
Cruise set switch indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
Hybrid System operation indicator (ignition
switch placed in the LOCK or ACC position)
This indicator illuminates when the ignition switch
is placed in the LOCK, OFF, ACC or ON position
with the shift selector in the “P” position.
This indicator means that the Hybrid System will
start by pushing the ignition switch with the brake
pedal depressed.
EV mode indicator
This indicator illuminates when the Hybrid Sys-
tem is READY without the engine idling or when
the vehicle is driven without the gasoline engine
running.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ insertion indica-
tor
This indicator illuminates when the Intelligent Key
needs to be inserted into the Intelligent Key port.
(For example, the Intelligent Key battery is dis-
charged.)If this indicator illuminates, insert the Intelligent
Key into the Intelligent Key port in the correct
direction. See “Push-button ignition switch” in
the “Starting and driving” section.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ removal indicator
This indicator illuminates when the driver’s door
is opened with the ignition switch placed in the
OFF position and the Intelligent Key placed in the
Intelligent Key port. A key reminder chime also
sounds.
If this indicator illuminates, remove the Intelligent
Key from the Intelligent Key port and take it with
you when leaving the vehicle.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ battery discharge
indicator
This indicator illuminates when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator illuminates, replace the battery
with a new one. See “Intelligent Key battery” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
Steering lock release malfunction indica-
tor
This indicator illuminates when the steering
wheel cannot be released from the LOCK posi-
tion.If this indicator illuminates, push the ignition
switch while lightly turning the steering wheel
right and left.
Instruments and controls2-25
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CAUTION
Even though the battery saver feature au-
tomatically turns off the headlights after a
period of time, you should turn the head-
light switch to the OFF position when the
engine is not running to avoid discharging
the vehicle battery.
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT SYSTEM
(Canada only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a re-
duced intensity when the engine is started with
the parking brake released. The daytime running
lights operate with the headlight switch in the
OFF position or in the
position. Turn the
headlight switch to the
position for full
illumination when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the engine is
started, the daytime running lights do not illumi-
nate. The daytime running lights illuminate when
the parking brake is released. The daytime run-
ning lights will remain on until the ignition switch
is placed in the OFF position.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system is
active, tail lights on your vehicle are not
on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on your
headlights. Failure to do so could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.
INSTRUMENT BRIGHTNESS
CONTROL
The instrument cluster illuminates when the igni-
tion switch is placed in the ON position.
The instrument brightness control operates when
the headlight control switch is in the
AUTO,
orposition.
Turn the control left or right to adjust the bright-
ness of the instrument panel lights when driving
at night.
WIC1127
2-32Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Altima Hybrid Electric
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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
3-18Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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OPENER OPERATION
The fuel-filler door release is located on the floor
to the left of the driver’s seat. To open the fuel-
filler door, pull up the release. There may be a
delay of up to 15 seconds before the fuel filler
door will open. To lock, close the fuel-filler door
securely.
FUEL-FILLER CAP
The fuel-filler cap is a ratcheting type. Turn the
cap counterclockwise to remove. To tighten, turn
the cap clockwise until ratcheting clicks are
heard.
Put the fuel-filler cap on the cap holder
s1while
refueling.
WARNING
cGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop the engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or sparks
near the vehicle when refueling.
cDo not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a fire.
cUse only an original equipment type
fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It has a
built-in safety valve needed for proper
operation of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury. It could also cause the
malfunction indicator light to come on.
cNever pour fuel into the throttle body to
attempt to start your vehicle.
LPD0397WPD0462
FUEL-FILLER DOOR
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-21
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OPERATING TIPS
cWhen the engine coolant temperature and
outside air temperature are low, the air flow
from the foot outlets may not operate for a
maximum of 150 seconds. However, this is
not a malfunction. After the coolant tempera-
ture warms up, air flow from the foot outlets
will operate normally.
The sunload sensor, located on the top of the
instrument panel on the driver’s side, helps the
system maintain a constant temperature. Do not
put anything on or around this sensor.The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. See “Air conditioner system refrigerant
and oil recommendations” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equipment.
WHA0791
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-13
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When installing a CB, ham radio or car phone in
your NISSAN, be sure to observe the following
precautions; otherwise, the new equipment may
adversely affect the engine control system and
other electronic parts.
High voltage parts and cables on the NISSAN
hybrid vehicle emit approximately the same
amount of electromagnetic waves as the conven-
tional gasoline powered vehicles or home elec-
tronic appliances despite of their electromag-
netic shieldings. Unwanted noise may occur in
the reception of a mobile two-way radio.
WARNING
cA cellular telephone should not be used
while driving so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation. Some juris-
dictions prohibit the use of cellular tele-
phones while driving.
cIf you must make a call while your ve-
hicle is in motion, the hands free cellu-
lar phone operational mode (if so
equipped) is highly recommended. Ex-
ercise extreme caution at all times so
full attention may be given to vehicle
operation.cIf you are unable to devote full attention
to vehicle operation while talking on
the phone, pull off the road to a safe
location and stop your vehicle.
CAUTION
cKeep the antenna as far away as pos-
sible from the electronic control
modules.
cKeep the antenna wire more than 8 in
(20 cm) away from the electronic con-
trol system harnesses. Do not route the
antenna wire next to any harness.
cAdjust the antenna standing-wave ratio
as recommended by the manufacturer.
cConnect the ground wire from the CB
radio chassis to the body.
cFor details, consult a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cUse a phone after stopping your vehicle
in a safe location. If you have to use a
phone while driving, exercise extreme
caution at all times so full attention may
be given to vehicle operation.
cIf you are unable to devote full attention
to vehicle operation while talking on
the phone, pull off the road to a safe
location and stop your vehicle.
CAUTION
To avoid discharging the 12-volt battery,
use a phone when the Hybrid System is in
the READY mode.
CAR PHONE OR CB RADIO BLUETOOTHTHANDS-FREE PHONE
SYSTEM WITHOUT NAVIGATION
SYSTEM (if so equipped)
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-39
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Off-road recovery...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-7
Push-Button Ignition Switch........................5-7
Push-button ignition switch positions.............5-8
NISSAN Intelligent key™ battery discharge........5-8
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system................5-9
Before starting the Hybrid System..................5-10
Starting the Hybrid System........................5-10
Driving the vehicle................................5-11
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT)...................5-11
Parking brake....................................5-14
Cruise control....................................5-15Precautions on cruise control...................5-15
Cruise control operations.......................5-15
Break-in schedule................................5-16
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-17
Parking/parking on hills............................5-18
Power steering...................................5-19
Brake system....................................5-19
Brake precautions.............................5-19
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-21
Traction Control System (TCS).....................5-22
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.............5-23
Cold weather driving..............................5-24
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-24
Anti-freeze....................................5-24
Draining of coolant water.......................5-24
Tire equipment................................5-24
Special winter equipment.......................5-24
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-24
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-25
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Altima Hybrid Electric
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WARNING
cDo not leave children or adults who
would normally require the assistance
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should also not be left alone. They
could accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent operation of
the vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
cClosely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously in-
jured. Keep the car locked and the trunk
lid securely latched when not in use,
and prevent children’s access to car
keys.cDo not attempt to test the vehicle on a
dynamometer (such as the dynamom-
eters used by some states for emissions
testing) , or similar equipment. Doing so
may cause damage to the drivetrain or
the high voltage battery. Make sure you
inform test facility personnel that your
vehicle is a hybrid. Using the wrong test
equipment may result in drivetrain dam-
age or unexpected vehicle movement
which could result in serious vehicle
damage or personal injury.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
cDo not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is danger-
ous. It can cause unconsciousness or
death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all win-
dows fully open, and have the vehicle
inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed spaces
such as a garage.cDo not park the vehicle with the ignition
switch in the ON position and the Hy-
brid System in the READY mode for any
extended length of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driving,
otherwise exhaust gases could be
drawn into the passenger compart-
ment. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open, follow these precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation but-
ton to off and the fan control dial to
high to circulate the air.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer through
the seal on the trunk lid or the body,
follow the manufacturer’s recommen-
dation to prevent carbon monoxide en-
try into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body should be
inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering into the passenger
compartment.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2009 Altima Hybrid Electric
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