2002 NISSAN ALTIMA coolant temperature

2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel ....................................................2-2
Meters and gauges ................................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer .............................2-3
Trip computer ....................................................2-3
Tachometer........................................................2-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge ...................2-6
Fuel gauge ........................................................2-7
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders................................................................2-8
Checking bulbs ..................................................2-8
Warning lights ....................................................2-8
Indicator lights .................................................2-11
Audible reminders............................................2-12
Security systems ..................................................2-13
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS) ..............................................................2-13
Vehicle security system (if so equipped) ........2-14
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................2-17
Switch operation ..............................................2-17
Rear window defogger switch ..............................2-17
Headlight and turn signal switch ..........................2-18
Xenon headlights .............................................2-18Headlight switch ..............................................2-19
Autolamp system (if so equipped)...................2-20
Turn signal switch............................................2-21
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ..........................2-21
Hazard warning flasher switch .............................2-23
Horn ......................................................................2-23
Heated seats (if so equipped) ..............................2-24
Traction control system (TCS) cancel switch
(if so equipped) ....................................................2-25
Power outlet .......................................................2-25
Storage .................................................................2-26
Seatback pockets (if so equipped) ..................2-26
Seatback side pockets (if so equipped) ..........2-26
Sunglasses case .............................................2-26
Cup holders .....................................................2-27
Glove box ........................................................2-28
Console box ....................................................2-28
Covered storage box .......................................2-29
Cargo net (if so equipped) ..............................2-30
Windows ...............................................................2-31
Power windows................................................2-31
Sunroof (if so equipped).......................................2-33
ZX

TACHOMETER
The tachometer indicates engine speed in
revolutions per minute (r/min).
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the
red zone, shift to a higher gear. Oper-
ating the engine in the red zone may
cause serious engine damage.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERA-
TURE GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature.
The engine coolant temperature varies with
the outside air temperature and driving con-
ditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature over the normal range,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely pos-
sible. If the engine is overheated, con-
tinued operation of the vehicle may
seriously damage the engine. See the
``In case of emergency'' section for
immediate action required.
WIC0188LIC0165
2-6Instruments and controls
ZX

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 forMAXIMUM
and QUICKheating, cooling, or defrosting.
LHA0110
4-6Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZX

OPERATING TIPS
cWhen the engine coolant temperature
and outside air temperature are low, the
air flow from the foot outlets may not
operate for a maximum of 150 seconds.
However, this is not a malfunction. After
the coolant temperature warms up, air
flow from the foot outlets will operate
normally.
The sunload sensor, located on the top
passenger side of the instrument panel,
helps maintain a constant temperature. Do
not put anything on or around this sensor.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.
WHA0139
SERVICING AIR
CONDITIONER
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-11
ZX

WARNING
cThe traction control system is de-
signed to help improve driving sta-
bility but does not prevent accidents
due to abrupt steering operation at
high speeds or by careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering
on slippery surfaces and always
drive carefully.
cIf suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs and bush-
ings are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the trac-
tion control off indicator light may
come on.
cWhen driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the traction control system
may not operate properly or the
indicator light may come on.
Do not drive on these types of roads.cIf tires other than the recommended
ones are used, the traction control
system may not operate properly or
the
indicator light may come on.
cThe traction control system is not a
substitute for winter tires or tire
chains on a snow covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR
LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be-
fore inserting it into the key hole.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check the anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base)
to assure proper winter protection. For de-
tails, see ``Engine cooling system'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Maintenance
and do-it-yourself '' section.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving5-21
ZX

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.3. 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.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. 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.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS
6-8In case of emergency
ZX

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.
6. 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.
ACE0511
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-9
ZX

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements .....................................8-2
General maintenance .............................................8-3
Explanation of general maintenance
items ..................................................................8-3
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-5
Engine compartment check locations QR
engine .....................................................................8-7
Engine compartment check locations VQ
engine .....................................................................8-8
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-9
Checking engine coolant level ..........................8-9
Changing engine coolant ................................8-10
Engine oil .............................................................8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................8-10
Changing engine oil ........................................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.................................8-13
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-14
Temperature conditions for checking ..............8-14
Power steering fluid..............................................8-15
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-16
Brake fluid........................................................8-16
Clutch fluid .......................................................8-16Window washer fluid ............................................8-17
Battery ..................................................................8-17
Jump starting ...................................................8-18
Drive belts ............................................................8-19
Spark plugs ..........................................................8-20
Replacing spark plugs (QR25DE) ...................8-20
Replacing spark plugs (VQ35DE) ...................8-20
Air cleaner ............................................................8-21
Cabin air filter (if so equipped) ........................8-21
Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-24
Cleaning ..........................................................8-24
Replacing .........................................................8-24
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-25
Checking parking brake...................................8-25
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-25
Brake booster ..................................................8-26
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-26
Checking clutch pedal .....................................8-26
Fuses ....................................................................8-27
Engine compartment .......................................8-27
Passenger compartment .................................8-28
Keyfob battery replacement .................................8-29
ZX