2001 NISSAN ALTIMA heating

WARNING
cThe air conditioner cooling function
operates only when the engine is
running.
c
Do not leave children, impaired adults,
or pets alone in your vehicle. On hot
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.
cDo not use the recirculation mode
for long periods as it may cause the
interior air to become stale and the
windows to fog up.
cPositioning of the heating or air con-
ditioning controls should not be
done while driving, so full attention
may be given to vehicle operation.
CONTROLS
Fan control dial
This dial turns the fan on and off, and
controls fan speed.
Air flow control buttons
These buttons allow you to select the air
flow outlets.
Ð Air flows from center and side
ventilators.
WHA0022
HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-3
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Ð Air flows from center and side
ventilators and foot outlets.
Ð Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
Ð Air flows from defroster outlets
and foot outlets.
Ð Air flows mainly from defroster
outlets.
Temperature control lever
This lever allows you to adjust the tempera-
ture of the outlet air.
Air recirculation button (if so
equipped)
Off position (Indicator light off):
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment and distributed through the
selected outlet.
Use the off position for normal heater or air
conditioner operation.
On position (Indicator light on):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Push the
button to the on position
when:cdriving on a dusty road.
cto avoid traffic fumes.
cfor maximum cooling when using the air
conditioner
Air conditioner button
(if so equipped)
This button is provided only on vehicles
equipped with an air conditioner.
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to
the desired (1 to 4) position and push the
A/C button to turn on the air conditioner.
The indicator light comes on when the air
conditioner is operating. To stop the air
conditioner, push the switch again.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air to the
foot outlets. Some air also flows from the
defroster outlets.
1. Push the
button to the off position
for normal heating.2. Push the
button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center ventilators.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode is used to defrost/defog the
windows.
1. Push the
button in.
2. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. Move the temperature control lever to the
4-4Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
cTo quickly remove ice or fog from the
windows, turn on the fan control dial to 4
and the temperature control lever to the
full HOT position.
cWhen the
position is selected, the
air conditioner automatically turns on
(however, the indicator light will not illu-
minate). This dehumidifies the air which
helps defog the windshield. The air recir-
culation mode automatically turns off,
allowing outside air to be drawn into the
passenger compartment which helps de-
fog the windshield.
Bi-level heating/cooling
This mode directs air from the side, center
and foot outlets.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Heating and defogging
This mode heats the interior and defogs the
windshield.
1. Push the
button in.
2. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position between the middle and
the HOT position.
Operating tips
cClear snow and ice from the wiper
blades and air inlet in front of the
windshield. This improves heater op-
eration.
cWhen the
orswitch is selected,
the air recirculation mode automatically
turns off.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging
performance.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION
(if so equipped)
Start the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (1 to 4) position and push in the
A/C button to activate the air conditioner.When the air conditioner is on, cooling and
dehumidifying functions are added to the
heater operation.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
Cooling
This mode is used to cool and dehumidify
the air.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Push the
button in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
cFor quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, push the
button to
the on position (Indicator light on). Be
sure to return the
button to the off
position for normal cooling.
Dehumidified heating
This mode is used to heat and dehumidify.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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2. Push thebutton in.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode defogs the windows and dehu-
midifies the air.
1. Push the
button in.
When the
position is selected, the
air conditioner automatically turns on
(however, the indicator light will not illu-
minate). This dehumidifies the air which
helps defog the windshield. The air recir-
culation mode automatically turns off,
allowing outside air to be drawn into the
passenger compartment which helps de-
fog the windshield.
2. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
3. Move the temperature control lever to the
desired position.Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging per-
formance.
Operating tips
cKeep the windows and sun roof closed
while the air conditioner is in operation.
cAfter parking in the sun, drive for two or
three minutes with the windows open to
vent hot air from the passenger compart-
ment. Then, close the windows. This
allows the air conditioner to cool the
interior more quickly.
cThe air conditioner system should be
operated for approximately ten min-
utes at least once a month. This helps
prevent damage to the system due to
lack of lubrication.
cIf the engine coolant temperature gauge
exceeds the H (hot) position, turn the air
conditioner off. See ``If your vehicle over-
heats'' in the ``In case of emergency''
section of this owner's manual for addi-
tional information.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The charts on the following pages show the
switch and lever positions forMAXIMUMand QUICKheating, cooling, or defrosting.
4-6Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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cHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:s2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
cHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
s3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away from
the center of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to
use a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine,
to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the hydraulic pump
drive belt breaks, you will still have control of
the vehicle. However, much greater steer-
ing effort is needed, especially in sharp
turns and at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.The brake system has two separate
hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions,
you will still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brake
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal. However, greater foot pressure on
the brake pedal will be required to stop the
vehicle and stopping distance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This overheats the brakes,
increases wear on the brake linings and
pads, and reduces gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down
a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and could
result in loss of vehicle control.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-17
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bolt, engine lift bracket, etc.) Ð not
to the battery.
c
Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that the cable clamps do
not contact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
and let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster
vehicle at about 2,000 rpm, and start the
engine of the vehicle being jump started.
CAUTION
Do not keep starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before
trying again.
7. After starting the engine, carefully dis-
connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped).
Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be con-
taminated with corrosive acid.
CAUTION
cAutomatic transmission models can-
not be push started. This may cause
transmission damage.
cThree way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing.
The three way catalyst may be dam-
aged.
cNever try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it. When the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading),
or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect
abnormal noise, etc., take the following steps.
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never remove the radiator
cap while the engine is still hot.
When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake and move the
shift lever to N (Neutral) (manual trans-
mission) or to P (Park) (automatic trans-
mission).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
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3. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and radia-
tor should not leak water. If coolant is
leaking, the water pump belt is missing or
loose, or the cooling fan does not run,
stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or
the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling fan motor can start at any time
when the coolant temperature is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the res-
ervoir tank if necessary. Have your ve-
hicle repaired at an authorized NISSAN
dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for tow-
ing must be followed. Incorrect towing equip-
ment could damage your vehicle. Towing
instructions are available from an authorized
NISSAN dealer. Local service operators will
generally be familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a
service operator tow your vehicle. It is advis-
able to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions:
WARNING
cNever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
cNever get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.
cAlways attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-11
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If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
cMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. The service procedures can be
found in an appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual.cImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
Perform the following procedure to open the
heater water cock:
1. Turn the ignition switch ON and set the
temperature control lever to the maxi-
mum hot position. Wait 10 seconds, then
turn the switch OFF.
2. Open the radiator drain plug. Open the
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