2003 NISSAN ALTIMA instrument panel

If the light still remains on and/or the en-
gine will not start, see a NISSAN dealer for
NVIS service as soon as possible. Please
bring all NVIS keys that you have when
visiting your NISSAN dealer for service.
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM (if so
equipped)
The vehicle security system provides visual and
audio alarm signals if parts of the vehicle are
disturbed.
Security indicator light (Vehicle secu-
rity system)
The security indicator lights1is located on the
instrument panel near the windshield.
The security indicator light shows the status of
the vehicle security system.
The light operates whenever the ignition switch is
in the LOCK, OFF, or ACC position.
The vehicle security system has four phases. For
each phase the operation of the security indicator
light is different.
How to arm the vehicle security sys-
tem
1. Close all windows.(The system can be
armed even if the windows are open.)
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
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2-14Instruments and controls
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HEADLIGHT CONTROL SWITCH
Lighting
s1When turning the switch to theposi-
tion, the front parking, tail, license plate and
instrument panel lights come on.
s2When turning the switch to theposi-
tion, the headlights come on and all the other
lights remain on.
Type A
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Type B
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Type C
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Autolight system (if so equipped)
The autolight sensors1is located on the instru-
ment panel.
The autolight system allows the headlights to be
set so they turn on and off automatically. The
autolight system can:
cTurn on the headlights automatically when it
is dark.
See your NISSAN dealer to have the
autolight activation sensitivity setting
adjusted.cTurn off the headlights when it is light.
cKeep the headlights on for up to 180 sec-
onds after you turn the key to OFF and all
doors are closed.
The default time delay for autolight
shutoff is 45 seconds. See your
NISSAN dealer to have the time delay
setting adjusted.
If the ignition switch is turned OFF and one of the
doors is opened, the headlights remain ON for 5
minutes.
To set the autolight system:
1. Make sure the headlight switch is in the
AUTO position.
2. Turn the ignition key to ON.
3. The autolight system automatically turns the
headlights on and off.
To turn the autolight system off, turn the switch to
the OFF,
,orposition.Be sure you do not put anything on top of
the autolight sensor located in the top
driver side of the instrument panel. The
autolight sensor controls the autolight; if it
is covered, the autolight sensor reacts as if
it is dark out and the headlights will illumi-
nate. If this occurs while parked with the
engine off and the key in the ON position,
your vehicle’s battery could become dis-
charged.
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2-20Instruments and controls
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INSTRUMENT BRIGHTNESS
CONTROL
The instrument cluster illuminates when the igni-
tion switch is in ON position.
The instrument brightness control operates when
the headlight control switch is in the
AUTO,
orposition.
Turn the control to adjust the brightness of instru-
ment panel lights when driving at night.
The instrument brightness control will not adjust
the brightness when the headlights or parking
lights are off.
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
Turn signal
s1Move the lever up or down to signal the
turning direction. When the turn is com-
pleted, the turn signals cancel automatically.
Lane change signal
s2To signal a lane change, move the lever up or
down to the point where the indicator light
begins to flash, but the lever does not latch.
FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if so equipped)
Normal operation of the fog lights in the
ONposition:
Headlight switch in the AUTO position; day-
time operation
cFog lights, marker and taillights come ON.
cHeadlights do not come ON.
cDash readouts dim unless the dimmer
switch is on full bright.
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2-22Instruments and controls
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The vehicle should be driven with the Traction
Control System (TCS) on for most driving condi-
tions.
When the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the
TCS reduces the engine output to reduce wheel
spin. The engine speed will be reduced even if
the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If maxi-
mum engine power is needed to free a stuck
vehicle, turn the TCS off.To turn off the TCS, push the TCS OFF switch.
The
indicator will come on.
Push the “TCS OFF” switch again or restart the
engine and the system will operate normally. See
“Traction control system (TCS)” in the “Starting
and driving” section.
The power outlets are for powering electrical
accessories such as cellular telephones. They
are rated at 12 Volts 120 Watts maximum.
CAUTION
cThe outlet and plug may be hot during
or immediately after use.
cThis power outlet is not designed for
use with a cigarette lighter unit.
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Instrument panel
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TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)POWER OUTLET
2-26Instruments and controls
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POWER WINDOWS
WARNING
cMake sure that all passengers have
their hands, etc. inside the vehicle while
it is in motion and before closing the
windows. Use the window lock switch
to prevent unexpected use of the power
windows.
cDo not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls and become
trapped in a window. Unattended chil-
dren could become involved in serious
accidents.
1. Door lock/unlock button
2. Window lock button
3. Front passenger side
4. Right rear passenger side
5. Left rear passenger side
6. Driver side automatic switch
Driver’s side power window switch
The driver’s side control panel is equipped with
switches to open or close all of the windows.
The power windows operate when the ignition
switch is in the ON position, or for about 45
seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position. If the driver’s or passenger’s dooris opened during this period of about 45 sec-
onds, power to the windows is canceled. To open
a window, push the switch and hold it down. To
close a window, pull the switch up. To stop the
opening or closing function at any time, simply
release the switch.
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WINDOWS
Instruments and controls2-33
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s1Pull the hood lock release handle located
below the driver side instrument panel; the
hood springs up slightly.
s2Lift the lever at the front of the hood with your
fingertips and raise the hood.
s3Remove the support rod from the clamp.
s4Insert the support rod into the slot on the
passenger side fender ledge.5. When closing the hood, return the support
rod to its original position, lower the hood to
approximately 12 inches above the latch and
release it. This allows proper engagement of
the hood latch.
WARNING
cMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving. Fail-
ure to do so could cause the hood to fly
open and result in an accident.
cIf you see steam or smoke coming from
the engine compartment, to avoid injury
do not open the hood.
LPD0072
HOOD
3-10Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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— Air flows from center and side
ventilators.
— Air flows from center and side
ventilators and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
— Air flows from defroster and foot
outlets.
To turn system off
Push the OFF button.
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 tempera-
ture warms up, air flow from the foot outlets
will operate normally.The sunload sensor, located on the top passen-
ger side of the instrument panel, helps the system
maintain a constant temperature. Do not put any-
thing on or around this sensor.The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. See “Air conditioner system refrigerant
and lubricant recommendations” in the “Techni-
cal and consumer information” section of this
manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equipment.
WHA0209
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
4-12Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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