1. Vents (P. 4-10)
2. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/turn
signal switch (P. 2-29)3. Steering wheel switch for audio control
(if so equipped)/BluetoothThands-free
phone system (if so equipped)
(P. 4-44, P. 4-46, P. 4-61)
4. Meters and gauges (P. 2-3)5. Driver supplemental air bag/horn
(P. 1-43, P. 2-34)
6. Cruise control main/set switch
(P. 5-19)
7. Windshield wiper/washer switch
(P. 2-27)
8. Ignition switch (P. 5-7)
9. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-33)
10. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-53)
11. Front passenger supplemental air bag
(P. 1-43)
12. Glove box (P. 2-41)
13. Navigation system* (if so equipped)
(P. 4-2)
14. Heater and air conditioner (manual or
automatic) (P. 4-11, P. 4-18)
15. Shift selector (P. 5-11)
16. Audio system controls (if so equipped)/
Storage (if so equipped)
(P. 4-21, P.2-42)
17. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls
(P. 3-27)
18. Vehicle information display controls
(P. 2-17)
19. Hood release (P. 3-23)
WIC1258
INSTRUMENT PANEL
0-8Illustrated table of contents
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1. Vents (P. 4-10)
2. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/turn
signal switch (P. 2-29)3. Steering wheel switch for audio control
(if so equipped)/BluetoothThands-free
phone system (if so equipped)
(P. 4-44, P. 4-46, P. 4-61)
4. Meters and gauges (P. 2-3)5. Driver supplemental air bag/horn
(P. 1-43, P. 2-34)
6. Cruise control main/set switch
(P. 5-19)
7. Windshield wiper/washer switch
(P. 2-27)
8. Ignition switch (P. 5-7)
9. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-33)
10. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-53)
11. Front passenger supplemental air bag
(P. 1-43)
12. Glove box (P. 2-41)
13. Navigation system* (if so equipped)
(P. 4-2)
14. Heater and air conditioner (manual or
automatic) (P. 4-11, P. 4-18)
15. Shift selector (P. 5-11)
16. Audio system controls (if so equipped)/
Storage (if so equipped)
(P. 4-21, P.2-42)
17. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel controls
(P. 3-27)
18. Vehicle information display controls
(P. 2-17)
19. Hood release (P. 3-23)
WIC1258
INSTRUMENT PANEL
2-2Instruments and controls
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Your vehicle may have two types of security sys-
tems:
cVehicle security system
cNISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM
The vehicle security system provides visual and
audible alarm signals if someone opens the doors
or trunk lid when the system is armed. It is not,
however, a motion detection type system that
activates when a vehicle is moved or when a
vibration occurs.
The system helps deter vehicle theft but cannot
prevent it, nor can it prevent the theft of interior orexterior vehicle components in all situations. Al-
ways secure your vehicle even if parking for a
brief period. Never leave your Intelligent Key in
the vehicle, and always lock the vehicle when
unattended. Be aware of your surroundings, and
park in secure, well-lit areas whenever possible.
Many devices offering additional protection, such
as component locks, identification markers, and
tracking systems, are available at auto supply
stores and specialty shops. Your NISSAN dealer
may also offer such equipment. Check with your
insurance company to see if you may be eligible
for discounts for various theft protection features.
How to arm the vehicle security
system
1. Close all windows.(The system can be
armed even if the windows are open.)
2. Remove the Intelligent Key from the vehicle.
3. Close all doors, hood and trunk. Lock all
doors. The doors can be locked with the
Intelligent Key, door handle request switch,
power door lock switch or mechanical key.
4. Confirm that the security indicator light
comes on. The security light stays on for
about 30 seconds. The vehicle security sys-
tem is now pre-armed. After about 30 sec-
onds the vehicle security system automati-cally shifts into the armed phase. The
security light begins to flash once every 3
seconds. If, during the 30-second pre-arm
time period, the driver’s door is unlocked by
the key or the keyfob, or the ignition switch is
placed in the ACC or ON position, the sys-
tem will not arm.
cEven when the driver and/or passen-
gers are in the vehicle, the system will
activate with all the doors, hood and
trunk lid locked with the ignition
switch placed in the LOCK position.
When placing the ignition switch in the
ACC or ON position, the system will be
released.Vehicle security system activation
The vehicle security system will give the following
alarm:
cThe headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
cThe alarm automatically turns off after ap-
proximately 50 seconds. However, the alarm
reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by unlocking
the driver’s door or trunk lid with the key, or
by pressing the
button on the Intelli-
gent Key.
LIC0301
SECURITY SYSTEMS
Instruments and controls2-25
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STORAGE POUCH (if so equipped)
A storage pouch is located on the front of the
driver’s and passenger’s seats.
WARNING
Do not store angular, sharp, heavy objects
or objects that cannot fully fit inside the
pouch because they might increase the
likelihood of an injury in a crash.
SUNGLASSES HOLDER
To open the sunglasses holder, push and release.
Only store one pair of sunglasses in the holder.
WARNING
Keep the sunglasses holder closed while
driving to prevent an accident.
CAUTION
cDo not use for anything other than
sunglasses.
cDo not leave sunglasses in the sun-
glasses holder while parking in direct
sunlight. The heat may damage the
sunglasses.
LIC1242LIC1074
2-38Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Altima(alt)
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3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys .............................................3-2
NISSAN Intelligent Key™........................3-2
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System keys.........3-3
Doors............................................3-4
Locking with key................................3-4
Locking with inside lock knob....................3-5
Locking with power door lock switch.............3-5
Automatic door locks...........................3-5
Child safety rear door lock (Sedan only)...........3-6
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ With Door and Trunk
Request Switches.................................3-6
Operating range................................3-8
Door locks/unlocks precaution...................3-9
NISSAN Intelligent Key™operation................3-9
How to use the remote keyless entry
function......................................3-12
Warning signals...............................3-15
Troubleshooting guide.........................3-16
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ Without Door and Trunk
Request Switches................................3-17
Operating range...............................3-18How to use the remote keyless entry
function......................................3-18
Warning signals...............................3-21
Troubleshooting guide.........................3-22
Hood...........................................3-23
Trunk lid.........................................3-23
Opener operation..............................3-23
Interior trunk lid release........................3-24
Fuel-filler door...................................3-25
Opener operation..............................3-25
Fuel-filler cap.................................3-25
Tilt/telescopic steering column.....................3-27
Tilt operation..................................3-27
Telescopic operation...........................3-27
Sun visors.......................................3-27
Vanity mirrors.................................3-28
Mirrors..........................................3-28
Rearview mirror (if so equipped).................3-28
Automatic anti-glare rearview mirror
(if so equipped)...............................3-29
Outside mirrors...............................3-29
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Altima(alt)
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s1Pull the hood lock release handle located
below the driver’s side instrument panel; the
hood springs up slightly.
s2Lift the lever at the front of the hood with your
fingertips and raise the hood.
s3Remove the support rod from the clamp.
s4Insert the support rod into the hole on the
passenger’s side of the hood.
s5When closing the hood, return the hood rod
to its original position. Lower the hood ap-
proximately 12 inches (30 cm) above the
latch and release it. This allows proper en-
gagement of the hood latch.
WARNING
cMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving. Fail-
ure to do so could cause the hood to fly
open and result in an accident.
cIf you see steam or smoke coming from
the engine compartment, to avoid injury
do not open the hood.
OPENER OPERATION
WARNING
cDo not drive with the trunk lid open. This
could allow dangerous exhaust gases
to be drawn into the vehicle. See “Ex-
haust gas” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
WPD0441LPD0394
HOODTRUNK LID
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-23
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Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above3-6MPH(5
- 10 km/h) . The speed varies according to road
conditions.
When the ABS senses that 1 or more wheels are
close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies
and releases hydraulic pressure. This action is
similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.When accelerating on slippery surfaces the tire
may spin or slip. With the vehicle Traction Control
System (TCS) , sensors detect these movements
and control the braking and engine output to help
improve vehicle road traction.
cWhen the TCS is operating, the
indicator in the instrument panel blinks.
cIf the
indicator blinks, the vehicle
may be under slippery conditions. Be sure to
drive carefully. See “Slip indicator light” and
“Traction Control System (TCS) off indicator
light” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion of this manual.
cIf a malfunction occurs in the system,
the
andindicator lights
come on in the instrument panel.
As long as these lights are on, the traction control
function is canceled. The vehicle will behave like
a vehicle without the system.
WARNING
cThe Traction Control System is de-
signed to help maintain traction with
the road surface but does not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive carefully.
cIf brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not stan-
dard equipment or are extremely dete-
riorated, the Traction Control System
may not operate properly and the
indicator light may come on.
cDo not modify the vehicle’s suspension.
If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, bushings and
wheels are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the Traction
Control System may not operate prop-
erly and the
indicator light may
come on.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)
(if so equipped)
Starting and driving5-25
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Your NISSAN has been designed to have mini-
mum maintenance requirements with long ser-
vice intervals to save you both time and money.
However, some day-to-day and regular mainte-
nance is essential to maintain your NISSAN’s
good mechanical condition, as well as its emis-
sions and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives proper
maintenance. You are a vital link in the mainte-
nance chain.
Scheduled maintenance
For your convenience, both required and optional
scheduled maintenance items are described and
listed in your “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide”. You must refer to that guide to ensure
that necessary maintenance is performed on your
NISSAN at regular intervals.
General maintenance
General maintenance includes those items which
should be checked during normal day-to-day op-
eration. They are essential for proper vehicle op-
eration. It is your responsibility to perform these
maintenance procedures regularly as prescribed.Performing general maintenance checks requires
minimal mechanical skill and only a few general
automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by you,
a qualified technician, or, if you prefer, a NISSAN
dealer.
Where to go for service
If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and corrected by a NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
who are kept up-to-date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-dealership training programs. They
are completely qualified to work on NISSAN ve-
hiclesbeforethey work on your vehicle, rather
than after they have worked on it.
You can be confident that a NISSAN dealer’s
service department performs the best job to meet
the maintenance requirements on your vehicle —
in a reliable and economical way.During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smells, be sure to check for the cause or have a
NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify a NISSAN dealer if you think that
repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the “Maintenance precau-
tions” later in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with“*”isfound later in this section.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hoodCheck that the doors
and engine hood operate properly. Also ensure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges,
latches, latch pins, rollers and links as necessary.
Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch is
released.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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