2003 NISSAN ALTIMA heater

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)
An engine block heater to assist in extreme cold
temperature starting is available through a
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use an
ungrounded connection.
5-22Starting and driving
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cWhenever working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protectors (for
example, goggles or industrial safety
spectacles) and remove rings, metal
bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean
over the battery when jump starting.
cDo not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause se-
rious injury.
cYour vehicle has an automatic engine
cooling fan. It could come on at any
time. Keep hands and other objects
away from it.
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage to
the charging system and cause personal
injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries near each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift lever
to N (Neutral) (manual transmission) or to P
(Park) (automatic transmission) . Switch off
all unnecessary electrical systems (lights,
heater, air conditioner, 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 il-
lustrated (
sA,sB,sC,sD).
WCE0054
In case of emergency6-7
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If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading) , or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc. take the following steps.
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause a ve-
hicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator
cap is removed, pressurized hot water
will spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply
the parking brake and move the shift lever to
N (Neutral) (manual transmission) or to P
(Park) (automatic transmission) .
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner (if so equipped) .
Open all the windows, move the heater or air
conditioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Wait
until no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling
fan can start at any time when the coolant
temperature is high.6. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the reservoir tank with the engine
running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if
necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at a
NISSAN dealer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-9
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Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Automatic transmission fluid level*Check
the level after putting the selector lever in P with
the engine idling at operating temperature.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.
QR25DE
WDI0211
VQ35DE
WDI0212
ENGINE OIL
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)......................1-8
Air bag warning light...........1-20, 2-10
Air cleaner housing filter............8-22
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service...........4-12
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-3, 4-11
Servicing air conditioner..........4-12
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-12
Anchor point locations.............1-38
Antenna.....................4-28
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-8
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-12
Audio system..................4-13
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-20
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-15
Radio....................4-13
Autolight switch.................2-20Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-34
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock release . .5-9
B
Battery......................8-18
Charge warning light.............2-9
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system). . . .3-8, 8-30
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-20
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-18
Brake booster................8-27
Brake fluid..................8-16
Brake light (See stop light).........8-33
Brake pedal.................8-26
Brake system................5-17
Brake warning light..............2-9
Brake wear indicators........2-12, 8-27
Parking brake check............8-26
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Self-adjusting brakes............8-27
Break-in schedule................5-14
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-22
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-8
Bulb replacement................8-33C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-28
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-27
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light)........2-11
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-38
Child restraints.......1-24, 1-25, 1-30, 1-37
Precautions on child restraints.......1-30
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-38
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-12
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-16, 4-21
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-17
Cold weather driving..............5-20
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls .4-3, 4-11
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..................5-13
Cup holders...................2-28
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D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-21
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-17
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light.............2-9
Drive belts....................8-20
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-20
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-10
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-15
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-18
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..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-9
Engine oil..................8-10Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light......2-9
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-6
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-28
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-24
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Brake fluid..................8-16
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-17
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..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-22
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-15
Fuel filler cap................3-13
Fuel filler lid.................3-13
Fuel filler lid and cap............3-13Fuel filler lid lock opener lever.......3-13
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-27
Fusible links...................8-28
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-38
Gascap.....................3-13
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Odometer...................2-3
Speedometer.................2-3
Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-3
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-29
Glove box lock.................2-29
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-24
Head restraints..................1-7
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-18
Heated seats..................2-25
Heater
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-3, 4-11
Heater operation............4-4, 4-11
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-38
10-2
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