17 Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-43)
18. Audio system controls (if so equipped)
(P. 4-23)
19. Ignition switch (P. 5-4)
20. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls
(P. 3-13)
21. Traction control system (TCS) off
switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-28)
22. Instrument brightness control (P. 2-24)
23. Trunk opener (P. 3-10)
24. Meters and guages (if so equipped)
(P. 2-3)
25. Navigation system* (if so equipped)
(P. 4-2)
26. Navigation system* controls
(if so equipped) (P. 4-2)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
Illustrated table of contents0-7
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X
Indicator
lightName Page
High beam in-
dicator light
(blue)2-14
Malfunction
indicator light
(MIL)2-14
Slip indicator
light (if so
equipped)2-15
Traction control
system off indi-
cator light (if so
equipped)2-15
Turn
signal/hazard
indicator lights2-15
Illustrated table of contents0-11
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
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....................................2-7
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
17. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-43)
18. Audio system controls (if so equipped)
(P. 4-23)
19. Ignition switch (P. 5-4)
20. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls
(P. 3-13)
21. Traction control system (TCS) off
switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-28)
22. Instrument brightness control (P. 2-24)
23. Trunk opener (P. 3-10)
24. Meters and gauges (if so equipped)
(P. 2-3)
25. Navigation system* (if so equipped)
(P. 4-2)
26. Navigation system* controls
(if so equipped) (P. 4-2)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System
Owner’s Manual.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
1. Tachometer
2. Warning/indicator lights
3. Speedometer
4. Engine coolant temperature gauge
5. Fuel gauge6. Odometer/twin trip odometer/trip com-
puter (if so equipped)
LIC0681
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X
orAnti-lock brake warning light (if
so equipped)Low windshield washer fluid warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
Automatic transmission check warning light (if
so equipped)Seat belt warning light and chimeHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
orBrake warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightMalfunction indicator light (MIL)
Charge warning lightTrunk lid open warning lightSlip indicator light (if so equipped)
Door open warning lightAutomatic transmission position indicator light
(A/T models)Traction control system off indicator light (if so
equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning lightCRUISE main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low fuel warning lightCruise SET switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
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.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-11
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator light blinking — An en-
gine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected
by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Slip indicator light (if so
equipped)
This indicator light will blink when the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if the slip indicator
blinks on. If this happens, adjust your driving
accordingly.
The slip indicator light also comes on when you
turn the ignition key to the ON position. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is
operational. If the light does not come on or does
not go off, have the traction control system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Traction control system off
indicator light (if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the traction
control off switch is pushed to OFF. This indi-
cates the traction control system is not operating.
Push the traction control off switch again or re-
start the engine and the system will operate nor-
mally. See “Traction control system (TCS)” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
The traction control light also comes on when you
turn the ignition key to the ON position. The light
will turn off after about 2 seconds if the traction
control system (TCS) is operational. If the light
stays on or comes on along with the SLIP indica-tor light while you are driving, have the traction
control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the traction control system is operating,
you might feel slight vibration or hear the system
working when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing, but this is normal.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Instruments and controls2-15
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X
The vehicle should be driven with the Traction
Control System (TCS) on for most driving condi-
tions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the TCS
reduces the engine output to reduce wheel spin.
The engine speed will be reduced even if the
accelerator is depressed to the floor. If maximum
engine power is needed to free a stuck vehicle,
turn the TCS off.
To turn off the TCS, push the TCS OFF switch.
The
indicator will come on.Push the “TCS OFF” switch again or restart the
engine to turn ON the system. See “Traction
control system (TCS)” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section.
The power outlets are for powering electrical
accessories such as cellular telephones. They
are rated at 12 volt, 120W (10A) maximum.
CAUTION
cThe outlet and plug may be hot during
or immediately after use.
cOnly certain power outlets are designed
for use with a cigarette lighter unit. Do
not use any other power outlet for an
accessory lighter. See your NISSAN
dealer for additional information.
LIC0451
Instrument panel (if so equipped)
LIC0714
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)POWER OUTLET
2-28Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-3
Ignition switch.....................................5-4
Automatic transmission..........................5-4
Manual transmission............................5-5
Key positions..................................5-5
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system................5-5
Before starting the engine..........................5-6
Starting the engine................................5-6
Driving the vehicle.................................5-7
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)...........5-7
Manual transmission...........................5-11
Parking brake....................................5-14
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-14
Precautions on cruise control...................5-14
Cruise control operations.......................5-15Break-in schedule................................5-16
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-16
Parking/parking on hills............................5-17
Power steering...................................5-18
Brake system....................................5-18
Brake precautions.............................5-18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if so
equipped)....................................5-19
Traction control system (TCS) (if so equipped).......5-20
Cold weather driving..............................5-21
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-21
Anti-freeze....................................5-21
Battery.......................................5-21
Draining of coolant water.......................5-22
Tire equipment................................5-22
Special winter equipment.......................5-22
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-23
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-23
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/08/05Ðdebbie
X