2008 NISSAN ALTIMA Owners Manual

A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is the best
source of service and repair information for your
vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illustrations
and step-by-step diagnostic and adjustment pro-
cedures, this manual is the same one used by the
factory-trained technicians working at NISSAN
dealerships. Also available are genuine NISSAN
Owner’s Manuals, and genuine NISSAN Service
and Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models.
For USA
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manualsfor the 2000 model
year and later contact:
Tweddle Litho Company
1-800-450-9491
www.nissan-techinfo.com
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manualsfor the 1999 model
year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:
Resolve Corporation
20770 Westwood Drive
Strongsville, OH 44149
1-800-247-5321For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Owner’s Manualsfor this model year
and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:
Resolve Corporation
20770 Westwood Drive
Strongsville, OH 44149
1-800-247-5321
For Canada
To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN Ser-
vice Manual or Owner’s Manual please contact
your nearest NISSAN dealer. For the phone num-
ber and location of a NISSAN dealer in your area
call the NISSAN Information Center at 1-800-
387-0122 and a bilingual NISSAN representa-
tive will assist you.
Also available are genuine NISSAN Service and
Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models.
IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION
Unfortunately, accidents do occur. In this unlikely
event, there is some important information you
should know.
Many insurance companies routinely authorize
the use of non-genuine collision parts in order to
cut costs, among other reasons.
Insist on the use of genuine NISSAN
collision parts!
If you want your vehicle to be restored using parts
made to NISSAN’s original exacting specifica-
tions – if you want to help it to last and hold its
resale value, the solution is simple.Tell your
insurance agent and your repair shop to
only use Genuine NISSAN Collision Parts.
NISSAN does not warrant non-NISSAN parts,
nor does NISSAN’s warranty apply to damage
caused by a non-genuine part.
Using Genuine NISSAN Parts can help protect
your personal safety, preserve your warranty pro-
tection and maintain the resale value of your
vehicle. And if your vehicle was leased, using
Genuine NISSAN Parts may prevent or limit un-
necessary excess wear and tear expenses at the
end of your lease.
NISSAN designs its hoods with crumple zones to
minimize the risk that the hood will penetrate the
windshield of your vehicle in an accident. Non-
genuine (imitation) parts may not provide such
built-in safeguards. Also, non-genuine parts of-
ten show premature wear, rust and corrosion.
OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION
Technical and consumer information9-27
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Why should you take a chance?
In over 40 states, the law says you must be
advised if non-genuine parts are used to repair
your vehicle. And some states have enacted laws
that restrict insurance companies from authoriz-
ing the use of non-genuine collision parts during
the new vehicle warranty. These laws help pro-
tect you, so you can take action to protect your-
self.
It’s your right!
If you should need further information visit us at:
www.nissanusa.com(for U.S. customers) or
www.nissan.ca(for Canadian customers) .
9-28Technical and consumer information
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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
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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
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Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-18
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-18
Fuses......................8-21
Fusible links...................8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-46
Gascap.....................3-18
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-39
Glove box lock.................2-39
Grocery hooks.................2-40
H
Hands-free phone system,
BluetoothT................4-46, 4-60
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-32
Head restraints.................1-10
Active Head Restraint...........1-11
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-27
Headlight control switch............2-28
Headlights....................8-26
Heated seats..................2-33Heater
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-10, 4-18
Heater operation...........4-12, 4-19
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-46
Hood release..................3-16
Horn.......................2-33
I
Ignition Switch
Push-Button Ignition Switch.........5-6
Immobilizer system...............2-25
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-19
Increasing fuel economy............5-19
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-10
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror.......3-22
Inside mirror...................3-21
Instrument brightness control.........2-31
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-31
Intelligent Key system..............3-5
Key operating range.............3-7
Key operation.................3-8
Mechanical key................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation......3-12
Troubleshooting guide...........3-14
Warning signals...............3-14
Interior light...................2-45
Interior trunk lid release.............3-17
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-21J
Jump starting...................6-6
K
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-24
Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)........3-12
Keys, For Intelligent Key system.........3-2
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-53
Language setting.................4-6
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-21
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-54, 2-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-27
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-10
Bulb replacement..............8-27
Charge warning light............2-11
10-3
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Fog light switch...............2-32
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-27
Headlight control switch..........2-28
Headlights..................8-26
Interior light.................2-45
Light bulbs..................8-26
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-22
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-48
Security indicator light...........2-15
Spotlights (See map light).........2-46
Trunk light..................2-46
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-10
Lights
Map lights..................2-46
Lock
Door locks..................3-3
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-18
Glove box lock...............2-39
Power door locks...............3-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-16
Low fuel warning light..........2-13, 2-22
Low tire pressure warning light........2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-22
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...........1-19Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-14
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map lights....................2-46
Map pocket...................2-36
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-31
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-22
Inside mirror.................3-21
Outside mirrors...............3-22
Vanity mirror.................3-21
N
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system......2-25
NISSAN voice recognition system.......4-69
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-11
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirrors.................3-22
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats...........6-9Owner’s manual order form..........9-27
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-27
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-16
Parking/parking on hills...........5-20
Phone, BluetoothThands-free
system..................4-46, 4-60
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-35
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-21
Power windows...............2-41
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints............1-19, 1-28, 1-34
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-12
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-39
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Programmable features.............4-3
Push starting...................6-8
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-45
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-34, 4-40
10-4
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FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-27
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer................4-31, 4-38
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-25
Rear seat.....................1-9
Rear view monitor................4-8
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-27
Recorders
Event data..................9-26
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-25
S
Safety
Child seat belts........1-19, 1-28, 1-34
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-25
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Rear seat adjustment.............1-9
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-14
Infants and small children.........1-15
Injured Person................1-16
Larger children...............1-15
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-12
Pregnant women..............1-16
Seat belt extenders.............1-18
Seat belt maintenance...........1-19
Seat belts..................1-12Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-18
Three-point type with retractor.......1-16
Seat belt warning light.............2-13
Seatback pockets................2-36
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-33
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat...................1-9
Security indicator light.............2-15
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start..............2-25
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-21
Service manual order form...........9-27
Servicing air conditioner............4-20
Setup button...................4-3
Shift lock release................5-13
Shifting
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). .5-11
Manual transmission............5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-18
Spark plug replacement............8-17
Speedometer...................2-4
Spotlights (See map light)...........2-46
SRS warning label...............1-53
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-8
Jump starting.................6-6
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting.................6-8
Starting the engine..............5-9
Startup screen..................4-3
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-21Stop light....................8-27
Storage.....................2-36
Sun visors....................3-20
Sunglasses case................2-37
Sunglasses holder...............2-37
Sunroof.....................2-43
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-54, 2-13
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-46
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-53
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-39
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-39
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-29
Automatic power window switch.....2-42
Fog light switch...............2-32
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-32
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-27
Headlight control switch..........2-28
Power door lock switch...........3-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-27
Traction control system (TCS) off switch. .2-34
Turn signal switch..............2-31
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. .2-34
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-26
T
Tachometer....................2-5
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
10-5
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Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
04/04/07Ðdebbie
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Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start...................2-25
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-42
Tire chains..................8-39
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-31
Tire rotation.................8-40
Types of tires................8-38
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-23
Wheels and tires..............8-31
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-23
Towing
Flat towing..................9-23
Tow truck towing..............6-10
Towing load/specification.........9-19
Trailer towing................9-16
Traction control system (TCS) off switch . . .2-34
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-46
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-12
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-10
Driving with manual transmission.....5-14
Selector lever lock release.........5-13
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9Trip odometer...................2-4
Troubleshooting guide
(NISSAN voice recognition system)......4-73
Trunk access through the rear seat.......1-9
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-16
Trunk light....................2-46
Turn signal switch................2-31
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-23
V
Vanity mirror...................3-21
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. . .2-34
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-24
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.................6-12
Vehicle security system.............2-24
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle
immobilizer system) , engine start.......2-25
Visors......................3-20
Voice recognition system............4-69W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-54, 2-13
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-10
Battery charge warning light........2-11
Brake warning light.............2-11
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-11
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-32
Low fuel warning light........2-13, 2-22
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-22
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-48
Seat belt warning light...........2-13
Vehicle security system...........2-24
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-53
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-10
Warning lights..................2-10
Washer switch
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-26
Weights (See dimensions and weights). . . .9-8
Wheels and tires................8-31
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.......2-42
Power windows...............2-41
Windshield wiper and washer switch.....2-26
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-26
Wiper blades................8-19
10-6
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
04/04/07Ðdebbie
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