
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-12
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-15
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-5
Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-24
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-13
Cassette player (See audio system) ......... 4-10
CB radio or car phone ............................... 4-27
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) .................. 2-8
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-33
Child restraints ................................. 1-18, 1-24
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and
ashtray ....................................................... 2-15
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-12
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-20
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-19
ZX

Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-5
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................. 5-13
Cup holder ................................................. 2-16
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-13
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-11
Dimensions and weights............................ 10-9
Door ajar warning light ................................ 2-6
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-14
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 5-19
Driving with automatic transmission ...... 5-5,
5-6
Driving with manual
transmission .................................. 5-10, 5-4
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-15
Emission control information label........... 10-12
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-19
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-5
Changing engine oil................................ 8-8
Changing engine oil filter........................ 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-7
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-4
Engine oil ................................................ 8-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-5
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Engine serial number ......................... 10-11
Engine specifications ............................ 10-8
Starting the engine ............................... 5-11
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-14Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-5
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 8-9
Brake fluid............................................. 8-11
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-12
Engine oil ................................................ 8-7
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-11
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 10-11
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-14
Front seats ................................................... 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-15
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-11
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-11
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-4
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-3
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-3
Fuses ......................................................... 8-20
Fusible links ............................................... 8-20
G
Garage door transmitter storage
compartment .............................................. 2-20
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
11-2
ZX

Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-4
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer............................................. 2-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 2-3
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
Glove box..................................................... 3-9
Glove box lock ............................................. 3-9
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-14
Head restraints ............................................ 1-6
Headlight aiming adjustment ..................... 8-22
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-12
Headlights .................................................. 8-21
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Heater operation .......................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-8
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Important vehicle information label.......... 10-11
Increasing fuel economy............................ 5-15
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-5
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-13Instrument brightness control .................... 2-13
Interior light ................................................ 2-21
J
Jack
Screw type .............................................. 6-2
Jump starting ...................................... 6-7, 8-14
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-4
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-12
Emission control information label...... 10-12
Engine serial number ......................... 10-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .............. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................... 10-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-14
License plate
Installing the license plate .................. 10-13
Light
Air bag warning light ............ 1-12, 1-14, 2-6
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-27
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-5Bulb replacement.................................. 8-24
Charge warning light .............................. 2-5
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-14
Headlight aiming adjustment ................ 8-22
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-12
Headlights ............................................. 8-21
Interior light ........................................... 2-21
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-21
Low washer fluid warning light ............... 2-6
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-22
Trunk light ............................................. 2-22
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-5
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-11
Glove box lock ........................................ 3-9
Trunk lid lock opener lever ..................... 3-9
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 9-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-24
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ................. 2-8
Manual antenna ......................................... 4-27
Manual front seat adjustment ...................... 1-3
11-3
ZX