
20. Traction Control System (TCS) OFF
switch (if so equipped)/Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) OFF switch
(if so equipped) (P. 5-23, P. 5-24)
Trunk opener (P. 3-16)
Intelligent Key port (P. 5-6)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
Illustrated table of contents0-7
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Warning
lightName Page
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light (if so
equipped)2-10
or
Brake warning light 2-11
Charge warning
light2-11
Continuously Vari-
able Transmission
(CVT) check warn-
ing light (if so
equipped)2-11
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-11
Intelligent Key sys-
tem warning light2-12
Warning
lightName Page
Low tire pressure
warning light2-12
Master warning light 2-13
Seat belt warning
light and chime2-13
Supplemental air
bag warning light1-54
Indicator
lightName Page
Continuously Vari-
able Transmission
(CVT) position indi-
cator light2-14
Front passenger air
bag status light2-14
High beam indicator
light (blue)2-14
Indicator
lightName Page
Malfunction indica-
tor light (MIL)2-14
Security indicator
light2-25
Slip indicator light (if
so equipped)2-15
Traction control sys-
tem off indicator
light (if so equipped)2-34
Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights2-15
Vehicle dynamic
control off indicator
light (if so equipped)2-34
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
0-10Illustrated table of contents
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2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer.....................2-4
Tachometer....................................2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-5
Fuel gauge....................................2-6
Compass display (if so equipped)...................2-6
Compass display...............................2-7
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders......2-10
Checking bulbs...............................2-10
Warning lights................................2-10
Indicator lights................................2-14
Audible reminders.............................2-16
Vehicle information display.........................2-16
How to use the Vehicle Information Display.......2-17
Security systems.................................2-24
Vehicle security system.........................2-24
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system.............2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-26
Switch operation..............................2-26
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-27
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-27Xenon headlights (if so equipped)...............2-27
Headlight control switch........................2-28
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-30
Instrument brightness control...................2-31
Turn signal switch.............................2-31
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-32
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-32
Horn............................................2-33
Heated seat (if so equipped).......................2-33
Traction control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-34
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped)..................................2-34
Power outlet.....................................2-35
Storage.........................................2-36
Map pockets..................................2-36
Seatback pockets.............................2-36
Storage pouch................................2-37
Sunglasses holder.............................2-37
Cup holders..................................2-38
Glove box....................................2-39
Console box..................................2-39
Covered storage box...........................2-40
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/12/07Ðdebbie
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20. Traction Control System (TCS) OFF
switch (if so equipped)/Vehicle Dy-
namic Control (VDC) OFF switch
(if so equipped) (P. 5-23, P. 5-24)
Trunk opener (P. 3-16)
Intelligent Key port (P. 5-6)
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
1. Tachometer
2. Speedometer
3. Fuel gauge
4. Engine coolant temperature gauge
5. Odometer/twin trip odometer
6. Twin trip odometer change button7. Vehicle information display
8. Instrument brightness control
WIC1259
METERS AND GAUGES
Instruments and controls2-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
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03/12/07Ðdebbie
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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
2-10Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
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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.
Instruments and controls2-15
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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)
2-34Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-5
Push-Button Ignition Switch........................5-6
Push-button ignition switch positions.............5-7
Intelligent key battery discharge..................5-7
Before starting the engine..........................5-8
Starting the engine................................5-9
Driving the vehicle................................5-10
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped)...............................5-10
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-14
Parking brake....................................5-16
Cruise control....................................5-17
Precautions on cruise control...................5-17
Cruise control operations.......................5-17Break-in schedule................................5-18
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-19
Parking/parking on hills............................5-20
Power steering...................................5-21
Brake system....................................5-21
Brake precautions.............................5-21
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-22
Traction control system (TCS) (if so equipped).......5-23
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system
(if so equipped)..................................5-24
Cold weather driving..............................5-25
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-25
Anti-freeze....................................5-25
Battery.......................................5-25
Draining of coolant water.......................5-26
Tire equipment................................5-26
Special winter equipment.......................5-26
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-26
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-27
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Altima(alt)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/13/07Ðdebbie
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