2013 NISSAN ALTIMA automatic transmission

WARNING
●Do not use the HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver with any garage door
opener that lacks safety stop and re-
verse features as required by federal
safety standards. (These standards be-
came effective for opener models
manufactured after April 1, 1982) . A ga-
rage door opener which cannot detect
an object in the path of a closing garage
door and then automatically stop and
reverse, does not meet current federal
safety standards. Using a garage door
opener without these features in-
creases the risk of serious injury or
death.
● During the programming procedure
your garage door or security gate will
open and close (if the transmitter is
within range) . Make sure that people or
objects are clear of the garage door,
gate, etc. that you are programming.
● Your vehicle’s engine should be turned
off while programming the HomeLink®
Universal Transceiver.
PROGRAMMING HOMELINK®
If you have any questions or are having difficulty
programming your HomeLink® buttons, refer to
the HomeLink® web site at: www.homelink.com
or call 1-800-355-3515.
NOTE:
Place the ignition switch in the ACC posi-
tion when programming HomeLink®. It is
also recommended that a new battery be
placed in the hand-held transmitter of the
device being programmed to HomeLink®
for quicker programming and accurate
transmission of the radio-frequency.
1. Position the end of your hand-held transmit- ter 1–3 inches (2–8 cm) away from the
HomeLink® surface, keeping the
HomeLink® indicator light
1in view. 2. Using both hands, simultaneously press and
hold the desired HomeLink® button and
handheld transmitter button. DO NOT re-
lease until the HomeLink® indicator light1
flashes slowly and then rapidly. When the
indicator light flashes rapidly, both buttons
may be released. (The rapid flashing indi-
cates successful programming.)
NOTE:
Some devices may require you to replace
Step 2 with the cycling procedure noted in
the “Programing HomeLink® for Canadian
customers and gate openers” section.
LIC2365
Instruments and controls2-49

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..............................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ....................5-6
Off-road recovery ...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-7
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-8
Push-Button Ignition Switch ........................5-8
Operating range ................................5-9
Push-button ignition switch positions .............5-9
Emergency engine shut off .....................5-10
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge .......5-10
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............5-11
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-11
Starting the engine ............................... 5-12
Remote start (if so equipped) ...................5-12
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-13
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) ........5-13
Parking brake .................................... 5-19
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) System / Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) System (if so equipped) . . 5-19 BSW system operation ........................ 5-20BSW driving situations
......................... 5-22
LDW system operation ......................... 5-24
BSW/LDW temporary disabled status ...........5-25
BSW/LDW automatic deactivation ..............5-25
Camera unit maintenance ......................5-26
Cruise control (if so equipped) .....................5-26
Precautions on cruise control ...................5-26
Cruise control operations .......................5-26
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-28
Fuel efficient driving tips ........................... 5-28
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-29
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-30
Power steering ................................... 5-31
Brake system .................................... 5-31
Brake precautions ............................. 5-31
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-32
V ehicle

Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-33
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-35
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................5-35
Anti-freeze .................................... 5-35
Battery ....................................... 5-35
Draining of coolant water .......................5-35
Tire equipment ................................ 5-35

CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT)
WARNING
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , D (Drive) , Ds (Drive
Sport) or manual shift mode (if so
equipped) . Always depress the brake
pedal until shifting is completed. Fail-
ure to do so could cause you to lose
control and have an accident.
● Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
● Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.
CAUTION
●Except in an emergency, do not shift to
the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Coasting with the transmission in the N
(Neutral) position may cause serious
damage to the transmission.
● When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
The CVT in your vehicle is electronically con-
trolled to produce maximum power and smooth
operation.
The CVT can operate in two different automatic
drive modes: ● D (Drive) mode - Move the shift selector to D
(Drive) , the transmission is in the normal
forward automatic driving mode. The posi-
tion indicator in the meter shows a “D”. The
D (Drive) mode does not produce a gear
change sensation like a traditional automatic
transmission. ●
Ds (Drive Sport) mode - Move the shift se-
lector from D (Drive) to the to Ds (Drive
Sport) . The position indicator in the meter
shows a “Ds”. In Ds (Drive Sport) mode,
transmission operation changes to Sporty”
driving shift operation, creating a more ag-
gressive acceleration feeling than the D
(Drive) mode and a gear change sensation
when the driver accelerates or when using
the shift paddles (if so equipped) . During Ds
(Drive Sport) mode operation, the driver
must move the shift selector from Ds mode
to D mode and back again to re-select Ds
(Drive Sport) mode.
● To cancel the Ds mode, return the shift se-
lector to the D (Drive) position. The trans-
mission returns to the automatic drive mode.
The CVT can operate in two manual drive modes: ● M (Manual) mode (if so equipped) - With the
shift selector in the Ds (Drive Sport) mode,
using the shift paddles (if so equipped) up
(+) or down (–) produces noticeable up-
shifts and downshifts. The position indicator
in the meter shows a “M”.
● To Ds (Drive Sport) mode return the shift
selector to the D (Drive) mode.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-13

NOTE:
Engine power may be automatically re-
duced to protect the CVT if the engine
speed increases quickly when driving on
slippery roads or while being tested on
some dynamometers.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress thefoot brake pedal before moving the shift
selector out of the P (Park) position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and move the shift selector into a driving gear.
3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
4. Stop the vehicle completely before shifting the shift selector to the P (Park) position.
The CVT is designed so the foot brake
pedal MUST be depressed before shifting
from P (Park) to any drive position while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
The shift selector cannot be moved out of P
(Park) and into any of the other gear posi-
tions if the ignition switch is pushed to the
LOCK position. To move the shift selector:
Press the buttonAwhile depressing the
brake pedal
Press the buttonAto shift
Shift without pressing buttonA
Shifting
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and move the shift selector from P (Park) to
any of the desired shift positions.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the shift selec-
tor is in any position while the engine is
not running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal injury
or property damage.
P (Park):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the P (Park) shift selector position when the
vehicle is parked or when starting the engine.
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
The brake pedal should be depressed to
move the shift selector from N (Neutral) or
any drive position to P (Park) . Apply the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the
parking brake first, then move the shift selector
into the P (Park) position.
LSD2085
5-14Starting and driving

R (Reverse):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake
pedal must be depressed to move the shift
selector from P (Park) , N (Neutral) or any
drive position to R (Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
Ds (Drive Sport):
When the shift selector is shifted from the D
(Drive) to Ds (Drive Sport) position, the transmis-
sion enters the Ds (Drive Sport) mode. Moving
the shift selector to the Ds (Drive Sport) position
allows you to enjoy “sporty” driving shift operation
on a winding road and feel smooth acceleration
or deceleration on a hilly road by moving in a lower gear automatically. When canceling the DS
mode, return the shift selector to the D (Drive)
position. The transmission returns to the normal
driving mode.
Manual shift mode (if so equipped)
When the shift selector is in the Ds (Drive Sport)
position, the transmission is ready for the manual
shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected manu-
ally by pulling the right-side or left-side paddle
shifter.
When shifting up, pull the right side paddle
shifter (+)
C(if so equipped) . The transmission
shifts to the higher range.
When shifting down, pull the left side paddle
shifter ()
B(if so equipped) . The transmission
shifts to the lower range.
LSD2086
Starting and driving5-15

When canceling the manual shift mode, return
the selector lever to the D (Drive) position. The
transmission returns to the normal driving mode.
When you pull the paddle shifter (if so equipped)
while in the D (Drive) position, the transmission
will shift to the upper or lower range temporarily.
The transmission will automatically return to the D
(Drive) position after a short period of time. If you
want to return to the D (Drive) position manually,
pull and hold the paddle shifter for about 1.5 sec-
onds.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is dis-
played on the position indicator in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
1⇔2⇔ 3⇔ 4⇔ 5⇔ 6⇔ 7
M7 (7th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving at
highway speeds.
M6 (6th) and M5 (5th):
Use this position when driving up long slopes, or
for engine braking when driving down long
slopes.
M4 (4th) , M3 (3rd) and M2 (2nd):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill
grades. M1 (First):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or driving slowly through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep
downhill grades.
● Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than 7
range. This reduces fuel economy.
When shifting up:
Move the shift selector to the + (up) side. (Shifts
to higher range.)
When shifting down:
Move the shift selector to the (down) side.
(Shifts to lower range.)
● Moving the shift selector rapidly to the same
side twice will shift the ranges in succession.
When canceling the manual shift mode:
Return the shift selector to the D (Drive) position
to return the transmission to the normal driving
mode. ● In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving perfor-
mance and reduces the chance of ve-
hicle damage or loss of control. ●
In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may shift up automatically to a
higher range than selected if the en-
gine speed is too high. When the ve-
hicle speed decreases, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts down and
shifts to 1st gear before the vehicle
comes to a stop.
● CVT operation is limited to automatic drive
mode when CVT fluid temperature is ex-
tremely low even if manual shift mode is
selected. This is not a malfunction. When
CVT fluid warms up, manual mode can be
selected.
● When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the
shift range may upshift in lower rpm than
usual. This is not a malfunction.
5-16Starting and driving

Each time the engine is started, or when the shift
selector is shifted to any position other than D
(Drive) , the Overdrive off mode will be automati-
cally turned off.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid temperature
protection mode. If the fluid temperature be-
comes too high (for example, when climbing
steep grades in high temperature with heavy
loads, such as when towing a trailer) , engine
power and, under some conditions, vehicle
speed will be decreased automatically to reduce
the chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelerator
pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed may be
limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safesystem may be activated. The MIL may
come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is
activated, see “Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” in the “Instrument and controls” sec-
tion. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this
case, place the ignition switch in the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then
push the switch back to the ON position.
The vehicle should return to its normal op-
erating condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
NISSAN dealer check the transmission and
repair if necessary.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature protec-
tion mode or fail-safe operation occurs,
vehicle speed may be gradually reduced.
The reduced speed may be lower than
other traffic, which could increase the
chance of a collision. Be especially care-
ful when driving. If necessary, pull to the
side of the road at a safe place and allow
the transmission to return to normal op-
eration, or have it repaired if necessary.
1. To engage, firmly depress the foot brake.
2. To release:
●Move the shift selector to the P (Park)
position
● Firmly depress the parking brake pedal
and it will release.
● Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
LSD0158
5-18Starting and driving

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........5-32
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system). .1-37
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-44
Airbagwarninglight...........1-52,2-14
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-20
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-24
Air conditioner service ...........4-32
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-7
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-21,4-30
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-32
Airflowcharts..................4-25
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-26
Anchor point locations .............1-23
Antenna.....................4-72
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-10
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-32
Armrests .....................1-7
Audible reminders ...............2-16
Audio system ..................4-32
Bluetooth®audio.......4-65,4-66,4-67
Compact disc (CD) player . .4-43, 4-48, 4-54
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD)player.................4-41 FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player
..............4-46,4-51
Audio System iPod®Player.............4-60,4-62
Audio system Radio ....................4-32
USB interface ............4-57,4-58
Autolight switch .................2-31
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-44
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-17
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-34
Automatic door locks ..............3-6
AUXjack..............4-44,4-49,4-56
B
Battery ......................8-16
Chargewarninglight............2-11
Before starting the engine ...........5-11
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-19
Block heater Engine ....................5-36
Bluetooth®audio.........4-65,4-66,4-67
Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system ...............4-73,4-88,4-99
Boosterseats..................1-33
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-32
Brake fluid ..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-32
Brake system ................5-31 Brake warning light
.............2-11
Brake wear indicators ........2-16,8-23
Parking brake operation ..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-23
Brakes ......................8-23
Break-inschedule ...............5-28
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-11
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-33
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-10
Bulbreplacement................8-32
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CarphoneorCBradio.............4-73
CDcareandcleaning .............4-70
CD player (See audio system) . .4-43, 4-48, 4-54
Check tire pressure ...............2-25
Child restraints .......1-17,1-18,1-19,1-21
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-19,1-25,1-30,1-33
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-23
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
C h

imes,audiblereminders...........2-16
Cleaning exterior and interior ..........7-2
Clock ......................4-42 (models without navigation system) ....4-42
Clockset ....................4-42
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11