2011 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE manual transmission

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, add Genuine NISSAN
Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT
3 fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
CLUTCH FLUID (if so equipped)
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmissions only) . If the fluid level is
below the MIN line, add Genuine NISSAN Super
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3fluid
up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally. Add windshield-washer fluid when the low
windshield-washer fluid warning light comes on.
To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir and pour the windshield-
washer fluid into the reservoir 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.
LDI0558LDI0558LDI0579
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15

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 *8 Drain and RefillWith oil filter change QR25DE 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1, *2
Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *1, *2
VQ35DE 5-1/8 qt 4-1/4 qt 4.8
Without oil filter
change QR25DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.3
VQ35DE 4-3/4 qt 4 qt
4.5
Cooling system With reservoir QR25DE 2 gal 1-3/4 gal 7.7
Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
VQ35DE 2-3/8 gal 2 gal 9.0
Manual transmission gear oil ——— Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or
equivalent *3
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 *4
Power steering fluid (PSF) ——— Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*5
Brake and clutch fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *6 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease ——— NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ——— HFC-134a (R-134a) *7
Air conditioning system oil ——— Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *7
Windshield-washer fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid or
equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations” in this section.
*2: NISSAN recommends for the VQ35DE engine, Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil available at a NISSAN dealer.
*3: If Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) Multi 75W-85 is hard to obtain , API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 may be used as a temporary replacement. However, use
Genuine NISSAN gear oil as soon as it is available.
*4 Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT, which is not covered by
the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*5 DEXRON™ VI type ATF may also be used.
*6 Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN dealer.
*7 For further details, see “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations” in this section.
*8: 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

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. ● While 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.
● If 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.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances. ●
Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
● When 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.
● Crosswinds 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. 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.
● 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.
9-22Technical and consumer information

●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.
Manual Transmission (if so equipped)
● Always tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral. ●
After towing 500 miles (805 km) , start and
idle the engine with the transmission in Neu-
tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing
may cause damage to internal transmission
parts.
Continuously Variable Transmission (if
so equipped)
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

Precautions on child
restraints.........1-23, 1-29, 1-34, 1-38
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-27
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 ..................8-15
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-10
Cold weather driving ..............5-28
Compact disc (CD)
player ............4-46, 4-52, 4-58, 4-64
Compass display .................2-6
Console box ...................2-41
Console light ...................2-50
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 . .5-16
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
........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Corrosion protection ...............7-6
Cruise control ..................5-20
Cup holders ...................2-40
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-32
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-29
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player .......4-63
Dimensions and

weights .............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-33
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2
Door locks .....................3-4
Drive belt .....................8-18
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-28
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 ..........5-10
Block heater .................5-29 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 ........8-9
Checking engine oil level ..........8-10
Engine compartment check locations . . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine cooling system ............8-8
Engine oil ...................8-10
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 ..............9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Extended storage switch ............8-26
Eyeglass case ..................2-38
F
Flashers
(See hazard

warning flasher switch) ......2-34
Flat tire .......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-14
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Clutch fluid ..................8-15
10-2

Phone, Bluetoothhands-free
system ..................4-91, 4-106
Power Power door locks ...............3-5
Power outlet .................2-36
Power rear windows .............2-45
Power steering fluid .............8-14
Power steering system ...........5-24
Power windows ...............2-43
Rear power windows ............2-45
Precautions Maintenance precautions ...........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints .........1-23, 1-29, 1-34, 1-38
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-14
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-41
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2
Programmable features ..............4-6
Push starting ...................6-10
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-91
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
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test .....................9-26
Rear parcel shelf Refitting covers ...............8-37
Removing covers ...............8-37 Rear power windows
..............2-45
Rear seat ......................1-8
RearView Monitor ................4-13
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .......................2-29
Recorders Event data ..................9-26
Refrigerant recommendation ...........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country . . .9-9
Reporting safety defects (US only) .......9-25
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Child seat belts .....1-23, 1-29, 1-34, 1-38
Reporting safety defects (US only) .....9-25
Seat adjustment
Front

manual seat adjustment ........1-2
Front power seat adjustment .........1-4
Rear seat adjustment .............1-8
Seatback pockets ................2-37
Seat belt Child safety ..................1-21
Infants and small children ..........1-22
Injured Person ................1-17
Larger children ................1-22
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-14
Pregnant women ...............1-17
Seat belt extenders .............1-20
Seat belt maintenance ............1-20
Seat belts ...................1-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-19
Three-point type with retractor .......1-17
Seat belt warning light ..............2-14 Seats
Adjustment ...................1-2
Front seats ...................1-2
Heated seats .................2-35
Manual front seat adjustment .........1-2
Rear seat ....................1-8
Security indicator light ..............2-16
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start .........2-27, 3-3, 5-9
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-22
Service manual order form ...........9-27
Servicing air conditioner .............4-28
Setting button ...................4-6
Shifting Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) .....................5-13
Manual transmission .............5-18
Shift lock release .................5-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........1-19
Spark plug replacement .............8-19
Speedometer ...................2-4
Spotlights (See

map light) ...........2-50
SRS warning label ................1-56
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-10
Jump starting .................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2
Push starting .................6-10
Starting the engine .............5-10
Steering Power steering fluid .............8-14
Power steering system ...........5-24
Stop light .....................8-30
Storage ......................2-37
Sunglasses case .................2-38
Sunglasses holder ................2-38
10-5

Sunroof......................2-46
Sunroof (see Moonroof) .............2-46
Sun visors ....................3-28
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-57, 2-14
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-50
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .......1-56
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-41
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .........1-41
Switch Autolight switch ...............2-31
Automatic power window switch ......2-45
Fog light switch ...............2-34
Hazard warning flasher switch .......2-34
Headlight and turn signal switch ......2-29
Headlight control switch ..........2-31
Power door lock switch ............3-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-29
Turn signal switch ..............2-33
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch .....................2-36
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-28
T
Tachometer ....................2-5
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start ..............2-27, 3-3, 5-9
Three-way catalyst ................5-2
Tire Flat tire
.....................6-2
Spare tire ................6-4, 8-49
Tire and Loading Information label .....9-11
Tire chains ..................8-46
Tire placard ..................9-11
Tire pressure .................8-38
Tire rotation ..................8-47
Types of tires .................8-45
Uniform tire quality grading .........9-24
Wheels and tires ...............8-38
Wheel/tire size .................9-8
Tire pressure Low tire pressure warning light .......2-12
Tire Pressure

Monitoring System (TPMS) . . . .5-3
Towing Flat towing ..................9-23
Towing load/specification ..........9-19
Tow truck towing ...............6-11
Trailer towing .................9-16
Transceiver HomeLink Universal Transceiver ......2-51
Transmission Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid ..................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-11
Driving with manual transmission ......5-17
Shift selector lock release ..........5-16
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country) ......................9-9
Trip odometer ...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat .......1-8
Trunk lid lock opener lever ............3-23
Trunk light ....................2-51
Turn signal switch ................2-33 U
Uniform tire quality grading ...........9-24
USB interface Audio file operation ..........4-67, 4-69
Video file operation .............4-70
V
Vanity mirror ...................3-29
Variable voltage control system .........8-18
Vehicle dimensions and weights .........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch . . .2-36
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system .....5-26
Vehicle identification ...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number) .................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information ...........9-13
Vehicle recovery .................6-14
Vehicle security system .............2-26
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle immobi-
lizer system) , engine start ......2-27, 3-3, 5-9
Ventilators ....................4-18
Visors .......................3-28
V oice

recognition system ...........4-117
W
Warning Air bag warning light .........1-57, 2-14
Anti-lock brake warning light ........2-11
Battery charge warning light ........2-11
Brake warning light .............2-11
10-6