2004 NISSAN ALTIMA headlights

cIf any door is opened when the ignition
switch is in the OFF position, the Twilight
Sentinel function operates for approximately
5 minutes. After approximately 5 minutes,
the lights will turn OFF due to the Battery
Saver function.
cIf the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position after the fog lights were turned OFF
by the Twilight Sentinel function, the fog
lights and the headlights will come ON to-
gether when the Auto Light Sensor deter-
mines it is dark enough. The fog lights will
now operate independently of the headlights
only if the headlight switch is turned OFF.
cWhen the high beams are turned ON, the
fog lights will turn OFF. The fog lights will
come back ON when the high beams are
turned OFF.
Headlights turned ON and OFF by the
driver (no AUTO headlight function) ; day or
nighttime operation
cSame operation as “Headlight switch in the
AUTO position; daytime operation” de-
scribed above.
Some of the Battery Saver and Twilight
Sentinel functions can be turned ON and
OFF or adjusted. Please see your NISSAN
dealer if you have any questions.To turn the fog lights OFF, turn the switch to the
OFF position.
The fog lights automatically turn off whenever the
high beam headlight function is selected.
Push the switch on to warn other drivers when
you must stop or park under emergency condi-
tions. All turn signal lights flash.
WARNING
cIf stopping for an emergency, be sure to
move the vehicle well off the road.
cDo not use the hazard warning flashers
while moving on the highway unless
unusual circumstances force you to
drive so slowly that your vehicle might
become a hazard to other traffic.
WIC0275
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-23
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/10/03Ðtbrooks
X

The power outlets are for powering electrical
accessories such as cellular telephones. They
are rated at 12 volt, 120W (10A) 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.
cDo not use with accessories that ex-
ceed a 12 volt, 120W (10A) power draw.
Do not use double adapters or more
than one electrical accessory.cUse this power outlet with the engine
running. (If the engine is stopped, this
could result in a discharged battery.)
cAvoid using when the air conditioner,
headlights or rear window defroster is
on.
cBefore inserting or disconnecting a
plug, be sure the electrical accessory
being used is turned OFF.cPush the plug in as far as it will go. If
good contact is not made, the plug may
overheat or the internal temperature
fuse may blow.
cWhen not in use, be sure to close the
cap. Do not allow water to contact the
outlet.
Instrument panel
WIC0276
Console
WIC0277
POWER OUTLET
2-26Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/10/03Ðtbrooks
X

Push thebutton on the keyfob again within
5 seconds.
cAll doors unlock.
cThe hazard indicator flashes once if all doors
are completely closed.
The interior lights can be turned off without wait-
ing 30 seconds by inserting the key into the
ignition and turning to the ON or START position,
locking the doors with the keyfob or pushing the
interior light switch to the OFF position.
Auto relock
When thebutton on the keyfob is pushed,
all doors will lock automatically within 1 minute
unless one of the following operations is per-
formed:
cAny door is opened.
cA key is inserted into the ignition switch and
the key is turned from OFF to ON.
Releasing the trunk lid
Push thebutton on the keyfob for longer
than 0.5 second to open the trunk lid. The trunk
release button on the keyfob will not operate
when the key is in the ignition switch.
The trunk lid will open when using the key-
fob even if the trunk lid release cancel
switch is turned to OFF. See “Trunk lid”
later in this section for cancel switch infor-
mation.
Using the panic alarm
If you are near your vehicle and feel threatened,
you may activate the panic alarm to call attention
by pushing and holding the
button on the
keyfob forlonger than 0.5 second.
The panic alarm and headlights will stay on for 25
seconds.
The panic alarm stops when:
cit has run for 25 seconds, or
cany button is pushed on the keyfob.
WPD0134WPD0135
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-7
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/13/03Ðtbrooks
X

INSIDE MIRROR
The night positions1reduces glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
Use the day position
s2when driving in daylight
hours.
WARNING
Use the night position only when neces-
sary, because it reduces rear view clarity.
1. AUTO position
2. OFF position
3. AUTO indicator light
4. Sensor (on back of mirror)
5. Sensor
AUTOMATIC ANTI-GLARE INSIDE
MIRROR (if so equipped)
The inside mirror is designed so that it automati-
cally changes reflection according to the intensity
of the headlights of the vehicle following you.
When the inside mirror switch is in the AUTO
position, excessive glare from the headlights of
the vehicle behind you will be reduced. TheAUTO indicator light will be on. When the switch
on the inside mirror is in the OFF position, the
inside mirror will operate normally.
Do not hang any object on the sensor or
apply glass cleaner. Doing so will reduce
the sensitivity of the sensor, resulting in
improper operation.
WPD0126WPD0142
MIRRORS
3-16Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/13/03Ðtbrooks
X

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................8-8
Changing engine coolant........................8-9
Engine oil.........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level........................8-9
Changing engine oil...........................8-10
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid.......................8-13
Temperature conditions for checking.............8-13
Power steering fluid...............................8-14
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-15
Brake fluid....................................8-15
Clutch fluid...................................8-15
Window washer fluid.............................8-16
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-16
Battery..........................................8-17
Jump starting.................................8-18
Drive belts.......................................8-18
Spark plugs......................................8-19Replacing spark plugs.........................8-19
Air cleaner.......................................8-20
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped)..............8-21
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-24
Cleaning.....................................8-24
Replacing....................................8-24
Parking brake and brake pedal.....................8-25
Checking parking brake........................8-25
Checking brake pedal..........................8-25
Brake booster.................................8-26
Fuses...........................................8-26
Engine compartment...........................8-26
Passenger compartment.......................8-28
Keyfob battery replacement........................8-29
Lights...........................................8-30
Headlights....................................8-30
Front park/turn/sidemarker light.................8-30
Fog lights (if so equipped)......................8-30
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-31
Wheels and tires.................................8-38
Tire pressure..................................8-38
Types of tires..................................8-39
Tire chains....................................8-40
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-40
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/13/03Ðtbrooks
X

Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts*When checking the tires,
make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check
for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel
alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
cFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet .WindshieldClean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanismOn a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P position without applying any brakes.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure it has the proper
distance under it when depressed fully. Checkthe brake booster function. Be certain to keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
travel.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has the
proper travel and confirm that your vehicle is held
securely on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched positions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/13/03Ðtbrooks
X

HEADLIGHTS
Replacing the xenon headlight bulb
WARNING
cHIGH VOLTAGE
When xenon headlights are on, they pro-
duce a high voltage. To prevent an electric
shock, never attempt to modify or disas-
semble. Always have your xenon head-
lights replaced at a NISSAN dealer. For
additional information, see “Headlight
and turn signal switch” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section.
Replacing the halogen headlight bulb
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb. Be-
cause the headlight assembly must be removed
from the vehicle for bulb replacement, see your
NISSAN dealer.
CAUTION
cAiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is
necessary, contact a NISSAN dealer.cDo not leave the headlight assembly
open without a bulb installed for a long
period of time. Dust, moisture, smoke,
etc. entering the headlight body may
affect bulb performance. Remove the
bulb from the headlight assembly just
before a replacement bulb is installed.
cOnly touch the plastic base when han-
dling the bulb. Never touch the glass
envelope. Touching the glass could sig-
nificantly affect bulb life and/or head-
light performance.
cHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
cUse the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Low beam:
Wattage: 55
Bulb no.: H1*
High beam:
Wattage: 60
Bulb no.: HB3 (9005)*
*: Always check with the Parts Depart-
ment at a NISSAN dealer for the latest
parts information.
FRONT PARK/TURN/SIDEMARKER
LIGHT
Bulb replacement requires the removal of the
headlight assembly. If replacement is required,
see your NISSAN dealer.
FOG LIGHTS (if so equipped)
Replacing the fog light bulb
CAUTION
cHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
cWhen handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.
LIGHTS
8-30Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/13/03Ðtbrooks
X