2000 NISSAN ALTIMA service

Foreword
Welcome to the growing family of new
NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered
to you with confidence. It was produced
using the latest techniques and strict quality
control.
This manual was prepared to help you
understand the operation and maintenance
of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many
miles of driving pleasure. Please read
through this manual before operating your
vehicle.
In the U.S., a separate Warranty Informa-
tion and Maintenance Log Booklet and
in Canada, a Warranty and Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet ex-
plains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle and vehicle mainte-
nance schedules. Additionally, a
separate Customer Care/Lemon Law
Booklet (U.S. only) will explain how to
resolve any concerns you may have with
your vehicle, as well as clarify your
rights under your state's lemon law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your ve-
hicle best. When you require any service or
have any questions, they will be glad to
assist you with the extensive resources
available to them.READ FIRST Ð THEN DRIVE SAFELY
Before driving your vehicle please read this
Owner's Manual carefully. This will ensure
familiarity with controls and maintenance
requirements, assisting you in the safe op-
eration of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important rules to help
ensure a safe and comfortable trip for
you and your passengers!
cNEVER drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
cALWAYS observe posted speed lim-
its and never drive too fast for con-
ditions.
c
ALWAYS use your seat belts and
appropriate child restraint systems.
Pre-teen children should be seated
in the rear seat.
cALWAYS provide information about
the proper use of vehicle safety fea-
tures to all occupants of the vehicle.
c
ALWAYS review this owner's manual
for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification could affect its perfor-
mance, safety or durability, and may
even violate governmental regulations.
In addition, damage or performance
problems resulting from modifications
may not be covered under NISSAN
warranties.
WHEN READING THE MANUAL
This manual includes information for all
options available on this model. Therefore,
you may find some information that does
not apply to your vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustra-
tions in this manual are those in effect at the
time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right
to change specifications or design without
notice and without obligation.
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
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Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come the fifth largest automaker in the world. In
addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes
textile machinery, forklift trucks, marine engines,
boats and other products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in
1960 and continuing with the production of some
cars and trucks at one of the world's mostmodern manufacturing facilities, Nissan Motor
Manufacturing Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design
International in San Diego, California, and engi-
neering at Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan.
NISSAN and its dealers indirectly employ about
60,000 Americans.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 140 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply NISSAN and
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from the operation of port facilities and
transportation services, to the supply of lubri-
cants, parts and accessories.NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new NISSAN,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN
to your dealer for maintenance, the service techni-
cian will perform his work according to the quality
standards that have been established by Nissan.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
AFW0001
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NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM
NISSAN CARES ...
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your
NISSAN dealer are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service
needs.
However, if there is something that your
NISSAN dealer cannot assist you with or
you would like to provide NISSAN directly
with comments or questions, please con-
tact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs Depart-
ment using our toll-free number:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska
customers
1-800-NISSAN-1
(1-800-647-7261)
For Hawaii customers
(808) 836-0888 (Oahu Number)
For CANADIAN customers
1-800-387-0122
The Consumer Affairs Department will ask
for the following information:
Ð Your name, address, and telephone
number
Ð Vehicle identification number (on dash-
board)
Ð Date of purchase
Ð Current odometer reading
Ð Your NISSAN dealer's name
Ð Your comments or questions
OR
You can write to NISSAN with the informa-tion on the left at:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
Nissan North America Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, California 90248-0191
For Hawaii customers
Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii
2880 Kilihau St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
For Canadian customers
Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.
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cNo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring
of the pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tem. This is to prevent accidental
activation of the pre-tensioner seat
belt or damage to the pre-tensioner
seat belt operation. Tampering with
the pre-tensioner seat belt system
may result in serious personal in-
jury.
cWork around and on the pre-
tensioner system should be done by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. Instal-
lation of electrical equipment should
also be done by an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer. Unauthorized electrical
test equipment and probing devices
should not be used on the pre-
tensioner seat belt system.
cIf you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, con-
tact an authorized NISSAN dealer.
Correct pre-tensioner disposal pro-
cedures are set forth in the appropri-
ate NISSAN Service Manual. Incor-
rect disposal procedures could
cause personal injury.The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tem activates in conjunction with the supple-
mental front air bag. Working with the seat
belt retractor, it helps tighten the seat belt
the instant the vehicle becomes involved in
certain types of collisions, thereby restrain-
ing seat occupants.
The pre-tensioner is encased with the seat
belt's retractor. These seat belts are used
the same as conventional seat belts.
When the pre-tensioner seat belt activates,
smoke is released and a loud noise may be
heard. The smoke is not harmful, but care
should be taken not to inhale it as it may
cause irritation and choking.
If any abnormality occurs in the pre-
tensioner system, the seat belt warning light
will flash intermittently after the igni-
tion key is turned to the ON or START
position. In this case, the pre-tensioner seat
belt will not function properly.
When selling your vehicle, we request that
you inform the buyer about the pre-
tensioner seat belt system and guide the
buyer to the appropriate sections in this
owner's manual.
1-18Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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light illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag and supplemen-
tal side air bag needs servicing:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental
front air bag or supplemental side air bags
may not operate properly. It must be
checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to
the nearest authorized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental front air bag or supple-
mental side air bag system will not
operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental front air bag modules or
supplemental side air bags are designed to
inflate on a one-time-only basis. As a re-
minder, unless it is damaged, the supple-
mental air bag light remains illuminated
after inflation has occurred. Repair and re-
placement of these supplemental air bag
systems should be done only by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
To ensure long-term functioning, these
supplemental air bag systems must be
inspected 10 years after the date of
manufacture as noted on the certifica-
tion label located on the driver side front
pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental front air bags,
supplemental side air bags and related
parts should be pointed out to the person
conducting the maintenance. The ignition
key should always be in the LOCK position
when working under the hood or inside the
vehicle.
WARNING
cOnce the supplemental front air bag
or supplemental side air bag has
inflated, the air bag module will not
function again and must be re-
placed. The air bag module should
be replaced by an authorized
NISSAN dealer. The air bag module
cannot be repaired.
cThe supplemental front air bag and
supplemental side air bag systems
should be inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer if there is any
damage to the front end or side por-
tion of the vehicle.
cIf you need to dispose of a supple-
mental air bag or scrap the vehicle,
contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Correct supplemental air bag
disposal procedures are set forth in
the appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual. Incorrect disposal proce-
dures could cause personal injury.
1-20Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
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2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
brake system checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
c
Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for repairs.
Otherwise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be danger-
ous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scrapingsound when the vehicle is in motion,
whether or not the brake pedal is depressed.
Have the brakes checked as soon as pos-
sible if the warning sound is heard.
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something is wrong
with the anti-lock portion of the brake sys-
tem. Have the system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly
doing so may cause the ABS light to stay
on when there is nothing wrong). If the
light stays on, have the system checked
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases, but the regular
braking system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for
repair.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon
as it is convenient, preferably before the fuel
gauge reaches E (Empty).There will be a
small reserve of fuel in the tank when the
fuel gauge needle reaches E (Empty).
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Overdrive off indicator light
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is pushed to the OFF position.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
2-8Instruments and controls
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Statement related to section 15 of FCC
rules for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System (CONT ASSY - IMMOBILIZER,
ANT ASSY - IMMOBILIZER)
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, includ-
ing interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EX-
PRESSLY APPROVED BY THE MANU-
FACTURER FOR COMPLIANCE COULD
VOID THE USER'S AUTHORITY TO OP-
ERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
Security indicator light (Nissan Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System)
The security indicator light blinks every 3
seconds whenever the ignition switch is in
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This func-
tion indicates the Nissan Vehicle Immobi-
lizer System (NVIS) is operational.
If the NVIS is malfunctioning, the light will
remain on while the ignition key is in the ON
position.
If the light still remains on and/or the
engine will not start, see your Nissan
dealer for NVIS service as soon as pos-sible. Please bring all NVIS keys that you
have when visiting your NISSAN dealer
for service.
LIC0004
Instruments and controls2-11
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The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a refrigerant de-
signed with the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the
earth's ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is
required when servicing your NISSAN air
conditioner. Using improper refrigerants or
lubricants will cause severe damage to your
air conditioner system. See ``Air conditioner
system refrigerant and lubricant recommen-
dations'' in the ``Technical and consumer
information'' section of this manual.
Your NISSAN dealer is able to service your
environmentally ``friendly'' air conditioning
system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains
refrigerant under high pressure. To
avoid personal injury, any air condi-
tioner service should be done only by
an experienced technician with proper
equipment.
WHA0020
SERVICING AIR
CONDITIONER
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-9
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