2004 NISSAN ALTIMA checking oil

orAnti-lock brake warning light
(if so equipped)Low windshield washer fluid warning lightCruise SET switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
orBrake warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
Charge warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Door open warning lightTrunk lid open warning lightSlip indicator light (if so equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator light
(A/T models)Traction control system off indicator light
(if so equipped)
Low fuel warning lightCRUISE main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
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
Instruments and controls2-9
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/10/03Ðtbrooks
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

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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/13/03Ðtbrooks
X

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
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/13/03Ðtbrooks
X

N
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS).................2-15, 3-2, 5-5
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-10
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats...........6-8
Owner’s manual order form..........9-21
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-21
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-25
Parking brake operation..........5-12
Parking/parking on hills...........5-15Power
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-26
Power rear windows............2-33
Power steering fluid.............8-14
Power steering system...........5-16
Power windows...............2-32
Rear power windows............2-33
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child restraints.......1-30
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-22
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting...................6-8
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-30
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-22
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-17
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-19
Rear power windows..............2-33
Rear seat.....................1-6
Rear window defogger switch.........2-17
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system..........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-19S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Child seat belts...............1-30
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-19
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Rear seat adjustment.............1-6
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-24
Infants and small children.........1-25
Injured Person................1-25
Larger children...............1-25
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-22
Pregnant women..............1-25
Seat belt extenders.............1-29
Seat belt maintenance...........1-29
Seat belts..................1-22
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-28
Three-point type with retractor.......1-26
Seat belt warning light.............2-11
Seatback pockets................2-27
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-24
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat...................1-6
Security system (Nissan vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-15, 3-2, 5-5
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-26
Service manual order form...........9-21
Servicing air conditioner............4-13
10-4
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/13/03Ðtbrooks
X