2009 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE brake fluid

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.
QR25DE engine
LDI0555
VQ35DE engine
LDI0556
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
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For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WARNING
cUse only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids can
damage the brake system and affect
the vehicle’s stopping ability.
cClean the filler cap before removing.
cBrake and clutch fluid is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked
containers out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.
BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, addDOT 3brake fluid up
to the MAX line. If fluid must be added frequently,
the system should be checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
CLUTCH FLUID
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmissions only) . If the fluid level is
below the MIN line, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid
up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
LDI0558LDI0558
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Generator
3. Air conditioner
4. Crank pulleyREPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Iridium-tipped spark plugs (if so
equipped)
It is not necessary to replace iridium-tippedsA
spark plugs as frequently as conventional type
spark plugs because they last much longer. Fol-
low the maintenance log shown in the “NISSAN
Service and Maintenance Guide”. Do not service
iridium-tipped spark plugs by cleaning or regap-
ping.
cAlways replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch are
off and that the parking brake is engaged
securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to re-
move the spark plugs. An incorrect socket
can damage the spark plugs.
If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer for assistance.
VQ35DE engine
LDI0564SDI1895
SPARK PLUGS
8-18Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 75.6 See “Fuel recommendation” later in this section.
Engine oil *6
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change QR25DE 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1
• Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *1 VQ35DE 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
Without oil filter
changeQR25DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.3
VQ35DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.3
Cooling system
With reservoir
QR25DE 2 gal 1-5/8 gal 7.6
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VQ35DE 2-1/8 gal 1-3/4 gal 8.2
Manual transmission gear oil — — — Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi
75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 *2
Power steering fluid (PSF) — — — Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*3
Brake and clutch fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *4 or equivalent
DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a) *5
Air conditioning system oil — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *5
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze fluid or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*2:Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT transmission, which is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*3: DEXRON™ VI type ATF can be used.
*4: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations.”
*6: For further details, see “Engine Oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cUse the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cNISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO NOT tow any continuously variable
transmission vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground (flat towing) . Do-
ing so WILL DAMAGE internal transmis-
sion parts due to lack of transmission
lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Continuously Variable Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with a continuously
variable transmission, an appropriate vehicle
dollyMUSTbe placed under the towed vehicle’s
drive wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufac-
turer’s recommendations when using their prod-
uct.
Technical and consumer information9-23
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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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