2011 NISSAN ALTIMA HYBRID brake fluid

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions . . .........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-7
Engine cooling system .............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-9
Changing engine coolant ........................8-9
Inverter cooling system ............................ 8-10
Checking inverter coolant level ..................8-10
Changing inverter coolant ......................8-11
Engine oil ........................................ 8-11
Checking engine oil level .......................8-11
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-12
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-13
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable
Transmission (eCVT) fluid ......................... 8-14
Brake fluid ....................................... 8-14
Brake fluid .................................... 8-14
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-15
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-15
12-volt battery ................................... 8-15
Jump starting ................................. 8-16Drive belt
........................................ 8-16
Spark plugs . ..................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-17
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-18
Cleaning ..................................... 8-18
Replacing .................................... 8-18
Brakes .......................................... 8-19
Self-adjusting brakes .......................... 8-19
Brake pad wear indicators ......................8-19
Fuses ........................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ........................... 8-21
Passenger compartment .......................8-22
Battery replacement .............................. 8-23
NISSAN
Intelligent Key™ ....................... 8-23
Lights ........................................... 8-25
Headlights .................................... 8-25
Front park/turn/sidemarker light .................8-25
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-26
Upper tether anchor covers ........................8-30
Removing covers from rear parcel shelf ..........8-30
Installing covers to rear parcel shelf ..............8-31

Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer* Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Brake fluid level* Make sure that the brake fluid
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on the
reservoir.
Electronically controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid* Check
under the vehicle for leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while.
Engine coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold. Engine drive belts*
Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level* Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
“Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaks Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Inverter coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the inverter is cold.
Radiator and hoses Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections. Underbody
The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield-washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

1. Brake fluid reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Air cleaner
4. Fuse/Fusible link box/Jump-startlocation
5. Fuse box
6. Inverter coolant reservoir
7. Engine oil dipstick
8. Radiator cap
9. Drive belt location
10. Engine coolant reservoir
11. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
LDI0577
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7

CHANGING INVERTER COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the inverter cool-
ant. The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in inverter
overheating.
WARNING
●To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the in-
verter is hot.
● Never remove the cap when the inverter
is hot. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from
the inverter coolant reservoir.
● Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
● Keep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the vehicle. Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re- insert it all the way. 5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) marksB. This is the normal oper-
ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark
A, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
opening. Do not overfill
C.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
LDI0555WDI0214
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11

CAUTION
●Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
● Using transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF will dam-
age the transmission, which is not cov-
ered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing. For further brake fluid specification information,
refer to “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
WARNING
●
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can damage
the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.
● Clean the filler cap before removing.
● Brake fluid is poisonous and should be
stored carefully in marked containers
out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.
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 equivalent DOT
3 fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
LDI0578
ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (eCVT) FLUID BRAKE FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself

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 75.6Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON
91)*1
Engine oil *7 Drain and RefillWith oil filter change 4-7/8 qt 4 qt4.6
Engine oil with API Certification Mark *2, *3
Viscosity SAE 0W-20 *2, *3
Without oil filter
change 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.3
Cooling system With reservoir 2 gal1-3/4 gal
7.7 Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent
Inverter unit cooling system 7/8 gal 3/4 gal 3.2Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmis-
sion (eCVT) fluid —
—— Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF *4
Brake fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *5 or equivalent
DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease ——— NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ——— HFC-134a (R-134a) *6
Air conditioning system oil ——— Compressor oil ND OIL-11 *6
Windshield-washer fluid ——— Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation” in this section.
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations” in this section.
*3: SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 engine oil may also be used. However, SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for optimum fuel economy and optimum starting in cold weather.
*4: Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF. Using transaxle fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF will damage the eCVT.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations” in this section.
*7: 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

●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.
● Downshift 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.
● 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, 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.
9-22Technical and consumer information

10 Index
12-volt battery.................8-15
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-35
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-43
Air bag warning light ...........1-50, 2-15
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-17
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-21
Air conditioner specification label .....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls . . . .4-19
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-21
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-27
Anchor point locations .............1-22
Antenna .....................4-83
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-10
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-21
Armrests .....................1-5
Audible reminders ...............2-17
Audio system ..................4-22
Bluetooth audio..............4-77
Compact disc
(CD) player .......4-39, 4-45, 4-51, 4-57 FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD)
player
....................4-37
FM/AM/SAT radio with CD/DVD player . .4-47
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player .................4-41
Audio System iPod Player .............4-65, 4-67
Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system ....................4-69
Audio system Radio ....................4-22
Audio System Settings ...................4-48
Audio system USB interface ............4-59, 4-61
Autolight switch .................2-31
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-43
Automatic
anti-glare inside mirror .......3-24
Automatic door locks ..............3-6
AUX jack .................4-40, 4-46
B
Battery Charge warning light ........2-11, 2-13
Before starting the vehicle ...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-16
Block heater Engine ....................5-25
Bluetooth audio................4-77 Bluetooth
hands-free phone
system ..................4-85, 4-99
Booster seats ..................1-32
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-21
Brake fluid ..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-26
Brake system ................5-19
Brake warning light .........2-10, 2-12
Brake wear indicators ........2-17, 8-19
Parking brake operation ..........5-14
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-19
Brakes ......................8-19
Break-in schedule ...............5-17
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-12
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-33
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-9
Bulb replacement ................8-26
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
Car phone or CB radio .............4-84
CD care and cleaning .............4-80
CD player
(See audio system) . . . .4-39, 4-45, 4-51, 4-57
Child restraints .......1-17, 1-17, 1-18, 1-20
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-18,

1-24, 1-28, 1-32