2008 Nissan Altima Owners Manual

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cause it is not required by law. Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X WDI0396 Example s2 TIN (Tire Identification Number) for a new tire (example: DOT XX XX XXX XXXX) 1. DOT: Abbreviation for the 9Depart- ment Of Transportation.9 The symbol can be placed above, below or to the left or right of Tire Identification Num- ber. 2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer(cid:146)s identification mark 3. Two-digit code: Tire size 4. Three-digit code: Tire type code (Optional) 5. Three-digit code: Date of Manufac- ture 6. Four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For ex- ample, the numbers 3103 means the 31st week of 2003. If these numbers are missing, then look on the other sidewall of the tire. s3 Tire ply composition and material The number of layers or plies of rubber- coated fabric in the tire. Tire manufactur- ers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others. s4 Maximum permissible inflation pres- sure This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should be put in the tire. Do not exceed the maximum permissible in- flation pressure. s5 Maximum load rating This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be car- ried by the tire. When replacing the tires on the vehicle, always use a tire that has the same load rating as the factory in- stalled tire. s6 Term of (cid:147)tubeless(cid:148) or (cid:147)tube type(cid:148) Indicates whether the tire requires an in- ner tube ((cid:147)tube type(cid:148)) or not ((cid:147)tubeless(cid:148)). s7 The word (cid:147)radial(cid:148) Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8-39 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X The word (cid:147)radial(cid:148) is shown if the tire has radial structure. s8 Manufacturer or brand name Manufacturer or brand name is shown. Other Tire-related Terminology In addition to the many terms that are defined throughout this section, Intended Outboard Sidewall is (1) the sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper than the same molding on the other sidewall of the tire, or (2) the out- ward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle. 8-40 Maintenance and do-it-yourself TYPES OF TIRES WARNING c When changing or replacing tires, be sure all four tires are of the same type (i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and construction. A NISSAN dealer may be able to help you with information about tire type, size, speed rating and availability. c Replacement tires may have a lower speed rating than the factory equipped tires, and may not match the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the tire. c For additional information regarding tires, refer to (cid:147)Important Tire Safety In- formation(cid:148) (US) or (cid:147)Tire Safety Informa- tion(cid:148) (Canada) in the Warranty Informa- tion Booklet. All season tires NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some mod- els to provide good performance all year, includ- ing snowy and icy road conditions. All Season tires are identified by ALL SEASON and/or M&S on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better snow traction than All Season tires and may be more appropriate in some areas. Summer tires NISSAN specifies summer tires on some models to provide superior performance on dry roads. Summer tire performance is substantially re- duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not have the tire traction rating (cid:147)M&S(cid:148) on the tire sidewall. If you do not, If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four wheels. Snow tires If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select tires equivalent in size and load rating to the original equipment tires. it can adversely affect the safety and handling of your vehicle. Generally, snow tires have lower speed ratings than factory equipped tires and may not match the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never ex- ceed the maximum speed rating of the tire. If you install snow tires, they must be the same size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all four wheels. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some U.S. states and Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check local, state and provincial laws before installing Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X studded tires. Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than that of non-studded snow tires. TIRE CHAINS CAUTION Only certain SAE class (cid:147)S(cid:148) tire chains can be used on this vehicle. Using the wrong Class (cid:147)S(cid:148) chains on this vehicle will cause damage to the vehicle. If you plan to use tire chains/cables, you should use a tire chain that meets the minimum clearances for your vehicle. A tire chain that provides the specified amount of space will provide the necessary clearance be- tween the tire and the closest vehicle suspension or body component. The minimum clearances are determined using the factory-equipped tires. Other types may damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recommended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent the possibility of whipping action dam- age to the fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance may be ad- versely affected. Tire chains must be installed only on the front wheels and not on the rear wheels. Never install tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire. Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with tire chains in such conditions can cause damage to the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to some overstress. Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8-41 LDI0574 Use of tire chains may be prohibited according to location. Check the local laws before installing tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure they are the proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the chain manufacturer(cid:146)s suggestions. Use a tire chain that is designed to provide the specified space sA between the installed tire chain s1 and where the tire meets the rim s2 as shown on the chart. Wheel size Minimum space required 16 in 17 in .7 in (17 mm) .2 in (4 mm) Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X WDI0258 CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES Tire rotation NISSAN recommends rotating the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). See (cid:147)Flat tire(cid:148) in the (cid:147)In case of emer- gency(cid:148) section of this manual for tire re- placing procedures. As soon as possible, tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque with a torque wrench. 8-42 Maintenance and do-it-yourself Wheel nut tightening torque: 83 ft-lb (112 N•m) The wheel nuts must be kept tight- ened to specifications at all times. It is recommended that wheel nuts be tightened to specification at each tire rotation interval. WARNING c After rotating the tires, check and adjust the tire pressure. c Retighten the wheel nuts when the vehicle has been driven for 600 miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire, etc.). c Do not include the spare tire in the tire rotation. c For additional information re- garding tires, refer to (cid:147)Important Tire Safety Information(cid:148) (US) or (cid:147)Tire Information(cid:148) (Canada) in the Warranty Infor- mation Booklet. Safety WDI0259 1. Wear indicator 2. Location mark Tire wear and damage WARNING c Tires should be periodically in- spected for wear, cracking, bulg- ing or objects caught in the tread. If excessive wear, cracks, bulging or deep cuts are found, the tire(s) should be replaced. Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X c The original tires have built-in tread wear indicators. When the wear indicators are visible, the tire(s) should be replaced. c Tires degrade with age and use. Have tires, including the spare, over 6 years old checked by a qualified because some tire damage may not be ob- vious. Replace the tires as neces- sary to prevent tire failure and possible personal injury. technician c Improper service of the spare tire may result in serious personal in- jury. If it is necessary to repair the spare tire, contact a NISSAN dealer. c For additional information re- garding tires, refer to (cid:147)Important Tire Safety Information(cid:148) (US) or (cid:147)Tire Information(cid:148) (Canada) in the Warranty Infor- mation Booklet. Safety Replacing wheels and tires When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread design, speed rating and load carrying capacity as originally equipped. Recommended types and sizes are shown in (cid:147)Wheels and tires(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Technical and consumer information(cid:148) section of this manual. WARNING c The use of tires other than those recom- mended or the mixed use of tires of different brands, construction (bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread patterns can adversely affect the ride, braking, handling, ground clearance, body-to- tire clearance, tire chain clearance, speedometer calibration, headlight aim and bumper height. Some of these ef- fects may lead to accidents and could result in serious personal injury. c If the wheels are changed for any rea- son, always replace with wheels which have the same off-set dimension. Wheels of a different off-set could cause premature tire wear, degrade ve- hicle handling characteristics and/or interference brake discs/drums. Such interference can lead to decreased braking efficiency and/or early brake pad/shoe wear. Re- fer to (cid:147)Wheels and tires(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Techni- cal and consumer information(cid:148) section of for wheel off-set dimensions. this manual with the c When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not function and the low tire pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute. The light will remain on after 1 minute. Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as possible for tire replacement and/or system resetting. c Replacing tires with those not originally specified by NISSAN could affect the proper operation of the TPMS. Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8-43 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X c Do not install a damaged or deformed wheel or tire even if it has been re- paired. Such wheels or tires could have structural damage and could fail with- out warning. c The use of recommended. c For additional information regarding tires, refer to (cid:147)Important Tire Safety In- formation(cid:148) (US) or (cid:147)Tire Safety Informa- tion(cid:148) (Canada) in the Warranty Informa- tion Booklet. retread tires is not Wheel balance Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal- anced as required. Wheel balance service should be per- formed with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle could lead to mechanical damage. c For additional information regarding tires, refer to (cid:147)Important Tire Safety Information(cid:148) (US) or (cid:147)Tire Safety Infor- mation(cid:148) (Canada) in the Warranty In- formation Booklet . 8-44 Maintenance and do-it-yourself Care of wheels c Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle to maintain their appearance. c Clean the inner side of the wheels when the is changed or the underside of the wheel vehicle is washed. c Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing the wheels. c Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of pressure or poor seal at the tire bead. c NISSAN recommends waxing the road wheels to protect against road salt in areas where it is used during winter. Spare tire (TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire) Observe the following precautions if the TEM- PORARY USE ONLY spare tire must be used. Otherwise, your vehicle could be damaged or involved in an accident: WARNING c The spare tire should be used for emer- gency use only. It should be replaced with the standard tire at the first oppor- tunity to avoid possible tire or differen- tial damage. c Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire is installed. Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking while driving. c Periodically check spare tire inflation pressure. Always keep the pressure of the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire at 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 bar). c With the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire installed do not drive the vehicle at speeds faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h). c When driving on roads covered with snow or ice, the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire should be used on the rear wheels and the original tire used on the front wheels (drive wheels). Use tire chains only on the front (original) tires. Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X c Tire tread of the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire will wear at a faster rate than the standard tire. Replace the spare tire as soon as the tread wear indicators appear. c Do not use the spare tire on other vehicles. c Do not use more than one spare tire at the same time. c Do not tow a trailer when the TEMPO- RARY USE ONLY spare tire is installed. CAUTION c Do not use tire chains on a TEMPO- RARY USE ONLY spare tire. Tire chains will not fit properly and may cause dam- age to the vehicle. c Because the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire is smaller than the original tire, ground clearance is reduced. To avoid damage to the vehicle, do not drive over obstacles. Also, do not drive the vehicle through an automatic car wash since it may get caught. Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8-45 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X MEMO 8-46 Maintenance and do-it-yourself 9 Technical and consumer information Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants . . . . . . . . . 9-2 Fuel recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3 Engine oil and oil filter recommendations . . . . . . . . . . 9-5 Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6 Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7 Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7 Wheels and tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8 Dimensions and weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8 When traveling or registering your vehicle in another country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9 Vehicle identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9 Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . . . . . . . . . . 9-9 Vehicle identification number (chassis number) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9 Engine serial number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10 F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label . . . . . . . . . . 9-10 Emission control information label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11 Tire and loading information label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11 Air conditioner specification label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11 Installing front license plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12 Vehicle loading information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12 Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-12 Vehicle load capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13 Loading tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15 Measurement of weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15 Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16 Maximum load limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16 Towing load/specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19 Towing safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19 Flat towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23 Uniform tire quality grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23 Emission control system warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24 Reporting safety defects (US only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25 Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test . . . . . 9-25 Event data recorders (EDR). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26 Owner(cid:146)s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-27 In the event of a collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED FUEL/LUBRICANTS The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure described in the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) section to determine the proper refill capacity. Fuel Engine oil *7 Drain and Refill With oil filter change QR25DE VQ35DE QR25DE VQ35DE Without oil filter change Cooling system With reservoir Manual transmission gear oil QR25DE VQ35DE Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid Power steering fluid (PSF) Brake and clutch fluid Multi-purpose grease Air conditioning system refrigerant Air conditioning system oil Windshield washer fluid Capacity (Approximate) US measure 20 gal Imp measure 16-5/8 gal Liter 75.6 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants See (cid:147)Fuel recommendation(cid:148) later in this section 4-7/8 qt 4-7/8 qt 4-1/2 qt 4-1/2 qt 2 gal 2-1/8 gal 1-3/4 qt (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) 4 qt 4 qt 3-3/4 qt 3-3/4 qt 1-5/8 gal 1-3/4 gal 1-1/2 qt (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) 4.6 4.6 4.3 4.3 7.6 8.2 1.7 (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:151) (cid:149) Engine oil with API Certification Mark *2 (cid:149) Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *2 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent 50% Demineralized or distilled water Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 *3 Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*4 Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *5 or equivalent DOT 3 NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base) HFC-134a (R-134a) *6 NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *6 Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid or equivalent *1: For further details, see (cid:147)Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.(cid:148) *2: Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty. *3: DEXRON(cid:153) VI type ATF can be used. *4: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer. *5: For further details, see (cid:147)Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations.(cid:148) *6: For further details, see (cid:147)Engine Oil(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) section of this manual. 9-2 Technical and consumer information Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X FUEL RECOMMENDATION 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 NISSAN recommends the use of premium un- leaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research octane number 96). If unleaded premium gaso- line is not available, you may use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI number (Research octane number 91), but you may notice a decrease in performance. 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. c Do not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed to run on E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel can damage the fuel system components and is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle lim- ited warranty. Gasoline specifications NISSAN recommends using gasoline that meets the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) specifi- cations where it is available. Many of the automo- bile manufacturers developed this specification to improve emission control system and vehicle performance. Ask your service station manager if the gasoline meets the WWFC specifications. Reformulated gasoline Some fuel suppliers are now producing reformu- lated gasolines. These gasolines are specially designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSAN supports efforts towards cleaner air and sug- gests that you use reformulated gasoline when available. Gasoline containing oxygenates Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing oxy- genates such as ethanol, MTBE and methanol with or without advertising their presence. NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels of which the oxygenate content and the fuel com- patibility for your NISSAN cannot be readily de- termined. If in doubt, ask your service station manager. If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take the following precautions as the usage of such fuels may cause vehicle performance problems and/or fuel system damage. c The fuel should be unleaded and have an octane rating no lower than that recommended for unleaded gasoline. than methanol blend is used, it should con- tain no more than 10% oxygenate. (MTBE may, however, be added up to 15%.) c If an oxygenate-blend other c If a methanol blend is used, it should contain no more than 5% methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should also contain a suitable amount of appropriate cosolvents and corro- sion inhibitors. If not properly formu- lated with appropriate cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors, such methanol blends may cause fuel system damage and/or vehicle performance problems. At this time, sufficient data is not avail- able to ensure that all methanol blends are suitable for use in NISSAN ve- hicles. Technical and consumer information 9-3 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X fuels, oxygenate-blend If any driveability problems such as engine stall- ing and difficult hot-starting are experienced after using immediately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE. Take care not to spill gasoline during refu- eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can cause paint damage. E(cid:150)85 fuel E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do not use E-85 in your vehicle. U.S. government regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing pumps to be identified by a small, square, orange and black label with the common abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for that region. Aftermarket fuel additives NISSAN does not recommend the use of any aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec- tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.) which are sold commercially. Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit removal may contain active solvents or similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel system and engine. Octane rating tips Using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than recommended can cause persistent, heavy (cid:147)spark knock.(cid:148) ((cid:147)Spark knock(cid:148) is a metallic rapping noise.) If se- vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you detect a persistent heavy spark knock even when using gasoline of the stated octane rating, or if you hear steady spark knock while holding a steady speed on level roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the condition. Failure to correct the condition is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is not responsible. ignition timing may result in spark Incorrect knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may cause excessive fuel consumption or engine damage. If any of the above symptoms are en- countered, have your vehicle checked at a NISSAN dealer. However, now and then you may notice light spark knock for a short time while accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a cause for concern, because you get the greatest fuel benefit when there is light spark knock for a short time under heavy engine load. CAUTION c Your vehicle is not designed to run on E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle not specifically designed for E-85 fuel can damage fuel system components and is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty. c E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% 15% unleaded ethanol and fuel gasoline. c U.S. government regulations require ethanol dispensing pumps to be identi- fied by a small, square, orange and black label with the common abbrevia- tion or the appropriate percentage for that region. 9-4 Technical and consumer information Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RECOMMENDATIONS Selecting the correct oil It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory engine life and performance. See 9Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants9 earlier in this section. NISSAN recommends the use of an energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel economy. Select only engine oils that meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna- tional Lubricant Standardization and Approval WTI0183 Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis- cosity standard. These oils have the API certifica- tion mark on the front of the container. Oils which do not have the specified quality label should not be used as they could cause engine damage. Oil additives NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces- sary when the proper oil type is used and main- tenance intervals are followed. Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been previously used should not be used. Oil viscosity The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes with temperature. Because of this, it is important to select the engine oil viscosity based on the temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper- ated before the next oil change. Choosing an oil viscosity other than that recommended could cause serious engine damage. Selecting the correct oil filter Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re- placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its equivalent for the reason described in (cid:147)Change intervals(cid:148). Change intervals The oil and oil filter change intervals for your engine are based on the use of the specified quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding recommended oil and filter change intervals could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine caused by improper maintenance or use of incor- rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited war- ranty. Technical and consumer information 9-5 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X CAUTION The use of any other refrigerant or oil will cause severe damage to the air condition- ing system and will require the replace- ment of all air conditioner system components. The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth(cid:146)s ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the earth(cid:146)s atmosphere, certain government regula- tions require the recovery and recycling of any refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys- tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained technicians and equipment needed to recover and recycle your air conditioner system refriger- ant. Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air conditioner system. Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine oil when it was built. You do not have to change the oil before the first recommended change interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend upon how you use your vehicle. Operation under the following conditions may require more frequent oil and filter changes: c repeated short distance driving at cold out- side temperatures c driving in dusty conditions c extensive idling c towing a trailer c stop and go commuting Refer to the (cid:147)NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide(cid:148) for the maintenance schedule. AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM REFRIGERANT AND OIL RECOMMENDATIONS The air conditioner system in your NISSAN vehicle must be charged with the refriger- ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil, NISSAN A/C system oil Type S or the exact equiva- lents. 9-6 Technical and consumer information Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Model Type Cylinder arrangement Bore x Stroke Displacement Firing order Idle speed M/T CVT (in (cid:147)N(cid:148) position) Ignition timing (degree B.T.D.C. at idle speed) CO % at idle Spark plug Spark plug gap (Nominal) QR25DE VQ35DE Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC 4-cylinder in-line in (mm) 3.5 x 3.9 (89.0 x 100.0) cu in (cm3) 151.82 (2,488) 1(cid:150)3(cid:150)4(cid:150)2 Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC 6-cylinder, V-block, Slanted at 60(cid:176) 3.760 x 3.205 (95.5 x 81.4) 213.45 (3,498) 1(cid:150)2(cid:150)3(cid:150)4(cid:150)5(cid:150)6 No adjustment is necessary. DILKAR6A-11 in (mm) 0.043 (1.1) FXE20HR-11 0.043 (1.1) Camshaft operation The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Timing chain Timing chain Technical and consumer information 9-7 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X WHEELS AND TIRES Size 16 x 7JJ 17 x 7 1/2JJ 16 x 4T Wheel type Aluminum/Steel Aluminum/Steel T type (Spare) Tire size Spare tire DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS Overall length Overall width Overall height Front track Rear track Wheelbase Gross vehicle weight rating Gross axle weight rating Front Rear Offset in (mm) 1.77 (45) 1.77 (45) 1.77 (45) P215/60R16 P215/55R17 T135/70R16 T135/90R16 in (mm) in (mm) in (mm) in (mm) in (mm) in (mm) lb (kg) lb (kg) lb (kg) 9-8 Technical and consumer information Coupe 182.5 (4,636) 70.7 (1,795) 55.3 (1,405) 61.0 (1,549) 60.8 (1,544) 105.3 (2,675) Sedan 189.8 (4,820) 70.7 (1,795) 57.9 (1,471) 61.0 (1,549) 61.0 (1,549) 109.3 (2,776) See the (cid:147)F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label(cid:148) on the center pillar between the driver(cid:146)s side front and rear doors. Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X WHEN TRAVELING OR REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY When planning to drive your NISSAN ve- hicle in another country, you should first find out if the fuel available is suitable for your vehi- cle(cid:146)s engine. Using fuel with an octane rating that is too low may cause engine damage. All gasoline vehicles must be operated with unleaded gasoline. There- fore, avoid taking your vehicle 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 emis- sion control and safety standards vary according to the country, state, province or district; there- fore, vehicle specifications may differ. When any vehicle is to be taken into an- other country, state, province or district and registered, its modifications, transpor- tation, and registration are the responsibil- ity of the user. NISSAN is not responsible for any inconvenience that may result. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION LTI0025 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) PLATE The vehicle identification number (VIN) plate is attached as shown. This number is the identifica- tion for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle registration. WTI0037 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (chassis number) The vehicle identification number is located as shown. Technical and consumer information 9-9 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X WTI0096 WTI0049 LTI0197 QR25DE VQ35DE ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER The number is stamped on the engine as shown. F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION LABEL The Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.) certification la- bel is affixed as shown. This label contains valu- able 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. 9-10 Technical and consumer information Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X WTI0173 EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION LABEL The emission control tached to the underside of the hood as shown. information label is at- WTI0174 TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL The cold tire pressure is shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. The label is located as shown. WTI0178 AIR CONDITIONER SPECIFICATION LABEL The air conditioner specification label is affixed to the underside of the hood as shown. Technical and consumer information 9-11 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X INSTALLING FRONT LICENSE PLATE VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION Use the following steps to mount the front license plate: s1 Make a shallow hole in each plastic finisher at the location mark (small dimple) using a 0.31 in (8 mm) drill. To avoid damaging the threads behind the finisher, apply only light pressure to the drill. s2 Mount the license plate bracket using two 8 mm slotted hex head screws. WARNING c It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area inside a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seri- ously 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 vehicle) - vehicle weight including: standard and optional equipment, flu- ids, emergency tools, and spare tire assembly. This weight does not in- clude passengers and cargo. Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X 9-12 Technical and consumer information WTI0179 c GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb weight plus the combined weight of passengers and cargo. c GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat- ing) - maximum total combined weight of the unloaded vehicle, pas- sengers, trailer tongue load and any other optional equipment. This information is lo- cated on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. luggage, hitch, c GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maximum weight (load) limit specified for the front or rear axle. This informa- the tion located F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. on is c GCWR (Gross Combined Weight rating) - The maximum total weight rating of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and trailer. c Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load limit, Total load capacity - maximum total weight the load (passengers and cargo) for the ve- limit specified of hicle. This is the maximum combined weight of occupants and cargo that can be loaded into the vehicle. If the vehicle is used to tow a trailer, the trailer tongue weight must be in- cluded as part of the cargo load. This information is located on the Tire and Loading Information label (if so equipped). c Cargo capacity - permissible weight of cargo, the subtracted weight of occupants from the load limit. VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY Do not exceed the load limit of your ve- hicle shown as (cid:147)The combined weight of occupants and cargo(cid:148) on the Tire and Loading Information label. Do not exceed the number of occupants shown as (cid:147)Seating Capacity(cid:148) on the Tire and Load- ing Information label. To get (cid:147)the combined weight of occu- pants and cargo(cid:148), add the weight of all occupants, then add the total luggage weight. Examples are shown in the follow- ing illustration. Technical and consumer information 9-13 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X Steps for determining correct load limit 1. Locate the statement (cid:147)The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs(cid:148) on your vehicle(cid:146)s placard. 2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle. 3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs. 4. The resulting figure equals the avail- able amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the XXX amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of avail- able cargo and luggage load capac- ity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 X 150) = 650 lbs) or (640-340 (5 X 70) = 300 kg.) 9-14 Technical and consumer information Example LTI0152 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X 5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be trans- ferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this re- duces the available cargo and lug- gage load capacity of your vehicle. 6. Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. See (cid:147)Measurement of Weights(cid:148) later in this section. Also check tires for proper inflation pres- sures. See the Tire and Loading Informa- tion label. LOADING TIPS c The GVW must not exceed GVWR or GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification 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 with ropes or straps to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seat- backs. In a sudden stop or colli- sion, unsecured cargo could cause personal injury. c Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR or the maximum front and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your vehicle can break, tire damage could oc- cur, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. This could result in loss of control and cause per- sonal injury. c Overloading not only can shorten the life of your vehicle and the tire, but can also cause unsafe vehicle handling and longer brak- ing distances. This may cause a premature tire failure which could result in a serious accident and personal injury. Failures caused by overloading are not covered vehicle(cid:146)s warranty. the by MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts that could affect the balance of your vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale and weigh the front and the rear wheels separately to determine axle loads. Individual axle loads should not ex- ceed either of the gross axle weight rat- ings (GAWR). The total of the axle loads should not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). These ratings are given on the vehicle certification label. If weight ratings are exceeded, move or re- move items to bring all weights below the ratings. Technical and consumer information 9-15 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X TOWING A TRAILER WARNING Overloading or improper loading of a trailer and its cargo can adversely affect vehicle handling, braking and perfor- mance and may lead to accidents. 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). Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X 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. Technical and consumer information 9-17 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X 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. Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X 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. Technical and consumer information 9-19 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/05/07—arosenma X 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 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/05/07—arosenma X 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). Technical and consumer information 9-21 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X 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. Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X 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. Technical and consumer information 9-23 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X 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 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X 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. Technical and consumer information 9-25 Z REVIEW COPY—2008 Altima (alt) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 10/03/07—debbie X the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.

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2008 Nissan Altima Owners Manual