1997 Nissan Altima Owners Manual

P205/60R15 90H

T125/70D15
T135/90R15*

Overall length

Overall width

Overall height

Front tread

Rear tread

Wheelbase

*: With viscous L.S.D. (limited slip differential) (Canada only)

Gross vehicle weight rating

Gross axle weight rating

Front

Rear

Sedan

180.5 (4,585)

67.1 (1,705)

55.9 (1,420)

57.7 (1,465)

57.3 (1,455)

103.1 (2,620)

See the ‘‘F.M.V.S.S. certification label’’ on the driver side door pillar.

in (mm)

in (mm)

in (mm)

in (mm)

in (mm)

in (mm)

lb (kg)

lb (kg)

lb (kg)

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REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION

if

find out

When planning to travel in another coun- try, you should first the fuel available is suitable for your vehicle’s en- gine. Using fuel with an octane rating that is too low may cause engine damage. All gasoline vehicles must be operated with unleaded gasoline. Therefore, avoid taking your ve- hicle to areas where appropriate fuel is not available. When transferring the registration of your vehicle to another country, state, province or district, it may be necessary to modify the vehicle to meet local laws and regulations. The laws and regulations for motor vehicle emission control and safety standards vary according to the country, state, province or district; therefore, vehicle specifications may differ. When any vehicle is to be taken into another country, state, province or dis- trict and registered, its modifications, transportation, and registration are the responsibility of the user. NISSAN is not responsible for any inconvenience that may result.

ATI0020

ATI0500

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER PLATE The vehicle identification number plate is attached as shown. This number is the identification for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle registration.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (Chassis number) The number is stamped as shown.

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TI1068

ATI0022

ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER The number is stamped on the engine as shown.

F.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION LABEL The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan- dards (F.M.V.S.S.) certification label is af- fixed as shown. This label contains valuable vehicle information, such as: Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), month and year of manufacture, Vehicle Identification Number, (VIN), etc. Review it carefully.

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ATI0501

ATI0506

ATI0502

EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION LABEL The emission control attached as shown.

information label

TIRE PLACARD The cold tire pressure is shown on the tire placard affixed to the center console lid.

is

AIR CONDITIONER SPECIFICATION LABEL The air conditioner specification label affixed as shown.

is

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INSTALLING FRONT LICENSE PLATE

c Remove the bracket and connect

the arcs to form ovals. Mark the point in the center of each oval. These are the ‘‘pilot’’ drilling locations.

3. Carefully drill two ‘‘pilot’’ holes using a 1/8 inch (3 mm) drill bit at the marked locations. Be sure that the drill only goes through the fascia, or damage to the nut may occur.

c Check to be sure that

the holes are aligned with the nuts located behind the fascia. If you are satisfied that the holes are properly placed, use a 5/16 inch (8
mm) drill bit to enlarge the holes. Use care to only drill through the fascia.

1. Insert J-bolts into the U-shaped grooves. 2. Temporarily place the bracket in position on the front bumper. Be sure to align the curve of the bracket with the curve in the bumper.

c To determine where to drill the hole, shift the bracket to the right and use a felt-tip pen to draw an arc along the right side of each mounting hole. Next, shift the bracket to the left and draw an arc along the left side of each mounting hole.

ATI0503

9-13

4. Install

Install

the bracket.

the license plate with bolts that are no longer than 0.55 inch (14 mm). The bolts used to fasten the license plate to the bracket are not included in the attaching hardware that comes with the bracket.

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VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION

WARNING

c It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these ar- eas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.

c Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts. c Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly.

Terms It is important to familiarize yourself with the following terms before loading your vehicle: c Curb Weight (actual weight of your ve- hicle) - vehicle weight including: standard and optional equipment, fluids, emer- gency tools, and spare tire assembly. This weight does not include passen- gers and cargo.

c GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)

- curb weight plus the combined weight of pas- sengers and cargo.

c GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -

maximum total weight (load) limit speci- fied for the vehicle.

c GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maximum weight (load) limit specified for the front or rear axle.

Determining Vehicle Load Capacity The load capacity of this vehicle is determined by weight, not by available cargo space. For example, a luggage rack, bike carrier, cartop carrier or similar equipment does not increase load carrying capacity of your vehicle. To determine vehicle load capacity: Vehicle weight can be determined by using a commercial-grade scale, found at places such as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain elevator, or a scrap metal recycling facility. 1) Determine the curb weight of your vehicle. 2) Compare the curb weight amount to the GVWR specified for your vehicle to de- termine how much more weight your vehicle can carry.

3) After loading (cargo and passengers), re-weigh your vehicle to determine if either GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is exceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, re- move cargo as necessary. If either the

9-14

front or rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the load or remove cargo as necessary.

Loading Tips c The GVW must not exceed GVWR or GAWR as specified on the FMVSS Cer- tification Label.

c Do not load the front and rear axle to the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.

WARNING

c Properly secure all cargo to help pre- vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seat- backs. In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured cargo could cause per- sonal injury.

c Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the maximum front and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. This could result in loss of control and cause personal injury.

c Overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. Failures caused by overloading are not covered by your warranty.

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TRAILER TOWING

TI1011M

Your new vehicle was designed to be used primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember that towing a trailer will place additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, braking and other sys- tems. Information on trailer towing ability and the special equipment required should be ob- tained from your NISSAN dealer. He can obtain a Nissan Trailer Towing Guide for you.

Maximum load limits Maximum trailer loads: Never allow the total trailer load to exceed 1,000 lb (454 kg). The total trailer load equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight. Towing loads greater than 1,000 lb (454 kg) or using improper towing equipment could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking and performance.

WARNING

Vehicle damage and/or personal injury resulting from improper towing proce- dures is not covered by NISSAN warran- ties. Information on trailer towing and required towing equipment should be ob- tained from dealers who specialize in pro- viding trailers or other towing equipment.

TI1012M

Tongue load: Keep the tongue load between 9 and 11% of the total trailer load. If the tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to al- low for proper tongue load. Maximum gross vehicle weight/maximum gross axle weight: The gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle must not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label. The gross ve- hicle weight equals the combined weight of the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,

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trailer tongue load and any other hitch, optional equipment. In addition, front or rear gross axle weight must not exceed the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART

MAXIMUM TOWING LOAD

MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD

UNIT: lb (kg)

1,000 (454)

110 (49)

Trailer hitch Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer. Make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached to the vehicle, to help avoid per- sonal injury or property damage due to sway caused by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing trucks.

CAUTION

c Do not use axle-mounted hitches. c The hitch should not be attached to or affect the operation of the impact- absorbing bumper.

c Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system, brake system, etc. when the hitch is installed.

c To reduce the possibility of addi- tional damage if your vehicle is struck from the rear, where practical remove the hitch when not in use. Remove 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 pas- senger compartment.

c Regularly check that all hitch mount-

ing bolts are securely mounted.

Tire pressures c When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires to the recommended cold tire pres- sure indicated on the tire placard (located on the inside of the center console lid). c Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and proper inflation pressure should be in accordance with the trailer and tire manufacturer’s specifications.

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Safety chain Always use a suitable chain between your vehicle and the trailer. The chain 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 chain to permit turning corners. Trailer lights Trailer lights should comply with federal and/ or local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit. 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 prop- erly installed.

WARNING

Never connect a trailer brake system directly 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

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it has an abnormal nose-up or nose- down condition; check for improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other pos- sible causes of either condition.

c Always secure items in the trailer to

prevent load shifts while driving.

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

Trailer towing tips In order to gain skill and an understanding of the vehicle’s behavior, you should prac- tice turning, stopping and backing up in an area which is free from traffic. Steering stability and braking performance will be somewhat different than under normal driv- ing conditions. c Always secure items in the trailer to

prevent load shift while driving.

c Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or

stops.

c Avoid sharp turns or lane changes. c Always drive your vehicle at a moderate

speed.

c Always block the wheels on both vehicle and trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not recommended; however, if you must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmis- sion, first block the wheels and apply the parking brake, and then move the shift lever into the P position. If you move the shift lever to the P position before block- ing the wheels and applying the parking brake, transmission damage could occur. c When going down a hill, shift into a lower gear and use the engine braking effect. When ascending a long grade, downshift the transmission to a lower gear and reduce speed to reduce chances of en- gine overloading and/or overheating.

c If

the engine coolant rises to an ex- tremely high temperature when the air conditioner system is on, turn off the air conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi- tionally vented by opening the windows, to high and switching the fan control setting the temperature control to the HOT position.

c Trailer towing requires more fuel

than

normal circumstances.

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c Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500

miles (800 km).

c Have your vehicle serviced more often than at intervals specified in the recom- mended Maintenance Schedule.

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 ad- versely affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly causing vehicle sway. When being passed by larger vehicles, be pre- pared for possible changes in crosswinds that could affect vehicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly grip the steer- ing wheel, steer straight ahead, and im- mediately (but gradually) reduce vehicle speed. This combination will help stabi- lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.

c Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing while towing a trailer requires considerably more distance than normal passing. Remember the length of the trailer must also pass the other vehicle before you can safely change lanes.

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c To maintain engine braking efficiency and electrical charging performance, do not use fifth gear (manual transmission) or overdrive (automatic transmission).

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

When towing a trailer, change the trans- mission fluid more frequently. See the Maintenance Schedule.

UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

DOT (Department of Transportation) Qual- ity Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades. Treadwear Treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on tire wear rate when tested under controlled conditions on specified govern- ment test courses. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. However, relative tire performance depends on actual driving conditions, and may vary signifi- cantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differ- ences in road characteristics and climate. Traction A, B and C Traction grades are A (the highest), B and C. They represent a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under con- trolled conditions, on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked with a C may have poor traction performance.

9-18

WARNING

The traction grade assigned to your vehicle tires is based on straight line braking traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction.

Temperature A, B and C Temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C. They represent a tire’s resistance to heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled condi- tions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause tire material to degenerate, reducing tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a performance level which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and B represent higher levels of perfor- mance on laboratory test wheels than the minimum required by law.

WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly

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inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combi- nation, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure problems.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (USA)

Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following emission warranties: For USA 1) Emission Defects Warranty 2) Emissions Performance Warranty For Canada Emission Control System Warranty Details of these warranties may be found with other vehicle warranties in your war- ranty information booklet that comes with your NISSAN vehicle. If you did not receive a warranty booklet, or it has become lost, you may obtain a replacement by writing to: c Nissan Motor Corporation, USA

Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191

c Nissan Canada Inc.

P.O. Box 1709, Station ‘‘B’’ Mississauga, Ontario, L4Y 4H6

9-19

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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to no- tifying 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 either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424- 9393 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Depart- ment of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other informa- tion about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline. You may notify NISSAN by contacting our Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1. In Hawaii call (808) 836-0888.

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2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelera- tor pedal completely and keep it released for at least 6 seconds.

3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of 53 to 60 mph (86 to 96 km/h) for at least 5 minutes.

4. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. 5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 at least one

more time.

If step 1, 2 or 3 is interrupted, repeat the preceding step. Any safe driving mode is acceptable between steps. Do not stop the engine until step 3 is completed.

READINESS FOR INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST Due to legal requirements in some states and Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be required to be in what is called the ‘‘ready condition’’ for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emission control system. The vehicle is set to the ‘‘ready condition’’ when it is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually, the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle. If a powertrain system component is repaired or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be reset to a ‘‘not ready’’ condition. Before taking the I/M test, drive the vehicle through the following pattern to set the ve- hicle 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 man- ner according to traffic conditions and obey all traffic laws.

1. Start the engine when the engine coolant temperature gauge needle points to C. Allow the engine to idle until the gauge needle points between the C and H (nor- mal operating temperature).

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A Genuine Nissan Service Manual is the best source of service and repair information for your vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illus- trations and step-by-step diagnostic and ad- justment procedures, this manual is the same one used by the factory trained technicians working at your Nissan dealership. Also avail- able are Genuine NISSAN Owner’s Manuals. For current pricing and availability of a Genu- ine NISSAN Service Manual or a Genuine NISSAN Owner’s Manual, contact: In the USA: See your NISSAN dealer or contact:

Dyment Distribution Services 20770 Westwood Dr. Strongsville OH 44136

In a hurry? Call 1-800-247-5321 and charge your purchase to Visa/Master Card. In Canada: To purchase a copy of a Genuine NISSAN Service Manual or Owner’s Manual please contact your nearest NISSAN Dealer. For the phone number and location of a NISSAN Dealer in your area call the Nissan Satisfaction Center at 1-800-387-0122 and a bilingual NIS- SAN representative will assist you. Also available are Genuine NISSAN Service and Owner’s Manuals for older Nissan models.

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10 Index

Adjustment after headlamp assembly replacement ............................................... 7-24
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system) Air bag warning light .......................... 1-6, 2-18
Air cleaner housing filter............................ 7-16
Air conditioner

Air conditioner (Automatic) ..................... 3-8
Air conditioner (Manual) ......................... 3-2
Air conditioner-servicing ............................ 3-10
Air conditioner specification label .............. 9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and lubrication recommendations....................... 9-7
Alarm system (See Theft warning system) Anchor point locations ............................... 2-31
Antenna

Manual .................................................. 3-23
Power.................................................... 3-22
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................. 4-17
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 1-7
Ash tray (See cigarette lighter (accessory) and ash tray) Audio system

AM-FM radio with cassette player........ 3-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact disc player.............................. 3-17

Automatic

Automatic air conditioner operation........ 3-8
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-17
Automatic transmission fluid................... 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission....... 4-6

Battery........................................................ 7-13
Battery replacement..................................... 2-6
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-5
Belts

Inspection ............................................ 7-14
Size......................................................... 9-8

Brake

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 4-17
Brake and clutch fluid........................... 7-11
Brake booster ....................................... 7-19
Brake light (See stop light) Brake pedal .......................................... 7-18
Brake system........................................ 4-16
Brake warning light................................. 1-6
Brake wear indicators ................... 1-7, 7-19
Parking brake check............................. 7-18
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Break-in schedule ...................................... 4-14
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 1-5
Bulb replacement....................................... 7-25

Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants............................................... 9-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) Cassette player (See audio system) CB radio or car phone ............................... 3-23
Check engine indicator light (See Malfunction indicator light) Child restraints for infants and small children ...................................................... 2-30
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-4
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ash tray ............................................................. 1-15
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 6-2
Clock — instrument panel ......................... 1-20
Clock-radio................................................. 3-11
Clutch pedal............................................... 7-20
Cold weather driving ................................. 4-18
Compact disc (CD) player operation ......... 3-21
Controls

Audio controls ............................. 3-12, 3-17
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)... 3-8
Heater and air conditioner (manual)....... 3-2

Coolant

Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5

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Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Cornering light ........................................... 1-13
Corrosion protection .................................... 6-5
Cruise control............................................. 4-12
Cup holder ................................................. 1-16

Daytime running light system (for Canada)............................................... 1-13
Defogger switch

Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-10
Dimensions and weights.............................. 9-9
Door locks.................................................... 2-2
Door open warning light .............................. 1-6
Drive belts.................................................. 7-14
Driving

Cold weather driving............................. 4-18
Driving with automatic transmission....... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission........... 4-9
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2

Economy - fuel........................................... 4-14
Emission control information label............. 9-12
Emission control system warranty............. 9-19
Engine

Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Capacities and recommended

fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-5
Changing engine oil................................ 7-8
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-9
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-4
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-7
Engine compartment check locations .... 7-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Engine cooling system ........................... 7-4
Engine oil................................................ 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 1-5
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-6
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
Engine specifications.............................. 9-8
Starting the engine ............................... 4-10
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).................. 4-2
Explanation of maintenance items ............ 8-10

Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) Flat tire......................................................... 5-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 6-5
Fluid (checking)

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-9
Brake and clutch fluid........................... 7-11
Engine coolant........................................ 7-4
Engine oil................................................ 7-7
Power steering fluid.............................. 7-11
Window washer fluid ............................ 7-12

10-2

F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-11
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-14
Front seats................................................. 2-12
Fuel

Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 4-14
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 2-11
Fuel filler lid lock operation .................. 2-10
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation............................. 9-3
Fuses ......................................................... 7-20
Fusible links ............................................... 7-21

Gas station information.............................. 10-6
Gauge

Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-4
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Odometer................................................ 1-3
Speedometer .......................................... 1-3
Tachometer............................................. 1-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 1-3

Gear selection (See shifting) General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Glove box..................................................... 2-8

Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-14

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Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-12
Headlights .................................................. 7-22
Head restraints .......................................... 2-14
Heater and air conditioner

Heater and air conditioner controls (automatic).............................................. 3-8
Heater and air conditioner controls (manual).................................................. 3-2
Hood release ............................................... 2-8

Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/ indicator lights and chimes) Inside mirror............................................... 2-38
Instrument brightness control .................... 1-14
Interior light ................................................ 1-20

Jump starting ............................................... 5-7

Key............................................................... 2-2

Trunk lid lock operation .......................... 2-6

Luggage (See vehicle loading information)

Labels

Air conditioner specification label......... 9-12
Emission control information label........ 9-12
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S.certification label ................. 9-11
Vehicle identification number plate ...... 9-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-21

License plate

Installing front license plate.................. 9-13

Light

Brake light (See stop light) Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 1-5
Bulb replacement.................................. 7-25
Cornering light ...................................... 1-13
Front fog light switch ........................... 1-14
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-12
Headlights............................................. 7-22
Interior light........................................... 1-20
Light bulbs ............................................ 7-22
Spotlight................................................ 1-21
Supplemental air bag warning light................................................ 1-6, 2-18
Trunk light............................................. 1-21
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-5

Lock

Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-4
Door locks............................................... 2-2
Fuel filler lid lock operation .................... 2-7
Glove box ............................................... 2-5
Power door lock...................................... 2-3

10-3

Maintenance

General maintenance ............................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Outside the vehicle................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance schedules............ 8-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-30
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............................ 1-8
Manual antenna ......................................... 3-23
Manual transmission

Driving with manual transmission........... 4-9
Manual transmission fluid....................... 8-9
Manual windows ........................................ 1-15
Map light (See spotlight) Meters and gauges...................................... 1-2
Mirror

Inside mirror.......................................... 2-38
Outside mirror remote control .............. 2-37
Outside mirrors ..................................... 2-37
Vanity mirror ......................................... 2-38
Multi-remote control system ........................ 2-4

Octane rating (See fuel) Odometer ..................................................... 1-3

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Oil

Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine oil................................ 7-8
Changing engine oil filter........................ 7-9
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-7
Engine oil................................................ 7-7
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Opener lever for trunk lid........................... 2-10
Outside mirror remote control.................... 2-37
Outside mirrors .......................................... 2-37
Overdrive switch .......................................... 4-8
Overheat

If your vehicle overheats ........................ 5-9

Owner’s manuals/service manual order form .................................................. 9-21

Parking

Parking brake check............................. 7-18
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 4-15
Periodic maintenance schedules................. 8-5
Power

Power antenna ..................................... 3-22
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Power steering fluid.............................. 7-11
Power steering system ......................... 4-16
Power windows..................................... 1-17
Rear power windows ............................ 1-18

Precautions

Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-23
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Push starting................................................ 5-9

Quick reference (See gas station information)

Radio

AM-FM radio with cassette player........ 3-12
AM-FM radio with cassette player and compact disc player.............................. 3-17
CB radio or car phone.......................... 3-23

Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M) test..................................................... 9-20
Rear seat ................................................... 2-15
Rear window defogger switch ................... 1-11
Refrigerant recommendation ....................... 9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country ....................................................... 9-10
Reporting safety defects (USA)................. 9-19

Safety

Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-4
Reporting safety defects (USA)............ 9-19

10-4

Seat adjustment......................................... 2-12
Seat belt

Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-20
Seat belt extenders .............................. 2-30
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-30
Seat belts.............................................. 2-23
Seat belt warning light............................ 1-6
2-point type without retractor................ 2-28
3-point type with retractor..................... 2-26

Seats

Front seats............................................ 2-12
Rear seat .............................................. 2-15

Service manual/owner’s manual order form .................................................. 9-21
Shifting

Automatic transmission .......................... 4-7
Manual transmission............................... 4-9
Spark plug replacement............................. 7-15
Speedometer ............................................... 1-3
Spotlight ..................................................... 1-21
SRS warning labels ................................... 2-18
Starting

Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Jump starting .......................................... 5-7
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Push starting........................................... 5-9
Starting the engine .............................. 4-10

Steering

Power steering fluid.............................. 7-11
Tilting steering wheel............................ 2-37
Stop light.................................................... 7-28
Sunroof ...................................................... 1-18

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W

Warning

Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-14
Supplemental air bag warning light...... 2-21
Theft warning.......................................... 1-9
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-5
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-21

Weights (See dimensions and weights) Wheels and tires........................................ 7-29
Wheel/tire size ............................................. 9-9
Windows

Locking passenger windows ................ 1-17
Power rear windows ............................. 1-18
Power windows..................................... 1-17
Window washer fluid.................................. 7-12
Wiper

Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 1-10
Wiper blades......................................... 7-17

Supplemental air bag system .................... 2-19
Supplemental air bag warning light ........... 2-21
Supplemental restraint system (supplemental air bag system) .................. 2-16
Switch

Automatic power window switch .......... 1-16
Front fog light switch ............................ 1-13
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-13
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-11
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 4-8
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-10
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 1-10

Tachometer.................................................. 1-3
Theft warning light ....................................... 1-7
Theft warning system .................................. 1-9
Three way catalyst....................................... 4-2
Tilting steering wheel................................. 2-37
Timing chain ................................................ 9-8
Tire

Flat tire.................................................... 5-2
Spare tire....................................... 5-2, 7-33
Tire chains ............................................ 7-30
Tire placard........................................... 9-12
Tire pressure ........................................ 7-29
Tire rotation .......................................... 7-31
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-18
Wheels and tires................................... 7-29
Wheel/tire size ........................................ 9-9

Towing

Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-16
Tow truck towing .................................. 5-10
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-15

Transmission

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-9
Driving with automatic transmission....... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission........... 4-9
Manual transmission fluid....................... 8-9

Travel (see registering your vehicle in a another country) Trip odometer .............................................. 1-3
Trunk lid lock operation ............................... 2-9
Trunk light .................................................. 1-21
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn signal switch)

Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-18

Vanity mirror .............................................. 2-38
Vehicle dimensions and weights ................. 9-9
Vehicle identification .................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification number plate............ 9-10
Vehicle loading information ....................... 9-14
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 5-12
Ventilators .................................................... 3-2

10-5

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GAS STATION INFORMATION

Recommended fuel: Unleaded gasoline, at least 87 AKI number (RON 91). For further details such as gasohol, see ‘‘Fuel recommendation’’ in the ‘‘Technical and consumer information’’ section. Recommended engine oil: c API SG or SH and Energy Conserving II c API Certification Mark c SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for

all ambient temperatures.

See ‘‘Engine oil and oil filter recommenda- tion’’ in the ‘‘Technical and consumer infor- mation’’ section. Tire cold pressure: See tire placard affixed to the center con- sole lid. Recommended new vehicle break-in procedure: During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of vehicle use, follow the recommendations outlined in the “BREAK-IN SCHEDULE In- formation found in the “Starting and Driving” section of this Owner’s Manual. Follow these recommendations for the future reliability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in vehicle damage or shortened engine life.

AGS0502

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