2008 NISSAN ALTIMA check engine

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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11. Engine start operation indicator (MT mod-
els)
12. Intelligent Key insertion indicator
13. Intelligent Key removal indicator
14. Intelligent Key battery discharge indicator
15. Steering lock release malfunction indicator
Door and trunk open warning
This warning illuminates when a door or the trunk
has been opened when the engine is running.
Push warning (CVT models)
After the Shift P warning illuminates, the Push
warning will illuminate if the ignition switch in the
ACC position when the shift selector lever is
moved to the P (Park) position.
See “Shift P warning” in this section for additional
information.
To turn off the Push warning, push the ignition
switch to the ON position and then to the LOCK
position.
Low fuel warning
This warning illuminates when the fuel level in the
fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches E (Empty) .There will be a small re-serve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty) .
Low windshield washer fluid warning
This warning illuminates when the windshield
washer fluid is at a low level. Add windshield
washer fluid as necessary. See “Window washer
fluid” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section of this manual.
No key warning
This warning illuminates following two condi-
tions:
1. When the ignition switch is pushed and the
Intelligent Key cannot be recognized by the
system. If this warning illuminates, you can-
not start the engine.
Check for the following causes and perform
the assigned remedies:
– The battery of the Intelligent Key carried
with you is discharged completely. Re-
place the battery with a new one.
– The Intelligent Key carried with you is not
registered to the system. Use the regis-
tered Intelligent Key.
– You do not have an Intelligent Key with
you. Carry an Intelligent Key with you.2. When the door is closed with the Intelligent
Key left outside the vehicle and the ignition
switch is in the ACC or ON position. A
chime will also sound.
Parking brake warning
This warning illuminates when the parking brake
is set and the vehicle is driven.
SHIFT P warning (CVT models)
This warning illuminates when the ignition switch
is pushed to stop the engine with the selector
lever in any position except in the P (Park) posi-
tion.
If this warning illuminates, the ignition switch is in
the OFF position. Move the selector lever to the P
(Park) position or push the ignition switch to the
ON position.
An inside warning chime will also sound.
If the shift selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position, the Push warning will appear. Refer to
“Push warning” in this section.
For additional information about Intelligent Key,
see “Intelligent Key system” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
Cruise main switch indicator
This indicator illuminates when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The indicator turns off
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when the main switch is pushed again. When the
cruise main switch indicator illuminates, the
cruise control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Engine start operation indicator (CVT mod-
els)
This indicator illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the LOCK, OFF, ACC or ON position with
the selector lever in the P (Park) position.
This indicator means that the engine will start by
pushing the push-button ignition switch with the
brake pedal depressed.
Engine start operation indicator (MT mod-
els)
This indicator illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the LOCK, OFF, ACC or ON position with
the manual transmission gear selector lever in
neutral and the parking brake on.
This indicator means that the engine will start by
pushing the push-button ignition switch with the
clutch and the brake pedal depressed.Intelligent Key insertion indicator
This indicator illuminates when the Intelligent Key
needs to be inserted into the Intelligent Key port.
(For example, the Intelligent Key battery is dis-
charged.)
If this indicator illuminates, insert the Intelligent
Key into the Intelligent Keys port in the correct
direction. See “Push-button ignition switch” in
the “Starting and driving” section.
Intelligent Key removal indicator
This indicator illuminates when the driver’s door
is opened with ignition switch in the OFF position
and the Intelligent Key placed in the Intelligent
Key port. A key reminder chime also sounds.
If this indicator illuminates, remove the Intelligent
Key from the Intelligent Key port and take it with
you when leaving the vehicle.
Intelligent Key battery discharge indicator
This indicator illuminates when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator illuminates, replace the battery
with a new one. See “Intelligent Key battery” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Steering lock release malfunction indica-
tor
This indicator illuminates when the steering
wheel cannot be released from the LOCK posi-
tion.
If this indicator illuminates, push the push-button
ignition switch while lightly turning the steering
wheel right and left.
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CAUTION
cDo not use the seat heater for extended
periods or when no one is using the
seat.
cDo not put anything on the seat which
insulates heat, such as a blanket, cush-
ion, seat cover, etc. Otherwise, the seat
may become overheated.
cDo not place anything hard or heavy on
the seat or pierce it with a pin or similar
object. This may result in damage to the
heater.
cAny liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with a
dry cloth.
cWhen cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any simi-
lar materials.
cIf any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn the
switch off and have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
cThe battery could run down if the seat
heater is operated while the engine is
not running.
The vehicle should be driven with the Traction Con-
trol System (TCS) on for most driving conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the TCS
reduces the engine output to reduce wheel spin.
The engine speed will be reduced even if the
accelerator is depressed to the floor. If maximum
engine power is needed to free a stuck vehicle,
turn the TCS off.
To turn off the TCS, push the TCS OFF switch.
The
indicator will come on.
Push the TCS OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn ON the system. See “Traction
control system (TCS)” in the “Starting and driv-
ing” section.The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system on for most driv-
ing conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the engine output to reduce
wheel spin. The engine speed will be reduced
even if the accelerator is depressed to the floor. If
maximum engine power is needed to free a stuck
vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch. Theindicator will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart the
engine to turn on the system. See “Vehicle dy-
namic control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and
driving” section.
LIC0451WIC0534
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)
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cWhen operating near a location where
strong radio waves are transmitted, such as
a TV tower, power station and broadcasting
station.
cWhen in possession of wireless equipment,
such as a cellular telephone, transceiver,
and CB radio.
cWhen the Intelligent Key is in contact with or
covered by metallic materials.
cWhen any type of radio wave remote control
is used nearby.
cWhen the Intelligent Key is placed near an
electric appliance such as a personal com-
puter.
cWhen the vehicle is parked near a parking
meter.
In such cases, correct the operating conditions
before using the Intelligent Key function or use
the mechanical key.
Although the life of the battery varies depending
on the operating conditions, the battery’s life is
approximately 2 years. If the battery is dis-
charged, replace it with a new one.When the Intelligent Key battery is almost dis-
charged, insert the Intelligent Key into the Intelli-
gent Key port to start the engine. Replace the
discharged battery with a new one as soon as
possible. For more details, see “Push-button ig-
nition switch” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion.
Since the Intelligent Key is continuously receiving
radio waves, if the key is left near equipment
which transmits strong radio waves, such as sig-
nals from a TV and personal computer, the bat-
tery life may become shorter.
For information regarding replacement of a bat-
tery, see “Battery” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.
Because the steering wheel is locked electrically,
unlocking the steering wheel with the ignition
switch in the LOCK position is impossible when
the vehicle battery is completely discharged. Un-
locking the steering wheel is impossible even if
the Intelligent Key is inserted into the Intelligent
Key port. Pay special attention that the vehicle
battery is not completely discharged.
As many as 4 Intelligent Keys can be registered
and used with one vehicle. For information about
the purchase and use of additional Intelligent
Keys, contact a NISSAN dealer.CAUTION
cDo not allow the Intelligent Key, which
contains electrical components, to
come into contact with water or salt
water. This could affect the system
function.
cDo not drop the Intelligent Key.
cDo not strike the Intelligent Key sharply
against another object.
cDo not change or modify the Intelligent
Key.
cWetting may damage the Intelligent
Key. If the Intelligent Key gets wet, im-
mediately wipe until it is completely dry.
cDo not place the Intelligent Key for an
extended period in an area where tem-
peratures exceed 140°F (60°C) .
cDo not attach the Intelligent Key with a
key holder that contains a magnet.
cDo not place the Intelligent Key near
equipment that produces a magnetic
field, such as a TV, audio equipment and
personal computers.
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Symptom Possible Cause Remedy
When pushing the ignition switch to stop
the engineThe SHIFT P warning appears on the dis-
play and the inside warning chime sounds
continuously.The selector lever is not in the P (Park)
position.Shift the selector lever to the P (Park)
position.
When opening the driver’s door to get out
of the vehicleThe inside warning chime sounds
continuously.The ignition switch is in the ACC position.Push the ignition switch to the OFF
position.
The Intelligent Key is in the Intelligent Key
port.Remove the Intelligent Key from the Intelli-
gent Key port.
When closing the door after getting out of
the vehicleThe NO KEY warning appears on the
display, the outside chime sounds 3 times
and the inside warning chime sounds for
approximately 3 seconds.The ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.Push the ignition switch to the OFF
position.
The NO KEY warning appears on the dis-
play and the outside chime sounds
continuously.The ignition switch is in the ACC position
and the selector lever is not in the P (Park)
position.Move the selector lever to the P (Park) po-
sition and push the ignition switch to the
OFF position.
When closing the door with the inside lock
knob turned to LOCKThe outside chime sounds for approximately
3 seconds and all the doors unlock.The Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle or
trunk.Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
When pushing the door handle request
switch to lock the doorThe outside chime sounds for approximately
2 seconds.The Intelligent Key is inside the vehicle or
trunk.Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
A door is not closed securely. Close the door securely.
The door handle request switch is pushed
before the door is closed.Push the door handle request switch after
the door is closed.
When closing the trunk lidThe outside chime sounds for approximately
10 seconds and the trunk lid opens.The Intelligent Key is inside the trunk.Carry the Intelligent Key with you.
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s1Pull the hood lock release handle located
below the driver’s side instrument panel; the
hood springs up slightly.
s2Lift the lever at the front of the hood with your
fingertips and raise the hood.
s3Remove the support rod from the clamp.
s4Insert the support rod into the hole on the
passenger’s side of the hood.
5. When closing the hood, return the support
rod to its original position, lower the hood to
approximately 12 inches above the latch and
release it. This allows proper engagement of
the hood latch.
WARNING
cMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving. Fail-
ure to do so could cause the hood to fly
open and result in an accident.
cIf you see steam or smoke coming from
the engine compartment, to avoid injury
do not open the hood.
OPENER OPERATION
WARNING
cDo not drive with the trunk lid open. This
could allow dangerous exhaust gases
to be drawn into the vehicle. See “Ex-
haust gas” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
WPD0393LPD0394
HOODTRUNK LID
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