2009 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID check engine light

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.
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodically.
Add window washer fluid when the low window
washer fluid warning light comes on (if so
equipped) .
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift the
cap off the reservoir tank and pour the window
washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio.Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of win-
dow washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent.
CAUTION
cDo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
cDo not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
cPre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concen-
trate and water.
LDI0578LDI0579
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
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If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer.
SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front and rear disc-type brakes self-adjust
every time the brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See a NISSAN dealer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.
BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATORS
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, a high pitched scraping or screech-
ing sound will be heard when the vehicle is in
motion. The noise will be heard whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect the
function or performance of the brake system.Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regarding
brake inspections, see the appropriate mainte-
nance schedule information in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
Two types of fuses are used. Type
sAis used in
the fuse boxes in the engine compartment. Type
sBis used in the passenger compartment fuse
box.
Type A fuses are provided as spare fuses. They
are stored in the passenger compartment fuse
box.
Type A fuses can be installed in the engine com-
partment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes.
LDI0455
BRAKESFUSES
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If a type A fuse is used to replace a type B fuse,
the type A fuse will not be level with the fuse
pocket as shown in the illustration. This will not
affect the performance of the fuse. Make sure the
fuse is installed in the fuse box securely.
Type B fuses cannot be installed in the under-
hood fuse boxes. Only use type A fuses in the
underhood fuse boxes.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than specified on the
fuse box cover. This could damage the
electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not come on,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood.
3. Locate the two fuse blocks. All Hybrid Sys-
tem component fuses are located in fuse
panel
sA, all other fuses are located insB.
4. Remove the fuse box cover by pushing the
tab and lifting the cover up.
5. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. The
fuse puller is located in the center of the fuse
block in the passenger compartment.
LDI0457
LDI0582
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E–85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) . Do
not use E-85 in your vehicle. U.S. government
regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square, orange
and black label with the common abbreviation or
the appropriate percentage for that region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock.” (“Spark
knock” is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on levelroads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
CAUTION
cYour vehicle is not designed to run on
E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle
not specifically designed for E-85 fuel
can damage fuel system components
and is not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.
cE-85 is a mixture of approximately 85%
fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline.cU.S. government regulations require
ethanol dispensing pumps to be identi-
fied by a small, square, orange and
black label with the common abbrevia-
tion or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
9-4Technical 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.
cDownshift the transmission 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, eCVT fluid should be
changed more frequently. 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.
Your vehicle is not designed to be flat towed with
all four wheels on the ground.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cDO not tow your vehicle with four
wheels on the ground. This may cause
serious damage to your vehicle.
cDO NOT tow this 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.
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT)
To tow a vehicle equipped with an eCVT, an
appropriate vehicle dollyMUSTbe placed under
the towed vehicle’s drive wheels.Alwaysfollow
the dolly manufacturer’s recommendations when
using their product.
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Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties:
For USA
1. Emission Defects Warranty
2. Emissions Performance Warranty
Details of this warranty may be found with other
vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle.
If you did not receive a Warranty Information
Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace-
ment by writing to:
cNissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN
vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re-
placement by writing to:
cNissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5If you believe that your vehicle has a de-
fect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immedi-
ately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addi-
tion to notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Ve-
hicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-
327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go
to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information
about motor vehicle safety from http://
www.safercar.gov.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-800-NISSAN-1.Always check with local I/M testing requirements
for Hybrid vehicles before taking your vehicle for
testing.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the 12-volt battery is disconnected, the vehicle
may be reset to a “not ready” condition. Before
taking the I/M test, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Turn the ignition switch ON without starting
the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and then
blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test condition is
“not ready”. If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is “ready.” If your
vehicle does not pass an I/M test the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) may not come on. Contact a
NISSAN dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-
testing.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
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10 Index
12-volt battery..................8-15
A
Active Head Restraint..............1-6
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-34
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-42
Air bag warning light...........1-49, 2-15
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-13
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls. . . .4-11
Servicing air conditioner..........4-13
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-26
Anchor point locations.............1-19
Antenna.....................4-38
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-10
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-21
Armrests.....................1-5
Audible reminders................2-17
Audio system..................4-14
Compact Disc (CD) changer. . . .4-27, 4-33
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-22FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-20
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer.............4-24, 4-31
Radio....................4-14
Autolight switch.................2-30
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-43
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-13
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-24
AUX jack..............4-23, 4-29, 4-35
B
Battery
Charge warning light........2-11, 2-13
Before starting the vehicle...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15
Block heater
Engine....................5-25
BluetoothThands-free phone
system..................4-39, 4-54
Booster seats..................1-29
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-21
Brake fluid..................8-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-25
Brake system................5-19
Brake warning light.........2-10, 2-12
Brake wear indicators........2-17, 8-19Parking brake operation..........5-14
Self-adjusting brakes............8-19
Brakes......................8-19
Break-in schedule................5-16
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-32
Brightness/contrast button...........4-7
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-25
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-39
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-36
CD changer (See audio system). . . .4-27, 4-33
CD player (See audio system).........4-22
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-18
Child restraints..........1-10, 1-15, 1-17
Precautions on child
restraints............1-15, 1-23, 1-29
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-19
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-17
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock.............4-5, 4-21, 4-25, 4-31
(models with navigation system)......4-5
(models without navigation
system)................4-21, 4-25
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Clock set..............4-5, 4-21, 4-25
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-24
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-22
Compass display.................2-6
Console box...................2-39
Console light..................2-47
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
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking inverter coolant level......8-10
Corrosion protection...............7-6
Cruise control..................5-15
Cup holders...............2-37, 2-38
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-32
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-29
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-32
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2
Door locks....................3-4Drive belt....................8-15
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-24
Driving with Electronically controlled
Continuously Variable Transmission
(eCVT)....................5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-17
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable
Transmission (eCVT)
Driving with Electronically controlled
Continuously Variable Transmission
(eCVT)....................5-11
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid. . . .8-13
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-25
Energy flow..................HEV-4
Energy/fuel history..............HEV-5
Engine
Block heater.................5-25
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil..................8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-12
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
English/metric setting..............4-6
Event data recorders..............9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-37
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-33
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-6
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid. . . .8-13
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil..................8-10
Inverter coolant................8-9
Window washer fluid............8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-33
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-42
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-17
Fuel gauge..................2-5
10-2
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