1999 NISSAN ALTIMA brake

Additional information on the following
items marked with an ``*'' is found in the
``Do-it- yourself'' section of this manual.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts*Ð Check drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Air cleaner filterÐ Under normal driving
conditions, the air cleaner filter should be
replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, driving the ve-
hicle in dusty areas may cause rapid clog-
ging of the element. Consequently, the
element may have to be replaced more
frequently.
Evap vapor linesÐ Check vapor lines and
connections for leaks, looseness or deterio-
ration. If leaks are found, replace them.
Fuel linesÐ Check the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. Replace any damaged parts.
Fuel filterÐ If the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are ei-
ther extremely low or extremely high, thefilter might become clogged. In such an
event, replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Ð Drain and flush the
cooling system.
Engine oil & oil filter*Ð Under normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs*Ð Replace with new plugs
having the correct heat range.
Intake & exhaust valve clearanceÐ Check
the valve clearance if valve noise increases.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesÐ Check the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.
Brake pads, rotors, drums & liningsÐ
Check these and the other neighboring brake
components for wear, deterioration and
leaks. Under severe driving conditions, they
may have to be inspected more frequently.
Manual & automatic transmission fluid*
Ð Check the fluid level and visually inspect
for signs of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the fluid
should be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspen-
sion parts, and drive shaft bootsÐ
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, inspection should be performed
more frequently.
Exhaust systemÐ Visually check the ex-
haust pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abra-
sion, deterioration, etc. Under severe driv-
ing conditions, inspection should be per-
formed more frequently.
Supplemental air bag systemÐ Check
the supplemental air bag system compo-
nents for proper attachment, damage, de-
formities, cracks, rust, etc. Work around and
on the supplemental air bag system should
be done by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
9-10Maintenance
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'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
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 *7
Drain and refillcAPI Certification Mark *2 *3
cAPI grade SG/SH, Energy Conserving II or API grade
SJ, Energy Conserving *2 *3
cILSAC grade GF-II *2 *3 With oil filter change 3-5/8 qt 3 qt 3.4
Without oil filter change 3-3/8 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.2
Cooling system
With reservoir 7-3/4 qt 6-3/8 qt 7.3 50% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
Reservoir 3/4 qt 5/8 qt 0.7 50% Demineralized water or Distilled water
Manual transaxle gear oil 9-1/2 to 10-1/8 pt 7-7/8 to 8-1/2 pt 4.5 to 4.8 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 80W-90 only
Automatic transaxle fluid 10 qt 8-1/4 qt 9.4
Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or
Genuine Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid
(Canada). *4
Power steering fluid 1 qt 3/4 qt 0.9 Type DEXRONTMIII or equivalent
Brake and clutch fluidRefill to the proper level according to the instructions in
the ``Do-it-yourself'' section.Genuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)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 ``Engine oil and oil filter recomendations.''
*3: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.''
*4: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor 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 DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ``Air conditioner specification label.''
*7: For further details, see ``Changing engine oil.''
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
10-2Technical and consumer information
ZX

cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. when the
hitch is installed.
cTo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical
remove the hitch when not in use.
Remove receiver when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
cRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (affixed
to the driver's door, center pillar).
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturer's specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the
hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be
sure to leave enough slack in the chains to
permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/ or local regulations. When wiring the
vehicle for towing, connect the stop and tail
light pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to Federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle ifit has an abnormal nose-up or nose- down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cBe certain your rear view mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
10-16Technical and consumer information
ZX

cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion, first block the wheels and apply the
parking brake, and then move the shift
lever into the P position. If you move the
shift lever to the P position before block-
ing the wheels and applying the parking
brake, transmission damage could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioner system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.cAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500
miles (800 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
this, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will ad-
versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When
being passed by larger vehicles, be pre-
pared for possible changes in crosswinds
that could affect vehicle handling. If
swaying does occur, firmly grip the steer-
ing wheel, steer straight ahead, and im-
mediately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.cTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
or overdrive (automatic transmission).
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change the trans-
mission fluid more frequently. For addi-
tional information see the ``Mainte-
nance'' section earlier in this manual.
Technical and consumer information
10-17
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

Map lights .................................................. 2-22
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-13
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-13
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-14
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-4
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ...... 10-3
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine oil................................ 8-8
Changing engine oil filter........................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-7
Engine oil ................................................ 8-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-13
Overdrive switch .......................................... 5-9
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 6-9
Owner's manual/service manual order
forms ........................................................ 10-21P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-18
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-12
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-16
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power antenna ..................................... 4-26
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-11
Power steering system ......................... 5-17
Power support front seat ........................ 1-5
Power windows..................................... 2-17
Power Lock
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-16
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting ................................................ 6-9
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 4-20
AM-FM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-15
CB radio or car phone .......................... 4-27Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test................................................... 10-20
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-7
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-11
Refrigerant recommendation ..................... 10-7
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-10
Remote keyless entry system
(See multi-remote control system) .............. 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-19
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-16
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-24
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-24
Seat belts.............................................. 1-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........... 1-21
Three-point type without retractor ........ 1-19
Two-point type without retractor
(rear center lap belt) ............................. 1-22
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-6
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 1-2
Manual front seat adjustment ................. 1-3
Power support front seat ........................ 1-5
Rear seat ................................................ 1-7
11-4
ZX