2002 NISSAN ALTIMA automatic transmission

dealer because the fuel lines are
under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.
cNever connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition is in the ON
position.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition is in the ON position.
c
Avoid contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant, and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
This ``Maintenance and do-it-yourself'' sec-
tion gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner
to perform.
A genuine NISSAN service manual is also
available. See ``Owner's manual/service
manual order information'' in the ``Technical
and consumer information'' section.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

WARNING
cWhen the engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away
from any moving parts such as the
cooling fan and drive belts.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKING
cThe fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range on the dipstick after the
following conditions have been met:
Ð The engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
Ð The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
Ð The automatic transmission fluid should
be warmed to between 122É and 176ÉF
(50É to 80ÉC).
cThe fluid can be checked at fluid tem-
peratures of 86É to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstick,
after the engine is warmed up and before
driving. However, the fluid should be
re-checked using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the shift
selector lever through each gear range.
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park)
after you have moved it through all
ranges.
LDI0122WDI0147
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

3. Check the fluid level with the engine
idling.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean
with lint-free paper.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the dipstick
tube as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the read-
ing. If the level is at the low side of either
range, add fluid through the dipstick tube.
CAUTION
DO NOT OVERFILL. USE ONLY NISSAN
Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska)
or Canada NISSAN Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid. DexronŸ III/MerconŸ or
equivalent may also be used. Outside
the continental United States and
Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN
dealership for more information re-
garding suitable fluids, including rec-
ommended brand(s) of DexronŸ
III/MerconŸ Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in
hot weather, or if it is being used to pull
a trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot
be read. You should wait until the fluid
has cooled down (about 30 minutes).The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT MAX range on the power steering fluid
reservoir at fluid temperatures of 122É to
176ÉF (50É to 80ÉC) or using the COLD
MAX range on the power steering fluid
reservoir at fluid temperatures of 32É to
86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF II or equivalent.
WDI0125ADI1117
POWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
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

WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose- down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cBe certain your rear view mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering
stability and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmis-
sion, first block the wheels and apply the
parking brake, and then move the shift
lever into the P position. If you move the
shift lever to the P position before block-
ing the wheels and applying the parking
brake, transmission damage could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the airconditioner system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500
miles (800 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn than
your vehicle wheels. To compensate for
this, make a larger than normal turning
radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will ad-
versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When
being passed by larger vehicles, be pre-
pared for possible changes in crosswinds
that could affect vehicle handling. If
swaying does occur, firmly grip the steer-
ing wheel, steer straight ahead, and im-
mediately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
Technical and consumer information
9-17
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