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
WARNING
cDo not leave children or adults who
would normally require the assistance
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should also not be left alone. They
could accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent operation of
the vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
cClosely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously in-
jured. Keep the car locked and the trunk
lid securely latched when not in use,
and prevent children’s access to car
keys.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.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
cDo not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is danger-
ous. It can cause unconsciousness or
death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all win-
dows fully open, and have the vehicle
inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed spaces
such as a garage.cDo not park the vehicle with the ignition
switch in the ON position and the Hy-
brid System in the READY mode for any
extended length of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driving,
otherwise exhaust gases could be
drawn into the passenger compart-
ment. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open, follow these precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation but-
ton to off and the fan control dial to
high to circulate the air.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer through
the seal on the trunk lid or the body,
follow the manufacturer’s recommen-
dation to prevent carbon monoxide en-
try into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body should be
inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering into the passenger
compartment.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X
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 battery of the Intelligent Key is almost dis-
charged, the guide light
sAof the Intelligent Key
port blinks and the indicator appears on the ve-
hicle information display. See “Vehicle informa-
tion display” in the “Instruments and controls”
section.
In this case, inserting the Intelligent Key into the
port
sBallows you to start the engine. Make sure
the Intelligent Key is placed in the correct direc-
tion: The front side faces upward and the key ring
side faces backward as illustrated.To remove the Intelligent Key from the port, push
the ignition switch to the LOCK position and pull
the Intelligent Key out of the port
sC.NOTE:
The Intelligent Key port does not charge
the Intelligent Key battery. If you see the
low battery indicator, replace the battery as
soon as possible. See “Intelligent Key bat-
tery replacement” in the “Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
CAUTION
cNever place anything except the Intelli-
gent Key in the Intelligent Key port. Do-
ing so may cause damage to the
equipment.
cMake sure the Intelligent Key is in the
correct direction when inserting it to
the Intelligent Key port. The engine may
not start if it is in the wrong direction.
cRemove the Intelligent Key from the
Intelligent Key port after the ignition
switch is pushed to the LOCK position.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
LSD0185LSD0186
5-8Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-7
Engine cooling system.............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................8-8
Changing engine coolant........................8-9
Inverter cooling system.............................8-9
Checking inverter coolant level..................8-10
Changing inverter coolant......................8-10
Engine oil........................................8-10
Checking engine oil level.......................8-10
Changing engine oil...........................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-12
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable
Transmission (eCVT) fluid.........................8-13
Brake fluid.......................................8-13
Brake fluid....................................8-14
Window washer fluid.............................8-14
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-14
12-volt battery...................................8-15
Jump starting.................................8-15
Drive belt........................................8-15
Spark plugs......................................8-16Replacing spark plugs.........................8-16
Air cleaner.......................................8-17
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-17
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-17
Cleaning.....................................8-17
Replacing....................................8-18
Brakes..........................................8-19
Self-adjusting brakes..........................8-19
Brake pad wear indicators......................8-19
Fuses...........................................8-19
Engine compartment...........................8-20
Passenger compartment.......................8-21
Battery replacement..............................8-22
Intelligent key battery..........................8-23
Lights...........................................8-24
Headlights....................................8-24
Front park/turn/sidemarker light.................8-24
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-25
Wheels and tires.................................8-29
Tire pressure..................................8-29
Tire labeling...................................8-32
Types of tires..................................8-35
Tire chains....................................8-36
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-37
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X
When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cThis vehicle has high voltage DC and AC
systems as well as a 12-volt system. DC
and AC high voltage is very dangerous
and can cause severe burns and electric
shock that may result in serious injury
or death.
cNever touch, disassemble, remove or
replace the high voltage parts, cables
and their connectors. High voltage
cables are orange. Touching, disassem-
bling, removing or replacing those parts
and cables can cause severe burns or
electric shock that may result in serious
injury or death.cNever try to remove the service discon-
nect located in the trunk on the lower
right-hand side. The service disconnect
is used only when the vehicle is ser-
viced by trained technicians wearing
personal protection equipment and is
part of the high voltage system. Touch-
ing the service disconnect can cause
severe burns or electric shock that may
result in serious injury or death.
cThe hybrid system uses high voltage up
to 650 V. The system can be hot while
and after starting. Be careful of both the
high voltage and the high temperature.
Obey the caution labels attached to the
vehicle.
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the selector lever to
P (Park) .
cBe sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
cNever leave the engine or the transmis-
sion related component harness con-
nector disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
cYour vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition key is in the OFF position
and the engine is not running. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the negative
battery cable before working near the
fan.
cThe engine can start at any time without
warning when the Hybrid System is in
the READY mode. If you must work with
the Hybrid System in the READY mode,
keep your hands, clothing, hair and
tools away from fans, belts and any
other parts that can move.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY
Replace the battery in the Intelligent Key as fol-
lows:
1. Remove the mechanical key from the Intelli-
gent Key.
2. Insert a small screwdriver
sAinto the slitsB
of the corner and twist it to separate the
upper part from the lower part. Use a cloth to
protect the casing.
3. Replace the battery with a new one.
Recommended battery: CR2032 or equiva-
lent.
cDo not touch the internal circuit and elec-
tric terminals as doing so could cause a
malfunction.
cHold the battery by the edges. Holding
the battery across the contact points will
seriously deplete the storage capacity.
cMake sure that the + side faces the bot-
tom of the case.4. Close the lid securely as illustrated
sCsD.
5. Operate the buttons to check its operation.
See a NISSAN dealer if you need assistance for
replacement.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user’s authority to op-
erate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.
WDI0568
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-23
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-20
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-20
Fuses......................8-19
Fusible links...................8-21
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-46
Gascap.....................3-20
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-4,
HEV-4
Fuel gauge..................2-5
Odometer...................2-3
Speedometer.................2-3
Tachometer.............2-4, HEV-4
Trip odometer.................2-3
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-37
Glove box lock.................2-37
Grocery hooks.................2-39
H
Hands-free phone system,
BluetoothT................4-38, 4-52
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-32
Head restraints..................1-6
Active Head Restraint............1-6
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-28
Headlight control switch............2-28Headlights....................8-24
Heated seats..................2-33
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls. . . .4-11
Heater operation..............4-11
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-46
Hood release..................3-17
Horn.......................2-33
Hybrid System
Energy flow................HEV-4
Energy/fuel history............HEV-5
Stops operating while driving........6-6
Vehicle does not start............6-7
I
Ignition Switch
Push-Button Ignition Switch.........5-6
Immobilizer system............2-26, 5-8
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-17
Increasing fuel economy............5-16
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror.......3-23
Inside mirror...................3-23
Instrument brightness control.........2-31
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-31
Intelligent Key system..............3-6
Key operating range.............3-8
Key operation.................3-9
Mechanical key................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation......3-12
Troubleshooting guide...........3-15Warning signals...............3-15
Interior light...................2-45
Interior trunk lid release.............3-19
Inverter
Checking inverter coolant level......8-10
Inverter cooling system............8-9
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-17
J
Jump starting...................6-7
K
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-22
Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)........3-12
Keys, For Intelligent Key system.........3-2
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Emission control information label.....9-10
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
Language setting.................4-6
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-17
10-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2007 Altima Hybrid Electric
(ahv)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/27/06Ðdebbie
X