2008 NISSAN ALTIMA warning

WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing ca-
pability and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart found later in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system must be used.
The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
equals the combined weight of the towing vehicle
(including passengers and cargo) plus the total
trailer load. Towing loads greater than these or
using improper towing equipment could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling, braking and per-
formance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also
the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced for low traction situations (for example,
on slippery boat ramps) .
LTI0164
TOWING A TRAILER
9-16Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/13/07Ðdebbie
X

Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside
temperatures on graded roads can affect engine
performance and cause overheating. The engine
protection mode, which helps reduce the chance
of engine damage, could activate and automati-
cally decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip carefully
to account for trailer and vehicle load, weather
and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a col-
lision. Be especially careful when driving.
Pull to the side of the road to a safe area.
Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. See “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
NISSAN warranties.
Tongue load
Keep the tongue load between 10 - 15 percent of
the total trailer load within the maximum tongue
load limits shown in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW)/Maximum Gross Axle Weight
(GAW)
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label. The GVW equals the combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment. In addition, front or rear GAW must
not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label.
WTI0160TI1012M
Technical and consumer information9-17
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/13/07Ðdebbie
X

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
TOWING LOAD / SPECIFICATION
UNIT: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM TOWING
LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM TONGUE
LOAD100 (45)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer.
A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is available from
your NISSAN dealer (Canada only) . Make sure
the trailer hitch is securely attached to the ve-
hicle, to help avoid personal injury or property
damage due to sway caused by crosswinds,
rough road surfaces or passing trucks.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be capable
of towing a trailer heavier than the weight
rating of the hitch components. Never ex-
ceed the weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Doing so can cause serious personal
injury or property damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:
cThe required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
cChoose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
cThe diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.
cThe threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg) .You may add Class I trailer hitch equipment that
has a 2,000 lb (909 kg) maximum weight rating to
the vehicle, but your vehicle is only capable of
towing the maximum trailer weights shown in the
Towing Load/Specification Chart earlier in this
section.
CAUTION
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
receiver when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the bolt
holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water
or dust from entering the passenger
compartment.
cRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
Technical and consumer information9-19
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/13/07Ðarosenma
X

Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturer’s specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cKeep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
9-20Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/13/07Ðarosenma
X

WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
The temperature grades are A (the highest) , B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat, and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces-
sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is es-
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei-
ther separately or in combination, can
cause heat build-up and possible tire
failure.Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties:
For USA
1. Emission Defects Warranty
2. Emissions Performance Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN
vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re-
placement by writing to:
cNissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN
vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re-
placement by writing to:
cNissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY
9-24Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/13/07Ðdebbie
X

If you believe that your vehicle has a de-
fect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immedi-
ately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addi-
tion to notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Ve-
hicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-
327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go
to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information
about motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-800-NISSAN-1.Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
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 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
9not ready9. If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is9ready.9If the
MIL indicates the vehicle is in a9not ready9con-
dition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
Technical and consumer information9-25
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/13/07Ðdebbie
X

10 Index
A
Active Head Restraint.............1-11
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system). .1-39
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-46
Air bag warning light...........1-54, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter............8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation..........4-13
Air conditioner service...........4-20
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-10, 4-18
Servicing air conditioner..........4-20
Air flow charts..................4-14
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-24
Anchor point locations.............1-23
Antenna.....................4-45
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-22
Audible reminders................2-16
Audio system..................4-20
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-34, 4-40
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-29
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-27FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer.............4-31, 4-38
Radio....................4-20
Autolight switch.................2-29
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-42
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-13
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-22
AUX jack..............4-30, 4-36, 4-42
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-11
Before starting the engine............5-8
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-16
Block heater
Engine....................5-27
BluetoothThands-free phone
system..................4-46, 4-60
Booster seats..................1-34
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-22
Brake fluid..................8-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-27
Brake system................5-21
Brake warning light.............2-11
Brake wear indicators........2-16, 8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-16
Self-adjusting brakes............8-21Brakes......................8-21
Break-in schedule................5-18
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-31
Brightness/contrast button...........4-7
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-10
Bulb replacement................8-27
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-45
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-43
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-34, 4-40
CD player (See audio system).........4-29
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-23
Child restraints.......1-14, 1-15, 1-19, 1-21
Precautions on child
restraints............1-19, 1-28, 1-34
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-23
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-16
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock.............4-5, 4-28, 4-32, 4-39
(models with navigation system)......4-5
(models without navigation
system)................4-28, 4-32
Clock set..............4-5, 4-28, 4-32
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-14
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
04/04/07Ðdebbie
X

C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-25
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-29
Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-39
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . .5-10
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-12
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-10
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................4-10, 4-18
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosion protection...............7-6
Cruise control..................5-17
Cup holders...................2-38
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-30
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-27Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-31
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2
Door locks....................3-3
Drive belt....................8-16
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-25
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-14
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-19
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-24
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-8
Block heater.................5-27
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-11
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-11
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
English/metric setting..............4-6
Event data recorders..............9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-37
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-32
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-12
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Window washer fluid............8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-32
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-46
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-19
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
10-2
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
04/04/07Ðdebbie
X