
NISSAN CARES...
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are
our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.
However, if there is something that your NISSAN
dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to
provide NISSAN directly with comments or ques-
tions, please contact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs
Department using our toll-free number:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
1-800-NISSAN-1
(1-800-647-7261)
For Hawaii customers1-808-836-0888 (Oahu Number)
For Canadian customers1-800-387-0122
The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the
following information:
– Your name, address, and telephone number
– Vehicle identification number (attached to the
top of the instrument panel on the driver’s
side)
– Date of purchase
– Current odometer reading
– Your NISSAN dealer’s name
– Your comments or questions
ORYou can write to NISSAN with the information at:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, California 90248-0191
For Hawaii customersNissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii
2880 Kilihau St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
For Canadian customersNissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.
NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/10/03Ðtbrooks
X 

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

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

1. Speedometer
2. Odometer/twin trip display
3. Change button
SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER
Speedometer
The speedometer indicates vehicle speed in
miles per hour (MPH) and kilometers per hour
(km/h) .
Odometer/Twin trip odometer (if so
equipped)
The odometer/twin trip odometer (if so equipped)
is displayed when the ignition key is in the ON
position.
The odometer records the total distance the ve-
hicle has been driven.
The twin trip odometer (if so equipped) records
the distance of individual trips.
Changing the display:
Pushing the change button changes the display
as follows:
Trip
!Trip!Outside temperature
!Distance to Empty!Average economy!
Average speed!Elapsed time!Trip
Resetting the trip odometer:
Pushing the change button for more than 1 sec-
ond resets the trip odometer to zero.
WIC0600WIC0601
2-4Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Altima(l30)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
10/10/03Ðtbrooks
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 

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