2009 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE steering

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
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Altima(alt)
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WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing ca-
pability and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart found later in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system must be used.
The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
equals the combined weight of the towing vehicle
(including passengers and cargo) plus the total
trailer load. Towing loads greater than these or
using improper towing equipment could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling, braking and per-
formance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also
the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced for low traction situations (for example,
on slippery boat ramps) .
LTI0164
TOWING A TRAILER
9-16Technical and consumer information
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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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cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill
side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly
release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Turn off the engine.To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
cWhile going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may dete-
riorate overall handling characteristics.
Therefore, to maintain adequate control, re-
duce your speed and shift to a lower gear.
Avoid long or repeated use of the brakes
when descending a hill, as this reduces their
effectiveness and could cause overheating.
Shifting to a lower gear instead provides
“engine braking” and reduces the need to
brake as frequently.
cIf the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
9-22Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Altima(alt)
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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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Rear power windows............2-45
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints............1-23, 1-33, 1-39
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-15
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-43
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Programmable features.............4-3
Push starting...................6-9
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-45
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-34, 4-40
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.....................9-26
Rear power windows..............2-45
Rear seat.....................1-9
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-28
RearView Monitor................4-8
Recorders
Event data..................9-27
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-25S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-23, 1-33, 1-39
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.................1-18
Infants and small children.........1-18
Injured Person................1-19
Larger children...............1-18
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-15
Pregnant women..............1-19
Seat belt extenders.............1-22
Seat belt maintenance...........1-23
Seat belts..................1-15
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-22
Three-point type with retractor.......1-19
Seat belt warning light.............2-13
Seatback pockets................2-37
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-34
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat...................1-9
Security indicator light.............2-15
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start...........2-26, 3-3
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-21
Service manual order form...........9-27Servicing air conditioner............4-20
Setup button...................4-3
Shift lock release................5-14
Shifting
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)....................5-12
Manual transmission............5-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-22
Spark plug replacement............8-18
Speedometer...................2-4
Spotlights (See map light)...........2-50
SRS warning label...............1-58
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Jump starting.................6-7
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting.................6-9
Starting the engine.............5-10
Startup screen..................4-3
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-23
Stop light....................8-28
Storage.....................2-37
Sun visors....................3-27
Sunglasses case................2-38
Sunglasses holder...............2-38
Sunroof.....................2-46
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-58, 2-14
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-52
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-58
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-43
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-43
10-5
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