2003 Nissan Altima Owners Manual

.2-12, 3-2, 5-5
.8-27
.9-20
.4-12
.5-9

Automatic transmission . Manual transmission .

Shoulder belt height adjustment . Spark plug replacement . Speedometer . Spotlights (See map light) .

.5-8
.5-10
.1-28
.8-21
.2-3
.2-37

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—debbie X

SRS warning label Starting

.1-20

Before starting the engine . Jump starting . Precautions when starting and driving . Push starting . Starting the engine .

.5-6
.6-6
.5-2
.6-8
.5-6

Steering

Power steering fluid. Power steering system . Tilting steering wheel .

Stop light Storage . Sunglasses case . Sunglasses holder . Sunroof Supplemental air bag warning light . Supplemental restraint system

.8-15
.5-17
.3-14
.8-33
.2-27
.2-28
.2-28
.2-35
.1-20, 2-10

Information and warning labels. Precautions on supplemental restraint system.

Supplemental restraint system (Supplemental air bag system) . Switch

Autolight switch . Automatic power window switch . Fog light switch . Hazard warning flasher switch . Headlight and turn signal switch. Ignition switch . Power door lock switch . Rear window defogger switch . Traction control system (TCS) off switch . Windshield wiper and washer switch .

.1-20

.1-8

.1-8

.2-20
.2-34
.2-22
.2-24
.2-18
.5-4
.3-4
.2-17

.2-26
.2-16

.2-5

.2-6

Tachometer . Temperature gauge

Engine coolant temperature gauge .

Theft (Nissan vehicle immobilizer system), engine start . Three-way catalyst . Tilting steering wheel . Tire

.2-12, 3-2, 5-5
.5-2
.3-14

Flat tire . Spare tire. Tire chains. Tire placard . Tire pressure . Tire rotation . Types of tires . Uniform tire quality grading. Wheels and tires . Wheel/tire size . Top tether strap child restraint . Towing

.6-2
.6-3, 8-44
.8-42
.9-11
.8-40
.8-42
.8-41
.9-17
.8-40
.9-8
.1-38

Flat towing. Tow truck towing . Towing load/specification chart . Trailer towing .

Traction control system (TCS) off switch . Transceiver

HomeLinkT Universal Transceiver .

Transmission

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

.6-12
.6-10
.9-15
.9-14
.2-26

.2-38

.8-14

Driving with automatic transmission. Driving with manual transmission . Selector lever lock release.

.5-7
.5-10
.5-9
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another .9-9
country) . .2-3
Trip odometer . Trunk access through the rear seat . .1-6
.3-11
Trunk lid lock opener lever . Trunk light . .2-37
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn signal switch).

.2-18, 2-22

Uniform tire quality grading.

.9-17

.3-15
.9-8
.9-9

Vanity mirror . Vehicle dimensions and weights . Vehicle identification . Vehicle identification number (VIN) (Chassis number). .9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Vehicle loading information. .9-12
.6-11, 6-12
Vehicle recovery . Vehicle security system . .2-12, 4-12
Vehicle security system (Nissan vehicle immobilizer system), engine start . Ventilators.

.2-12, 3-2, 5-5
.4-2

10-5

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—debbie X

W

Warning

Air bag warning light. .1-20, 2-10
Anti-lock brake warning light .2-8
Battery charge warning light. .2-9
Brake warning light . .2-9
Door open warning light . .2-9
Engine oil pressure warning light . .2-9
Hazard warning flasher switch . .2-24
Low fuel warning light . .2-9
Low washer fluid warning light. .2-10
Seat belt warning light . .2-9
.2-12, 4-12
Vehicle security system . Warning labels (for SRS). .1-20
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders .

.2-8
.2-8

Warning lights . Washer switch

Windshield wiper and washer switch . Weights (See dimensions and weights) . Wheels and tires . Wheel/tire size . When traveling or registering your vehicle in another country . Window washer fluid . Windows

Locking passengers(cid:146) windows . Power windows . Rear power windows .

Windshield wiper and washer switch . Wiper

Windshield wiper and washer switch . Wiper blades .

.2-16
.9-8
.8-40
.9-8

.9-9
.8-17

.2-34
.2-33
.2-34
.2-16

10-6

.2-16
.8-25

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—debbie X

MEMO

MEMO

MEMO

GAS STATION INFORMATION

RECOMMENDED FUEL: For 2.5L engine Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num- ber (Research octane number 91). For 3.5L engine Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num- ber (Research octane number 91). For improved performance, NISSAN recom- mends the use of unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI number (Research octane number 96).

CAUTION

c Using a fuel other than that specified could adversely affect the emission control system, and may also affect the warranty coverage.

c Under no circumstances should a leaded gasoline be used, because this will damage the three-way catalyst.

For additional information, see (cid:147)Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants in the (cid:147)Technical and consumer information(cid:148) section.

RECOMMENDED ENGINE OIL: c API Certification Mark c API grade SL, Energy Conserving c ILSAC grade GF-III c 5W-30 Viscosity preferred See (cid:147)Engine oil and oil filter recommendation(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Technical and consumer information(cid:148) sec- tion of this manual. TIRE COLD PRESSURE: See tire placard. RECOMMENDED NEW VEHICLE BREAK-IN PROCEDURE: During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of vehicle use, follow the recommendations outlined in the (cid:147)BREAK-IN SCHEDULE(cid:148) information found in the (cid:147)Starting and driving(cid:148) section of this manual. Follow these recommendations for the future re- liability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in vehicle damage or shortened engine life.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—debbie X

QUICK REFERENCE

Engine coolant 8-9

1. 2. Window washer fluid 8-17
3. 4.

Engine oil 8-10
Passenger supplemental front impact air bag 1-8
Audio system 4-13, 4-15, 4-20; Air condi- tioner 4-3, 4-10
Supplemental side-impact air bag 1-8
Front seats 1-2
Spare tire 6-2
Fuel filler lid release 3-13; Fuel recommen- dation 9-3

5.

6. 7. 8. 9.

10. Keys 3-2
11. Supplemental side-impact air bag 1-8
12. Seat belts 1-22
13. 14. Supplemental curtain side-impact air bag

Trunk release 3-11

1-8

15. Driver supplemental front impact air bag 1-8
16. Hood release 3-10
17. Meters and gauges 2-3

WGS0016

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—debbie X

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—debbie X

The inside pages of this manual contain a minimum of 50% recycled fibers, including 10% post-consumer fibers.

MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE This vehicle should not be modified. Modification could affect its performance, safety or durability, and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or per- formance problems resulting from modifications may not be covered un- der NISSAN warranties.

FOREWORD

READ FIRST(cid:151)THEN DRIVE SAFELY

Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with confidence. It was produced using the latest techniques and strict quality control. This manual was prepared to help you under- stand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilome- ters) of driving pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle. A separate Warranty Information Booklet explains details about the warranties cov- ering your vehicle. The (cid:147)NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide(cid:148) explains details about maintaining and servicing your ve- hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will explain how to resolve any concerns you may have with your vehicle, as well as clarify your rights under your state(cid:146)s lemon law. Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, they will be glad to assist you with the extensive resources available to them.

Before driving your vehicle please read this Own- er(cid:146)s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity with controls and maintenance requirements, as- sisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle.

WARNING

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RE- MINDERS FOR SAFETY! Follow these important driving rules to help ensure a safe and complete trip for you and your passengers! c NEVER drive under the influence of al-

cohol or drugs.

c ALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too fast for conditions. c ALWAYS use your seat belts and appro- priate child restraint systems. Preteen children should be seated in the rear seat.

c ALWAYS provide information about the proper use of vehicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.

c ALWAYS review this owner(cid:146)s manual for

important safety information.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—sysadmin X

WHEN READING THE MANUAL

This manual includes information for all options available on this model. Therefore, you may find some information that does not apply to your vehicle. All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are those in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change specifications or design without notice and with- out obligation. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL You will see various symbols in this manual. They are used in the following ways:

WARNING

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause death or serious personal injury. To avoid or reduce the risk, the procedures must be followed precisely.

CAUTION

This is used to indicate the presence of a hazard that could cause minor or moder- ate personal injury or damage to your ve- hicle. To avoid or reduce the risk, the pro- cedures must be followed carefully.

The inside pages of this manual contain a minimum of 50% recycled fibers, including 10% post-consumer fibers.

CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth de- fects or other reproductive harm. In addi- tion, certain fluids contained in vehicles and certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

' 2003 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

GARDENA, CALIFORNIA

All rights reserved. No part of this Owner(cid:146)s Manual may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Nissan North America, Inc., Gar- dena, California.

APD1005
If you see this symbol, it means (cid:147)Do not do this(cid:148) or (cid:147)Do not let this happen.(cid:148)

If you see a symbol similar to these in an illustra- tion, it means the arrow points to the front of the vehicle.

Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these indicate movement or action.

Arrows in an illustration that are similar to these call attention to an item in the illustration.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—debbie X

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NISSAN

NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and com- puters in automobiles, and has led the industry in improving both performance and fuel efficiency through new engine designs and the use of syn- thetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The com- pany has also developed ways to build quality into its vehicles at each stage of the production process, both through extensive use of automation and (cid:151) most importantly (cid:151) through an awareness that people are the central element in quality control. From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, dozens of checks were made to ensure that only the best job was being done in producing and delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN to your dealer for maintenance, the service technician will perform his work according to the quality standards that have been established by NISSAN. Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As you know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety systems that will help protect you and your passen- gers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every time you drive the vehicle. The NISSAN story of growth and achievement re- flects our major goal: to provide you, our customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality and craftsman- ship (cid:151) a product that we can be proud to build and you can be proud to own.

Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a suc- cessful worldwide company that manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them in 170 nations. NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world- wide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks, marine engines, boats and other diversified products. NISSAN has made a substantial and growing in- vestment in North America. NISSAN(cid:146)s commitment is over $6 billion dollars in capital investments in facilities across the continent. Some of the facilities include the Nissan Manufacturing facilities in Can- ton, Mississippi and in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle

WFW0002
styling design at Nissan Design America, Inc. in San Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan Tech- nical Center North America in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN employs nearly 19,000 people throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. An additional 60,000 people work for the 1,250 NISSAN and INFINITI dealers across North America. NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its suppli- ers and over 150 dealers employ approximately 4,500 people. These include company employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all across Canada. In addition, many Canadians work for companies that supply NISSAN and NISSAN dealers with ma- terials and services ranging from the operation of port facilities and transportation services, to the supply of lubricants, parts and accessories.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—sysadmin X

NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM

NISSAN CARES . . . Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.

However, if there is something that your NISSAN dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to provide NISSAN directly with comments or ques- tions, please contact the NISSAN Consumer Affairs Department using our toll-free number: For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers

1-800-NISSAN-1
(1-800-647-7261)

For Hawaii customers

1-808-836-0888 (Oahu Number)

For Canadian customers

1-800-387-0122

The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the following information: (cid:150) Your name, address, and telephone number

(cid:150) Vehicle identification number (attached to the top of the instrument panel on the driver(cid:146)s side)

(cid:150) Date of purchase

(cid:150) Current odometer reading

(cid:150) Your NISSAN dealer(cid:146)s name

(cid:150) Your comments or questions

OR

You can write to NISSAN with the information at: For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers

Nissan North America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 191
Gardena, California 90248-0191

For Hawaii customers

Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii 2880 Kilihau St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96819

For Canadian customers

Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5

We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—debbie X

Table of Contents

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

Instruments and controls

Pre-driving checks and adjustments

Heater, air conditioner and audio systems

Starting and driving

In case of emergency

Appearance and care

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Technical and consumer information

Index

10

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—sysadmin X

1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Front manual seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Front power seat adjustment (if so equipped for Driver(cid:146)s seat). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Folding rear seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Head restraint adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Supplemental restraint system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Precautions on supplemental restraint system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Supplemental air bag warning labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Supplemental air bag warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Precautions on seat belt usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Injured persons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Three-point type seat belt with retractor . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
Seat belt extenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
Seat belt maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
Child restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
Precautions on child restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
Installation on rear seat center or outboard positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
LATCH (lower anchors and tether for children) system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-37
Top tether strap child restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-38
Installation on front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-39

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—debbie X

FRONT MANUAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT

WARNING

c Do not adjust the driver(cid:146)s seat while driving so full attention may be given to vehicle operation. The seat may move suddenly and could cause loss of con- trol of the vehicle.

c After adjustment, gently rock in the seat

to make sure it is securely locked.

SEATS

WARNING

c Do not ride in a moving vehicle when the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident, you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries.

ARS1152

c For the most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back in the seat and adjust the seat properly. See (cid:147)Precautions on Seat Belt Usage(cid:148) later in this section.

1-2 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—sysadmin X

WARNING

After adjustment, gently rock in the seat to make sure it is securely locked.

WRS0175

WRS0176

Forward and backward Pull the lever up and hold it while you slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. Release the lever to lock the seat in position.

Reclining To recline the seatback, pull the lever up and lean back. To bring the seatback forward, pull the lever up and lean your body forward. Release the lever to lock the seatback in position.

The reclining feature allows adjustment of the seatback for occupants of different sizes to help obtain proper seat belt fit (see (cid:147)Precautions on seat belt usage(cid:148) later in this section). Also, the seatback can be reclined to allow occupants to sleep when the vehicle is stopped.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-3

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—sysadmin X

WRS0131

Seat lifter (if so equipped for driver(cid:146)s seat) Turn either dial to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion to the desired position.

FRONT POWER SEAT ADJUSTMENT (if so equipped for Driver(cid:146)s seat)

WARNING

c Do not adjust the driver(cid:146)s seat while driving so full attention may be given to vehicle operation. The seat may move suddenly and could cause loss of con- trol of the vehicle.

WRS0163

c Do not leave children unattended inside the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac- tivate switches or controls and become trapped in a window. Unattended chil- dren could become involved in serious accidents.

Operating tips c The motor has an auto-reset overload protec- tion circuit. If the motor stops during operation, wait 30 seconds, then reactivate the switch.

c Do not operate the power seat switch for a long period of time when the engine is off. This will discharge the battery.

1-4 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—debbie X

Forward and backward Moving the switch forward or backward will slide the seat forward or backward to the desired position. Reclining Move the recline switch backward until the de- sired angle is obtained. To bring the seatback forward again, move the switch forward and move your body forward. The seatback will move forward. The reclining feature allows adjustment of the seatback for occupants of different sizes to help obtain proper seat belt fit (see (cid:147)Precautions on seat belt usage(cid:148) later in this section). Also, the seatback can be reclined to allow occupants to sleep when the vehicle is stopped.

WRS0164

WRS0165

Seat lifter (if so equipped for driver(cid:146)s seat) Push the front or rear end of the switch up or down to adjust the angle and height of the seat cushion.

Lumbar support (if so equipped for driver(cid:146)s seat) The lumbar support feature provides lower back support to the driver. Move the lever up or down to adjust the seat lumbar area.

Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems 1-5

Z REVIEW COPY:—2003 Altima (l30) Owners Manual (owners)—USA English (nna) 04/21/03—debbie X

c Closely supervise children when they are around cars to prevent them from playing and becoming locked in the trunk where they could be seriously in- jured. Keep the car locked, with the rear seatback and trunk lid securely latched when not in use, and prevent children(cid:146)s access to car keys.

s1 Push down on the button on the rear parcel

shelf.

s2 Fold down the passenger side seatback.