2001 NISSAN ALTIMA battery

Headlamp mounting nuts and bolt
torque: 36 to 47 in-lb (4.1 to 5.3 Nzm)
FRONT SIDEMARKER LAMP
Replacing the front sidemarker lamp
bulb
1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
2. Remove the four screws from the bottom
of the front fender protector (see above
illustration) and position the fender pro-
tector aside to allow access to the head-
lamp mounting fasteners.3. Remove the three nuts and one bolt
mounting the headlamp assembly (see
above illustration).
4. Pull the headlamp assembly evenly away
from the front of the vehicle to access the
bulb sockets.
5. Rotate the socket counter-clockwise and
pull it out of the headlamp assembly. Do
not shake the bulb socket when remov-
ing it.
6. Pull the bulb out of the socket.
7. Follow the instructions in reverse order to
install new bulb.
LDI0009LDI0010
Do-it-yourself8-29
ZX

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

Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in what is called the ``ready
condition'' for an Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) test of the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the ``ready condition''
when it is driven through certain driving
patterns. Usually, the ready condition can be
obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle
may be reset to a ``not ready'' condition.
Before taking the I/M test, drive the vehicle
through the following pattern to set the ve-
hicle to the ready condition. If you cannot or
do not want to perform the driving pattern, a
NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C.
Allow the engine to idle until the gauge
needle points between the C and H (nor-
mal operating temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelera-
tor pedal completely and keep it released
for at least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for
a moment, then drive the vehicle at a
speed of 53 to 60 mph (86 to 96 km/h) for
at least 5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55
km/h) and maintain the speed for 20
seconds.
6. Repeat steps four through five at least
three times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h) and maintain the speed for at least
3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle (shift lever in the ``P'' or
``N'' position).
9. Rev the engine up between 2,500 and
3,500 rpm and hold it for 3 consecutive
minutes, then release the accelerator
pedal completely.
10. Wait 5 seconds at idle.
11. Rev the engine up between 2,000 and3,000 rpm and maintain it for 5 consecu-
tive minutes.
12. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
13. Repeat steps one through twelve at
least one more time.
If step one through seven is interrupted,
repeat the preceding step. Any safe driving
mode is acceptable between steps. Do not
stop the engine until step seven is com-
pleted.
READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) TEST (US only)
10-20Technical and consumer information
ZX

11 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................ 1-8
Air bag warning light ................. 1-14, 1-19, 2-7
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-17
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 vehicle security
system) ...................................................... 2-10
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-34
Antenna...................................................... 4-37
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 2-8
Armrests....................................................... 1-7
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)
changer ................................................. 4-24FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-10
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-26
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-11
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-4
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) .............. 5-18
Brake booster ....................................... 8-20
Brake fluid............................................. 8-12
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-34
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-19
Brake system ........................................ 5-17
Brake warning light ................................. 2-7
Brake wear indicators ................... 2-9, 8-20
Parking brake check ............................. 8-19
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-12
Self-adjusting brakes ............................ 8-20Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-15
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-6
Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-31
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-37
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-13
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) .................. 2-9
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-34
Child restraints ................................. 1-22, 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 ............................................ 8-13
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-21
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-19
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
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