2010 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE check engine

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
●
Your 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.
● E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85%
fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline. ●
U.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

2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply thebrakes 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.
● Be 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.
● Use 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.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer. ●
Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
● When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make 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
● Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
● DO 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.
● For 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
dolly MUST be 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

Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
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 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. Place the ignition switch in the ON position
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 the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not
ready” condition, drive the vehicle through the
following pattern to set the vehicle to the ready
condition. If you cannot or do not want to perform
the driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can con-
duct it for you.WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.1. Start the engine when the engine coolant temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h) and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h) and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the shift selector in the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position. 9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast one more time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
9-26Technical and consumer information

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-42
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-50
Air bag warning light ...........1-57, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-19
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-21
Air conditioner service ...........4-28
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls ................4-19, 4-26
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-28
Air flow charts ..................4-22
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-24
Anchor point locations .............1-28
Antenna .....................4-90
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-11
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-25
Armrests .....................1-11
Audible reminders ...............2-16
Audio system ..................4-28
Bluetooth audio..............4-83
Compact disc (CD)
player ..........4-46, 4-52, 4-58, 4-64 FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player
....................4-44
FM/AM/SAT radio with CD/DVD player . .4-54
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-48
Audio System iPod Player .............4-72, 4-74
Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system ....................4-76
Audio system Radio ....................4-28
Audio System Settings ...................4-55
Audio system USB interface ............4-66, 4-68
Autolight switch .................2-30
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-43
T
ransmission shift selector lock release . .5-15
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-29
Automatic door locks ..............3-5
AUX jack .................4-47, 4-53
B
Battery ......................8-15
Charge warning light ............2-11
Before starting the engine ............5-9
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-18
Block heater Engine ....................5-29
Bluetooth audio................4-83 Bluetooth
hands-free phone
system .................4-91, 4-105
Booster seats ..................1-39
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-25
Brake fluid ..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-28
Brake system ................5-24
Brake warning light .............2-11
Brake wear indicators ........2-16, 8-22
Parking brake operation ..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-22
Brakes ......................8-22
Break-in schedule ...............5-21
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-32
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-12
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-10
Bulb replacement ................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio .............4-90
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD care and cleaning .............4-86
CD player
(See audio system) . . . .4-46, 4-52, 4-58, 4-64
Child restraint with top tether strap ......1-28
Child
restraints .......1-22, 1-23, 1-24, 1-26

Precautions on child
restraints.........1-24, 1-30, 1-35, 1-39
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-28
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-16
Cleaning exterior and interior ...........7-2
Clock ...................4-45, 4-50
(models with navigation system) .......4-8
(models without navigation system) . . . .4-45
Clock set ..................4-8, 4-45
Clutch Clutch fluid ..................8-14
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-10
Cold weather driving ..............5-27
Compact disc (CD)
player ............4-46, 4-52, 4-58, 4-64
Compass display .................2-6
Console box ...................2-39
Console light ...................2-47
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). . .5-11 Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ..................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-11
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-15
Control panel buttons ...............4-2
Brightness/contrast button .........4-12
Enter button ..................4-2
Setting button .................4-6
Controls Heater and air conditioner
controls ................4-19, 4-26
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 ..................5-20
Cup holders ................2-38, 2-39
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-31
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-27
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player .......4-63
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 .....................8-18
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-27
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-11
Driving with manual transmission ......5-17
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel ..................5-22
Emission control information label .......9-11
Emission control system warranty .......9-25
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-9
Block heater .................5-29 Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
.................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-9
Changing engine oil .............8-10
Changing 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
Enter button ....................4-2
Event data recorders ..............9-27
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 .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Clutch fluid ..................8-14
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ..................8-13
10-2

Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .........9-10
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-56
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System ......................1-26
License plate Installing the license plate ..........9-12
Light Air bag warning light .........1-57, 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 .................2-47
Fog light switch ...............2-32
Headlight and turn signal switch ......2-28
Headlight control switch ..........2-29
Headlights ..................8-27
Interior light ..................2-46
Light bulbs ..................8-27
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-12
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light ......................2-23
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-51
Personal lights ................2-48
Security indicator light ............2-15
Spotlights (See map light) .........2-48
Trunk light ..................2-48
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...................2-10
Lights Map lights ..................2-48 Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Door locks ...................3-4
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever ......3-25
Glove box lock ................2-39
Power door locks ...............3-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever ..........3-23
Low

fuel warning light ..........2-13, 2-23
Low tire pressure warning light .........2-12
Low windshield-washer fluid warning light . . .2-23
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-13
M
Maintenance General maintenance .............8-2
Inside the vehicle ...............8-3
Maintenance precautions ...........8-5
Outside the vehicle ..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance ............1-21
Under the hood and vehicle .........8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............2-15
Manual front seat adjustment ...........1-2
Map lights ....................2-48
Map pocket ....................2-36
Meters and gauges ................2-3
Instrument brightness control ........2-32
Mirror Automatic anti-glare inside mirror ......3-29
Inside mirror .................3-28
Outside mirrors ...............3-30
Vanity mirror .................3-28
Moonroof .....................2-44
Music Box hard-disk drive audio system . . . .4-76 N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ ............3-17
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system . . .2-25, 3-3
NISSAN voice recognition system ......4-116
O
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 .................3-30
Overheat If
your vehicle overheats ...........6-10
Owner’s manual order form ...........9-27
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information ....................9-27
P
Parking Parking brake operation ...........5-19
Parking/parking on hills ...........5-23
Personal lights ..................2-48
Phone, Bluetooth hands-free
system ..................4-91, 4-105
10-4