2011 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID Owners Manual

1. With the display turned on, press and holdthe
switch for about 9 seconds. The
display will read “C.”
2. Calibrate the compass by driving the vehicle in three complete circles at a maximum
speed of 5 MPH (8 km/h) .
3. After completing the circles the display should return to normal.
● If the compass deviates from the correct
indication soon after repeated adjustment,
have the compass checked at an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
● The compass may not indicate the correct
compass point in tunnels or while driving up
or down a steep hill. (The compass returns
to the correct compass point when the ve-
hicle moves to an area where the geomag-
netism is stabilized.)CAUTION
● Do not install a ski rack, antenna, etc.,
which are attached to the vehicle by
means of a magnet. They affect the op-
eration of the compass.
● When cleaning the mirror, use a paper
towel or similar material dampened
with glass cleaner. Do not spray glass
cleaner directly on the mirror as it may
cause the liquid cleaner to enter the
mirror housing.
2-8Instruments and controls

orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning lightHybrid System warning lightHigh beam indicator light (blue)
orBrake warning light (red)Low tire pressure warning lightLow temperature indicator light (blue)
12–volt battery charge warning lightMaster warning lightMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Electric power steering warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeReady operation indicator light (green)
Electronically controlled brake warning light
(yellow)Supplemental air bag warning lightSecurity indicator light
Engine oil pressure warning lightVehicle Dynamic Control warning lightSlip indicator light
High temperature warning light (red)Electronically controlled Continuously Variable
Transmission (eCVT) position indicator lightTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
High voltage battery warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the Hybrid System. The following
lights will come on:
,or,,,,
,,,.The following lights come on when the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position before the
READY light comes on indicating the Hybrid Sys-
tem is activated:
or,,,.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-9

The following light comes on briefly and then
goes off:
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
For additional information on warnings and indi-
cators, see “Vehicle information display” later in
this section.
orAnti-lock BrakingSystem (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light illuminates. After the Hybrid System
is in the READY mode, the ABS warning light
turns off.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
Hybrid System is running, or while driving, it may
indicate the ABS is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
Brake system
in theStarting and driving sec-
tion.
orBrake warning light
(red)
This light preforms the following functions for the
parking brake and brake systems.
● Parking brake indicator
● Low brake fluid warning light
● Hydraulic brake system warning light
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode, the light comes on when the parking brake
is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode, the light warns of a low brake fluid level.
Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as
necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual. If the
brake fluid level is correct, see “Hydraulic brake
system warning light” in this section. Hydraulic brake system warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode, the light warns that the hydraulic brake
system is not functioning properly. If the brake
warning light comes on with the parking brake not
applied when the Hybrid System is in READY
position, perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
If the hydraulic brake warning light comes on
when the parking brake is not applied and the
electronically controlled brake system warning
light also comes on, stop the vehicle immedi-
ately and call a NISSAN dealer.
2-10Instruments and controls

WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
● Pressing the brake pedal with the igni-
tion switch placed in the OFF position
and/or a low brake fluid level may in-
crease your stopping distance and
braking will require greater pedal effort
as well as pedal travel.
● If the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer. ●
Your brake system may not be working
properly if both the brake warning light
and electronically controlled brake sys-
tem warning light come on when the
Hybrid System is in READY mode and
the parking brake is not applied. Driving
could be dangerous. If you judge it to be
safe, drive carefully to the nearest ser-
vice station for repairs. Otherwise, have
your vehicle towed because driving
could be dangerous.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate the
ABS is not functioning properly. Have the brake
system checked, and if necessary, repaired by a
NISSAN dealer promptly. Avoid high-speed driv-
ing and abrupt braking. (See “Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light” in this section.)
12–volt battery charge warning light
If this light comes on while the Hybrid System is
running, it may indicate the 12-volt battery charg-
ing system is not functioning properly. See a
NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
The charging system may not be function-
ing properly if the charge warning light
comes on while the Hybrid System is run-
ning. The Hybrid System will stop operat-
ing when the 12-volt battery becomes dis-
charged. Immediately stop the vehicle in a
safe place and contact your NISSAN
dealer.
Electric power steering
warning light
WARNING
● If the ignition switch is not placed in the
ON position and the Hybrid System is
not in the READY mode, the power as-
sist for the steering will not work. Steer-
ing will be harder to operate.
● When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the Hybrid System in
the READY mode, there will be no
power assist for the steering. You will
still have control of the vehicle but the
steering will be harder to operate. Have
the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Instruments and controls2-11

When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the power steering warning light illumi-
nates. After the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode, the power steering warning light turns off.
This indicates the power steering system is op-
erational.
If the power steering warning light illuminates
while the Hybrid System is in the READY mode, it
may indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
When the power steering warning light illumi-
nates with the Hybrid System in the READY
mode, there will be no power assist for the steer-
ing but you will still have control of the vehicle. At
this time, greater steering effort is required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp
turns and at low speeds.
See “Power steering” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
Electronically controlled brakewarning light (yellow)
This light functions for both the regenerative
brake and electronically controlled brake sys-
tems. When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position and the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode, the light stays on for about 2 seconds. If
the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the regenerative brake and/or the elec-
tronically controlled brake systems are not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
If the hydraulic brake warning light also comes on
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and call a NISSAN dealer. For
additional information, see
Brake systemin
Starting and Driving section.
WARNING
Your brake system may not be working
properly if both the brake warning light
and electronically controlled brake sys-
tem warning light come on when the Hy-
brid System is in READY mode and the
parking brake is not applied. Driving could
be dangerous. If you judge it to be safe,
drive carefully to the nearest service sta-
tion for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed because driving could be
dangerous.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediately and call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
High temperature warning light
(red)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the high temperature warning light illu-
minates and then turns off. This indicates that the
high temperature sensor in the engine coolant
system is operational.
2-12Instruments and controls

CAUTION
If the high temperature warning light illu-
minates while the engine is running, it
may indicate the engine temperature is
extremely high. Stop the vehicle safely as
soon as possible. If the vehicle is over-
heated, continuing vehicle operation may
seriously damage the engine. See “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section.
High-voltage battery warninglight
This light may appear during the following condi-
tions:
● The high voltage battery voltage drops due
to the shift selector being left in “N”.
– The Hybrid System will work properly if the shift selector is placed in “P” and the
light goes off.
● The high voltage battery is discharged.
– If this light comes on when the READY light is on, stop your vehicle and contact
your NISSAN dealer
Hybrid system warning light
The hybrid system warning light comes on when:
● The amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
● There is a problem with the traction motor or
other Hybrid System components.
If the fuel gauge indicates the fuel level is low,
refill the fuel tank immediately. See “Fuel gauge”
earlier in this section. After the fuel tank is filled,
the ignition switch is placed in the ON position,
and the Hybrid System is in the READY mode,
the hybrid system warning light should be off.
If the fuel gauge indicates a sufficient fuel level, or
if the hybrid system warning light comes on after
refilling the tank, there may be a problem with the
traction motor or other Hybrid System compo-
nents. Stop your vehicle immediately and contact
your NISSAN dealer.
Low tire pressure warning light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of low
tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly. After the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light illuminates for about 1 second
and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the warning light will illuminate.
When the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates, you should stop and adjust the
tire pressure of all 4 tires to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label located
in the driver’s door opening. The low tire
pressure warning light does not automati-
cally turn off when the tire pressure is ad-
justed. After the tire is inflated to the rec-
ommended pressure, the vehicle must be
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h)
to activate the TPMS and turn off the low
tire pressure warning light. Use a tire pres-
sure gauge to check the tire pressure.
For additional information, see “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and
driving” section and in the “In case of emergency”
section.
Instruments and controls2-13

TPMS malfunction:
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the low
tire pressure warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute when the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position. The light will remain on
after the 1 minute. The CHECK TIRE PRES-
SURE warning is not displayed if the low tire
pressure warning light illuminates to indicate a
TPMS malfunction. Have the system checked by
a NISSAN dealer.
For additional information, see “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and
driving” section and “Tire pressure” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.
WARNING
●If the light does not illuminate with the
ignition switch placed in the ON posi-
tion, have the vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
● If the light illuminates while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location and
stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Driving with under-inflated tires may permanently damage the tires and in-
crease the likelihood of tire failure. Se-
rious vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could re-
sult in serious personal injury. Check
the tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended
COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label located
in the driver’s door opening to turn the
low tire pressure warning light OFF. If
the light still comes on while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire
may be flat. If you have a flat tire, re-
place it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
CAUTION
● The TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure to
check the tire pressure regularly.
● If the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of less than 16 MPH (25 km/h) , the
TPMS may not operate correctly.
● Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the 4 wheels correctly.
Master warning light
This light comes on when various vehicle infor-
mation display warnings appear.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition switch is placed in the ON or START
position and remains illuminated until the driver’s
seat belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime
sounds for about 6 seconds unless the driver’s
seat belt is securely fastened.
The seat belt warning light may also illuminate if
the front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied. For
7 seconds after the ignition switch is placed in
2-14Instruments and controls

the ON position, the system does not activate the
warning light for the front passenger.
Refer to “Seat belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warninglight
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON or
START position, the supplemental air bag warn-
ing light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then
turns off. This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag, and preten-
sioner systems need servicing and your vehicle
must be taken to a NISSAN dealer:
● The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
● The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
● The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the preten-
sioners may not function properly. For additional
details, see “Supplemental restraint system” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental re-
straint system” section of this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the front air bag,
side air bag, curtain air bag systems
and/or pretensioner systems will not op-
erate in an accident. To help avoid injury
to yourself or others, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
warning light
The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on
when you place the ignition switch in the ON
position and the Hybrid System is in the READY
mode. The light will turn off after about 2 seconds
if the system is operational.
The light also comes on when the power of the
12-volt battery is reduced or the battery cable is
disconnected. The light will turn off automatically
after the vehicle is driven slightly for more than 5
seconds at above 22 mph. If the light remains on,
have the vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
operating, you might feel slight vibration or hear the system working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, but this is normal.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
For additional information on warnings and indi-
cators, see “Vehicle information display” later in
this section.
Electronically controlled
Continuously Variable
Transmission (eCVT) position
indicator light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this indicator light shows the shift selec-
tor position. See “Driving the vehicle” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Front passenger air bag statuslight
The front passenger air bag status light ()
will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be
OFF depending on how the front passenger seat
is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
Instruments and controls2-15