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Battery Information
The Altima Hybrid utilizes two batteries in order to supply both high and low voltage.
Low Voltage Battery
The Altima Hybrid contains a lead-acid 12 volt DC low voltage battery.
The low voltage battery is located in the passenger rear quarter panel
well of the trunk and is concealed by atrim cover. The negative (-) 12
volt battery cable can be accessed through an access panel in the
trim cover.
The12 volt batterypowers the vehicle’s 12 volt electrical system,
similar to a conventional vehicle. As with conventional vehicles, the 12
volt battery is grounded to the metal chassis of the vehicle. However,
the 12 volt battery is charged by the high voltage battery through the
DC/DC converter.
High VoltageBattery
The Altima Hybrid contains aNi-MH245 volt DC high voltagebattery.
The high voltage batteryisenclosed in a metal case, which is isolated
from high voltage, and is securely mounted in the trunk area behind
the rear seat and is concealed by a trim cover. The service disconnect
can be accessedthrough an access panel in the trim cover.
The 245 volt battery powers the vehicle’s high voltage electrical
system. The high voltagebattery consists of34 low voltage (7.2 volt)
Ni-MH battery modules connected in series to produce approximately
245 volts DC. EachNi-MH battery module is sealed in a non-spillable
plastic case.The electrolyte used in theNi-MH battery module is an alkalinemixtureof potassiumand sodium
hydroxide. The electrolyte is absorbed into the battery cell plates and forms a gelthat should not normally leak,
even in a collision.In the unlikely eventthatthe high voltage batteryis overcharged, the modules vent gases
directly outside the vehiclethrough a venthose.
An air vent is located on the rear parcel shelftocool thehigh voltage
battery.If the vent is covered, the battery will overheat, resultingin
reduced output performance ofthe hybrid system.
The high voltage batterysupplies power to the following:
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Overhaul
During overhaul, immobilize and disable the vehicle if not already done. Refer to the high voltage electrical
system disable procedure located in Extrication. The high voltage battery cover shouldneverbe breached or
removed under any circumstances, including fire. Doing so may result in severe electrical burns, shock and/or
electrocution.
Recovery/recyclingoftheNi-MH high voltagebattery
Clean up of the high voltage battery can be accomplished by the vehicle recovery crew without further concern
of runoff or spillage. For information regarding recycling of thehigh voltage battery, contact the nearestNissan
dealer or Nissan customer assistance at: United States: 1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261) or inCanada:
1-800-387-0122.
Spills
The Altima Hybrid contains the same common automotive fluids used in other non-hybridNissan vehicles, with
the exception oftheNi-MH electrolyte used in thehigh voltagebattery.TheNi-MH battery electrolyte is a
caustic alkaline (pH 13.5) that is damaging to human tissues.The electrolyte, however, is absorbed in the cell
plates and should not normally spill or leak out even if a battery module is cracked.Both the metal batterycase
and the plastic battery modules could be breached if a catastrophic crash occurred.
To neutralize a lead-acid battery electrolyte spill, a diluted boric acid solution or vinegarcan be used to
neutralize aNi-MH battery electrolyte spill similar tothe use of baking soda.
NOTE:
Electrolyte leakage from the high voltage battery is unlikely due to the batteryconstruction and the amount of
available electrolyte contained within theNi-MH modules. Any spillage would not warrant a declaration asa
hazardous material incident. Firstresponders should follow the recommendations as outlined in this
emergency response guide.
In an emergency,Nissan Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)are available by contacting:
United States: CHEMTREC at 1-800-424-9300
Canada: CANUTEC at *666 or 1-613-996-6666 (collect)
