2002 NISSAN ALTIMA ECU

Replace the battery in the keyfob as follows:
1. Open the lid using a coin.
2. Replace the battery with a new one.
Recommended battery: Sanyo CR2025
or equivalent.3. Close the lid securely.
4. Press the
button, then thebutton
two or three times to check the keyfob
operation.
Each time the
button is pressed, thehazard lights flash once.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step 4.
cAn improperly disposed battery can
hurt the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.
cThe keyfob is water-resistant; how-
ever, if it does get wet, immediately
wipe completely dry.
cThe operational range of the keyfob
extends to approximately 33 ft (10 m)
from the vehicle. This range may vary
with conditions.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer for com-
pliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.
LPD0081
KEYFOB BATTERY
REPLACEMENT
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-29
ZX

cFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ``Important Tire Safety
Information'' in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US) or ``Tire Safety
Information'' in the Warranty and
Roadside Assistance Information
booklet (Canada).
All Season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some
models to provide good performance for
use all year around, including snowy and icy
road conditions. All Season Tires are iden-
tified by ALL SEASON and/or M&S on the
tire sidewall. Snow tires have better snow
traction than All Season tires and may be
more appropriate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some
models to provide superior performance on
dry roads. Summer tire performance in
snow and ice is substantially reduced. Sum-
mer tires do not have the tire traction rating
M&S on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy
or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends theuse of SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all
four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rating
to the original equipment tires. If you do not,
it can adversely affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may
not match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S
States and Canadian Provinces prohibit
their use. Check local, state and provincial
laws before installing studded tires. Skid
and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer
than that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper sizefor the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.Use only SAE class ``S'' chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In ad-
dition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or ve-
hicle handling and performance may be
adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tires. Do not use tire
chains on dry roads.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-39
ZX

maximum total weight (load) limit speci-
fied for the vehicle.
cGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -
maximum weight (load) limit specified for
the front or rear axle.
DETERMINING VEHICLE LOAD
CAPACITY
The load capacity of this vehicle is determined
by weight, not by available cargo space. For
example, a luggage rack, bike carrier, cartop
carrier or similar equipment does not increase
load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using
a commercial-grade scale, found at places
such as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain
elevator, or a scrap metal recycling facility.
1)
Determine the curb weight of your vehicle.
2) Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to de-
termine how much more weight your
vehicle can carry.
3) After loading (cargo and passengers),
re-weigh your vehicle to determine if
either GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle
is exceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, re-move cargo as necessary. If either the
front or rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the
load or remove cargo as necessary.
LOADING TIPS
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the FMVSS Cer-
tification Label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
c
Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum
front and rear GAWRs. If you do,
parts of your vehicle can break, or it
can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of
control and cause personal injury.cOverloading can shorten the life of
the vehicle. Failures caused by over-
loading are not covered by the vehi-
cle's warranty.
9-14Technical and consumer information
ZX

hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on
the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
CHART
UNIT: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD100 (45)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is
available from your NISSAN dealer
(Canada only). Make sure the trailer hitch is
securely attached to the vehicle, to help
avoid personal injury or property damage
due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough
road surfaces or passing trucks.
CAUTION
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install
a trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
cRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (located
under the center console lid).cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturer's specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the
hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be
sure to leave enough slack in the chains to
permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/ or local regulations. When wiring the
vehicle for towing, connect the stop and tail
light pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to Federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed.
9-16Technical 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

Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in what is called the ``ready
condition'' for an Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) test of the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the ``ready condition''
when it is driven through certain driving
patterns. Usually, the ready condition can be
obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle
may be reset to a ``not ready'' condition.
Before taking the I/M test, drive the vehicle
through the following pattern to set the ve-
hicle to the ready condition. If you cannot or
do not want to perform the driving pattern, a
NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C.
Allow the engine to idle until the gauge
needle points between the C and H (nor-
mal operating temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelera-
tor pedal completely and keep it released
for at least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for
a moment, then drive the vehicle at a
speed of 53 to 60 mph (86 to 96 km/h) for
at least 5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55
km/h) and maintain the speed for 20
seconds.
6. Repeat steps four through five at least
three times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h) and maintain the speed for at least
3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle (shift lever in the ``P'' or
``N'' position).
9. Rev the engine up between 2,500 and
3,500 rpm and hold it for 3 consecutive
minutes, then release the accelerator
pedal completely.
10. Wait 5 seconds at idle.
11. Rev the engine up between 2,000 and3,000 rpm and maintain it for 5 consecu-
tive minutes.
12. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
13. Repeat steps one through twelve at
least one more time.
If step one through seven is interrupted,
repeat the preceding step. Any safe driving
mode is acceptable between steps. Do not
stop the engine until step seven is com-
pleted.
READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) TEST (US only)
9-20Technical 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

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