2002 NISSAN ALTIMA light

Suggested maximum speed in each
gear
Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested
speed (shown below) in any gear. For level
road driving, use the highest gear sug-
gested for that speed. Always observe
posted speed limits, and drive according to
the road conditions, which will ensure safe
operation. Do not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear as it may cause
engine damage or loss of vehicle control.
GEAR MPH (km/h)
1st 30 (48)
2nd 60 (96)
3rd 90 (144)
4th þ
5th þTo engage:pull the lever up.
To release:
1. Firmly apply foot brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the shift selector lever in the N
(neutral) position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the shift selector lever to the P
(park) position.
3. While pulling up on the parking brake
lever slightly, push the button and lower
completely.4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
WARNING
cBe sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.
cDo not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
cDo not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.
c
Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
LSD0019
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-13
ZX

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The SET indica-
tor light in the instrument panel then
blinks to warn the driver.
cIf the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have
the system checked by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cThe SET indicator light may blink when
the cruise control main switch is turned
ON while pushing the RES/ACCEL,COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch (lo-
cated on the steering wheel). To properly
use the cruise control system, use the
following procedures.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when
driving under the following conditions.
cWhen it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
cIn heavy traffic or in traffic that var-
ies in speed.
cOn winding or hilly roads.
c
On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
cIn very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do
not shift into N (Neutral) without de-
pressing the clutch pedal when the
cruise control is set. Should this occur,
depress the clutch pedal and turn the-
main switch off immediately. Failure to
do so may cause engine damage.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERA-
TIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 30 to 90 MPH (48 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the
main switch. The CRUISE indicator light in
the instrument panel comes on.
To set cruising speed,accelerate the ve-
hicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. The SET
light in the instrument cluster comes on.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Your vehicle maintains the set speed.
cTo pass another vehicle,depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-
ously set speed.
c
The vehicle may not maintain the set speed
when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,use one of
the following three methods:
a) Push the CANCEL button; the SET light
in the instrument cluster goes out.
LSD0020
CRUISE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
5-14Starting and driving
ZX

b) Tap the brake pedal; the SET light goes
out.
c) Turn the main switch off. Both the
CRUISE indicator on the main switch and
SET light in the instrument cluster go out.
The cruise control is automatically can-
celled and the SET light in the instrument
panel goes out if:
cyou depress the brake or clutch pedal
while pushing the RES/ACCEL or
COAST/SET switch.
cthe vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH
(13 km/h) below the set speed.
cyou depress the clutch pedal (manual
transmission), or move the shift selector
lever to N (Neutral) (automatic transmis-
sion).
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods.
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
and release the COAST/SET switch.
b) Push and hold the RES/ACCEL switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.c)Push and release the RES/ACCEL switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed
increases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the COAST/SET switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows to the desired speed.
c) Push and release the COAST/SET
switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed decreases by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the RES/ACCEL switch. The vehicle
returns to the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48 km/h).
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km),
follow these recommendations for the future
reliability and economy of your new vehicle.
cAvoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
Starting and driving5-15
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parking brake is weakened or whenever the
parking brake shoes and/or drums are re-
placed, in order to assure the best braking
performance.
This procedure is described in the Vehicle
service manual and can be performed by
your NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
c
While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerating
or downshifting. Abrupt braking or
accelerating could cause the wheels
to skid and result in an accident.
cIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As a
result, your braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedalto heat-up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
The anti-lock brake system installed in
some models controls the brakes at each
wheel so the wheels do not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slip-
pery surfaces. The system detects the rota-
tion speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing
wheel lockup, the system helps the driver
maintain steering control and helps to mini-
mize swerving and spinning on slippery
surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not oper-
ate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10
km/h). The speeds vary according to road
conditions. When the anti-lock system
senses that one or more wheels are close to
locking up, the actuator (under the hood)
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise or vibration from the actuator under
the hood. This is normal and indicates that
the anti-lock system is working properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that
road conditions are hazardous and extra
care is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system is sophisticated,
with electronic sensors, electric pumps, and
hydraulic solenoids controlled by a com-
puter. The computer has a built-in diagnos-
tic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle at
a low speed in forward or reverse. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a ``clunk''
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
Starting and driving
5-19
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tion of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the
ABS brake warning light in the dashboard.
The brake system then operates normally,
but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self-test or
while driving, take the vehicle to an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-
lock brake system. Stopping distances
may also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety
of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver.cTire type and condition of tires may
also affect braking effectiveness.
When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tire on all four
wheels.
cWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
ªTire placardº in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section of
this manual.
Refer to ``Wheels and tires'' in the
``Maintenance and do-it-yourself'' sec-
tion of this manual.When driving on slippery surfaces or sud-
denly avoiding obstacles on roads, the ve-
hicle might swerve or slip. With the vehicle
traction control system, sensors detect
these movements and control the braking
and engine output to help improve vehicle
stability while driving.
cWhen the traction control system is op-
erating, the slip indicator in the instru-
ment panel blinks.
cIf the slip indicator blinks, the vehicle is
under slippery conditions. Be sure to
drive carefully. See ªSlip indicator lightº,
and ªtraction control off indicator lightº in
the ªInstruments and controlsº section.
cIf a malfunction occurs in the system,
the
andindicator lights come
on in the meter panel.
As long as these warning lights are on,
the traction control function is canceled.
The vehicle will behave like a vehicle
without the system.
TRACTION CONTROL
SYSTEM (TCS)
5-20Starting and driving
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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
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Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another ve-
hicle, position the two vehicles to bring
their batteries into close proximity to
each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to
touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift
selector lever to N (Neutral) (manual
transmission) or to P (Park) (automatic
transmission). Switch off all unncessaryelectrical systems (lights, heater, air con-
ditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence
as illustrated.
CAUTION
cAlways connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (þ) to body
ground (for example, strut mountingbolt, 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.
ACE1013
In case of emergency6-7
ZX

In order to maintain the appearance of your
vehicle, it is important to take proper care of
it.
In the following cases, please wash your
vehicle as soon as possible to protect the
paint surface:
cafter a rainfall to prevent possible dam-
age from acid rain.
cafter driving on coastal roads.
cwhen contaminants such as soot, bird
droppings, tree sap, metal particles or
bugs get on the paint surface.c
when dust or mud builds up on the surface.
Whenever possible, store or park your ve-
hicle inside a garage or in a covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in
a shady area or protect the vehicle with a
body cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint sur-
face
when putting on or removing the
body cover.
WASHING
Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of
water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a
mild soap, a special vehicle soap or general
purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with
clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.
CAUTION
cDo not wash the vehicle with strong
household soap, strong chemical
detergents, gasoline or solvents.
cDo not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight or while the vehicle body is
hot, as the surface may become
water-spotted.cAvoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care
must be taken when removing
caked-on dirt or other foreign sub-
stances so that the paint surface is
not scratched or damaged.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of
clean water.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the
doors, hatches and hood are particularly
vulnerable to the effects of road salt. There-
fore, these areas must be regularly cleaned.
Take care that the drain holes in the lower
edge of the door are open. Spray water
under the body and in the wheel wells to
loosen the dirt and wash away road salt.
A damp chamois can be used to dry the
vehicle to avoid water spots.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
After waxing, polishing is recommended to
remove built-up residue and to avoid a
``weathered'' appearance.
Your NISSAN dealer can assist you in
MAI0001
CLEANING EXTERIOR
7-2Appearance and care
ZX