2018 NISSAN ALTIMA ECU

Some day-to-day and regular mainte-
nance is essential to maintain your vehicle
good mechanical condition, as well as its
emissions and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure
that the scheduled maintenance, as well as
general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
proper maintenance. You are a vital link in
the maintenance chain.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation. They are essential
for proper vehicle operation. It is your re-
sponsibility to perform these procedures
regularly as prescribed.
Performing general maintenance checks
requires minimal mechanical skill and only
a few general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, a NISSAN dealer.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The maintenance items listed in this sec-
tion are required to be serviced at regular
intervals. However under severe driving
conditions, additional or more frequent
maintenance will be required.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and serviced. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up-to-date with the
latest service information through techni-
cal bulletins, service tips and training pro-
grams. They are completely qualified to
work on NISSAN vehiclesbeforework be-
gins.
You can be confident that a NISSAN deal-
er’s service department can perform the
service needed to meet the maintenance
requirements on your vehicle. During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should
be performed regularly as prescribed in
this section. If you detect any unusual
sounds, vibrations or smells, be sure to
check for the cause or have it checked
promptly. In addition, it is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer if you think
that repairs are required.
When performing any checks or mainte-
nance work, closely observe the “Mainte-
nance precautions” in the “Do-it-yourself ”
section of this manual.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with“*”isf
ound in the “Do-it-
yourself ” section of this manual.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Doors and engine hood: Check that the
doors and engine hood operate properly.
Also ensure that all latches lock securely.
Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers
and links if necessary. Make sure that the
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-2Maintenance and schedules

secondary latch keeps the hood from
opening when the primary latch is re-
leased.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrica-
tion frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular
basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and in-
stalled securely. Also check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*: When check-
ing the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are
missing, and check for any loose wheel
nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*: Tires should be rotated ev-
ery 5,000 miles (8,000 km).
Tires*: Check the pressure with a gauge
of ten and always prior to long distance
trips. If necessary, adjust the pressure in all
tires, including the spare, to the pressure
specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts
or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components: Replace the
TPMS transmitter grommet seal, valve core
and cap when the tires are replaced due to
wear or age. Wheel alignment and balance:
If the ve-
hicle 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 steer-
ing wheel or seat vibrates at normal high-
way 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 Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield: Clean the windshield on a
regular basis. Check the windshield at least
every six months for cracks or other dam-
age. Have a damaged windshield repaired
by a qualified repair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*: Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing scheduled maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc. Accelerator pedal:
Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the
pedal does not catch or require uneven
effort. Keep the floor mat away from the
pedal.
Brake pedal: Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels
spongy or the vehicle seems to take longer
to stop, have your vehicle checked imme-
diately. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. Keep the
floor mat away from the pedal.
Brakes: Check that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) P (Park) position mechanism: On a
fairly steep hill check that the vehicle is held
securely with the shif t lever in the P (Park)
position without applying any brakes.
Parking brake: Check the parking brake
operation regularly. The vehicle should be
securely held on a fairly steep hill with only
the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
Maintenance and schedules9-3

Seats:Check seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints/headrests
move up and down smoothly and the locks
(if so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Seat belts: Check that all parts of the seat
belt system (for example, buckles, anchors,
adjusters and retractors) operate properly
and smoothly, and are installed securely.
Check the belt webbing for cuts, fraying,
wear or damage.
Steering wheel: Check for changes in the
steering system, such as excessive free
play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating
the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washer operate prop-
erly and that the wipers do not streak.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).
Battery* (for serviceable batteries):
Check the fluid level in each cell. The fluid
should be at the bottom of the filler open-
ing. Vehicles operated in high tempera-
tures or under severe conditions require
frequent checks of the battery fluid level.
NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start conditions
such as:
1. Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume bat-
tery power when the engine is not
running (Phone chargers, GPS, DVD
players, etc.).
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/or
only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health. Brake fluid level*:
Make sure that the brake
fluid level is between the MAX and MIN lines
on the reservoir.
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 af ter
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than
15 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, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected. It
is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Exhaust gas (carbon mon-
oxide)” in the “Starting and driving” section
of this manual.
Fluid leaks: Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks af ter the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner af ter use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
9-4Maintenance and schedules

5.Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the
available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in step 4.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, con-
firm that you do not exceed the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for your vehicle. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Measure-
ment of weights” in this section.
Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label” in this section.
LOADING TIPS
∙ The GVW must not exceed GVWR or GAWR as specified on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label. ∙ Do not load the front and rear
axle to the GAWR. Doing so will
exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
∙ Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent
it from sliding or shif ting. Do not
place cargo higher than the
seatbacks. In a sudden stop or
collision, unsecured cargo could
cause personal injury.
∙ Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear
GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage
could occur, or it can change the
way your vehicle handles. This
could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury. ∙ Overloading not only can
shorten the life of your vehicle
and the tire, but can also cause
unsafe vehicle handling and
longer braking distances. This
may cause a premature tire fail-
ure which could result in a seri-
ous accident and personal in-
jury. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by
the vehicle’s warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent
weight shif ts that could affect the
balance of your vehicle. When the ve-
hicle is loaded, drive to a scale and
weigh the front and the rear wheels
separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not ex-
ceed either of the gross axle weight
ratings (GAWR). The total of the axle
loads should not exceed the gross
vehicle weight rating (GVWR). These
ratings are given on the vehicle cer-
tification label. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
10-16
Technical and consumer information

For USA
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the Na-
tional Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration (NHTSA) in addition to noti-
f ying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints,
it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a re-
call and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you,
your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the
Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153);
go to http://www.safercar.gov; or
write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, D.C.
20590. You can also obtain other in-
formation about motor vehicle safety
from http://www.safercar.gov.
You may notif y NISSAN by contact-
ing our Consumer Affairs Depart-
ment, toll-free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1.
For Canada
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform Trans-
port Canada in addition to notif ying
NISSAN.
If Transport Canada receives com-
plaints, it may open an investigation,
and if it finds that a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may
request that NISSAN conduct a recall
campaign. However, Transport
Canada cannot become involved in
individual problems between you,
your dealer, or NISSAN.
You may contact Transport Canada’s
Defect Investigations and Recalls Divi-
sion toll free at 1-800-333-0510. You
may also report safety defects online
at: https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-
Sec-Sur/7/PCDB-BDPP/fc-cp.aspx?lang=eng (English speakers)
or https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-
Sec-Sur/7/PCDB-BDPP/fc-
cp.aspx?lang=fra (French speakers)
Additional information concerning
motor vehicle safety may be obtained
from Transport Canada’s Road Safety
Information Centre at 1-800-333-0371
or online at www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety
(English speakers) or
www.tc.gc.ca/securiteroutiere
(French speakers).
To notif y NISSAN of any safety con-
cerns please contact our Consumer
Information Centre toll free at 1-800-
387-0122.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
Technical and consumer information10-19

11 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .................... .1-44
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact air
bagsystem)................1-51
Airbagwarninglight..........1-62, 2-15
Air bag warning light,
supplemental ..............1-62, 2-15
Air cleaner housing filter ..........8-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation .....4-16,4-21
Air conditioner specification label . .10-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations ............10-7
Air conditioner system refrigerant
recommendations ............10-7
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-13,4-21
Servicing air conditioner ........4-24
Air flow charts .................4-17
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) ........2-31
Anchor point locations ............1-27
Antenna ....................4-50
Antifreeze ....................5-91
Anti-lock brake warning light ........2-11
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-81
Armrests.................... .1-7
Audible reminders ..............2-17
Audio system .................4-24 AMradioreception............4-25
Bluetooth® audio
.............4-47
Compact disc (CD) player ....4-35,4-41
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-33
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-37
FMradioreception............4-25
iPod®Player................4-44
iPod® player operation .........4-44
Radio ....................4-24
USBinterface...............4-42
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connection
Port.....................4-42
Autolightswitch ...............2-36
Automatic Automatic power window switch . . .2-51
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror ....3-30
Automatic door locks .............3-6
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . .2-11, 5-58
B
Battery..................5-91,8-14 Charge warning light ...........2-12
Battery replacement ............8-24
Keyfob...................8-24
NISSAN Intelligent Key® .........8-25
Before starting the engine .........5-12
Belt(Seedrivebelt)..............8-16
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) ..........5-22Bluetooth® audio
...............4-47
Bluetooth® hands-free phone system . .4-54
Booster seats .................1-40
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) . . . .5-81
Brakefluid.................8-12
Brakelight(Seestoplight).......8-28
Brakesystem...............5-81
Brakewarninglight............2-11
Brakewearindicators.......2-17,8-21
Parking brake operation .........5-21
Self-adjustingbrakes ..........8-21
Brakeassist..................5-82
Brakefluid...................8-12
Brakes......................8-21
Brakesystem.................5-81
Break-in schedule ..............5-76
Brightness control Instrument panel .............2-39
Bulb check/instrument panel .......2-10
Bulb replacement ..............8-28
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants....................10-2
Cargo
(See
vehicle loading information) .....10-13
Car phone or CB radio ...........4-54
CDcareandcleaning........... .4-48
CD player (See audio system) ....4-35,4-41
Check tire pressure .............2-29

Key fob battery replacement........8-24
Keyless entry With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system) .......3-13
Keys NISSAN Intelligent Key® ..........3-2
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
keys......................3-4
L
Label Tire and Loading Information label . .10-12
Labels Air conditioner specification label . . .10-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label .......10-11
Emission control information label . .10-12
Engine serial number ...........10-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ........10-11
Tire and Loading Information label . .10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) . .10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate.....................10-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-61
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren)System................1-25
License plate Installing the license plate .......10-13
Light Airbagwarninglight........1-62, 2-15
Brakelight(Seestoplight)........8-28
Bulb check/instrument panel ......2-10
Bulb replacement .............8-28
Charge warning light ...........2-12
Console light ................2-54 ExteriorandInteriorlights........8-28
Foglights..................8-26
Foglightswitch..............2-40
Headlight and turn signal switch
....2-35
Headlightcontrolswitch.........2-35
Headlights .................8-26
Interiorlight.................2-54
Lightbulbs.................8-26
Low tire pressure warning light .....2-12
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light......................2-29
Passenger air bag and status light . . .1-53
Personal lights ...............2-55
Security indicator light ..........2-17
Spotlights(Seemaplight)........2-55
Trunklight..................2-55
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ...............2-15,3-17
Lights......................8-26 Maplights..................2-55
Lock Child safety rear door lock ........3-6
Door locks ................3-4,3-5
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever . . . .3-26
Gloveboxlock...............2-46
Power door locks ...........3-5, 3-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever ........3-24
Loose fuel cap warning ...........2-28
Lowfuelwarninglight.........2-14,2-28
Low tire pressure warning light .......2-12
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light........................2-29
Luggage
(See vehicle loading information) .....10-13 M
Maintenance General maintenance ...........9-2
Insidethevehicle..............9-3
Maintenance precautions .........8-2
Outsidethevehicle.............9-2
Seat belt maintenance ..........1-19
Under the hood and vehicle .......9-4
Maintenance log ................9-13
Maintenance requirements ..........9-2
Maintenance schedules ............9-7
Maintenance under severe operation
conditions....................9-12
Malfunctionindicatorlight..........2-16
Manual front seat adjustment ........1-3
Maplights................... .2-55
Meters and gauges ...............2-3
Instrument brightness control .....2-39
Mirror Automatic anti-glare inside mirror. . .3-30
Outsidemirrors..............3-32
Rearview ..................3-30
Vanitymirror................3-30
Mirrors......................3-30
Moonroof ....................2-52
N
NissanConnect® Owner's Manual ......4-2
NISS

AN Intelligent Key® ............3-2
NISSAN Intelligent Key® battery discharge
indicator.....................5-11
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System ..................2-32, 5-12
11-4

Armrests ...................1-7
Frontseats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment ......1-3
Rearseat.................. .1-6
Security indicator light ............2-17
Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), engine start ..........2-32,5-12
Security systems Vehicle security system ..........2-31
Self-adjustingbrakes.............8-21
Service manual order form .........10-21
Servicing air conditioner ...........4-24
Shif ting Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) .....................5-16
Shiftleverlockrelease............5-19
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-19
Siri® Eyes-Free .................4-50
Spark plug replacement ...........8-17
Spark plugs ...................8-17
Specifications .................10-8
Speedometer ..................2-4
Speedometer and odometer ........2-4
Spotlights(Seemaplight)..........2-55
SRS warning label ...............1-61
Stability control ................5-83
Standard maintenance ............9-7
Starting Before starting the engine ........5-12
Jumpstarting............6-10,8-15
Precautions when starting and
driving .....................5-2
Push starting ................6-12
Starting the engine ............5-13
Starting the engine ..............5-13 Steering
Powersteeringfluid............8-11
Powersteeringsystem .........5-80
Steering wheel .................3-28
Stoplight....................8-28
Storage.....................2-45
Sunglasses case ................2-47
Sunglasses holder ...............2-47
Sunroof (see Moonroof ) ...........2-52
Sunvisors....................3-29
Supplemental air bag warning
light.................... .1-62, 2-15
Supplemental front impact air bag
system ..................... .1-51
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .....1-61
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ................... .1-44
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .......1-44
Switch Autolightswitch..............2-36
Automatic power window switch . . .2-51
Foglightswitch..............2-40
Hazard warning flasher switch ......6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch ....2-35
Headlightcontrolswitch.........2-35
Instrument brightness control .....2-39
Power door lock switch ........3-5,3-6
Rear window and outside mirror
defrosterswitch..............2-35
Turn signal switch .............2-39 T
Tachometer ...................2-5
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge . .2-5
Thef t (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start ...............2-32,5-12
Three-waycatalyst...............5-2
Tilt Telescopicsteering............3-29
Tire F
lattire..................6-3,6-4
Spare tire ................6-5,8-43
Tire and Loading Information label . .10-12
Tire chains .................8-39
Tire pressure ................8-31
Tirerotation ................8-40
Types of tires ................8-38
Uniform tire quality grading .......10-17
Wheels and tires ..............8-31
Wheel/tire size ...............10-9
Tire pressure Low tire pressure warning light .....2-12
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)....................5-3,6-3
Towing 4-wheel drive models ...........6-14
Flattowing.................10-17
Trailertowing ...............10-17
Towingatrailer................10-17
Towingyourvehicle..............6-13
Transceiver HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver ..........2-56,2-58,2-59
11-6