2001 NISSAN ALTIMA warning

INSTALLATION ON FRONT PAS-
SENGER SEAT
WARNING
cNever install a rear-facing child re-
straint in the front passenger seat.
Supplemental front air bags inflate
with great force. A rear-facing child
restraint could be struck by the
supplemental front air bag in a crash
and could seriously injure or kill
your child.cNISSAN recommends that child re-
straints be installed in the rear seat.
However, if you must install a
forward-facing child restraint in the
front passenger seat, move the pas-
senger seat to the rear most posi-
tion.
cA child restraint with a top tether
strap should not be used in the front
passenger seat.cThe three-point seat belt in your ve-
hicle is equipped with a locking
mode retractor which must be used
when installing a child restraint.
cFailure to use the retractor's locking
mode will result in the child restraint
not being properly secured. The re-
straint could tip over or otherwise be
unsecured and cause injury to the
child in a sudden stop or collision.
ARS1135
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-35
ZX

2 Instruments and controls
Meters and gauges ................................................2-2
Speedometer and odometer .............................2-3
Tachometer........................................................2-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ...................2-4
Fuel gauge ........................................................2-5
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ......................2-6
Checking bulbs ..................................................2-6
Warning lights ....................................................2-6
Indicator lights ...................................................2-8
Chimes...............................................................2-9
Security systems ..................................................2-10
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS) ..............................................................2-10
Vehicle security system (if so equipped) ........2-12
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................2-14
Switch operation ..............................................2-14
Rear window defogger switch ..............................2-15
Headlight and turn signal switch ..........................2-16
Headlight switch ..............................................2-16
Turn signal switch............................................2-17
Cornering light .................................................2-18
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ..........................2-18Hazard warning flasher switch .............................2-18
Horn ......................................................................2-19
Power socket ......................................................2-19
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ash tray ...........2-20
Storage .................................................................2-21
Map pocket ......................................................2-21
Glasses case ...................................................2-21
Cup holders .....................................................2-22
Glove box ........................................................2-23
Console box ....................................................2-23
Trunk side net..................................................2-25
Windows ...............................................................2-25
Power windows................................................2-25
Sunroof (if so equipped).......................................2-26
Interior light...........................................................2-28
Map lights (if so equipped)...................................2-28
Trunk light.............................................................2-29
Integrated HomeLinkTuniversal transceiver (if
so equipped) ........................................................2-29
Programming HomeLinkT................................2-30
Programming HomeLinkTfor Canadian
customers ........................................................2-31
ZX

FUEL GAUGE
The gauge indicates theapproximatefuel
level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during brak-
ing, turning, acceleration, or going up or
down hills.
The gauge needle returns to empty (E) after
the ignition key is turned to OFF.
The warning indicator light comes on when
the amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers E (Empty).
CAUTION
cIf the vehicle runs out of fuel, the
malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon
as possible. After a few driving trips,
the
lamp should turn off. If the
lamp remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information, see the
``Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)''
later in this section.
SIC0879
Instruments and controls2-5
ZX

CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake and turn the ignition key to the ON
position without starting the engine. The
following lights come on:
,or,,,
The following lights come on briefly and
then go off:
or,,
If any light fails to come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an opencircuit in the electrical system. Have the
system repaired promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
The oil pressure warning light is notdesigned to indicate a low oil level. Use
the dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pressure
warning light on could cause serious
damage to the engine almost immedi-
ately. Turn off the engine as soon as it is
safe to do so.
orBrake warning lightSeat belt warning lightEngine oil pressure warning light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)CRUISE main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
High beam indicator lightorAnti-lock brake warning lightCruise SET indicator light
(if so equipped)
Charge warning lightOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Supplemental air bag warning light
Door open warning lightMalfunction indicator lamp
(emission system)Low fuel warning light
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
2-6Instruments and controls
ZX

Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging system is
not functioning properly. Turn the engine off
and check the generator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken, or missing, or if the light remains
on, see an authorized NISSAN dealer immedi-
ately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. The light illuminates when-
ever the ignition key is turned to ON, and
remains illuminated until the driver's seat
belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime
sounds for about seven seconds unless the
driver seat belt is securely fastened.Refer to ``Seat belts'' in the ``Seats, re-
straints and supplemental air bag systems''
section for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning
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, supplemental side
air bag (if so equipped) and pre-tensioner seat
belt systems need servicing and your vehicle
must be taken to an authorized NISSAN
dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supple-
mental restraint system (air bag system)
and/or the pre-tensioner seat belts may not
function properly. For additional details, see``Supplemental restraint system'' in the
``Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag
systems'' section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag or supplemental
side air bag system (if so equipped) will
not operate in an accident.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as neces-
sary. See the ``Do-it-yourself'' section.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied, and also warns of a low brake fluid
level. If the light comes on while the engine
is running with the parking brake not applied,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1.Check the brake fluid level. Add brake
Instruments and controls2-7
ZX

fluid as necessary. See ``Brake and clutch
fluid'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
owner's manual.
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.
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock portion
of the brake system is not functioning prop-
erly. 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 thefuel 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
when the passing signal is activated.
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The light goes out
when the main switch is pushed again.
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX

While the cruise main switch indicator light
comes on, the cruise control system is
operational.
Cruise set indicator light
(if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If
the light blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate the cruise control system is not
functioning properly. Have the system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If this indicator lamp comes on steady or
blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also
come on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the
vehicle has at least three gallons of fuel in
the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp
should turn off if no other potential emissioncontrol system malfunction exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on
in one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator lamp on steady - An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If
the fuel filler cap is loose or missing,
tighten or install the cap and continue to
drive the vehicle. The
lamp should
turn off after a few driving trips. If the
lamp does not turn off after a few
driving trips, have the vehicle inspected
by an authorized NISSAN dealer. You do
not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator lamp blinking - An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control sys-
tem. To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
a) do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
b) avoid hard acceleration or decelera-
tion.
c) avoid steep uphill grades.
d) if possible, reduce the amount ofcargo being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop
blinking and come on steady. Have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your ve-
hicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
CHIMES
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound 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.
Instruments and controls2-9
ZX

2 to approximately 20 seconds by turning
the knob (Type B only).
The wipers automatically cycle twice when
the washer is activated.
CAUTION
cDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
cDo not operate the washer if the
reservoir tank is empty.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer
solution may freeze on the windshield
and obscure your vision which may
lead to an accident. Warm the wind-
shield with the defroster before you
wash the windshield.To defog the rear window glass, start the
engine and push the rear window defogger
switch on. The rear window defogger indi-
cator light on the switch comes on. Push the
switch again to turn the defogger off.
The rear window defogger switch automati-
cally turns off after approximately 15 minutes.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inner side of the
window, be careful not to scratch or
damage the rear window defogger.NOTE: The top few rows of wires on the rear
window are not part of the rear window
defogging system. These wires make up the
antenna for the audio system.
AIC1004
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-15
ZX