2006 NISSAN ALTIMA transmission

WARNING
cWhen the engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away from
any moving parts such as the cooling
fan and drive belts.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poison-
ous and should be stored carefully in
marked containers out of the reach of
children.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS FOR
CHECKING
cThe fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the dipstick after the following
conditions have been met:
– The engine should be warmed up to op-
erating temperature.
– The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
– The automatic transmission fluid should
be warmed to 122 - 176°F (50 - 80°C) .cThe fluid can be checked at fluid tempera-
tures of 86 - 122°F (30 - 50°C) using the
COLD range on the dipstick after the engine
is warmed up and before driving. However,
the fluid should be re-checked using the
HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the shift
selector lever through each gear range, end-
ing in P (Park) .
3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.
QR25DE engine
WDI0219
4-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

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 deal-
ership for more information regarding
suitable fluids, including recommended
brand(s) of DEXRON™ III/MERCON™ au-
tomatic transmission 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.
WDI0221
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
WARNING
cUse only Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
cUsing automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine NISSAN Matic K
ATF will cause deterioration in drive-
ability and automatic transmission du-
rability, and may damage the automatic
transmission, which is not covered by
the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is also
described on caution labels located in the engine
compartment.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. Remove the cap and fill through
the opening.
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated fluid
may damage the brake and clutch sys-
tems. The use of improper fluids can dam-
age the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.WDI0256
5-SPEED AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN
Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT
3fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
CLUTCH FLUID
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmissions only) . If the fluid level is
below the MIN line, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid
up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodically.
Add window washer fluid when the low window
washer fluid warning light comes on (if so
equipped) .
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap off the reservoir tank and pour the window
washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio.
LDI0079LDI0080WDI0223
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

If you wax the surface of the hood, be careful not
to let wax get into the washer nozzle
s1. This may
cause clogging or improper windshield washer
operation. If wax gets into the nozzle, remove it
with a needle or small pin
s2.
CHECKING PARKING BRAKE
From the released position, pull the parking brake
lever up slowly and firmly. If the number of clicks is
out of the range listed, see a NISSAN dealer.
c7 - 8 clicks under pulling force of
44 lb (196 N) .
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
With the engine running, check the distanceA
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
metal floor. If it is out of the range shown, see a
NISSAN dealer.
Distance A: Under depression force of
110 lb (490 N)
Automatic
TransmissionManual
Transmission
3.55 in (90.3 mm)
or more3.31 in (84 mm)
or more
WDI0424
WDI0228WDI0229
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE PEDAL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-25
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

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 75.6 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *9
Drain and Refill
With oil filter
changeQR25DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.2 QR25DE engine
• API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SG/SH Energy Conserving II or API grade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-II or GF-III*2 *3
VQ35DE engine
• API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II, or GF-III*2 *3 VQ35DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.2
Without oil
filter changeQR25DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
VQ35DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
Cooling system
With reservoir
QR25DE 2 gal 1-5/8 gal 7.6
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VQ35DE 2-1/8 gal 1-3/4 gal 8.2
Manual transmission gear oil 2-3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the
instructions in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section. 4 Speed Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission
Fluid.*4
5 Speed Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF *5
Power steering fluid (PSF) Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*6
Brake and clutch fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*7 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease———NLGINo.2(Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*8
Air conditioning system oil— — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent*8
Windshield washer fluid— — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid 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 viscosity number.”
*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: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission,
which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*6: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ III/MERCON™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
*7: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*8: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*9: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/20/05Ðbetty
X

cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is
not recommended; however, if you must do
so, and if your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion before blocking the wheels and applying
the parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .cFor the first 500 miles that you do tow, do
not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
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.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
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.
9-20Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

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 (805 km) , start and
idle the engine with the transmission in Neu-
tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing
may cause damage to internal transmission
parts.DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information9-21
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X