2000 NISSAN ALTIMA lock

Tires* ÐCheck the pressure with a gauge
periodically when at a service station, in-
cluding the spare, and adjust to the speci-
fied pressure if necessary. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts* ÐWhen checking the tires,
make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and
check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation* ÐTires should be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balance ÐIf the
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* ÐCheck for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hood ÐCheck that all
doors and the hood operate properly. Also
ensure all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, rollers and links if neces-
sary. 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* ÐMake sure the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.
INTERIOR MAINTENANCE
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 chimes ÐMake sure
all warning lights and buzzers/chimes are
operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer* ÐCheck
that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster ÐCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheel ÐCheck for changes in
the steering conditions, such as excessive
freeplay, hard steering or strange noises.
Seats ÐCheck 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
down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Seat belts ÐCheck 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.
Maintenance
9-3
ZX

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 if
it 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.
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 airconditioner 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
Technical and consumer information
10-17
ZX

11 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................ 1-9
Air bag warning light ................. 1-14, 1-19, 2-7
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner service ............................ 4-9
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ................ 10-7
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Servicing air conditioner ......................... 4-9
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-6
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............. 2-10
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-35
Antenna...................................................... 4-23
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-19
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 2-8
Armrests....................................................... 1-8
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-20
Audio system
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-17
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-10Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-27
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-10
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-4
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................. 5-10
B
Battery........................................................ 8-14
Battery
Charge warning light .............................. 2-7
Battery replacement (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-8
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-6
Belts (See drive belts) ...................... 10-8, 8-15
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-19
Brake booster ....................................... 8-20
Brake fluid............................................. 8-12
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-33
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-19
Brake system ........................................ 5-18
Brake warning light ................................. 2-7
Brake wear indicators ................... 2-8, 8-20
Parking brake check ............................. 8-19
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-13
Self-adjusting brakes ............................ 8-20Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-15
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-6
Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-30
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-24
Cargo net ................................................... 2-25
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-13
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) .................. 2-9
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-35
Child restraints ................................. 1-23, 1-28
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-5
Cigarette lighter (accessory)
and ashtray ................................................ 2-20
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clock................................................. 4-12, 4-19
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-12
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-21
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-20
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
ZX

Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Cornering light ........................................... 2-18
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-6
Cruise control............................................. 5-14
Cup holders ............................................... 2-22
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-17
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-15
Dimensions and weights............................ 10-9
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Door open warning light .............................. 2-7
Drive belts .................................................. 8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 5-20
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-4
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-5
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-16
Emission control information label........... 10-12Emission control system warranty ........... 10-19
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Changing engine oil................................ 8-9
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-8
Engine compartment check locations .... 8-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-5
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Engine serial number ......................... 10-11
Engine specifications ............................ 10-8
Starting the engine ................................. 5-7
Enhanced immobilizer security system ..... 2-12
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
Explanation of maintenance items .............. 9-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-18
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-5Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-10
Brake fluid............................................. 8-12
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-12
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-8
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-12
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 10-11
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-18
Front seats ................................................... 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-16
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 ......................................................... 8-21
Fusible links ............................................... 8-21
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-4
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
11-2
ZX

Tachometer............................................. 2-4
Trip odometer ......................................... 2-3
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
Glasses case ............................................. 2-21
Glove box................................................... 2-23
Glove box lock ........................................... 2-23
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-18
Head restraints ............................................ 1-8
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-16
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Homelink Transceiver
Integrated HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver (If so equipped) ................ 2-30
Hood release ............................................... 3-9
Horn ........................................................... 2-19
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Immobilizer system ..................... 2-12, 3-2, 5-6
Important vehicle information label.......... 10-11
Increasing fuel economy............................ 5-16
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-6
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-14
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-17Integrated HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver (If so equipped)...................... 2-30
Interior light ................................................ 2-29
J
Jump starting ...................................... 6-8, 8-15
K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-5
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) ..................... 1-19
License plate
Installing the license plate .................. 10-13
Light
Air bag warning light ............ 1-14, 1-19, 2-7
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-33
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-6
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-30Charge warning light .............................. 2-7
Cornering light ...................................... 2-18
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-18
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-16
Interior light ........................................... 2-29
Low washer fluid warning light ............... 2-7
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-29
Trunk light ............................................. 2-30
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-6
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-5
Door locks............................................... 3-2
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-11
Glove box lock ...................................... 2-23
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Trunk lid lock opener lever ................... 3-10
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.......................... 1-28
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ................. 2-9
Map lights .................................................. 2-29
Map pocket ................................................ 2-21
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
11-3
ZX

Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-14
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-14
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-13
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-5
Multi-remote controller battery
replacement ............................................... 8-23
N
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS) ......................................... 2-12, 3-2, 5-6
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ...... 10-3
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine oil................................ 8-9
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-8
Engine oil ................................................ 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-14
Overdrive switch ........................................ 5-11
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10Owner's manual/service manual order
information ............................................... 10-21
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-19
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-13
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-17
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power socket ........................................ 2-19
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-12
Power steering system ......................... 5-18
Power windows..................................... 2-26
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-21
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting .............................................. 6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ......................... 4-24
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-17
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-10Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test................................................... 10-20
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-6
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-15
Refrigerant recommendation ..................... 10-7
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-10
Remote keyless entry system
(See multi-remote control system) .............. 3-5
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-5
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-19
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment................ 1-3
Front power seat adjustment.................. 1-4
Rear seat adjustment ............................. 1-6
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-21
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-28
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-28
Seat belts.............................................. 1-21
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........... 1-27
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-24
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-7
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 1-2
Rear seat ................................................ 1-6
Security systems (see theft warning) ........ 2-10
11-4
ZX

Self-adjusting brakes ................................. 8-20
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-9
Shift lock release ....................................... 5-10
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-9
Manual transmission............................. 5-12
Shoulder belt height adjustment ................ 1-27
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-15
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-29
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-19
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Jump starting................................. 6-8, 8-15
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting......................................... 6-10
Starting the engine ................................. 5-7
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-12
Power steering system ......................... 5-18
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-13
Stop light .................................................... 8-33
Storage ...................................................... 2-21
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-27
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels ............ 1-19
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................... 1-9
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-27
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-18Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-18
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-16
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ................................... 5-11
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-14
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-4
Theft warning (see enhanced immobilizer
security system) ......................................... 2-10
Three-way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-13
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire....................................... 6-7, 8-37
Tire chains ............................................ 8-35
Tire placard......................................... 10-12
Tire pressure ............................. 10-16, 8-34
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-36
Types of tires ........................................ 8-34
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-18
Wheels and tires................................... 8-34
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 10-9
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-11
Towing load/specification chart .......... 10-16
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-10Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-4
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-5
Selector lever lock release ................... 5-10
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)....................................... 10-10
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-3
Trunk access through the rear seat ............ 1-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever ........................ 3-10
Trunk light .................................................. 2-30
Trunk side net ............................................ 2-26
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch) .................................... 2-16, 2-17
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-18
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-13
Vehicle dimensions and weights ............... 10-9
Vehicle identification ................................ 10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(chassis number) ..................................... 10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-10
Vehicle loading information ..................... 10-13
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-13
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
11-5
ZX

W
Warning
Air bag warning light ............ 1-14, 1-19, 2-7
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-18
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-19
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-6
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .... 10-9
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-34
Wheel/tire size ........................................... 10-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country .................................... 10-10
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-13
Windows
Locking passengers' windows .............. 2-27
Power windows..................................... 2-26
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-14
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-14
Wiper blades......................................... 8-18
11-6
ZX