2007 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID brake

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-6
Push-Button Ignition Switch........................5-6
Push-button ignition switch positions.............5-7
Intelligent key battery discharge..................5-7
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system................5-8
Before starting the Hybrid System...................5-9
Starting the Hybrid System.........................5-9
Driving the vehicle................................5-10
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT)...................5-10
Parking brake....................................5-13
Cruise control....................................5-14
Precautions on cruise control...................5-14Cruise control operations.......................5-14
Break-in schedule................................5-15
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-16
Parking/parking on hills............................5-17
Power steering...................................5-17
Brake system....................................5-18
Brake precautions.............................5-18
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-19
Traction control system (TCS)......................5-21
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system..............5-21
Cold weather driving..............................5-22
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-22
Anti-freeze....................................5-22
Draining of coolant water.......................5-22
Tire equipment................................5-23
Special winter equipment.......................5-23
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-23
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-23
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X

DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alcohol
or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream re-
duces coordination, delays reaction time
and impairs judgement. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likelihood
of being involved in an accident injuring
yourself and others. Additionally, if you
are injured in an accident, alcohol can
increase the severity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. However,
you must choose not to drive under the influence
of alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents. Al-
though the local laws vary on what is considered
to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most people
underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! And
that is true for drugs, too (over-the-counter, pre-
scription, and illegal drugs) . Don’t drive if your
ability to operate your vehicle is impaired by alco-
hol, drugs, or some other physical condition.
WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition
switch while driving the vehicle except in
an emergency. (The Hybrid System will
turn off when the ignition switch is pushed
3 consecutive times or the ignition switch
is pushed and held for more than 2 sec-
onds.) If the Hybrid System turns off while
the vehicle is being driven, this could lead
to a crash and serious injury.
When the ignition switch is pushed without de-
pressing the brake pedal, the ignition switch po-
sition will illuminate as follows:
With the selector lever in the P (Park) position
push the switch
conce to change to ACC.
ctwo times to change to ON.
cthree times to return to OFF.
If the ignition switch was repeatedly turned on
and off over a short period of time, the start
function may not work properly. Wait 20 seconds
then restart the Hybrid System.
WSD0196
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
5-6Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
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Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
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The ignition switch is equipped with an anti-theft
steering lock device.
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch position cannot be switched to OFF until
the selector lever is moved to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
When the ignition switch cannot be pushed to-
ward the OFF position, proceed as follows:
1. Move the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Push the ignition switch. The ignition switch
position will change to the ON position.
3. Push the ignition switch again to the OFF
position.
The selector lever can be moved from the P
(Park) position if the ignition switch is in
the ON position and the brake pedal is
depressed.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a right or left turn
from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, push the igni-
tion switch to the LOCK position. To unlock
the steering wheel, push the ignition switch
while slightly turning the steering wheel
right and left.If the battery of the vehicle is discharged,
the push-button ignition switch cannot be
turned from the LOCK position.
Some indicators and warnings for operation are
displayed on the vehicle information display. See
“Vehicle information display” in the “Instruments
and controls” section.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
POSITIONS
LOCK (Normal parking position):
The ignition switch can only be locked in this
position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed to the ACC position while carrying the
Intelligent Key or with the Intelligent Key inserted
in the port.
The ignition switch will lock when any door is
opened or closed with the ignition switched off.
OFF:
The ignition switch is in the off position when the
Hybrid System is turned off using the ignition
switch. No lights will illuminate on the ignition
switch.ACC (Accessories):
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the Hybrid System is off.
ON (Normal operating position):
This position turns on the ignition system and
electrical accessories.
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the ignition
switch in ACC or ON positions when the
Hybrid System is off for an extended pe-
riod. This can discharge the battery.
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY
DISCHARGE
Starting and driving5-7
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X

If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position, and wait approximately 10 sec-
onds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN rec-
ommends placing the registered key on a sepa-
rate key ring to avoid interference from other
devices.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake fluid, and window washer fluid as
frequently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. See “Warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders” in the “Instruments and
controls” section of this manual.1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift selector lever to P (Park) .
The Hybrid System is designed not to
operate if the shift selector lever is not
in the P (Park) position.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON position.
Depress the brake pedal and push the igni-
tion switch to start the Hybrid System. The
READY light will illuminate on the meter.
NOTE:
When starting the Hybrid System at very
low outside temperatures, the READY light
will flash and it may take longer for the
READY light to illuminate.
cThe engine may not start even with the
READY light illuminated. Once the
READY light is illuminated you may begin
driving the vehicle.
cYou may hear a sound in the engine com-
partment when the brake pedal is de-
pressed with the Hybrid System off. This
does not indicate a problem.
BEFORE STARTING THE HYBRID
SYSTEMSTARTING THE HYBRID SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-9
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X

cWhen the Hybrid System is started or
stopped, you may hear a sound coming
from the high voltage battery located un-
der the rear seats. This does not indicate
a problem.
cWhen the Hybrid System is started or
stopped, or while the vehicle is idling, you
may hear a sound coming from the trans-
mission. This does not indicate a prob-
lem.
cWhen the gasoline engine is started or
stopped with the Hybrid System on, you
may feel a vibration and hear a rattling
sound. This does not indicate a problem.
4. To turn off the Hybrid System, shift the se-
lector lever to the P (Park) position and push
the ignition switch to the OFF position.ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (eCVT)
WARNING
cDo not attempt to test the vehicle on a
dynamometer (such as the dynamom-
eters used by some states for emissions
testing) , or similar equipment. Doing so
may cause damage to the drivetrain or
the high voltage battery. Make sure you
inform test facility personnel that your
vehicle is a hybrid. Using the wrong test
equipment may result in drivetrain dam-
age or unexpected vehicle movement
which could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , D (Drive) or B
(Brake) . Always depress the brake
pedal until shifting is completed. Fail-
ure to do so could cause you to lose
control and have an accident.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.
CAUTION
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. The foot brake
should be used for this purpose.
The eCVT in your vehicle is electronically con-
trolled to produce maximum power and smooth
operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the Hybrid System, fully de-
press the foot brake pedal before moving the
shift selector lever out of the P (Park) posi-
tion.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
move the shift selector lever into a driving
gear.
3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start
the vehicle in motion.
4. Stop the vehicle completely before shifting
the selector lever to the P (Park) position.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-10Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X

The eCVT is designed so the foot brake
pedal MUST be depressed before shifting
from P (Park) to any drive position while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
The shift selector lever cannot be moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition switch is
pushed to the LOCK or ACC position.
To move the selector lever:
Push the button while depressing the brake
pedal
Push the button to shift
Shift without pushing button
Shifting
After starting the vehicle, fully depress the brake
pedal and move the shift selector lever from P
(Park) to any of the desired shift positions.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector
lever is in any position while the READY
light is OFF. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal injury
or property damage.
If the ignition switch is pushed to the OFF or ACC
position for any reason while the vehicle is in N
(Neutral) , or any drive position, the shift selector
lever cannot be moved to P (Park) . Additionally,
the ignition switch cannot be pushed to the
LOCK position. If this occurs, perform the follow-
ing steps:
1. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is
stopped.
2. Push the ignition switch to the ON position.
3. Depress the foot brake pedal.
4. Move the shift selector lever to P (Park) to
restart the vehicle. Move the shift selector
lever to P (Park) to park the vehicle and push
the ignition switch to OFF.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when turning the Hybrid System ON.
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
LSD0189
Starting and driving5-11
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X

The brake pedal must be depressed to
move the selector lever from N (Neutral) or
any drive position to P (Park) .Apply the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the
parking brake first, then shift the selector lever
into the P (Park) position.
R (Reverse):
CAUTION
Use this position only when the vehicle is
completely stopped.
Use this position to back up. Make sure the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting
the R (Reverse) position.The brake pedal
must be depressed to move the selector
lever from P (Park) , N (Neutral) or any drive
position to R (Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. Do
not leave the selector lever in the N (Neutral)
position for a long period of time. In the N (Neu-
tral) position, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity cannot be generated. The high voltage
battery will be discharged requiring unnecessary
engine power to recharge.
Depending on the status of the engine before
shifting into the N (Neutral) position, the engine
may not operate.D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
B (Brake) low gear:
Downshift into the B position with your foot off
the accelerator pedal to use engine braking while
driving.
You may feel that engine braking is less effective
than a conventional vehicle when driving at higher
speeds.
Driving with the transmission in the B position for
long periods of time may cause a decrease in fuel
economy.
Shift lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged, the
shift selector lever may not be moved from the P
(Park) position even with the brake pedal de-
pressed and the selector lever button pushed.
If the battery is discharged completely, the steer-
ing wheel cannot be locked or unlocked. Do not
move the vehicle with the steering wheel locked.
It will be necessary to jump start or have your
battery charged, see “Jump starting” in the “In
case of emergency” section. Contact your
NISSAN dealer or a professional towing service.
LSD0190
5-12Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X

To move the shift selector lever, complete the
following procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover as
shown.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
release slot and push down.
5. Move the shift selector lever to the N (Neu-
tral) position while holding down the shift
lock release.
6. Push the ignition switch to the ON position
to unlock the steering wheel. Now the ve-
hicle may be moved to the desired location.
If the shift selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) , have a NISSAN dealer check the trans-
mission as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunction-
ing stop lights could cause an accident
injuring yourself and others.
WARNING
cBe sure the parking brake is fully re-
leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.
cDo not release the parking brake from
outside the vehicle.
cDo not use the gear shift in place of the
parking brake. When parking, be sure
the parking brake is fully engaged.
cDo not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the parking
brake and cause an accident.
To engage:Firmly depress the parking brake.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. Move the shift selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
3. Firmly depress the parking brake pedal and it
will release.
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
LSD0158
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-13
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X