2004 NISSAN ALTIMA coolant temperature

2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer.....................2-4
Trip computer (if so equipped)...................2-5
Tachometer....................................2-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-7
Fuel gauge....................................2-8
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders.......2-9
Checking bulbs................................2-9
Warning lights.................................2-9
Indicator lights................................2-11
Audible reminders.............................2-13
Security systems.................................2-13
Vehicle security system (if so equipped)..........2-13
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS)........2-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-16
Switch operation..............................2-16
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-17
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-18
Xenon headlights (if so equipped)...............2-18
Headlight control switch........................2-19
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-21Instrument brightness control...................2-21
Turn signal switch.............................2-22
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-23
Horn............................................2-24
Heated seat (if so equipped).......................2-24
Traction control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-25
Power outlet.....................................2-26
Storage.........................................2-27
Map pockets..................................2-27
Seatback pockets (if so equipped)..............2-27
Sunglasses holder.............................2-27
Cup holders..................................2-28
Glove box....................................2-29
Console box..................................2-29
Covered storage box...........................2-31
Cargo net (if so equipped)......................2-32
Windows........................................2-32
Power windows...............................2-32
Sunroof (if so equipped)...........................2-34
Automatic sunroof.............................2-34
Interior light......................................2-36
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17. Instrument brightness control (P. 2-21)
18. Outside mirror remote control (P. 3-17)
19. Front defroster switch (automatic)
(P. 4-10)
20. Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(P. 4-10)
21. Rear window defroster switch (auto-
matic) (P. 2-17)
1. Tachometer
2. Warning/indicator lights
3. Speedometer
4. Automatic transmission position indica-
tor lights (if so equipped)
5. Engine coolant temperature gauge6. Fuel gauge
7. Odometer/trip odometer
LIC0606
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
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ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine coolant tempera-
ture. The engine coolant temperature is within the
normal range
s1when the gauge needle points
within the zone shown in the illustration.
The engine coolant temperature varies with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible. If the
engine is overheated, continued opera-
tion of the vehicle may seriously damage
the engine. See “If your vehicle over-
heats” in the “In case of emergency” sec-
tion for immediate action required.
Type B
WIC0269WIC0607
Instruments and controls2-7
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3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Push the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify the air.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
3. Push the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
When the
,or positions in between
are selected, the air conditioner automatically
turns on (however, the indicator light will not
illuminate) if the outside temperature is more than
36°F (2°C) . The air conditioning system will con-
tinue to operate until the vehicle is restarted, even
if the air flow control dial is turned to a position
other than the
position. This dehumidifies
the air which helps defog the windshield.
The
mode automatically turns off, allowingoutside air to be drawn into the passenger com-
partment to further improve the defogging perfor-
mance.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Operating tips
cKeep the windows and sunroof closed while
the air conditioner is in operation.
cAfter parking in the sun, drive for 2 or 3
minutes with the windows open to vent hot
air from the passenger compartment. Then,
close the windows. This allows the air con-
ditioner to cool the interior more quickly.
cThe air conditioning system should be
operated for approximately 10 minutes
at least once a month. This helps pre-
vent damage to the system due to lack
of lubrication.
cIf the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, turn
the air conditioner off. See “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and dial
positions forMAXIMUM AND QUICKheating,
cooling or defrosting.The air recirculation
button should always be in the OFF posi-
tion for heating and defrosting.
4-6Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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Air flow control
Pushing the manual air flow control button se-
lects the air outlet to:
— Air flows from center and side
ventilators.
— Air flows from center and side
ventilators and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
— Air flows from defroster and foot
outlets.
To turn system off
Push the OFF button.
OPERATING TIPS
cWhen the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. However, this is
not a malfunction. After the coolant tempera-
ture warms up, air flow from the foot outlets
will operate normally.The sunload sensor, located on the top passen-
ger side of the instrument panel, helps the system
maintain a constant temperature. Do not put any-
thing on or around this sensor.The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. See “Air conditioner system refrigerant
and lubricant recommendations” in the “Techni-
cal and consumer information” section of this
manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equipment.
WHA0209
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-13
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WARNING
cAutomatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. This
may cause transmission or other ve-
hicle damage.
cThree-way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
cNever try to start the vehicle by towing
it. When the engine starts, the forward
surge could cause the vehicle to collide
with the tow vehicle.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 engine
damage or a vehicle 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.) Do not
open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
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.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
6-8In case of emergency
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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
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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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