2004 NISSAN ALTIMA automatic transmission fluid

4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with
lint-free paper.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the dipstick tube
as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading. If
the automatic transmission fluid level is
within the normal operating range
sB,no
additional fluid is required. If the fluid level is
low
sAadd fluid through the dipstick tube.
CAUTION
DO NOT OVERFILL. Use ONLY Genuine
Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic
Transmission Fluid. Dexron™ III/Mercon™
or equivalent may also be used. Outside
the continental United States and Alaska
contact a NISSAN dealership for more in-
formation regarding suitable fluids, in-
cluding recommended brand(s) of
Dexron™ III/Mercon™ automatic trans-
mission fluid.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the fluid level cannot be read accu-
rately. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes) before
checking fluid level.The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
MAX range on the power steering fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122° - 176°F (50° -
80°C) or using the COLD MAX range on the
power steering fluid reservoir at fluid tempera-
tures of 32° - 86°F (0° - 30°C) .
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF fluid. Remove the cap and fill
through the opening.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
WDI0221WDI0256
POWER STEERING FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 75.8 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter changeQR25DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.2
• API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-III*2 *3 VQ35DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
Without oil filter changeQR25DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
VQ35DE 3-7/8 qt 3-1/4 qt 3.7
Cooling system
With reservoir
QR25DE 8 qt 6-3/4 qt 7.6
50% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze Long Life Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VQ35DE 8-5/8 qt 7-1/4 qt 8.2
Manual transmission gear oil 4-7/8 pt 4 pt 2.3 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid HQ Multi 75W-85 or equivalent
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level according to the instructions
in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic
Transmission Fluid.*4
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*8
Brake and clutch fluid
Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)Multi-purpose grease———NLGINo.2(Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricants— — — NISSAN A/C System Lubricant Type DH-PS or equivalent*6
Winshield washer fluid— — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-freeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: For further details, see “Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.”
*4: Dexron™ III/Mercon™ or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealership for more information regarding suitable fluids, including recommended
brand(s) of Dexron™ III/Mercon™ Automatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , Dexron™ III/Mercon™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
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 adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive
(automatic transmission) .cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission
cAlways tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
cAfter towing 500 miles, start and idle the
engine with the transmission in Neutral for
two minutes. Failure to idle the engine after
every 500 miles of towing may cause dam-
age to internal transmission parts.
Technical and consumer information9-17
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10 Index
A
Air bag
(See supplemental restraint system)......1-8
Air bag warning light...........1-20, 2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-20
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service...........4-13
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-3, 4-12
Servicing air conditioner..........4-13
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-13
Anchor point locations.............1-38
Antenna.....................4-29
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-17
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-9
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-13
Audio system..................4-14
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-22
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-17
Radio....................4-14
Autolight switch.................2-20Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-34
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-13
Automatic transmission position
indicator light................2-11
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock release . .5-9
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-16
B
Battery......................8-17
Charge warning light............2-10
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system). . . .3-9, 8-29
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-18
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-17
Brake booster................8-26
Brake fluid..................8-15
Brake light (See stop light).........8-31
Brake pedal.................8-25
Brake system................5-17
Brake warning light.............2-10
Brake wear indicators........2-13, 8-26
Parking brake check............8-25
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Self-adjusting brakes............8-26
Break-in schedule................5-14Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-21
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-31
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-30
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-28
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light)........2-12
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...........2-13
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-18, 4-22
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-15
Cold weather driving..............5-20
Console box...................2-29
Controls
Heater and air conditioner
controls.................4-3, 4-12
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Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-12
Cup holders...................2-28
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............2-10
Drive belts....................8-18
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.................5-14
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-19
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-6Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-6
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-10
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-27
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-23
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-13
Brake fluid..................8-15
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-15
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9Power steering fluid.............8-14
Window washer fluid............8-16
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................5-14
Fuel filler cap................3-13
Fuel filler lid.................3-13
Fuel filler lid and cap............3-13
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever.......3-13
Fuel gauge..................2-8
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-26
Fusible links...................8-27
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-38
Gascap.....................3-13
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Fuel gauge..................2-8
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-6
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-29
Glove box lock.................2-29
10-2
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Shift lock release.................5-9
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-8
Manual transmission............5-10
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-28
Spark plug replacement............8-19
Speedometer...................2-4
Spotlights (See map light)...........2-37
SRS warning label...............1-20
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Jump starting.................6-6
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting.................6-8
Starting the engine..............5-6
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-14
Power steering system...........5-16
Tilting steering wheel............3-14
Stop light....................8-31
Storage.....................2-27
Sunglasses case................2-27
Sunglasses holder...............2-27
Sunroof.....................2-34
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-20, 2-11
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-20
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-8
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-8
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-20
Automatic power window switch.....2-34
Fog light switch...............2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-23Headlight and turn signal switch......2-18
Ignition switch................5-4
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window defogger switch.......2-17
Traction control system (TCS) off
switch....................2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-16
T
Tachometer....................2-6
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-10
Theft (Nissan vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start..............2-15, 3-2, 5-5
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-14
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-42
Tire chains..................8-40
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-38
Tire rotation.................8-40
Types of tires................8-39
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-18
Wheels and tires..............8-38
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-38
Towing
Flat towing..................9-17
Tow truck towing...............6-9
Towing load/specification chart......9-15Trailer towing................9-14
Traction control system (TCS) off switch . . .2-25
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-38
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-13
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-10
Selector lever lock release..........5-9
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
Trip odometer...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat.......1-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-11
Trunk light....................2-38
Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch)............2-18, 2-22
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-18
V
Vanity mirror...................3-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number).................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.................6-11
Vehicle security system.............2-13
10-5
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