2003 NISSAN ALTIMA traction control

2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer.....................2-3
Trip computer..................................2-4
Tachometer....................................2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-6
Fuel gauge....................................2-7
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders.......2-8
Checking bulbs................................2-8
Warning lights.................................2-8
Indicator lights................................2-10
Audible reminders.............................2-12
Security systems.................................2-12
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS)........2-12
Vehicle security system (if so equipped)..........2-14
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-16
Switch operation..............................2-16
Rear window defroster switch......................2-17
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-18
Xenon headlights..............................2-18
Headlight control switch........................2-19
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-21
Instrument brightness control...................2-22Turn signal switch.............................2-22
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-24
Horn............................................2-24
Heated seat (if so equipped).......................2-25
Traction control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-26
Power outlet.....................................2-26
Storage.........................................2-27
Seatback pockets (if so equipped)..............2-27
Seatback side pockets (if so equipped)..........2-27
Sunglasses holder.............................2-28
Cup holders..................................2-28
Glove box....................................2-29
Console box..................................2-30
Covered storage box...........................2-31
Cargo net (if so equipped)......................2-32
Windows........................................2-33
Power windows...............................2-33
Sunroof (if so equipped)...........................2-35
Electric sunroof...............................2-35
Interior light......................................2-36
Map lights.......................................2-37
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1. Headlight and turn signal switch
2. Meters and gauges
3. Windshield wiper/washer switch
4. Center ventilator
5. Audio system
6. Front passenger supplemental air bag
7. Glove box
8. Heater and air conditioner (manual)
9. Hazard warning flasher switch
10. Power outlet
11. Rear window defroster switch (manual)
12. Cruise control main/set switch
13. Driver supplemental air bag
14. Steering wheel switch for audio control
15. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel lever
16. Traction control system (TCS) cancel
switch
17. Instrument brightness control
18. Outside mirror remote control
19. Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
20. Rear window defroster switch
(automatic)
21. Front defroster switch (automatic)
WIC0315
INSTRUMENT PANEL
2-2Instruments and controls
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orAnti-lock brake warning lightLow washer fluid warning lightHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
orBrake warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Charge warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightSlip indicator light
Door open warning lightTrunk lid open warning lightTraction control system off indicator light
Engine oil pressure warning lightCRUISE main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low fuel warning lightCruise SET switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and turn the ignition key to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,or,,,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
or,,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock brake
warning light (if so
equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the anti-lock brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by a NISSAN dealer.Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly do-
ing so may cause the ABS light to stay on
when there is nothing wrong) . If the light
stays on, have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function ceases, but the regular braking
system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact a NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-8Instruments and controls
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Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If this indicator lamp comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also come on
steady if the fuel filler cap is loose or missing, or if
the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel filler cap is installed and closed tightly,
and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons of fuel
in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator lamp on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If
the fuel filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
lamp should turn off after
a few driving trips. If thelamp does
not turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. Youdo not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator lamp blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected by
a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This indicator light will blink when the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if the slip indicator
blinks on. If this happens, adjust your driving
accordingly.
The slip indicator light also comes on when you
turn the ignition key to the ON position. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational. If the light does not come on or go
off, have the traction control system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
The system operates in all transmission shift lever
positions, but the system can upshift the trans-
mission only as high as the indicated shift lever
position.
Traction control system off
indicator light
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the light will illuminate. The light will turn off after
about 2 seconds if the traction control system
(TCS) is operational.
If the light stays on or comes on when you are
driving, it may indicate the traction control system
is not functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Instruments and controls2-11
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The light comes on when the traction control off
switch is pushed to OFF. This indicates the trac-
tion control system is not operating.
Push the traction control off switch again or re-
start the engine and the system will operate nor-
mally. See “Traction control” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch in the OFF position, a
chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened if
the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.
Your vehicle has two types of security systems:
cNISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System—NVIS
cVehicle security system (if so equipped)
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS)
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS)
will not allow the engine to start without the use of
a registered NVIS key.
LIC0301
SECURITY SYSTEMS
2-12Instruments 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.
LIC0134
Instrument panel
WIC0276
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)POWER OUTLET
2-26Instruments and controls
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-3
Ignition switch.....................................5-4
Automatic transmission..........................5-4
Manual transmission............................5-5
Key positions..................................5-5
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS).........5-5
Before starting the engine..........................5-6
Starting the engine................................5-6
Driving the vehicle.................................5-7
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)...........5-7
Manual transmission...........................5-10
Parking brake....................................5-12
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-13
Precautions on cruise control...................5-13
Cruise control operations.......................5-13Break-in schedule................................5-14
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-15
Parking/parking on hills............................5-16
Power steering...................................5-17
Brake system....................................5-17
Brake precautions.............................5-17
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if so equipped)...............................5-18
Traction control system (TCS) (if so equipped).......5-19
Cold weather driving..............................5-20
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-20
Anti-freeze....................................5-20
Battery.......................................5-20
Draining of coolant water.......................5-20
Tire equipment................................5-20
Special winter equipment.......................5-21
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-21
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-22
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If a malfunction occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function will not operate, but the standard
vehicle brake system will continue to operate
normally. The ABS brake warning light will then
come on.
If the light comes on during the self-test or while
driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for
repair.
WARNING
cThe anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces 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 cov-
ered roads, or if you are using tire
chains. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness. Always
maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the re-
sponsibility for safety of self and others
rests in the hands of the driver.cTire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the speci-
fied size of tires on all four wheels.
cWhen installing a spare tire, make sure
it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the tire placard. For tire placard
location information, refer to “Tire plac-
ard” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
cRefer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.When driving on slippery surfaces or suddenly
avoiding obstacles on roads, the vehicle 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 operat-
ing, the slip indicator in the instrument panel
blinks.
cIf the slip indicator blinks, the vehicle is un-
der slippery conditions. Be sure to drive
carefully. See “Slip indicator light” and “Trac-
tion control off indicator light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
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 trac-
tion control function is canceled. The vehicle will
behave like a vehicle without the system.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-19
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Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
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