2020 NISSAN ALTIMA power steering

Remote Engine Start with
Intelligent Climate Control (if so
equipped)
Vehicles equipped with automatic climate
controls and Remote Engine Start function
may go into automatic heating or cooling
mode when Remote Engine Start is acti-
vated depending on outside and cabin
temperatures. During this period, the cli-
mate control display and buttons will be
inoperable until the ignition switch is
turned on. In Remote Engine Start defrost-
ing mode, the rear window defroster and
heated steering wheel (if so equipped) may
be activated automatically.
MANUAL OPERATION
Fan speed control buttons
Press thefan speed control buttons
to manually control the fan speed.
Press the AUTO button to return to auto-
matic control of the fan speed.
Temperature control dial
The temperature control dial allows you to
adjust the temperature of the outlet air. To
lower the temperature, turn the dial to the
lef t. To increase the temperature, turn the dial to the right. Temperature can be ad-
justed on the driver’s and passenger’s side.
Air recirculation
Press theair recirculation button to
recirculate interior air inside the vehicle.
The
indicator light on the button will
come on.
The air recirculation cannot be activated
when the air conditioner is in the
front defrosting mode.
When the outside temperature exceeds
70°F (21°C), the air conditioning system may
default to air recirculation mode automati-
cally to reduce overall power consumption.
To exit air recirculation mode, deselect the
air recirculation button (indicator light will
turn off ) to enter fresh air mode.
Automatic intake air control
In the AUTO mode, the intake air will be
controlled automatically. To manually con-
trol the intake air, press the
air recir-
culation button. To return to the automatic
control mode, press and hold the
air
recirculation button for about 2 seconds.
The indicator light will flash twice, and then
the intake air will be controlled automati-
cally.
A/C (air conditioner) button
Start the engine, press thefan speed
control buttons to the desired position and
press the
button to turn on the air
conditioner. To turn off the air conditioner,
press the
button again.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
Air flow control
Pressing thebutton manually con-
trols air flow and selects the air outlet:
— Air flows from center and side
vents.
— Air flows from center and sidevents and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from footoutlets.
— Air flows from defroster andfoot outlets.
Synchronize climate settings
Press the SYNC button to synchronize cli-
mate settings. The sync indicator will turn
on.
Pressing SYNC will synchronize driver’s and
front passenger’s climate settings.
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems4-39

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (if so equipped)..........5-164
Parking/parking on hills .......................5-167
Power steering ................................ 5-168
Brake system .................................. 5-169
Brake precautions .......................... 5-169
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .............5-169
Brake Assist ................................ 5-170
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .........5-171
Brake force distribution .....................5-173
Chassis Control ............................... 5-174
Intelligent Trace Control (I-TC) ...............5-174
Active Ride Control (ARC) ...................5-174
Hill start assist system ......................... 5-174
Rear Sonar System (RSS) (if so equipped) ......5-175
System operation .......................... 5-176
How to enable/disable the sonar
system ..................................... 5-178Sonar limitations
........................... 5-179
System temporarily unavailable ............5-179
System maintenance ....................... 5-180
Cold weather driving .......................... 5-180
Freeing a frozen door lock ..................5-180
Antifreeze .................................. 5-180
Battery..................................... 5-180
Draining of coolant water ...................5-181
Tire equipment ............................. 5-181
Special winter equipment ..................5-181
Driving on snow or ice ......................5-181
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ........5-182
Active noise cancellation/Active sound
enhancement (if so equipped) .................5-183
Active noise cancellation ...................5-183
Active sound enhancement ................5-183

WARNING
∙ Do not drive beyond the performancecapability of the tires. Accelerating
quickly, sharp steering maneuvers or
sudden braking may cause loss of
control, even with AWD engaged.
∙ For AWD equipped vehicles, do not at- tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shif t the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result
in drivetrain damage or unexpected
vehicle movement which could result
in serious personal injury or vehicle
damage.
∙
Do not attempt to test an AWD
equipped vehicle on a 2-wheel dyna-
mometer (such as the dynamometers
used by some states for emissions
testing) or similar equipment even if
the other two wheels are raised off the
ground. Make sure that you inform the
test facility personnel that your vehicle
is equipped with AWD before it is placed
on a dynamometer. Using the wrong
test equipment may result in drivetrain
damage or unexpected vehicle move-
ment which could result in serious per-
sonal injury or vehicle damage.
CAUTION
∙ Do not operate the engine on a free roller when any of the wheels are
raised.
∙ If you use the free roller, rotate four wheels with the same speed without
raising any wheels.
∙ If an AWD warning message is dis- played while driving there may be a
malfunction in the AWD system. Re-
duce the vehicle speed immediately
and have your vehicle checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
∙ The powertrain may be damaged if you continue driving when the AWD
temperature or tire size incorrect
messages are displayed
∙ If the AWD high temperature message is displayed while you are driving, pull
off the road in a safe area, and idle the
engine. The driving mode will change
to 2WD to prevent the AWD system
from malfunctioning. If the warning
message turns off, you can drive
again. ∙ If the tire size incorrect message is
displayed while you are driving, pull
off the road in a safe area with the
engine idling. Check that all tire sizes
are the same, that the tire pressure is
correct and that the tires are not ex-
cessively worn.
∙ If a warning message continues to be displayed af ter the above operations,
have your vehicle checked as soon as
possible. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
5-166Starting and driving

∙ HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURBA:
Turn the wheels into the curb and
move the vehicle forward until the curb
side wheel gently touches the curb.
∙ HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB
B:
Turn the wheels away from the curb
and move the vehicle back until the
curb side wheel gently touches the
curb.
∙ HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO CURB
C:
Turn the wheels toward the side of the
road so the vehicle will move away
from the center of the road if it moves.
4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.
WARNING
∙ If the engine is not running or isturned off while driving, the power as-
sist for the steering will not work.
Steering will be harder to operate.
∙ When the power steering warning light illuminates with the engine run-
ning, there will be no power assist for
the steering. You will still have control
of the vehicle, but the steering will be
much harder to operate. Have the
power steering system checked. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for this service.
The power steering system is designed to
provide power assistance while driving to
operate the steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated re-
peatedly or continuously while parking or
driving at a very low speed, the power as-
sist for the steering wheel will be reduced.
This is to prevent overheating of the power
steering system and protect it from getting
damaged. While the power assist is re-
duced, steering wheel operation will be-
come heavy. If the steering wheel opera-
tion is still performed, the power steering
may stop and the power steering warning
light will illuminate. In a safe location, stop the engine and place the ignition switch in
the OFF position. The temperature of the
power steering system will go down af ter a
period of time and the power assist level
will return to normal af ter starting the en-
gine. The power steering warning light will
go off. Avoid repeating such steering wheel
operations that could cause the power
steering system to overheat.
You may hear a noise from the front of the
vehicle when the steering wheel is oper-
ated. This is a normal operational noise
and is not a malfunction.
If the power steering warning light illumi-
nates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servic-
ing. Have the power steering system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
When the power steering warning light illu-
minates with the engine running, the
power assist for the steering will cease op-
eration but you will still have control of the
vehicle. At this time, greater steering efforts
are required to operate the steering wheel,
especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
POWER STEERING
5-168Starting and driving

WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times.The VDC system uses various sensors to
monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion.
Under certain driving conditions, the VDC
system helps to perform the following
functions:
∙ Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel
so power is transferred to a non-
slipping drive wheel on the same axle.
∙ Controls brake pressure and engine output to reduce drive wheel slip based
on vehicle speed (traction control func-
tion).
∙ Controls brake pressure at individual wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle in
the following conditions:
– Understeer (vehicle tends to not fol- low the steered path despite in-
creased steering input)
– Oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it can-
not prevent loss of vehicle control in all driv-
ing situations. When the VDC system operates, theindicator light in the instrument panel
flashes to note the following:
∙ The road may be slippery or the system may determine some action is required
to help keep the vehicle on the steered
path.
∙ You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from
under the hood. This is normal and indi-
cates that the VDC system is working
properly.
∙ Adjust your speed and driving to the road conditions.
For additional information, refer to “Slip in-
dicator light” and “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) OFF indicator light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section of this manual.
If a malfunction occurs in the system,
the
indicator light comes on in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off when the indicator light
is on.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-171

The vehicle information display is used to
turn off the VDC system. When the VDC
system is turned off, the
indicator
light and if so equipped, the RAB system
warning light, AEB system warning light
and AEB with Pedestrian Detection system
warning light illuminate to indicate the
VDC, AEB, AEB with Pedestrian Detection,
and RAB systems are off.
When the VDC system is turned off in the
vehicle information display, the VDC sys-
tem still operates to prevent one drive
wheel from slipping by transferring power
to a non-slipping drive wheel. The
in-
dicator light flashes if this occurs. All other
VDC functions are off and the
indica-
tor light will not flash.
The VDC system is automatically reset to
ON when the ignition switch is placed in the
OFF position then back to the ON position.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic fea-
ture that tests the system each time you
start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or in reverse at a slow speed. When
the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
WARNING
∙ The VDC system is designed to help the driver maintain stability but does
not prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
by careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and
be especially careful when driving and
cornering on slippery surfaces and al-
ways drive carefully.
∙ Do not modif y the vehicle’s suspen- sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars, bushings and wheels are
not NISSAN recommended for your
vehicle or are extremely deteriorated,
the VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely affect
vehicle handling performance, and
the
indicator light may flash or
the
indicator light may
illuminate. ∙ If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, the VDC system
may not operate properly and both
the
andindicator lights
may illuminate.
∙ If engine control related parts are not NISSAN recommended or are ex-
tremely deteriorated, both the
and theindicator lights may
illuminate.
∙ When driving on extremely inclined surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not operate
properly and the
indicator light
may flash or the
indicator light
may illuminate. Do not drive on these
types of roads.
∙ When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the
indicator light may
flash or the
indicator light may
illuminate. This is not a malfunction.
Restart the engine af ter driving onto
a stable surface.
5-172Starting and driving

6. Af ter the engine cools down, check thecoolant level in the engine coolant res-
ervoir tank with the engine running.
Add coolant to the engine coolant res-
ervoir tank if necessary. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service. When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle.
Towing instructions are available from a
NISSAN dealer. Local service operators are
generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental
damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recom-
mends having a service operator tow your
vehicle. It is advisable to have the service
operator carefully read the following pre-
cautions:
WARNING
∙ Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
∙ Never get under your vehicle af ter it has been lif ted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
∙ When towing, make sure that thetransmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working condi-
tion. If any of these conditions apply,
dollies or a flatbed tow truck must be
used.
∙ Always attach safety chains before towing.
For additional information, refer to “Flat
towing” in the “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section of this manual.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
NISSAN recommends towing your vehicle
based upon the type of drivetrain. For addi-
tional information, refer to the diagrams in
this section to ensure that your vehicle is
properly towed.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-12In case of emergency

the parking brake applied. If the parking
brake needs adjustment, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
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*: This vehicle is equipped with a
sealed maintenance free battery. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for service.
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