2000 NISSAN ALTIMA warning light

INSIDE MIRROR
The night position reduces glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
WARNING
Use the night position only when nec-
essary, because it reduces rear view
clarity.
OUTSIDE MIRROR REMOTE
CONTROL
The outside mirror remote control only op-
erates when the ignition switch is in the
ACC or ON position.
Push the right or left side of the switch to
select the right or left outside mirror, then
adjust using the control lever.
WARNING
Objects viewed in the outside mirror on
the passenger side are closer than they
appear. Be careful when moving to the
right. Using only this mirror could
cause an accident. Use the inside mir-
ror or glance over your shoulder to
properly judge distances to other ob-
jects.
PD1006MAPD0646
MIRRORS
3-14Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX

To lock the steering wheel, turn the key
to the LOCK position. Remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the
key and turn it gently while rotating the
steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes an anti-theft
steering lock device.
The key can only be removed when the
ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the
ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON, turn
the key to OFF, push the key in, then turn
the key to LOCK.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clock-
wise from the straight up position.To lock the steering wheel, turn the key
to the LOCK position. Remove the key.
To unlock the steering wheel, insert the
key and turn it gently while rotating the
steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK Normal parking position (0)
OFF (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.
ASD1015
Starting and driving5-5
ZX

START (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS)
The Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(NVIS) will not allow the engine to run
without the use of the registered NVIS key.
If the engine fails to run using the registered
NVIS key, it may be due to interference
caused by another NVIS key, an automated
toll road device or automated payment de-
vice on the key ring. Restart the engine
using the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position and wait approximately 5
seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 again.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de-
vice (which may have caused the inter-
ference) separate from the registered
NVIS key.If this procedure allows the engine to run,
NISSAN recommends placing the regis-
tered NVIS key on a separate key ring to
avoid interference from other devices.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, for example, each
time you check engine oil.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See ``Warning/Indicator lights and
chimes'' in the ``Instruments and con-
trols'' section.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
5-6Starting and driving
ZX

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WARNING
cDo not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
cDo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
cDo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.
cStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).
cWhen the vehicle is stopped with the
engine running (for example at a
stop light), shift to N (Neutral) and
release the clutch pedal with the foot
brake applied.
Shifting
To change gears, or when upshifting or
downshifting, depress the clutch pedal fully,
shift into the appropriate gear, then release
the clutch slowly and smoothly.
You cannot shift directly from 5th gear into
R (Reverse). First shift into N (Neutral), then
into R (Reverse).
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1st, shift into N (Neutral), then
release and depress the clutch pedal again
and shift into R (Reverse) or 1st.
Suggested up-shift speeds
Shown below are suggested vehicle speeds
for shifting into a higher gear. These sug-
gestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle
performance. Actual shift-up speeds will
vary according to road conditions, the
weather and individual driving habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude ar-
eas (less than 4,000 ft [1,219 m]):
GEAR
CHANGEACCEL
shift point
MPH (km/h)CRUISE
shift point
MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24) 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40) 18 (29)
3rd to 4th 36 (58) 30 (48)
4th to 5th 40 (64) 39 (63)
For quick acceleration in low altitude areas
and high altitude areas (over 4,000 ft [1,219
m]):
GEAR CHANGE MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
SD1022
5-12Starting and driving
ZX

Suggested maximum speed in each
gear
Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested
speed (shown below) in any gear. For level
road driving, use the highest gear sug-
gested for that speed. Always observe
posted speed limits, and drive according to
the road conditions, which will ensure safe
operation. Do not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear as it may cause
engine damage or loss of vehicle control.
GEAR MPH (km/h)
1st 30 (48)
2nd 60 (96)
3rd 90 (144)
4th þ
5th þTo engage:pull the lever up.
To release:
1. Firmly apply foot brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the shift selector lever in the N
(neutral) position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the shift selector lever to the P
(park) position.
3. While pulling up on the parking brake
lever slightly, push the button and lower
completely.4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
WARNING
cBe sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.
cDo not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
cDo not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.
c
Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
ASD1001
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-13
ZX

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The SET indica-
tor light in the instrument panel then
blinks to warn the driver.
cIf the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have
the system checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cThe SET indicator light may blink when
the cruise control main switch is turned
ON while pushing the RES/ACCEL,COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch (lo-
cated on the steering wheel). To properly
use the cruise control system, use the
following procedures.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when
driving under the following conditions.
cWhen it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
cIn heavy traffic or in traffic that var-
ies in speed.
cOn winding or hilly roads.
c
On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
cIn very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do
not shift into N (Neutral) without de-
pressing the clutch pedal when the
cruise control is set. Should this occur,
depress the clutch pedal and turn the-
main switch off immediately. Failure to
do so may cause engine damage.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERA-
TIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 30 to 90 MPH (48 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the
main switch. The CRUISE indicator light in
the instrument panel comes on.
To set cruising speed,accelerate the ve-
hicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. The SET
light in the instrument cluster comes on.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle maintains the set speed.
cTo pass another vehicle,depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-
ously set speed.
c
The vehicle may not maintain the set speed
when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,use one of
the following three methods:
a) Push the CANCEL button; the SET light
in the instrument cluster goes out.
WSD0001
CRUISE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
5-14Starting and driving
ZX

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.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As a
result, your braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal
to heat-up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
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 roadconditions. 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.
Starting and driving
5-19
ZX

The brake system then operates normally,
but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self-test or
while driving, take the vehicle to an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-
lock brake system. Stopping distances
may also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety
of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may
also affect braking effectiveness.cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tire on all four
wheels.
cWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
ªTire placardº in the ``Technical and
Consumer information'' section of
this manual.
Refer to ``Wheels and tires'' in the ``Do-
it-yourself'' section of this manual.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR
LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be-
fore inserting it into the key hole.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check the anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base)
to assure proper winter protection. For de-
tails, see ``Engine cooling system'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself ''
section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-20Starting and driving
ZX