2008 NISSAN ALTIMA Owners Manual

cThe compass may not indicate the correct
compass point in tunnels or while driving up
or down a steep hill. (The compass returns
to the correct compass point when the ve-
hicle moves to an area where the geomag-
netism is stabilized.)
CAUTION
cDo not install a ski rack, antenna, etc.,
which are attached to the vehicle by
means of a magnet. They affect the op-
eration of the compass.
cWhen cleaning the mirror, use a paper
towel or similar material dampened
with glass cleaner. Do not spray glass
cleaner directly on the mirror as it may
cause the liquid cleaner to enter the
mirror housing.
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orAnti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning lightMaster warning lightSecurity indicator light
orBrake warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeSlip indicator light (if so equipped)
Charge warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightTraction control system off indicator light (if so
equipped)
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
check warning light (if so equipped)Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) po-
sition indicator light (if so equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning lightFront passenger air bag status lightVehicle dynamic control off indicator light (if so
equipped)
Intelligent Key system warning lightHigh beam indicator light (Blue)
Low tire pressure warning lightMalfunction indicator light (MIL)
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and push the ignition button 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 Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When you push the push-button ignition switch
to the ON position, the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminates and then turns off.
This indicates the ABS is operational.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
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If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
9Brake system9in the9Starting and driving9sec-
tion.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light
comes on while the engine is running with the
parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle and
perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and checkthe drive belt. If the belt is loose, broken, missing,
or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN dealer
immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the drive belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the push-button ignition switch is pushed
to the ON position, the light comes on for about 2
seconds. If the light comes on at any other time, it
may indicate the CVT system is not functioning
properly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
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The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level.Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
Intelligent Key system warning
light
The Intelligent Key system warning light warns of
a malfunction with the electrical steering lock
system or the Intelligent Key system.
After the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, this light comes on for about 2 seconds
and then turns off.
If the light comes on while the engine is stopped,
it may not be possible to free the steering lock or
to start the engine. If the light comes on while the
engine is running, you can drive the vehicle. How-
ever, in these cases, contact a NISSAN dealer for
repair as soon as possible.See “Intelligent Key system” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
Low tire pressure warning
light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of low
tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light illuminates for about 1 second
and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire pres-
sure, the warning light will illuminate.
When the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates, you should stop and adjust the tire pres-
sure to the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.
The low tire pressure warning light does not
automatically turn off when the tire pressure is
adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the recom-
mended pressure, the vehicle must be driven at
speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) to activate theTPMS and turn off the low tire pressure warning
light. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire
pressure.
For additional information, see “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and
driving” section and in the “In case of emergency”
section.
TPMS malfunction:
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the low
tire pressure warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute when the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position. The light will remain on
after the 1 minute. Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
For additional information, see “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and
driving” section.
WARNING
cIf the light does illuminate with the ig-
nition switch in the ON position, have
the vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer
as soon as possible.
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cIf the light illuminates while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Driving with under-inflated tires may
permanently damage the tires and in-
crease the likelihood of tire failure. Se-
rious vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could re-
sult in serious personal injury. Check
the tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light OFF.
If the light still comes on while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire
may be flat. If you have a flat tire, re-
place it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
cWhen a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.cReplacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
CAUTION
cThe TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure to
check the tire pressure regularly.
cIf the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of less than 16 MPH (25 km/h) , the
TPMS may not operate correctly.
cBe sure to install the specified size of
tires to the 4 wheels correctly.
Master warning light
This light comes on when various vehicle infor-
mation display warnings appear.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
push-button ignition switch is pushed to the ON
or START position and remains illuminated until
the driver’s seat belt is fastened. At the same
time, the chime sounds for about 6 seconds
unless the driver’s seat belt is securely fastened.The seat belt warning light may also illuminate if
the front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied . For
7 seconds after the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the system does not activate the warn-
ing light for the front passenger.
Refer to “Seat belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
When the ignition switch is pushed to ONor
START position, the supplemental air bag warn-
ing light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then
turns off. This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, front seat-mounted
side-impact supplemental air bags, roof-
mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air
bags, and seat belts with pretensioner systems
need servicing and your vehicle must be taken to
a NISSAN dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
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cThe supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the seat
belts with pretensioners may not function prop-
erly. For additional details see “Supplemental
restraint system” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts
and supplemental restraint system” section of
this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemental
front air bag, front seat-mounted side-
impact supplemental air bags, roof-
mounted curtain side-impact supplemen-
tal air bags, and/or seat belts with
pretensioner systems will not operate in
an accident. To help avoid injury to your-
self or others, have your vehicle checked
by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) position
indicator light
When the push-button ignition switch is pushed
to the ON position, this indicator light shows thetransmission selector lever position. See “Driving
the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
Front passenger air bag
status light
The front passenger air bag status light ()
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger seat
is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.The malfunction indicator light may also come on
steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if
the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed tightly,
and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons (11.4
liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
Operation
The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after
a few driving trips. If thelight does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
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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.
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is in the
OFF, LOCK or ACC position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates that
the security systems equipped on the vehicle are
operational.
For additional information, see “Security sys-
tems” later in this section.
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
push the push-button ignition switch to the ON
position. The light will turn off after about 2 sec-
onds 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
push the push-button ignition switch to the ON
position. The light will turn off after about 2 sec-
onds if the traction control system (TCS) is op-
erational. If the light stays on or comes on along
with the SLIP indicator 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.
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Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle dynamic control off
indicator light (if so equipped)
This indicator light comes on when the vehicle
dynamic control off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates the vehicle dynamic control system is
not operating.
Push the vehicle dynamic control off switch again
or restart the engine and the system will operate
normally. See “Vehicle dynamic control (VDC)
system” in the “Starting and driving” section of
this manual.
The vehicle dynamic control light also comes on
when you push the push-button ignition switch to
the ON position. The light will turn off after about
2 seconds if the system is operational. If the light
stays on or comes on along with the SLIP indica-
tor light while you are driving, have the vehicle
dynamic control system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
While the vehicle dynamic control system is op-
erating, you might feel slight vibration or hear the
system working when starting the vehicle or ac-
celerating, but this is normal.
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 ignition switch is pushed to the ACC or
OFF position or pushed to the OFF or LOCK
position with the Intelligent Key left in the Intelli-
gent Key port. Make sure the ignition switch is
pushed to the LOCK position, and take the Intel-
ligent Key with you when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch in the OFF position, a
chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened if
the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.The vehicle information display
s1is located to
the left of the speedometer. It displays such items
as:
ccruise control system information
cIntelligent Key operation information
csome indicators and warnings
cother information
For details about the Intelligent Key system, see
“Intelligent Key system” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
WIC1102
VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY
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