IP-8
< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
Work FlowINFOID:0000000009889928
CUSTOMER INTERVIEW
Interview the customer if possible, to determine the conditions that exist when the noise occurs. Use the Diag-
nostic Worksheet during the interview to document the facts and conditions when the noise occurs and any
customer's comments; refer to IP-12, "Diagnostic Worksheet"
. This information is necessary to duplicate the
conditions that exist when the noise occurs.
• The customer may not be able to provide a detailed description or the location of the noise. Attempt to obtain
all the facts and conditions that exist w hen the noise occurs (or does not occur).
• If there is more than one noise in the vehicle, be sure to diagnose and repair the noise that the customer is
concerned about. This can be accomplished by test driving the vehicle with the customer.
• After identifying the type of noise, isolate the noise in terms of its characteristics. The noise characteristics
are provided so the customer, service adviser and technician are all speaking the same language when
defining the noise.
• Squeak —(Like tennis shoes on a clean floor) Squeak characteristics include the light contact/fast movement/brought on by road conditions/hard surfaces
= higher pitch noise/softer surfaces = lower pitch noises/edge to surface = chirping.
• Creak—(Like walking on an old wooden floor) Creak characteristics include firm contact/slow mo vement/twisting with a rotational movement/pitch depen-
dent on materials/often brought on by activity.
• Rattle—(Like shaking a baby rattle) Rattle characteristics include the fast repeated contac t/vibration or similar movement/loose parts/missing
clip or fastener/incorrect clearance.
• Knock —(Like a knock on a door) Knock characteristics include hollow sounding/someti mes repeating/often brought on by driver action.
• Tick—(Like a clock second hand) Tick characteristics include gentle contacting of light materials/loose components/can be caused by driver
action or road conditions.
• Thump—(Heavy, muffled knock noise)
Thump characteristics include softer k nock/dead sound often brought on by activity.
• Buzz—(Like a bumble bee) Buzz characteristics include hi gh frequency rattle/firm contact.
• Often the degree of acceptable noise level will vary depending upon the person. A noise that you may judge
as acceptable may be very irritating to the customer.
• Weather conditions, especially humidity and temperat ure, may have a great effect on noise level.
DUPLICATE THE NOISE AND TEST DRIVE
SBT842
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSESIP-9
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If possible, drive the vehicle with the customer until the noise is duplicated. Note any additional information on
the Diagnostic Worksheet regarding the conditions or lo cation of the noise. This information can be used to
duplicate the same conditions when you confirm the repair.
If the noise can be duplicated easily during the test drive, to help identify the source of the noise, try to dupli-
cate the noise with the vehicle stopped by doing one or all of the following:
1) Close a door.
2) Tap or push/pull around the area where the noise appears to be coming from.
3) Rev the engine.
4) Use a floor jack to recreate vehicle “twist”.
5) At idle, apply engine load (electrical load, half-clutch on M/T model, drive position on CVT and A/T models).
6) Raise the vehicle on a hoist and hit a tire with a rubber hammer.
• Drive the vehicle and attempt to duplicate the conditions the customer states exist when the noise occurs.
• If it is difficult to duplicate the noise, drive the vehicle slowly on an undulating or rough road to stress the
vehicle body.
CHECK RELATED SERVICE BULLETINS
After verifying the customer concern or symptom, che ck ASIST for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related
to that concern or symptom.
If a TSB relates to the symptom, follow the procedure to repair the noise.
LOCATE THE NOISE AND IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE
1. Narrow down the noise to a general area. To help pi npoint the source of the noise, use a listening tool
(Chassis Ear: J-39570, Engine Ear: J-39565 and mechanic's stethoscope).
2. Narrow down the noise to a more specific area and identify the cause of the noise by: • removing the components in the area that you suspect the noise is coming from.Do not use too much force when removing clips and fasteners, otherwise clips and fasteners can be
broken or lost during the repair, resulting in the creation of new noise.
• tapping or pushing/pulling the component that you suspect is causing the noise.
Do not tap or push/pull the component with excessive force, otherwise the noise will be eliminated only
temporarily.
• feeling for a vibration with your hand by touching the component(s) that you suspect is (are) causing the
noise.
• placing a piece of paper between components that you suspect are causing the noise.
• looking for loose components and contact marks. Refer to IP-9, "Generic Squeak and Rattle Troubleshooting"
.
REPAIR THE CAUSE
• If the cause is a loose component, tighten the component securely.
• If the cause is insufficient clearance between components:
- separate components by repositioning or loos ening and retightening the component, if possible.
- insulate components with a suitable insulator such as urethane pads, foam blocks, felt cloth tape or urethane
tape. A NISSAN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-50397) is av ailable through your authorized NISSAN Parts Depart-
ment.
CAUTION:
Do not use excessive force as many components are constructed of plastic and may be damaged.
NOTE:
• Always check with the Parts Department for the latest parts information.
• The materials contained in the NISSAN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-50397) are listed on the inside cover of the
kit; and can each be ordered seperately as needed.
• The following materials not found in the kit can also be used to repair squeaks and rattles.
- SILICONE GREASE: Use instead of UHMW tape that will be visible or does not fit. The silicone grease will
only last a few months.
- SILICONE SPRAY: Use when grease cannot be applied.
- DUCT TAPE: Use to eliminate movement.
CONFIRM THE REPAIR
Confirm that the cause of a noise is repaired by test driving the vehicle. Operate the vehicle under the same
conditions as when the noise originally occurred. Refer to the notes on the Diagnostic Worksheet.
Generic Squeak and Rattle TroubleshootingINFOID:0000000009889929
Refer to Table of Contents for specific component removal and installation information.
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
IP-10
< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Most incidents are caused by contact and movement between:
1. Cluster lid A and the instrument panel
2. Acrylic lens and combination meter housing
3. Instrument panel to front pillar finisher
4. Instrument panel to windshield
5. Instrument panel pins
6. Wiring harnesses behind the combination meter
7. A/C defroster duct and duct joint
These incidents can usually be located by tapping or moving the components to duplicate the noise or by
pressing on the components while driving to stop the noise. Most of these incidents can be repaired by apply-
ing felt cloth tape or silicone spray (in hard to reach areas). Urethane pads can be used to insulate wiring har-
ness.
CAUTION:
Do not use silicone spray to isolate a squeak or ra ttle. If you saturate the area with silicone, you will
not be able to recheck the repair.
CENTER CONSOLE
Components to pay attention to include:
1. Shift selector assembly cover to finisher
2. A/C control unit and cluster lid C
3. Wiring harnesses behind audio and A/C control unit
The instrument panel repair and isolation pr ocedures also apply to the center console.
DOORS
Pay attention to the:
1. Finisher and inner panel making a slapping noise
2. Inside handle escutcheon to door finisher
3. Wiring harnesses tapping
4. Door striker out of alignment causing a popping noise on starts and stops
Tapping or moving the components or pressing on them wh ile driving to duplicate the conditions can isolate
many of these incidents. You can usually insulate the areas with felt cloth tape or insulator foam blocks from
the NISSAN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-50397) to repair the noise.
TRUNK
Trunk noises are often caused by a loose jack or loose items put into the trunk by the owner.
In addition look for:
1. Trunk lid bumpers out of adjustment
2. Trunk lid striker out of adjustment
3. The trunk lid torsion bars knocking together
4. A loose license plate or bracket
Most of these incidents can be repaired by adjusting, se curing or insulating the item(s) or component(s) caus-
ing the noise.
SUNROOF/HEADLINING
Noises in the sunroof/headlining area c an often be traced to one of the following:
1. Sunroof lid, rail, linkage or seals making a rattle or light knocking noise
2. Sun visor shaft shaking in the holder
3. Front or rear windshield touching headlining and squeaking
Again, pressing on the components to stop the noise while duplicating the conditions can isolate most of these
incidents. Repairs usually consist of insulating with felt cloth tape.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (FRONT AND REAR)
Overhead console noises are often caused by the c onsole panel clips not being engaged correctly. Most of
these incidents are repaired by pushing up on the c onsole at the clip locations until the clips engage.
In addition look for:
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
INSTRUMENT LOWER PANEL LHIP-21
< REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION >
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INSTRUMENT LOWER PANEL LH
Removal and InstallationINFOID:0000000009461386
REMOVAL
1. Remove the instrument side finisher (LH) (1) using a suitable tool.
2. Remove the hood lock/fuel filler door release handle assembly from the instrument lower panel LH. Refer to DLK-175, "HOOD LOCK CONTRO L : Component Parts Location"
.
3. Release the instrument lower panel LH metal clips and pawls using a suitable tool.
: Metal clip
: Pawl
4. Disconnect the harness connectors from the instrument lower panel LH.
5. Remove the aspirator hose from the instrument lower panel LH.
6. Remove the instrument lower panel LH.
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.
ALJIA0018ZZ
ALJIA0925ZZ
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
GENERAL MAINTENANCEMA-5
< PERIODIC MAINTENANCE >
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PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
FOR USA AND CANADA
FOR USA AND CANADA : Explana
tion of General MaintenanceINFOID:0000000009464530
General maintenance includes those items which shoul d be checked during the normal day-to-day operation
of the vehicle. They are essential if the vehicle is to continue operating properly. The owners can perform
checks and inspections themselves or have their NISSAN dealers do them.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified.
INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as when performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the vehicle,
etc.
Item Reference page
Tires Check the pressure with a gauge often and always prior to long distance trips.
Adjust the pressure in all tires, including the spare, to the pressure specified.
Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear. MA-39
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and check for any loose
nuts. Tighten if necessary. MA-39
Tire rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). MA-39
Tire Pressure Monitor-
ing System (TPMS)
transmitter compo-
nents Replace the TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap when the tires
are replaced due to wear or age. WT-57
Wheel alignment and
balance If the vehicle should pull to either side while driving on a straight and level road,
or if you detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel
alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal highway speeds,
wheel balancing may be needed. For additional information regarding tires, refer
to "Important Tire Safety Information" (US) or "Tire Safety Information" (Canada)
in the NISSAN Warranty Information Booklet. FSU-25
Windshield
Clean the windshield on a regular basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Repair as necessary. —
Windshield wiper
blades Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly. —
Doors and engine
hood Check that all doors and the engine hood operate properly. Also make sure that
all latches lock securely. Lubricate if necessary. Make sure that the secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other corrosive materials, check for lu-
brication frequently. MA-45, "LOCKS, HING-
ES AND HOOD LATCH :
Lubricating"
Lamps
Make sure that the headlamps, stop lamps, tail lamps, turn signal lamps, and oth-
er lamps are all operating properly and installed securely. Also check headlamp
aim. Clean the headlamps on a regular basis. EXL-122
Item
Reference page
Warning lamps and
chimes Make sure that all warning lamps 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. —
Steering wheel Check that it has the specified play. Check for changes in the steering condition,
such as excessive play, hard steering or strange noises.
Free play: Less than 35 mm (1.38 in) —
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSESMIR-13
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SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
Work FlowINFOID:0000000009895302
CUSTOMER INTERVIEW
Interview the customer if possible, to determine the c onditions that exist when the noise occurs. Use the Diag-
nostic Worksheet during the interv iew to document the facts and conditions when the noise occurs and any
customer's comments; refer to MIR-17, "Diagnostic Worksheet"
. This information is necessary to duplicate the
conditions that exist when the noise occurs.
• The customer may not be able to provide a detailed descr iption or the location of the noise. Attempt to obtain
all the facts and conditions that exist when the noise occurs (or does not occur).
• If there is more than one noise in the vehicle, be sure to diagnose and repair the noise that the customer is
concerned about. This can be accomplished by test driving the vehicle with the customer.
• After identifying the type of noise, isolate the noise in terms of its characteristics. The noise characteristics
are provided so the customer, service adviser and technician are all speaking the same language when
defining the noise.
• Squeak —(Like tennis shoes on a clean floor) Squeak characteristics include the light contact/fast movement/brought on by road conditions/hard surfaces
= higher pitch noise/softer surfaces = lower pitch noises/edge to surface = chirping.
• Creak—(Like walking on an old wooden floor) Creak characteristics include firm contact/slow mo vement/twisting with a rotational movement/pitch depen-
dent on materials/often brought on by activity.
• Rattle—(Like shaking a baby rattle) Rattle characteristics include the fast repeated contac t/vibration or similar movement/loose parts/missing
clip or fastener/incorrect clearance.
• Knock —(Like a knock on a door) Knock characteristics include hollow sounding/someti mes repeating/often brought on by driver action.
• Tick—(Like a clock second hand) Tick characteristics include gentle contacting of li ght materials/loose components/can be caused by driver
action or road conditions.
• Thump—(Heavy, muffled knock noise)
Thump characteristics include softer k nock/dead sound often brought on by activity.
• Buzz—(Like a bumble bee) Buzz characteristics include high frequency rattle/firm contact.
• Often the degree of acceptable noise level will vary depending upon the person. A noise that you may judge
as acceptable may be very irritating to the customer.
• Weather conditions, especially humidity and temperature, may have a great effect on noise level.
DUPLICATE THE NOISE AND TEST DRIVE
SBT842
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAMRevision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
MIR-14
< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSES
If possible, drive the vehicle with the customer until the noise is duplicated. Note any additional information on
the Diagnostic Worksheet regarding the conditions or lo cation of the noise. This information can be used to
duplicate the same conditions when you confirm the repair.
If the noise can be duplicated easily during the test drive, to help identify the source of the noise, try to dupli-
cate the noise with the vehicle stopped by doing one or all of the following:
1) Close a door.
2) Tap or push/pull around the area where the noise appears to be coming from.
3) Rev the engine.
4) Use a floor jack to recreate vehicle “twist”.
5) At idle, apply engine load (electrical load, half-clutch on M/T model, drive position on CVT and A/T models).
6) Raise the vehicle on a hoist and hit a tire with a rubber hammer.
• Drive the vehicle and attempt to duplicate the conditions the customer states exist when the noise occurs.
• If it is difficult to duplicate the noise, drive the v ehicle slowly on an undulating or rough road to stress the
vehicle body.
CHECK RELATED SERVICE BULLETINS
After verifying the customer concern or symptom, chec k ASIST for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related
to that concern or symptom.
If a TSB relates to the symptom, follo w the procedure to repair the noise.
LOCATE THE NOISE AND IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE
1. Narrow down the noise to a general area. To help pi npoint the source of the noise, use a listening tool
(Chassis Ear: J-39570, Engine Ear: J-39565 and mechanic's stethoscope).
2. Narrow down the noise to a more specific area and identify the cause of the noise by:
• removing the components in the area that you suspect the noise is coming from. Do not use too much force when removing clips and fasteners, otherwise clips and fasteners can be
broken or lost during the repair, resulting in the creation of new noise.
• tapping or pushing/pulling the component that you suspect is causing the noise.
Do not tap or push/pull the component with excessive force, otherwise the noise will be eliminated only
temporarily.
• feeling for a vibration with your hand by touching the component(s) that you suspect is (are) causing the
noise.
• placing a piece of paper between components that you suspect are causing the noise.
• looking for loose components and contact marks. Refer to MIR-14, "Generic Squeak and Rattle Troubleshooting"
.
REPAIR THE CAUSE
• If the cause is a loose component, tighten the component securely.
• If the cause is insufficient clearance between components:
- separate components by repositioning or loos ening and retightening the component, if possible.
- insulate components with a suitable insulator such as urethane pads, foam blocks, felt cloth tape or urethane
tape. A NISSAN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-50397) is av ailable through your authorized NISSAN Parts Depart-
ment.
CAUTION:
Do not use excessive force as many components are constructed of plastic and may be damaged.
NOTE:
• Always check with the Parts Department for the latest parts information.
• The materials contained in the NISSAN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-50397) are listed on the inside cover of the
kit; and can each be ordered separately as needed.
• The following materials not found in the kit can also be used to repair squeaks and rattles.
- SILICONE GREASE: Use instead of UHMW tape that will be visible or does not fit. The silicone grease will
only last a few months.
- SILICONE SPRAY: Use when grease cannot be applied.
- DUCT TAPE: Use to eliminate movement.
CONFIRM THE REPAIR
Confirm that the cause of a noise is repaired by test driving the vehicle. Operate the vehicle under the same
conditions as when the noise originally occurred. Refer to the notes on the Diagnostic Worksheet.
Generic Squeak and Rattle TroubleshootingINFOID:0000000009895303
Refer to Table of Contents for specific component removal and installation information.
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAMRevision: November 20132014 Altima NAM
SQUEAK AND RATTLE TROUBLE DIAGNOSESMIR-15
< SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS >
C
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INSTRUMENT PANEL
Most incidents are caused by contact and movement between:
1. Cluster lid A and the instrument panel
2. Acrylic lens and combination meter housing
3. Instrument panel to front pillar finisher
4. Instrument panel to windshield
5. Instrument panel pins
6. Wiring harnesses behind the combination meter
7. A/C defroster duct and duct joint
These incidents can usually be located by tapping or moving the components to duplicate the noise or by
pressing on the components while driving to stop the noi se. Most of these incidents can be repaired by apply-
ing felt cloth tape or silicone spray (in hard to reach areas). Urethane pads can be used to insulate wiring har-
ness.
CAUTION:
Do not use silicone spray to isolate a squeak or ra ttle. If you saturate the area with silicone, you will
not be able to recheck the repair.
CENTER CONSOLE
Components to pay attention to include:
1. Shift selector assembly cover to finisher
2. A/C control unit and cluster lid C
3. Wiring harnesses behind audio and A/C control unit
The instrument panel repair and isolation pr ocedures also apply to the center console.
DOORS
Pay attention to the:
1. Finisher and inner panel making a slapping noise
2. Inside handle escutcheon to door finisher
3. Wiring harnesses tapping
4. Door striker out of alignment causing a popping noise on starts and stops
Tapping or moving the components or pressing on them wh ile driving to duplicate the conditions can isolate
many of these incidents. You can usually insulate the ar eas with felt cloth tape or insulator foam blocks from
the NISSAN Squeak and Rattle Kit (J-50397) to repair the noise.
TRUNK
Trunk noises are often caused by a loose jack or loose items put into the trunk by the owner.
In addition look for:
1. Trunk lid bumpers out of adjustment
2. Trunk lid striker out of adjustment
3. The trunk lid torsion bars knocking together
4. A loose license plate or bracket
Most of these incidents can be repaired by adjusting, se curing or insulating the item(s) or component(s) caus-
ing the noise.
SUNROOF/HEADLINING
Noises in the sunroof/headlining area can often be traced to one of the following:
1. Sunroof lid, rail, linkage or seals making a rattle or light knocking noise
2. Sun visor shaft shaking in the holder
3. Front or rear windshield touching headlining and squeaking
Again, pressing on the components to stop the noise while duplicating the conditions can isolate most of these
incidents. Repairs usually consist of insulating with felt cloth tape.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (FRONT AND REAR)
Overhead console noises are often caused by the cons ole panel clips not being engaged correctly. Most of
these incidents are repaired by pushing up on the c onsole at the clip locations until the clips engage.
In addition look for:
Revision: November 20132014 Altima NAMRevision: November 20132014 Altima NAM