
cThe temperature of the passenger compart-
ment will be maintained automatically. Air
flow distribution, fan speed and A/C on/off
are also controlled automatically.
cA visible mist may be seen coming from the
vents in hot, humid conditions as the air is
cooled rapidly. This does not indicate a mal-
function.
Dehumidified defrosting or defogging
1. Push the defroster control buttonto
turn the system on. The indicator light in the
button will illuminate.
2. Turn the temperature dial to the left or right
to set the desired temperature.
cTo quickly remove ice from the outside of the
windows, turn the manual fan control to HI.
cAs soon as possible after the windshield is
clean, push the AUTO button to return to the
auto mode.cWhen the
control is activated, the air
conditioner will automatically be turned on at
outside temperatures above 36°F (2°C) .
This dehumidifies the air which helps defog
the windshield. The air recirculation mode
automatically turns off, allowing outside air
to be drawn into the passenger compart-
ment to further improve the defogging per-
formance.
Rear window defroster switch
For more information about the rear window de-
froster switch, see “Rear window and outside
mirror (if so equipped) defroster switch” in the
“Instruments and controls” section of this manual.
MANUAL OPERATION
Fan speed control
Turn the fan control dialleft or right to
manually control the fan speed.
Press the
/OFF button to turn the system
off.
Push the AUTO button to return to automatic
control of the fan speed.
Air recirculation
Push the air recirculation buttonto recir-
culate interior air inside the vehicle. The indicator
light on the switch will come on.
The air recirculation button will not be activated
when the air conditioner is in DEF or
mode.
Air flow control
Push the air flow control buttons to manually
control air flow and select the air outlet:
— Air flows from center and side
vents.
— Air flows from center and side
vents and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
— Air flows from defroster and foot
outlets.
— Air flows from defroster outlets.
To turn system off
Press the/OFF button.
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-19
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EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS
Item Wattage (W) Bulb No.*1
Headlight assembly *2
Low (Halogen) 55 H11
Low (Xenon) 35 D2R
High 65 H9
Park 8 168
Turn 27 3457NAK
Sidemarker
Sedan 5 168
Coupe 5 W5W
Front fog light (if so equipped) *
255 H11
Step light — 194
Rear combination light
Tail/Stop 8/27 3157K
Turn 27 3156
Backup (reversing)
Sedan 18 921
Coupe 13 912
License plate light *
25 W5W
High-mounted stop light *2
Inside (coupe) — LED
Inside (sedan) 18 921
Spoiler (if so equipped) — LED
Front map light 8 B5
Rear map light 8 B5
Trunk light 3.4 158
Vanity mirror light — HTU–14v
Glove box light *
2——
*1Always check with the Parts Department at a NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information.
*
2See a NISSAN dealer for assistance.
8-28Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Coupe
1. Mirror-mounted turn signal light
(if so equipped)
2. Interior light
3. Map light
4. Headlamp assembly
5. Fog light (if so equipped)
6. Step light
7. High-mount stoplight
8. Trunk light
9. License plate light
10. Rear combination light
WDI0626
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-29
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Sedan
1. Rear map light
2. Front map light
3. Step light
4. Headlamp assembly
5. Fog light (if so equipped)
6. High-mount stoplight (if so equipped)
7. Trunk light
8. Spoiler mounted stoplight
(if so equipped)
9. Rear combination light
10. License plate light
11. Mirror-mounted turn signal light
(if so equipped)
WDI0680
8-30Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Altima(alt)
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WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used. However, most
states require a separate braking system
on trailers with a loaded weight above a
specific amount. Make sure the trailer
meets the local regulations and the regu-
lations where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are
available.
Surge Brakes - The surge brake actuator
is mounted on the trailer tongue with a
hydraulic line running to each trailer
wheel. Surge brakes are activated by the
trailer pushing against the hitch ball when
the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic surge
brakes are common on rental trailers and
some boat trailers. In this type of system,
there is no hydraulic or electric connec-
tion for brake operation between the tow
vehicle and the trailer.Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic sig-
nal sent from a trailer brake controller
(special brake-sensing module) . If electric
trailer brakes are used, see(Electric trailer
brake controller(in this section.
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes
are properly installed and demonstrate
proper brake function testing.
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.
cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
cDetermine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
Technical and consumer information9-21
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10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-43
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-52
Air bag warning light...........1-58, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter............8-19
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................4-11, 4-18
Servicing air conditioner..........4-20
Air flow charts..................4-14
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-25
Anchor point locations.............1-27
Antenna.....................4-45
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-11
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-24
Armrests.....................1-11
Audible reminders................2-16
Audio system..................4-21
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-34, 4-40
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-29FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-27
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer.............4-31, 4-38
Radio....................4-21
Autolight switch.................2-30
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-45
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-14
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-29
Automatic door locks...............3-5
AUX jack..............4-30, 4-36, 4-42
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-11
Before starting the engine...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-17
Block heater
Engine....................5-29
BluetoothThands-free phone
system..................4-46, 4-61
Booster seats..................1-39
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-24
Brake fluid..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Brake system................5-23
Brake warning light.............2-11Brake wear indicators........2-16, 8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-18
Self-adjusting brakes............8-21
Brakes......................8-21
Break-in schedule................5-20
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-32
Brightness/contrast button...........4-7
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-10
Bulb replacement................8-28
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......1-27
Child restraints..........1-18, 1-23, 1-25
Precautions on child
restraints............1-23, 1-33, 1-39
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-27
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-16
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
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Clock.............4-5, 4-28, 4-32, 4-38
(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
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-27
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-29
Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-41
Console light..................2-49
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . .5-11
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-14
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................4-11, 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..................5-19Cup holders...................2-40
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-32
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-28
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-32
Display controls
(see control panel buttons)...........4-2
Door locks....................3-4
Drive belt....................8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-27
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Driving with manual transmission.....5-16
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-21
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-25
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Block heater.................5-29
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-10Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
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.....2-12
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-10
English/metric setting..............4-6
Event data recorders..............9-27
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-38
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-33
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-13
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Window washer fluid............8-15
10-2
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Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-58
Language setting.................4-6
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers
for CHildren) System..............1-25
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-58, 2-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-28
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-10
Bulb replacement..............8-28
Charge warning light............2-11
Console light................2-49
Fog light switch...............2-33
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-29
Headlight control switch..........2-29
Headlights..................8-27
Interior light.................2-48
Light bulbs..................8-27
Low tire pressure warning light......2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-23
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-53
Security indicator light...........2-15
Spotlights (See map light).........2-50
Trunk light..................2-50
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-10
Lights
Map lights..................2-50
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Door locks..................3-4
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-25
Glove box lock...............2-41
Power door locks...............3-5Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-23
Low fuel warning light..........2-13, 2-23
Low tire pressure warning light........2-12
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-23
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...........1-23
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-14
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map lights....................2-50
Map pocket...................2-37
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-32
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-29
Inside mirror.................3-28
Outside mirrors...............3-29
Vanity mirror.................3-28
N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™............3-17
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system . . .2-26, 3-3
NISSAN voice recognition system.......4-69O
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..........8-12
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.................3-29
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats...........6-9
Owner’s manual order form..........9-27
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-27
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-18
Parking/parking on hills...........5-22
Phone, BluetoothThands-free
system..................4-46, 4-61
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-36
Power rear windows............2-45
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-23
Power windows...............2-44
10-4
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