2008 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID brake

cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle.
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cDownshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, eCVT fluid should be
changed more frequently. For additional
information, see the “Maintenance and do-
it-yourself” section earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
Your vehicle is not designed to be flat towed with
all four wheels on the ground.
9-22Technical and consumer information
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Always check with local I/M testing requirements
for Hybrid vehicles before taking your vehicle for
testing.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the 12-volt battery is disconnected, the vehicle
may be reset to a “not ready” condition. Before
taking the I/M test, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Turn the ignition switch ON without starting
the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and then
blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test condition is
“not ready”. If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is “ready.” If your
vehicle does not pass an I/M test the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) may not come on. Contact a
NISSAN dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-
testing.This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Re-
corder (EDR) . The main purpose of an EDR is to
record, in certain crash or near crash-like situa-
tions, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a
road obstacle, data that will assist in understand-
ing how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR
is designed to record data related to vehicle
dynamics and safety systems for a short period of
time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this
vehicle is designed to record such data as:
cHow various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
cWhether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
cHow far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
cHow fast the vehicle was traveling.
cSounds are not recorded.
These data can help provide a better understand-
ing of the circumstances in which crashes and
injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by
your vehicle only if a nontrivial crash situation
occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under
normal driving conditions and no personal data
(e.g. name, gender, age and crash location) are
recorded. However, other parties, such as law
enforcement, could combine the EDR data withthe type of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equip-
ment is required and access to the vehicle or the
EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manu-
facturer and NISSAN dealer, other parties, such
as law enforcement, that have the special equip-
ment, can read the information if they have ac-
cess to the vehicle or the EDR. The EDR data
may be retrieved during routine vehicle servicing
or for special research. It might also be accessed
with the consent of the vehicle owner or lessee, in
response to a request by law enforcement, or as
otherwise required or permitted by law.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TESTEVENT DATA RECORDERS
Technical and consumer information9-25
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10 Index
12-volt battery..................8-15
A
Active Head Restraint..............1-6
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-34
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-41
Air bag warning light...........1-49, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-13
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls. . . .4-11
Servicing air conditioner..........4-13
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-26
Anchor point locations.............1-19
Antenna.....................4-38
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-19
Armrests.....................1-5
Audible reminders................2-17
Audio system..................4-13
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-27, 4-33
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-22FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-20
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer.............4-25, 4-31
Radio....................4-13
Autolight switch.................2-30
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-43
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-12
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-23
AUX jack..............4-23, 4-29, 4-35
B
Battery
Charge warning light........2-11, 2-12
Before starting the vehicle............5-9
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15
Block heater
Engine....................5-23
BluetoothThands-free phone
system..................4-39, 4-53
Booster seats..................1-29
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-19
Brake fluid..................8-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-25
Brake system................5-17
Brake warning light.........2-10, 2-11
Brake wear indicators........2-17, 8-19Parking brake operation..........5-13
Self-adjusting brakes............8-19
Brakes......................8-19
Break-in schedule................5-15
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-32
Brightness/contrast button...........4-7
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-25
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-39
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-36
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-27, 4-33
CD player (See audio system).........4-22
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-18
Child restraints.......1-9, 1-10, 1-15, 1-17
Precautions on child
restraints............1-15, 1-23, 1-29
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-19
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-17
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock.............4-5, 4-21, 4-25, 4-31
(models with navigation system)......4-5
(models without navigation
system)................4-21, 4-25
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Clock set..............4-5, 4-21, 4-25
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-22
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-22
Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-39
Control panel buttons
Brightness/contrast button.........4-7
Setup button.................4-3
Startup screen................4-3
With navigation system...........4-2
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls. . . .4-11
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking inverter coolant level......8-10
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5,
HEV-4
Corrosion protection...............7-6
Cruise control..................5-14
Cup holders...................2-38
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-32
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-29
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-32
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2Door locks....................3-3
Drive belt....................8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-22
Driving with Electronically controlled
Continuously Variable Transmission
(eCVT)....................5-10
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-15
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable
Transmission (eCVT)
Driving with Electronically controlled
Continuously Variable Transmission
(eCVT)....................5-10
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid. . . .8-13
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-24
Energy flow..................HEV-4
Energy/fuel history..............HEV-5
Engine
Block heater.................5-23
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature
gauge................2-5, HEV-4Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil..................8-10
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
English/metric setting..............4-6
Event data recorders..............9-25
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-37
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-33
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-6
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid. . . .8-13
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil..................8-10
Inverter coolant................8-9
Window washer fluid............8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-33
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-41
Front seats....................1-2
10-2
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Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-49
Language setting.................4-6
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-17
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-49, 2-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-25
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-25
Charge warning light........2-11, 2-12
Fog light switch...............2-33
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-29
Headlight control switch..........2-29
Headlights..................8-24
Interior light.................2-45
Light bulbs..................8-24
Low tire pressure warning light......2-13
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-24
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-43
Spotlights (See map light).........2-46
Trunk light..................2-47
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Lights
Map lights..................2-46
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-20
Glove box lock...............2-38
Power door locks...............3-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-17
Low fuel warning light......2-13, 2-14, 2-24Low tire pressure warning light........2-13
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-24
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-14
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-16
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map lights....................2-46
Map pocket...................2-36
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-32
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-23
Inside mirror.................3-23
Outside mirrors...............3-24
Vanity mirror.................3-23
N
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system . . .2-27, 5-9
NISSAN voice recognition system.......4-62
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine oil..................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirrors.................3-24
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-26
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-26
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-13
Parking/parking on hills...........5-16
Phone, BluetoothThands-free
system..................4-39, 4-53
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-35
Power rear windows............2-43
Power steering system...........5-17
Power windows...............2-41
Rear power windows............2-43
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints............1-15, 1-23, 1-29
10-4
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Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-7
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-34
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Programmable features.............4-3
Push starting..................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-39
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-27, 4-33
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-20
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer.............4-25, 4-31
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-25
Rear power windows..............2-43
Rear view monitor................4-8
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-29
Recorders
Event data..................9-25
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-24
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Child seat belts........1-15, 1-23, 1-29
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-24Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Seat belt
Child safety..................1-9
Infants and small children.........1-10
Injured Person................1-11
Larger children...............1-10
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-7
Pregnant women..............1-11
Seat belt extenders.............1-14
Seat belt maintenance...........1-14
Seat belts...................1-7
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-14
Three-point type with retractor.......1-11
Seat belt warning light.............2-14
Seatback pockets................2-37
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-34
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start...........2-27, 5-9
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-19
Service manual order form...........9-26
Servicing air conditioner............4-13
Setup button...................4-3
Shift lock release................5-12
Shifting
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT).......5-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-14
Spark plug replacement............8-16
Speedometer...................2-3
Spotlights (See map light)...........2-46SRS warning label...............1-49
Starting
Before starting the vehicle..........5-9
Jump starting.................6-7
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the vehicle.............5-10
Startup screen..................4-3
Steering
Power steering system...........5-17
Stop light....................8-25
Storage.....................2-36
Sun visors....................3-22
Sunglasses case................2-37
Sunglasses holder...............2-37
Sunroof.....................2-44
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-49, 2-14
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-41
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-49
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-34
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-34
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-30
Automatic power window switch.....2-43
Fog light switch...............2-33
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-33
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-29
Headlight control switch..........2-29
Power door lock switch...........3-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-29
Turn signal switch..............2-33
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-28
10-5
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T
Tachometer...............2-4, HEV-4
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature
gauge................2-5, HEV-4
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start................2-27, 5-9
Three-way catalyst................5-3
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-40
Tire chains..................8-37
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-29
Tire rotation.................8-38
Types of tires................8-36
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-23
Wheels and tires..............8-29
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-13
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-18
Towing
Flat towing..................9-22
Tow truck towing..............6-11
Towing load/specification.........9-19
Trailer towing................9-16
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-47
Transmission
Driving with Electronically controlled
Continuously Variable Transmission
(eCVT)....................5-10Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid. . . .8-13
Selector lever lock release.........5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
Trip odometer...................2-4
Troubleshooting guide (NISSAN voice
recognition system)...............4-65
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-17
Trunk light....................2-47
Turn signal switch................2-33
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-23
V
Vanity mirror...................3-23
Vehicle
Before starting the vehicle..........5-9
Starting the vehicle.............5-10
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle does not start..............6-7
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-21
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number).................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.................6-13
Vehicle security system.............2-26
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle
immobilizer system) , engine start.....2-27, 5-9Visors......................3-22
Voice recognition system............4-62
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-49, 2-14
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-10
Battery charge warning light. . . .2-11, 2-12
Brake warning light.........2-10, 2-11
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-12
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-33
Low fuel warning light. . . .2-13, 2-14, 2-24
Low tire pressure warning light......2-13
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-24
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-43
Seat belt warning light...........2-14
Vehicle security system...........2-26
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-49
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9
Warning lights..................2-9
Washer switch
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-28
Weights (See dimensions and weights). . . .9-8
Wheels and tires................8-29
Wheel/tire size..................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................9-9
Window washer fluid..............8-14
Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-43
Power rear windows............2-43
Power windows...............2-41
Rear power windows............2-43
10-6
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1. Inverter coolant 8-9
2. Engine coolant 8-8
3. Window washer fluid 8-14
4. Engine oil 8-10
5. Brake fluid 8-13
6. Passenger supplemental front impact air bag
1-34
7. Audio system 4-13; Air conditioner 4-11
8. Supplemental side-impact air bag 1-34
9 Front seats 1-2
10. 12-volt battery 8-15
11. Spare tire 6-2
12. Fuel recommendation 9-3
13. Keys 3-2
14. Supplemental side-impact air bag 1-34
15. Seat belts 1-7
16. Fuel-filler door release 3-20
17. Supplemental curtain side-impact air bag
1-34
18. Driver supplemental front impact air bag
1-34
19. Hood release 3-17; Trunk release 3-17
20. Meters and gauges 2-3
WGS0032
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