2008 Nissan Altima Owners Manual

CAUTION

c Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load for the first 500 miles (800 km). Your engine, axle or other parts could be damaged.

c For the first 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps the engine and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the heavier loads.

Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri- marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember that towing a trailer places additional loads on your vehicle(cid:146)s engine, drive train, steering, brak- ing and other systems. A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This guide includes information on trailer towing ca- pability and the special equipment required for proper towing.

9-16 Technical and consumer information

specified

MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS Maximum trailer loads Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the value (cid:147)Towing Load/Specification(cid:148) chart found later in this sec- tion. The total trailer load equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight. c When towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs. (454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake system must be used.

the

in

LTI0164
The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) equals the combined weight of the towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing loads greater than these or using improper towing equipment could ad- versely affect vehicle handling, braking and per- formance.

The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro- priate for level highway driving may have to be reduced for low traction situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps).

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Temperature conditions can also affect towing. For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside temperatures on graded roads can affect engine performance and cause overheating. The engine protection mode, which helps reduce the chance of engine damage, could activate and automati- cally decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may decrease under high load. Plan your trip carefully to account for trailer and vehicle load, weather and road conditions.

WARNING

Overheating can result in reduced engine power and vehicle speed. The reduced speed may be lower than other traffic, which could increase the chance of a col- lision. Be especially careful when driving. Pull to the side of the road to a safe area. Allow the engine to cool and return to normal operation. See (cid:147)If your vehicle overheats(cid:148) in the (cid:147)In case of emergency(cid:148) section of this manual.

CAUTION

Vehicle damage resulting from improper towing procedures is not covered by NISSAN warranties.

WTI0160

TI1012M

Tongue load Keep the tongue load between 10 - 15 percent of the total trailer load within the maximum tongue load limits shown in the following (cid:147)Towing Load/Specification(cid:148) chart. If the tongue load be- comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for proper tongue load.

Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)/Maximum Gross Axle Weight (GAW) The GVW of the towing vehicle must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. The GVW equals the combined weight of the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and any other optional equipment. In addition, front or rear GAW must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.

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Towing capacities are calculated assuming a base vehicle with driver and any options required to achieve the rating. Additional passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment, such as the trailer hitch, will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle(cid:146)s maximum towing capacity and trailer tongue load. The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR, Front GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity. All vehicle and trailer weights can be measured using platform type scales commonly found at truck stops, highway weigh stations, building supply centers or salvage yards. To determine the available payload capacity for tongue load, use the following procedure. 1. Locate

GVWR

the

the

on

F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.

2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all of the passengers and cargo that are normally in the vehicle when towing a trailer.

3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the GVWR. The remaining amount is the avail- able maximum tongue load.

9-18 Technical and consumer information

To determine the Gross Trailer Weight, weigh your trailer on a scale with all equipment and cargo, that are normally in the trailer when it is towed. Make sure the Gross Trailer Weight is not more than the Gross Trailer Weight Rating shown on the trailer and is not more than the calculated available maximum towing capacity.

Also weigh the front and rear axles on the scale to make sure the Front Gross Axle Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight are not more than Front Gross Axle Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. The cargo in the trailer and vehicle may need to be moved or removed to meet the specified rat- ings.

Example: c Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed on a scale - including passengers, cargo and hitch - 4,103 lb. (1861 kg).

c Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label - 4,203 lb. (1906 kg).

c Maximum Towing Load from (cid:147)Towing Load/Specification9 chart - 1,000 lb. (454
kg).

4,203 lb. (1906 kg) (cid:150) 4,103 lb. (1861 kg)

GVWR GVW

= 100 lb. (45 kg)

Available for tongue

weight

1,000 lb. (454 kg) Capacity available for

towing

100 lb. (45 kg) Available tongue weight

/ 1,000 lb. (454 kg)

Available capacity

10 % tongue weight

The available towing capacity may be less than the maximum towing capacity due to the passen- ger and cargo load in the vehicle.

Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be- tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight. If the tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to obtain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed the 10 - 15% tongue weight specification even if the calculated available tongue weight is greater than 15%. If the calculated tongue weight is less than 10% , reduce the total trailer weight to match the available tongue weight.

Always verify that available capacities are within the required ratings.

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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION

WARNING

TOWING LOAD / SPECIFICATION UNIT: lb (kg)

MAXIMUM TOWING

LOAD

MAXIMUM TONGUE

LOAD

1,000 (454)

100 (45)

TOWING SAFETY Trailer hitch Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is available from your NISSAN dealer (Canada only). Make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached to the ve- hicle, to help avoid personal injury or property damage due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing trucks.

Trailer hitch components have specific weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca- pable of towing a trailer heavier than the weight rating of the hitch components. Never exceed the weight rating of the hitch components. Doing so can cause serious personal injury or property damage. Hitch ball Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight rating for your trailer: c The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also have the size printed on the top of the ball. c Choose the proper class hitch ball based on

the trailer weight.

c The diameter of the threaded shank of the hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should be no more than 1/16(cid:148) smaller than the hole in the ball mount.

c The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be long enough to be properly secured to the ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer and nut.

Class I hitch Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg). You may add Class I trailer hitch equipment that has a 2,000 lb (909 kg) maximum weight rating to the vehicle, but your vehicle is only capable of towing the maximum trailer weights shown in the Towing Load/Specification Chart earlier in this section.

CAUTION

c Do not use axle-mounted hitches. c The hitch should not be attached to or the impact-

the operation of

affect absorbing bumper.

c Do not modify the vehicle exhaust sys- tem, brake system, etc. to install a trailer hitch.

c To reduce the possibility of additional damage if your vehicle is struck from the rear, where practical, remove the receiver when not in use.

c After the hitch is removed, seal the bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water or dust from entering the passenger compartment.

c Regularly check that all trailer hitch mounting bolts are securely mounted.

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Tire pressures c When towing a trailer, inflate the ve- hicle tires to the recommended cold tire pressure indicated on the Tire and Loading Information label.

c Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper inflation pressure should be in accordance with the trailer and tire manufacturer(cid:146)s specifications.

Safety chains Always use suitable safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should be crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the chains to permit turning corners.

Trailer lights

CAUTION

When splicing into the vehicle electrical system, a commercially available power- type module/converter must be used to provide power for all trailer lighting. This unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct power source for all trailer lights while using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and turn signal circuits as a signal source. The module/converter must draw no more that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail lamp circuits. Using a module/converter that exceeds these power requirements may damage the vehicle(cid:146)s electrical sys- tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob- tain the proper equipment and to have it installed.

Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or local regulations. For assistance in hooking up trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu- table trailer dealer. Trailer brakes If your trailer is equipped with a braking system, make sure it conforms to federal and/or local regulations and that it is properly installed.

WARNING

Never connect a trailer brake system di- rectly to the vehicle brake system. Pre-towing tips c Be certain your vehicle maintains a level position when a loaded and/or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition; check for improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes of either condition.

c Always secure items in the trailer to prevent

load shift while driving.

c Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity low.

c Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in the back half. Also make sure the load is balanced side to side.

c Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve- hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a trailer to the vehicle.

9-20 Technical and consumer information

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c Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If not, install any mirrors required for towing before driving the vehicle.

c Determine the overall height of the vehicle and trailer so the required clearance is known.

Trailer towing tips In order to gain skill and an understanding of the vehicle(cid:146)s behavior, you should practice turning, stopping and backing up in an area which is free from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor- mance will be somewhat different than under normal driving conditions. c Always secure items in the trailer to prevent

load shift while driving.

c Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert- ently becoming unlatched.

c Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops. c Avoid sharp turns or lane changes. c Always drive your vehicle at a moderate

speed.

c When backing up, hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Move your hand in the direction in which you want the

trailer to go. Make small corrections and back up slowly. If possible, have someone guide you when you are backing up.

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not recommended; however, if you must do so:

CAUTION

If you move the shift selector lever to the P (Park) position before blocking the wheels and applying the parking brake, transmission damage could occur.

1. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill

side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.

3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks ab- sorb the vehicle load.

4. Apply the parking brake. 5. Shift the transmission into P (Park). 6. Turn off the engine. To drive away: 1. Start the vehicle. 2. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 3. Shift the transmission into gear.

4. Release the parking brake.

5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are

clear from the blocks.

6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.

7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks. c When going down a hill, shift into a lower gear and use the engine braking effect. When going up a long grade, downshift the transmission to a lower gear and reduce speed to reduce chances of engine over- loading and/or overheating. However, for long steep grades, do not stay in 1st gear when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h) or 2nd gear when driving above 58 MPH (93
km/h).

c If the engine coolant rises to an extremely high temperature when the air conditioner system is on, turn off the air conditioner. Coolant heat can be additionally vented by opening the windows, switching the fan control to high and setting the temperature control to the HOT position.

c Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal

circumstances.

c Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle(cid:146)s first

500 miles (805 km).

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c For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do

tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h).

c Have your vehicle serviced more often than at intervals specified in the recommended Maintenance Schedule in the (cid:147)NISSAN Ser- vice and Maintenance Guide(cid:148).

c 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.

c 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

(cid:150) Do not correct trailer sway by steering or

applying the brakes.

9-22 Technical and consumer information

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.

c 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.

c 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.

c To maintain engine braking efficiency and electrical charging performance, do not use overdrive.

c Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced braking efficiency.

c Increase your following distance to allow for greater stopping distances while towing a trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually. c Do not use cruise control while towing a

trailer.

c Some states or provinces have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles that are towing trailers. Obey the local speed limits.

c Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con- nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.

c When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P (Park) position.

c When launching a boat, don(cid:146)t allow the wa- ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or rear bumper.

c 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, final drive gear oil should be replaced and transmission oil/fluid should be changed more fre- quently. For additional information, see the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) section earlier in this manual.

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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.

CAUTION

c Failure to follow these guidelines can result in severe transmission damage. c Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-

ways tow forward, never backward.

c DO NOT tow any continuously variable transmission vehicle with all four wheels on the ground (flat towing). Do- ing so WILL DAMAGE internal transmis- sion parts due to lack of transmission lubrication.

c For emergency towing procedures refer to (cid:147)Towing recommended by NISSAN(cid:148) in the (cid:147)In case of emergency(cid:148) section of this manual.

Continuously Variable Transmission To tow a vehicle equipped with a continuously variable transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly MUST be placed under the towed vehicle(cid:146)s drive wheels. Always follow the dolly manufac- turer(cid:146)s recommendations when using their prod- uct. Manual Transmission c Always tow with the manual transmission in

Neutral.

c After towing 500 miles (805 km), start and idle the engine with the transmission in Neu- tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing may cause damage to internal transmission parts.

UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.

Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified gov- ernment test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate. Traction AA, A, B and C The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire(cid:146)s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea- sured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con- crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

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WARNING

WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is es- tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei- ther separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure.

The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature A, B and C

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire(cid:146)s resistance to the generation of heat, and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces- sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor- mance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

9-24 Technical and consumer information

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY

Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following emission warranties: For USA 1. Emission Defects Warranty 2. Emissions Performance Warranty Details of these warranties may be found with other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor- mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa- tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re- placement by writing to: c Nissan North America, Inc.

Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003

For Canada Emission Control System Warranty Details of these warranties may be found with other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor- mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa- tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re- placement by writing to: c Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5

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REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US only)

READINESS FOR INSPECTION/ MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST

If you believe that your vehicle has a de- fect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immedi- ately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addi- tion to notifying 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 recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot be- come involved in individual problems be- tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Ve- hicle 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 information about motor vehicle from http://www.safercar.gov. You may notify NISSAN by contacting our Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1.

safety

Due to legal requirements in some states and Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re- quired to be in what is called the (cid:147)ready condi- tion(cid:148) for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emission control system.

The vehicle is set to the (cid:147)ready condition(cid:148) when it is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually, the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle.

the

test,

check

If a powertrain system component is repaired or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be reset to a (cid:147)not ready(cid:148) condition. Before taking the I/M vehicle(cid:146)s inspection/maintenance test readiness condi- tion. Turn the ignition switch ON without starting the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test condition is (cid:147)not ready(cid:148). If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is (cid:147)ready(cid:148). If the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a (cid:147)not ready(cid:148) con- dition, drive the vehicle through the following pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If you cannot or do not want to perform the driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.

WARNING

Always drive the vehicle in a safe and prudent manner according to traffic con- ditions and obey all traffic laws.

1. Start the engine when the engine coolant temperature gauge needle points to C. Al- low the engine to idle until the gauge needle points between the C and H (normal oper- ating temperature).

2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelerator pedal completely and keep it released for at least 10 seconds.

3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of 53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.

4. Stop the vehicle.

5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)

and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.

6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least 10 times.

7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h) and maintain the speed for at least 3 min- utes.

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the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation. To read data recorded by an EDR, special equip- ment is required and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manu- facturer and NISSAN dealer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equip- ment, can read the information if they have ac- cess to the vehicle or the EDR. EDR data will only be accessed with the consent of the vehicle owner or lessee or as otherwise required or per- mitted by law.

8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission se- lector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position.

9. Turn the engine off. 10. Repeat steps 1 - 8 at least one more time. If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept- able between steps. Do not stop the engine until step 7 is completed.

9-26 Technical and consumer information

EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR)

This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Re- corder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situa- tions, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understand- ing how a vehicle(cid:146)s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as: c How various systems in your vehicle were

operating;

c Whether or not the driver and passenger

safety belts were buckled/fastened;

c How far (if at all) the driver was depressing

the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,

c How fast the vehicle was traveling. c Sounds are not recorded. These data can help provide a better understand- ing of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a nontrivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g. name, gender, age and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with

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OWNER(cid:146)S MANUAL/SERVICE MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION

A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is the best source of service and repair information for your vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illustrations and step-by-step diagnostic and adjustment pro- cedures, this manual is the same one used by the factory-trained technicians working at NISSAN dealerships. Also available are genuine NISSAN Owner(cid:146)s Manuals, and genuine NISSAN Service and Owner(cid:146)s Manuals for older NISSAN models. For USA For current pricing and availability of genuine NISSAN Service Manuals for the 2000 model year and later contact: Tweddle Litho Company 1-800-450-9491
www.nissan-techinfo.com For current pricing and availability of genuine NISSAN Service Manuals for the 1999 model year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact: Resolve Corporation 20770 Westwood Drive Strongsville, OH 44149
1-800-247-5321

For current pricing and availability of genuine NISSAN Owner(cid:146)s Manuals for this model year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:

Resolve Corporation 20770 Westwood Drive Strongsville, OH 44149
1-800-247-5321
For Canada

To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN Ser- vice Manual or Owner(cid:146)s Manual please contact your nearest NISSAN dealer. For the phone num- ber and location of a NISSAN dealer in your area call the NISSAN Information Center at 1-800- 387-0122 and a bilingual NISSAN representa- tive will assist you.

Also available are genuine NISSAN Service and Owner(cid:146)s Manuals for older NISSAN models. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION Unfortunately, accidents do occur. In this unlikely event, there is some important information you should know.

Many insurance companies routinely authorize the use of non-genuine collision parts in order to cut costs, among other reasons.

Insist on the use of genuine NISSAN collision parts! If you want your vehicle to be restored using parts made to NISSAN(cid:146)s original exacting specifica- tions (cid:150) if you want to help it to last and hold its resale value, the solution is simple. Tell your insurance agent and your repair shop to only use Genuine NISSAN Collision Parts. NISSAN does not warrant non-NISSAN parts, nor does NISSAN(cid:146)s warranty apply to damage caused by a non-genuine part. Using Genuine NISSAN Parts can help protect your personal safety, preserve your warranty pro- tection and maintain the resale value of your vehicle. And if your vehicle was leased, using Genuine NISSAN Parts may prevent or limit un- necessary excess wear and tear expenses at the end of your lease. NISSAN designs its hoods with crumple zones to minimize the risk that the hood will penetrate the windshield of your vehicle in an accident. Non- genuine (imitation) parts may not provide such built-in safeguards. Also, non-genuine parts of- ten show premature wear, rust and corrosion.

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Why should you take a chance? In over 40 states, the law says you must be advised if non-genuine parts are used to repair your vehicle. And some states have enacted laws that restrict insurance companies from authoriz- ing the use of non-genuine collision parts during the new vehicle warranty. These laws help pro- tect you, so you can take action to protect your- self. It(cid:146)s your right! If you should need further information visit us at: www.nissanusa.com (for U.S. customers) or www.nissan.ca (for Canadian customers).

9-28 Technical and consumer information

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10 Index

Active Head Restraint Air bag (See supplemental restraint system) Air bag system

.1-12

.1-41

Front (See supplemental front impact air bag system) . .1-50
.1-57, 2-13
Air bag warning light. Air cleaner housing filter . .8-18
Air conditioner

Air conditioner operation . Air conditioner service . Air conditioner specification label . Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations . Filter . Heater and air conditioner controls . Servicing air conditioner .

.4-13
.4-20
.9-11

.9-6
.8-19

Air flow charts . Alarm system (See vehicle security system) . Anchor point locations . Antenna . Anti-lock brake warning light . Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Armrests . Audible reminders. Audio system . Compact Disc (CD) changer .

.4-11, 4-18
.4-20
.4-14

.2-24
.1-25
.4-45
.2-10
.5-22
.1-11
.2-16
.4-20
.4-34, 4-40

Compact disc (CD) player . FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD) player FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD) changer. Radio . Autolight switch . Automatic

.4-29

.4-27

.4-32, 4-38
.4-20
.2-29

Automatic power window switch . Transmission selector lever lock release . Automatic anti-glare inside mirror . AUX jack.

.5-13
.3-22
.4-30, 4-36, 4-42

.2-44

Battery .

Charge warning light . Before starting the engine . Belt (See drive belt) Block heater Engine .

BluetoothT hands-free phone system . Booster seats . Brake

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Brake fluid . Brake light (See stop light). Brake system .

.8-15
.2-11
.5-8
.8-16

.5-27

.4-46, 4-60
.1-37

.5-22
.8-13
.8-27
.5-21

Brake warning light . Brake wear indicators . Parking brake operation . Self-adjusting brakes .

Brakes . Break-in schedule. Brightness control

Instrument panel

Brightness/contrast button . Bulb check/instrument panel. Bulb replacement .

.2-11
.2-16, 8-21
.5-16
.8-21
.8-21
.5-19

.2-31
.4-7
.2-10
.8-27

Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants. Car phone or CB radio . Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . CD care and cleaning . CD changer (See audio system) . CD player (See audio system) . Child restraint with top tether strap . Child restraints .

.9-2
.4-45
.9-12
.4-43
.4-34, 4-40
.4-29
.1-25
.1-15, 1-16, 1-21, 1-23

Precautions on child restraints. Top tether strap anchor point locations .

Child safety rear door lock. Chimes, audible reminders . Cleaning exterior and interior . Clock .

.1-21, 1-30, 1-37
.1-25
.3-5
.2-16
.7-2
.4-5, 4-28, 4-32, 4-38
.4-5

(models with navigation system)

Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/04/07—debbie X

(models without navigation system) . Clock set . Clutch

.4-28, 4-32
.4-5, 4-28, 4-32

Clutch fluid .

C.M.V.S.S. certification label . Cold weather driving .