
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....................................2-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-8
Fuel gauge....................................2-8
Engine oil pressure gauge (if so equipped)........2-9
Voltmeter (if so equipped)......................2-10
Fuel consumption gauge (if so equipped)........2-10
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders......2-11
Checking bulbs...............................2-11
Warning lights................................2-11
Indicator lights................................2-14
Audible reminders.............................2-15
Security systems.................................2-16
Vehicle security system (if so equipped)..........2-16
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system...............2-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-19
Switch operation..............................2-19
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-20
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-21Xenon headlights (if so equipped)...............2-21
Headlight control switch........................2-21
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-24
Instrument brightness control...................2-24
Turn signal switch.............................2-25
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-25
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-26
Horn............................................2-26
Heated seat (if so equipped).......................2-27
Traction control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-28
Power outlet.....................................2-28
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (if so equipped)........2-29
Storage.........................................2-30
Map pockets..................................2-30
Seatback pockets (if so equipped)..............2-31
Sunglasses holder.............................2-31
Cup holders..................................2-32
Glove box....................................2-33
Console box..................................2-33
Instrument panel storage (if so equipped)........2-35
Covered storage box (if so equipped)............2-36
Grocery hooks (if so equipped).................2-36
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

Triple meter (if so equipped):
1. Fuel consumption gauge
2. Engine oil pressure gauge
3. Voltmeter1. 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.
LIC0746LIC0682
2-4Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

When the ignition switch is turned to ON, modes
of the trip computer can be selected by pushing
the trip button on the steering wheel switch for
audio controls or by the trip computer change
button located near the speedometer. The fol-
lowing modes can be selected:
Outside air temperature (ICY-°F or °C)
The outside air temperature is displayed in °F or
°C.
The outside air temperature mode includes a low
temperature warning feature: below 37°F (3°C) ,
the outside air temperature mode is automatically
selected and ICY will illuminate in order to draw
the driver’s attention. Press the trip or changebutton to toggle to the next mode, if desired. The
ICY indicator will remain illuminated as long as
the temperature remains below 39°F (4°C) .
The ambient temperature sensor is located in
front of the radiator. The sensor may be affected
by road or engine heat, wind directions and other
driving conditions. The display may differ from the
actual ambient temperature or the temperature
displayed on various signs or billboards.
Distance to empty (dte—mile or km)
The distance to empty (dte) mode provides you
with an estimation of the distance that can be
driven before refueling. The dte is constantly be-
ing calculated, based on the amount of fuel in the
fuel tank and the actual fuel consumption.
The display is updated every 30 seconds.
The dte mode includes a low range warning
feature: when the fuel level is low, the dte mode is
automatically selected and the digits blink in or-
der to draw the driver’s attention. Press the trip or
change button if you wish to return to the mode
that was selected before the warning occurred.
The dte mark (dte) will remain blinking until the
vehicle is refueled.
When the fuel level drops even lower, the dte
display will change to (----) .NOTE:
cIf the amount of fuel added while the
ignition switch is OFF is small, the dis-
play just before the ignition switch is
turned OFF may continue to be dis-
played.
cWhen driving uphill or rounding curves,
the fuel in the tank shifts, which may
momentarily change the display.
Average fuel consumption (mpg or
l/100km)
The average fuel consumption mode shows the
average fuel consumption since the last reset.
Resetting is done by pressing the trip or change
button for more than approximately 1 second.
The display is updated every 30 seconds. At
about the first 1/3 miles (500 m) after a reset, the
display shows (----) .
Average speed (mph or km/h)
The average speed mode shows the average
vehicle speed since last reset. Resetting is done
by pressing the trip or change button for more
than approximately 1 second. The display is up-
dated every 30 seconds. The first 30 seconds
after a reset, the display shows (----) .
LIC0683
2-6Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

VOLTMETER (if so equipped)
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, the voltmeter indicates the battery voltage.
When the engine is running, it indicates the gen-
erator voltage.
While cranking the engine, the volts drop below
the normal range. If the needle is not in the normal
range (12 - 14.5 volts)
s1while the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging system
is not functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
FUEL CONSUMPTION GAUGE (if so
equipped)
This gauge shows the APPROXIMATE fuel con-
sumption while you are driving.
The vehicle speed must be 7 mph (11.2 km/h) or
greater for the gauge to give a reading.
LIC0750
Type A
LIC0751
Type B
LIC0803
2-10Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

If any driveability problems such as engine stall-
ing and difficult hot-starting are experienced after
using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately
change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a
low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
E–85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) . Do
not use E-85 in your vehicle. U.S. government
regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square, orange
and black label with the common abbreviation or
the appropriate percentage for that region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock.” (“Spark
knock” is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
CAUTION
cYour vehicle is not designed to run on
E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle
not specifically designed for E-85 fuel
can damage fuel system components
and is not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.
cE-85 is a mixture of approximately 85%
fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline.
cU.S. government regulations require
ethanol dispensing pumps to be identi-
fied by a small, square, orange and
black label with the common abbrevia-
tion or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
9-4Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/20/05Ðcathy
X

Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-16
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-21
Console box...................2-33
Control panel buttons..............4-2
Controls
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-11, 4-20
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-8
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-14
Cup holders...................2-32
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-24
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-20
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-24
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-12
Drive belts....................8-19
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-21
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7Driving with manual transmission.....5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-16
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Capacities 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.....2-8
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-12
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-6
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-9
English/Metric button..............4-8
Control panel buttons............4-8
ENTER button..................4-2
Enter button
Control panel buttons............4-2
Event data recorders..............9-24
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2Eyeglass case..................2-31
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-26
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-13
Brake fluid..................8-15
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-16
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Power steering fluid.............8-15
Window washer fluid............8-16
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-25
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-41
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-16
Fuel gauge..................2-8
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-12
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-12
Fuel consumption gauge............2-10
FUEL ECON button...............4-4
10-2
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X

Fuel Econ button
Control panel buttons............4-4
Fuses......................8-26
Fusible links...................8-27
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-43
Gascap.....................3-12
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-8
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-9
Fuel consumption gauge..........2-10
Fuel gauge..................2-8
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-7
Trip computer.................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
Voltmeter..................2-10
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-33
Glove box lock.................2-33
Grocery hooks.................2-36
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-26
Head restraints..................1-7
Active head restraint.............1-8
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-21
Headlight control switch............2-21
Heated seats..................2-27Heater
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-11, 4-20
Heater operation...........4-14, 4-21
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-43
Hood release...................3-9
Horn.......................2-26
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-17, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-21
Increasing fuel economy............5-16
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-11
Inside mirror...................3-15
Instrument brightness control.........2-24
Instrument panel.................2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-24
Interior light...................2-41
Interior trunk lid release.............3-11
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-24
J
Jump starting...................6-6
K
Key ........................3-2Keyfob battery replacement..........8-29
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-48
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers
for CHildren) System..............1-24
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-49, 2-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-32
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-11
Bulb replacement..............8-32
Charge warning light............2-12
Fog light switch...............2-25
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-21
Headlight control switch..........2-21
Interior light.................2-41
Light bulbs..................8-30
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-13
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-43
Spotlights (See map light).........2-42
Trunk light..................2-43
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-11
10-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X