2010 Nissan Altima Owners Manual

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’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.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US only)

READINESS FOR INSPECTION/ MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST

Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following emission warranties: For USA 1. Emission Defects Warranty 2. Emissions Performance Warranty Details of this warranty may be found with other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Information Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace- ment by writing to: ● Nissan North America, Inc.

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

For Canada Emission Control System Warranty Details of this warranty may be found with other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Information Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace- ment by writing to: ● Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5

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 from vehicle 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 “ready condi- tion” 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, check the vehicle’s inspection/maintenance test readiness condition. Place the ignition switch in the ON position 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 “not ready”. If the MIL does not blink after 20 seconds, the I/M test condition is “ready”. If the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready” condition, drive the vehicle through the fol- lowing pattern to set the vehicle to the ready con- dition. If you cannot or do not want to perform the driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.

Technical and consumer information 9-27

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

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.

8. Stop the vehicle. Place the shift selector in

the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position.

9-28 Technical and consumer information

EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR)

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

operating;

● Whether or not the driver and passenger

safety belts were buckled/fastened;

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

the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,

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

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

OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION

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

For Canada To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN Ser- vice Manual or Owner’s Manual please contact your nearest NISSAN dealer. For the phone num- ber and location of a NISSAN dealer in your area call the NISSAN Information Center at 1-800- 387-0122 and a bilingual NISSAN representa- tive will assist you. Also available are genuine NISSAN Service and Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION Unfortunately, accidents do occur. In this unlikely event, there is some important information you should know. Many insurance companies routinely authorize the use of non-genuine collision parts in order to cut costs, among other reasons.

Technical and consumer information 9-29

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

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

9-30 Technical and consumer information

10 Index

Air bag (See supplemental restraint system) . Air bag system

..1-42

Front (See supplemental front impact air bag system) . Air bag warning light. Air cleaner housing filter . Air conditioner

..1-50
..1-56, 2-14
..8-19

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

..4-22
..4-29
..9-13

..9-6

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

Bluetooth姞 audio . Compact disc (CD) player .

..4-19, 4-27
..4-29
..4-23

..2-24
..1-28
..4-91
..2-11
..5-24
..1-11
..2-16
..4-30
..4-85

..4-47, 4-53, 4-59, 4-65

FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD) player . FM/AM/SAT radio with CD/DVD player. FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD) player .

..4-45
.4-55

..4-49

Bluetooth姞 audio . Bluetooth姞 hands-free phone system . Booster seats . Brake

..4-85

..4-92, 4-107
..1-39

Audio System

Radio .

Audio system Audio System Settings . Audio system

USB interface .

Autolight switch. Automatic

iPod姞 Player . Music Box hard-disk drive audio system .

..4-73, 4-75

..4-77

..4-30

..4-56

..4-67, 4-69
..2-30

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

..2-43

..5-15
..3-29
..3-5
..4-48, 4-54

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Brake fluid . Brake light (See stop light). Brake system . Brake warning light . Brake wear indicators . Parking brake operation . Self-adjusting brakes .

..5-24
..8-14
..8-28
..5-23
..2-11
..2-16, 8-22
..5-18
..8-22
..8-22
..5-21

Brakes . Break-in schedule . Brightness control

Instrument panel

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

..2-32
..4-12
..2-10
..8-28

Battery.

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

..8-15
..2-11
..5-9
..8-18

..5-28

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

.4-47, 4-53, 4-59, 4-65
..1-28
..1-22, 1-23, 1-24, 1-26

..9-2
..4-91
.9-14
..4-88

.

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

Precautions on child ..1-24, 1-30, 1-35, 1-39
restraints. .1-28
Top tether strap anchor point locations . ..3-6
..2-16
..7-2
..4-46, 4-51
..4-8
(models with navigation system) . (models without navigation system) .4-46
..4-8, 4-46

Clock set . Clutch

Clutch fluid .

..8-14
..9-11
..5-26

C.M.V.S.S. certification label Cold weather driving . Compact disc (CD) player Compass display . Console box . Console light . Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

..4-47, 4-53, 4-59, 4-65
..2-6
..2-39
..2-47
.5-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid . Driving with Continuously Variable ..5-11
Transmission (CVT) . .5-15
Transmission selector lever lock release . ..4-2
..4-12
..4-2
..4-6

Brightness/contrast button . Enter button . Setting button .

Control panel buttons .

..8-13

Heater and air conditioner controls .

..4-19, 4-27

Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants . Changing engine coolant .

..9-2
..8-9

Controls

Coolant

10-2

Checking engine coolant level . Engine coolant temperature gauge .

Corrosion protection . Cruise control Cup holders .

..8-8
..2-5
..7-6
..5-19
..2-38, 2-39

Daytime running light system (Canada only) . Defroster switch

.2-31

Rear window and outside mirror defroster switch.

..2-27
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player . .4-64
Dimensions and weights . ..9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ..2-32
Display controls (see control panel buttons) .4-2
Door locks . ..3-4
Drive belt . ..8-18
Driving

Cold weather driving . Driving with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . Driving with manual transmission . Precautions when starting and driving .

..5-26

Capacities and recommended ..9-2
fuel/lubricants . ..8-9
Changing engine coolant . ..8-10
Changing engine oil . ..8-12
Changing engine oil filter . ..8-8
Checking engine coolant level . ..8-9
Checking engine oil level . .8-6
Engine compartment check locations . ..2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge . ..8-8
Engine cooling system . ..8-9
Engine oil Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
..2-12
Engine oil pressure warning light . Engine oil viscosity . ..9-5
..9-11
Engine serial number Engine specifications . ..9-7
Starting the engine . ..5-10
..4-2
..9-28
..5-2
..2-37

Enter button . Event data recorders . Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .