2002 NISSAN ALTIMA transmission fluid

BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If
the fluid level is below the MIN line or the
brake warning light comes on, add Genuine
Nissan Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid
up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be thoroughly
checked by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
CLUTCH FLUID
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmission only). If the fluid level
is below the MIN line, add Genuine Nissan
Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be thoroughly
checked by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
For further brake and clutch fluid specifica-
tion information, refer to ``Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants'' in the ``Tech-
nical and consumer information'' section of
this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior, or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids
can damage the brake system and af-
fect the vehicle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, immediately wash the
surface with water.
LDI0079LDI0080
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the ``Maintenance and do-it-yourself'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 75.8 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and refill
With oil filter change QR25DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.2
cAPI Certification Mark *2 *3
cAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ, Energy
Conserving *2 *3
cILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II *2 *3 VQ35DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
Without oil filter change QR25DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
VQ35DE 3-7/8 qt 3-1/4 qt 3.7
Cooling system
With reservoir QR25DE
VQ35DE 9-1/4 qt 7-3/4 qt 8.850% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Manual transmission gear oil 3-5/8 to 3-7/8 3 to 3-1/8 3.4 to 3.6 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W - 85 only
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the
``Maintenance and do-it-yourself'' section.NISSAN Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*4
Power steering fluidGenuine NISSAN PSF II or equivalent.*8
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine 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 refrigerant Ð Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricantsNISSAN A/C System Lubricant Type DH-PS or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation.''
*2: For further details, see ``Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.''
*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 an authorized NISSAN dealership for more
information regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ªAir conditioner specification label.º
*7: For further details, see ``Changing engine oil.''
*8: Genuine NISSAN PSF, Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid, DexronŸ III/MerconŸ, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
ZX

speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember, the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
or overdrive (automatic transmission).
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change the trans-
mission fluid more frequently. For addi-
tional information see the ``Maintenance
and do-it-yourself'' section earlier in this
manual.DOT (Department of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Tempera-
ture A
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-sent the tire's ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled condi-
tions on specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause tire material to degenerate, reducing
tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to
a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A
and B represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on laboratory test wheels than the
minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
9-18Technical and consumer information
ZX

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................ 1-8
Air bag warning light ................. 1-14, 1-19, 2-9
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-21
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner service .......................... 4-11
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations.................. 9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Servicing air conditioner ....................... 4-11
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-6
Alarm system (See vehicle security
system) ...................................................... 2-13
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-37
Antenna...................................................... 4-29
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-19
Anti-lock brake warning light ..................... 2-10
Armrests....................................................... 1-7
Audio system
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ....................................... 4-16, 4-21
Autolamp switch......................................... 2-20
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-32Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-14
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-4
B
Battery........................................................ 8-17
Battery
Charge warning light .............................. 2-9
Battery replacement (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................... 3-8
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-6
Belts (See drive belts) ........................ 8-19, 9-8
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-19
Brake booster ....................................... 8-26
Brake fluid............................................. 8-16
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-25
Brake system .............................. 2-12, 5-18
Brake warning light ............................... 2-10
Brake wear indicators ................. 2-12, 8-26
Parking brake check ............................. 8-25
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-13
Self-adjusting brakes ............................ 8-26
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-15
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-8
Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-32C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................................................... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-29
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ... 9-13
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light) ................ 2-11
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-37
Child restraints ........................ 1-23, 1-28, 1-35
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-16
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-26
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-21
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-6
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................. 5-14
Cup holders ............................................... 2-27
ZX

D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-20
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-17
Dimensions and weights.............................. 9-9
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Door open warning light .............................. 2-9
Drive belts .................................................. 8-19
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 5-21
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-4
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-5
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-16
Emission control information label............. 9-12
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-19
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................... 8-10
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-13
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-9
Checking engine oil level ..................... 8-10Engine compartment check
locations .......................................... 8-7, 8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-6
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-9
Engine oil .............................................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light .. 2-12, 2-8
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-5
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
Engine specifications .............................. 9-8
Starting the engine ................................. 5-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
Eyeglass case............................................ 2-26
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-23
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-5
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-14
Brake fluid............................................. 8-16
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-16
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-9
Engine oil .............................................. 8-10
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-15
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-17
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-11Front fog light switch ................................. 2-21
Front seats ................................................... 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-16
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-12
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-12
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-4
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-3
Fuses ......................................................... 8-27
Fusible links ............................................... 8-27
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-6
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer............................................. 2-6
Trip odometer ......................................... 2-3
General maintenance .................................. 8-3
Glove box................................................... 2-28
Glove box lock ........................................... 2-28
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-23
Head restraints ............................................ 1-7
10-2
ZX

O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ........ 9-3
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-11
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-13
Checking engine oil level ..................... 8-10
Engine oil .............................................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-5
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-16
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 6-8
Owner's manual/service manual order
information ................................................. 9-21
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-25
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-13
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-17
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power outlet.......................................... 2-25
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-15
Power steering system ......................... 5-18Power windows..................................... 2-31
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ................ 8-2, 8-5
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-21
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting ................................................ 6-8
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ......................... 4-29
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ....................................... 4-16, 4-21
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test..................................................... 9-20
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-6
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-17
Refrigerant recommendation ....................... 9-7
Registering your vehicle in another
country ....................................................... 9-10
Remote keyless entry system ..................... 3-5
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................. 9-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............ 9-19
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment................ 1-3
Front power seat adjustment.................. 1-4Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-21
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-28
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-28
Seat belts.............................................. 1-21
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........... 1-27
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-24
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-9
Seatback pockets ...................................... 2-26
Seatback side pockets............................... 2-26
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 1-2
Heated seats ........................................ 2-24
Rear seat ................................................ 1-6
Self-adjusting brakes ................................. 8-26
Servicing air conditioner ............................ 4-11
Shifting
Manual transmission............................. 5-12
Shoulder belt height adjustment ................ 1-27
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-20
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-34
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-19
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Jump starting................................. 6-6, 8-18
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting........................................... 6-8
Starting the engine ................................. 5-7
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-15
Power steering system ......................... 5-18
10-4
ZX

Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-13
Storage ...................................................... 2-26
Sunglasses case........................................ 2-26
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-33
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels ............ 1-19
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................... 1-8
Switch
Autolamp switch ................................... 2-20
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-32
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-21
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-23
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-18
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-17
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-6
Three-way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-13
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire....................................... 6-5, 8-42
Tire chains ............................................ 8-39
Tire placard........................................... 9-12
Tire pressure ............................... 8-38, 9-16
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-40
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-18
Wheels and tires................................... 8-38Wheel/tire size ........................................ 9-9
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................... 6-9
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-16
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-14
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-4
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-5
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)......................................... 9-10
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-3
Trunk access through the rear seat ............ 1-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever ........................ 3-10
Trunk light .................................................. 2-35
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch) .................................... 2-18, 2-21
U
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-18
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-14
Vehicle dimensions and weights ................. 9-9
Vehicle identification .................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(chassis number) ....................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ........................................................... 9-10Vehicle loading information ....................... 9-13
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-11
Vehicle security system ............................. 2-14
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ............ 1-14, 1-19, 2-9
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-23
Vehicle security system ........................ 2-14
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-19
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ................................................ 2-8
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ...... 9-9
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-38
Wheel/tire size ............................................. 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country ...................................... 9-10
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-17
Windows
Locking passengers' windows .............. 2-32
Power windows..................................... 2-31
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-17
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-17
Wiper blades......................................... 8-24
10-5
ZX