2001 NISSAN ALTIMA power steering

Brake pedal and booster* ÐCheck the
pedal for smooth operation and make sure it
has the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
tion. Be certain to keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Parking brake* ÐCheck that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission P position
mechanism ÐOn a fairly steep hill check
that your vehicle is held securely with the
shift selector lever in the P (Park) position
without applying any brakes.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically, such as each time
you check the engine oil or refuel.
Additional information on the items
marked with an ª*º can be found in the
ªDo-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
Windshield washer fluid* ÐCheck that
there is adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine oil level* ÐCheck the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface, withthe engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Brake and (if so equipped) clutch fluid
levels* ÐMake sure that the brake and
clutch fluid level are between the MIN and
MAX lines on each reservoir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines Ð
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
with the engine off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level* Ð
Check the level after putting the shift selec-
tor lever in P (Park) with the engine idling at
operating temperature.
Engine coolant level* ÐCheck the cool-
ant level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hoses ÐCheck the front of
the radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Engine drive belts* ÐMake sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Battery* ÐCheck the fluid level in each
cell. It should be between the MAX and MIN
lines.Exhaust system ÐMake sure there are no
cracks, holes, loose joints or supports. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected by
a qualified individual. (See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section of this manual.)
Underbody ÐThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances from the underbody, otherwise rust
may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
linesand exhaust system. At the end of
winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, especially those
areas where mud and dirt may accumulate.
See the ``Appearance and care'' section for
additional information.
Fluid leaks ÐCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
9-4Maintenance
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 ConservingI&IIorAPI
grade SJ, Energy Conserving *2 *3
cILSAC grade GF-1 & 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 7-3/8 qt 6-1/8 qt 7.0 50% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
Reservoir 5/8 qt 1/2 qt 0.6 50% Soft tap 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
Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid . *4
Power steering fluid 1 qt 3/4 qt 0.9 Genuine NISSAN PSF II or equivalent. *8
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.''
*8: Genuine NISSAN PSF, Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid, Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
10-2Technical and consumer information
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 .................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................. 5-13
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............................. 5-19
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-4
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-5
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-15
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
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 ............................. 7-5
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-11Brake fluid............................................. 8-12
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-13
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 ....................................... 5-15
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-12
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-12
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
Tachometer............................................. 2-4
Trip odometer ......................................... 2-3
11-2
ZX

Outside mirror control ........................... 3-15
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-14
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-5
Multi-remote controller battery
replacement ............................................... 8-23
N
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS) ......................................... 2-10, 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 ................................ 3-15
Overdrive switch ........................................ 5-10
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual/service manual order
information ............................................... 10-21P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-19
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-12
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-16
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power socket ........................................ 2-19
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-12
Power steering system ......................... 5-17
Power windows..................................... 2-25
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-20
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting .............................................. 6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ......................... 4-37
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
compact disc (CD) player ..................... 4-17
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ................................................. 4-24
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-10
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test................................................... 10-20
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-6Rear 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
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-20
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-27
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-27
Seat belts.............................................. 1-20
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........... 1-26
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-23
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-7
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 1-2
Rear seat ................................................ 1-6
Self-adjusting brakes ................................. 8-20
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-9
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-9
Manual transmission............................. 5-11
11-4
ZX

Shoulder belt height adjustment ................ 1-26
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-16
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-28
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-18
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 ......................... 5-17
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-14
Stop light .................................................... 8-34
Storage ...................................................... 2-21
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-26
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels ............ 1-18
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................... 1-8
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-26
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-18
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-18
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-16
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ................................... 5-10
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-14T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-4
Three-way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-14
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire....................................... 6-7, 8-38
Tire chains ............................................ 8-36
Tire placard......................................... 10-12
Tire pressure ............................. 10-16, 8-35
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-36
Types of tires ........................................ 8-35
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-18
Wheels and tires................................... 8-35
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) ...... 8-11
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-4
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-5
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 .................................................. 2-29
Trunk side net ............................................ 2-25Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch) .................................... 2-16, 2-17
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-18
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-14
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
Vehicle security system ............................. 2-12
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ............ 1-14, 1-19, 2-7
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-18
Vehicle security system ........................ 2-12
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-18
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-6
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .... 10-9
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-35
11-5
ZX