2000 NISSAN ALTIMA belt

Sun shade
Open and close the sun shade by sliding it
forward or backward.
WARNING
cIn an accident you could be thrown
from the vehicle through an open
sunroof. Always use seat belts and
child restraints.
c
Do not allow anyone to stand up or
extend any portion of their body out of
the opening while the vehicle is in
motion or while the sunroof is closing.
CAUTION
c
Remove water drops, snow, ice or
sand from the sunroof before opening.
cDo not place heavy objects on the
sunroof or surrounding area.
If the sunroof does not close
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
Be sure no objects are caught in the
sunroof opening.
2. Remove the map light unit. The shaft end
of the sunroof motor will be visible.3. Using a wide blade screwdriver, turn the
shaft clockwise to close the sunroof.
Have the sunroof system checked and re-
paired by your NISSAN dealer.
WIC0014AIC1016
2-28Instruments and controls
ZX

NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS) KEYS
You can only start your vehicle using the
keys which are supplied by your NISSAN
dealer. Each key has a transponder chip in
the key head which is electronically regis-
tered to your vehicle's NVIS. These keys
can be used for all the key locks on your
vehicle.
Never leave these keys in the vehicle.
A key number plate is supplied with your
keys.Record the key number and keep it in a safe
place (such as your wallet), not in the ve-
hicle. NISSAN does not record key numbers
so it is very important to keep track of your
key number plate.
A key number is only necessary when you
have lost all keys and do not have one to
duplicate from. If you still have a key, this key
can be duplicated by your NISSAN dealer.
New or duplicate keys can only be ob-
tained from your NISSAN dealer and
must be registered to the Nissan Vehicle
Immobilizer System (NVIS) components
in your vehicle by your NISSAN dealer.
As many as 5 NVIS keys can be used with
one vehicle. At this time, you should bring
all NVIS keys that you have to your NISSAN
dealer for registration. This is because the
registration process will erase the memory
of all key codes previously registered into
the Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System. Af-
ter the registration process, these compo-
nents will only recognize keys coded into
the Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(NVIS) during registration. Any key that is
not given to your dealer at the time of
registration will no longer be able to start
your vehicle.
WARNING
cAlways have the doors locked while
driving. Along with the use of seat
belts, this provides greater safety in
the event of an accident by helping
to prevent persons from being
thrown from the vehicle. This also
helps keep children and others from
unintentionally opening the doors,
and will help keep out intruders.
cBefore opening any door, always
look for and avoid oncoming traffic.
cDo not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could un-
knowingly activate switches or con-
trols. Unattended children could
become involved in serious acci-
dents.
WPD0013
KEYS DOORS
3-2Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX

WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust-
system are very hot. Keep people,
animals or flammable materials
away from the exhaust system com-
ponents.
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 three-way cata-
lyst, causing it to overheat. Do not
keep driving if the engine misfires,
or if noticeable loss of performance
or other unusual operating condi-
tions are detected. Have the vehicle
inspected 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 loss
of control causes the vehicle to slidesideways.Be attentive at all times, and
avoid driving when tired. Never drive when
under the influence of alcohol or drugs (in-
cluding prescription or over-the-counter
drugs which may cause drowsiness). Al-
ways wear your seat belt as outlined in the
``Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag
systems'' section of this manual, and also
instruct your passengers to do so.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS
AND DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgement. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likelihood
of being involved in an accident injuring
yourself and others. Additionally, if you
are injured in an accident, alcohol can
increase the severity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under
the influence of alcohol. Every year thou-
sands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol related accidents. Although the local
Starting and driving
5-3
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

cHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:s2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine,
to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the hydraulic pump
drive belt breaks, you will still have control of
the vehicle. However, much greater steer-
ing effort is needed, especially in sharp
turns and at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.The brake system has two separate
hydraulic circuits. If one circuit develops a
problem, you will still have braking at two
wheels.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal. However, greater foot pressure on
the brake pedal will be required to stop the
vehicle and stopping distance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This overheats the brakes,
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.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-18Starting and driving
ZX

3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and radia-
tor should not leak water. If coolant is
leaking, the water pump belt is missing or
loose, or the cooling fan does not run,
stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or
the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling 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.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-11
ZX

7 Appearance and care
Cleaning exterior ....................................................7-2
Washing .................................................................7-2
Waxing....................................................................7-2
Removing spots......................................................7-3
Underbody ..............................................................7-3
Glass ......................................................................7-3
Aluminum alloy wheels...........................................7-4
Chrome parts..........................................................7-4
Cleaning interior .....................................................7-4Floor mats ..............................................................7-5
Seat belts ...............................................................7-5
Corrosion protection ...............................................7-6
Most common factors contributing to vehicle
corrosion .................................................................7-6
Environmental factors influence the rate of
corrosion .................................................................7-6
To protect your vehicle from corrosion ..................7-6
ZX

FLOOR MATS
The use of Genuine NISSAN floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and
make it easier to clean the interior.No mat-
ter what mats are used, be sure they are
fitted for your vehicle and are properly
positioned in the footwell to prevent inter-
ference with pedal operation.Mats should
be maintained with regular cleaning and re-
placed if they become excessively worn.
Floor mat positioning aid
(Driver's side only)
This vehicle includes a front floor mat
bracket to act as a floor mat positioning aid.
NISSAN floor mats have been specially
designed for your vehicle model. The driv-
er's side floor mat has a grommet hole
incorporated in it. Position the mat by plac-
ing the floor mat bracket hook through the
floor mat grommet hole while centering the
mat in the footwell.
Periodically check to make certain the mats
are properly positioned.
SEAT BELTS
The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping
them with a sponge dampened in a mild
soap solution. Allow the belts to dry com-
pletely before using them.
WARNING
Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in
the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye,
or chemical solvents to clean the seat
belts, since these may severely weaken
the seat belt webbing.
AAI1002
Appearance and care7-5
ZX