Nissan Altima Hybrid (2010 year). Instruction

CAUTION

● Never use benzine, thinner or any simi-

lar material.

● Small dirt particles can be abrasive and

damaging

leather

surfaces

and

should be removed promptly. Do not
use saddle soap, car waxes, polishes,
oils, cleaning fluids, solvents, deter-
gents or ammonia-based cleaners as
they may damage the leather’s natural
finish.

● Do not clean the interior or trunk using

water. If water contacts the high voltage
battery, it may cause a short circuit and
damage the battery.

● Never use fabric protectors unless rec-

ommended by the manufacturer.

● Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on

meter or gauge lens covers. It may dam-
age the lens cover.

● Clean the air vent regularly to prevent

the

high

voltage

battery

from

overheating.

HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY AIR VENT

CAUTION

● Do not place objects over or into the air

vent. The high voltage battery may over-
heat and be damaged.

● Do not allow any liquid to get on or in

the air vent. It may cause a short circuit
and damage the high voltage battery.

Regularly clean the air vent

䊊

with a dry cloth to

prevent the vent from being blocked.

AIR FRESHENERS

Most air fresheners use a solvent that could affect
the vehicle interior. If you use an air freshener,
take the following precautions:

● Hanging-type air fresheners can cause per-

manent discoloration when they contact ve-
hicle interior surfaces. Place the air fresh-
ener in a location that allows it to hang free
and not contact an interior surface.

● Liquid-type air fresheners typically clip on

the vents. These products can cause imme-
diate damage and discoloration when
spilled on interior surfaces.

Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions before using the air fresheners.

FLOOR MATS

The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can ex-
tend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it
easier to clean the interior. No matter what
mats are used, be sure they are fitted for
your vehicle and are properly positioned in
the footwell to prevent interference with
pedal operation. Mats should be maintained
with regular cleaning and replaced if they be-
come excessively worn.

LHV0004

Appearance and care

7-5

Floor mat positioning aid

This vehicle includes a front floor mat bracket to
act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor
mats have been specially designed for your ve-
hicle model. The driver’s and passenger’s side
floor mats have a grommet hole incorporated in
them. Position the mat by placing the floor mat
bracket hook through the floor mat grommet hole
while centering the mat in the footwell.

Periodically check to make certain the mats are
properly positioned.

SEAT BELTS

The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them
with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solution.
Allow the belts to dry completely in the shade
before using them. See “Seat belt maintenance”
in the “Safety – Seats, seat belts and supplemen-
tal restraint system” section of this manual.

WARNING

Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in the
retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye or
chemical solvents to clean the seat belts,
since

these

materials

may

severely

weaken the seat belt webbing.

MOST COMMON FACTORS
CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE
CORROSION

● The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt

and debris in body panel sections, cavities,
and other areas.

● Damage to paint and other protective coat-

ings caused by gravel and stone chips or
minor traffic accidents.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
INFLUENCE THE RATE OF
CORROSION

Moisture

Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the ve-
hicle body underside can accelerate corrosion.
Wet floor coverings will not dry completely inside
the vehicle and should be removed for drying to
avoid floor panel corrosion.

Relative humidity

Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of high
relative humidity, especially those areas where
the temperatures stay above freezing and where
atmospheric pollution exists and road salt is
used.

LPD0477

CORROSION PROTECTION

7-6

Appearance and care

Temperature

High temperatures accelerate the rate of corro-
sion to those parts which are not well ventilated.

Air pollution

Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air
in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use acceler-
ates the corrosion process. Road salt also accel-
erates the disintegration of paint surfaces.

TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE
FROM CORROSION

● Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep the

vehicle clean.

● Always check for minor damage to the paint

and repair it as soon as possible.

● Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors

open to avoid water accumulation.

● Check the underbody for accumulation of

sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water
as soon as possible.

CAUTION

● NEVER remove dirt, sand or other de-

bris from the passenger compartment
by washing it out with a hose. Remove
dirt with a vacuum cleaner or broom.

● Never allow water or other liquids to

come in contact with electronic compo-
nents inside the vehicle as this may
damage them.

Chemicals used for road surface de-icing are
extremely corrosive. They accelerate corrosion
and deterioration of underbody components
such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines,
brake cables, floor pan and fenders.

In winter, the underbody must be cleaned
periodically.

For additional protection against rust and corro-
sion, which may be required in some areas, con-
sult a NISSAN dealer.

Appearance and care

7-7

Your NISSAN has been designed to have mini-
mum maintenance requirements with long ser-
vice intervals to save you both time and money.
However, some day-to-day and regular mainte-
nance is essential to maintain your NISSAN’s
good mechanical condition, as well as its emis-
sions and engine performance.

It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.

As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives proper
maintenance. You are a vital link in the mainte-
nance chain.

Scheduled maintenance

For your convenience, both required and optional
scheduled maintenance items are described and
listed in your “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide”. You must refer to that guide to ensure
that necessary maintenance is performed on your
NISSAN at regular intervals.

General maintenance

General maintenance includes those items which
should be checked during normal day-to-day op-
eration. They are essential for proper vehicle op-
eration. It is your responsibility to perform these
maintenance procedures regularly as prescribed.

Performing general maintenance checks requires
minimal mechanical skill and only a few general
automotive tools.

These checks or inspections can be done by you,
a qualified technician, or, if you prefer, a NISSAN
dealer.

Where to go for service

If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and corrected by a NISSAN dealer.

NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
who are kept up-to-date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-dealership training programs. They
are completely qualified to work on NISSAN ve-
hicles before they work on your vehicle, rather
than after they have worked on it.

You can be confident that a NISSAN dealer’s
service department performs the best job to meet
the maintenance requirements on your vehicle —
in a reliable and economical way.

During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smells, be sure to check for the cause or have a
NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify a NISSAN dealer if you think that
repairs are required.

When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the “Maintenance precau-
tions” later in this section.

EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMS

Additional information on the following
items with “ * ” is found later in this section.

Outside the vehicle

The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.

Doors and engine hood Check that the doors
and engine hood operate properly. Also ensure
that all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges,
latches, latch pins, rollers and links as necessary.
Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch is
released.

MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

8-2

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.

Lights* Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.

Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)* When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.

Tire rotation* Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).

Tires* Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.

Wheel alignment and balance If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel

alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.

● For additional information regarding tires,

refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.

Windshield Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.

Windshield wiper blades* Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.

Inside the vehicle

The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.

Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.

Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.

Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.

Brakes Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.

Electronically

controlled

Continuously

Variable Transmission (eCVT) P (Park) po-
sition mechanism: On a fairly steep hill check
that the vehicle is held securely with the shift
selector in the P (Park) position without applying
any brakes.

Parking brake Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see a NISSAN dealer.

Seats Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched positions.

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-3

Seat belts Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.

Steering wheel Check for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.

Warning lights and chimes Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.

Windshield wiper and washer* Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.

Windshield defroster Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.

Under the hood and vehicle

The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).

Brake fluid level* Make sure that the brake fluid
level is between the MIN and MAX lines on the
reservoir.

Electronically

controlled

Continuously

Variable Transmission (eCVT) fluid* Check
under the vehicle for leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while.

Engine coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.

Engine drive belts* Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.

Engine oil level* Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.

Exhaust system Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
“Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.

Fluid leaks Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.

Inverter coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the inverter is cold.

Radiator and hoses Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.

Underbody The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.

Windshield washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.

8-4

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.

WARNING

● This vehicle has high voltage DC and AC

systems as well as a 12-volt system. DC
and AC high voltage is very dangerous
and can cause severe burns and electric
shock that may result in serious injury
or death.

● Never touch, disassemble, remove or

replace the high voltage parts, cables
and their connectors. High voltage
cables are orange. Touching, disassem-
bling, removing or replacing those parts
and cables can cause severe burns or
electric shock that may result in serious
injury or death.

● Never try to remove the service discon-

nect located in the trunk on the lower
right-hand side. The service disconnect
is used only when the vehicle is ser-
viced by trained technicians wearing
personal protection equipment and is
part of the high voltage system. Touch-
ing the service disconnect can cause
severe burns or electric shock that may
result in serious injury or death.

● The hybrid system uses high voltage up

to 650 V. The system can be hot while
and after starting. Be careful of both the
high voltage and the high temperature.
Obey the caution labels attached to the
vehicle.

● Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap-

ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift selector to
P (Park).

● Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF

or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.

● The engine can start at any time without

warning when the Hybrid System is in
the READY mode. If you must work with
the Hybrid System in the READY mode,
keep your hands, clothing, hair and
tools away from fans, belts and any
other parts that can move.

● It is advisable to secure or remove any

loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.

● Always wear eye protection whenever

you work on your vehicle.

● Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-

matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition key is in the OFF position
and the engine is not running. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the negative
battery cable before working near the
fan.

● If you must run the engine in an en-

closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.

MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-5

● Never get under the vehicle while it is

supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.

● Keep smoking materials, flame and

sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.

● On gasoline engine models, the fuel

filter or fuel lines should be serviced by
a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.

CAUTION

● Do not work under the hood while the

engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.

● Avoid contact with used engine oil and

coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.

● Never leave the engine or the transmis-

sion related component harness con-
nector disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.

● Never connect or disconnect the battery

or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.

This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.

A genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.

You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage. If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.

8-6

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Brake fluid reservoir

Engine oil filler cap

Air cleaner

Fuse/Fusible link box/Jump-start
location

Fuse box

Inverter coolant reservoir

Engine oil dipstick

Radiator cap

Drive belt location

10. Engine coolant reservoir
11. Windshield–washer fluid reservoir

LDI0577

ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-7

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with Genuine NISSAN Engine Coolant to provide
year-round anti-freeze and coolant protection.
The anti-freeze solution contains rust and corro-
sion inhibitors. Additional engine cooling system
additives are not necessary.

WARNING

● Never remove the radiator or coolant

reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Wait until the engine and radiator cool
down. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from
the radiator. See precautions in “If your
vehicle overheats” found in the “In case
of emergency” section of this manual.

● The radiator is equipped with a pres-

sure type radiator cap. To prevent en-
gine

damage,

use

only

genuine

NISSAN radiator cap.

CAUTION

When adding or replacing coolant, be sure
to use only a Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent with the
proper mixture ratio of 50% anti-freeze
and 50% demineralized or distilled water.
The use of other types of coolant solu-
tions other than Genuine NISSAN Long
Life

Antifreeze/Coolant

equivalent,

may damage the engine cooling system.

Outside temperature

down to

Genuine
NISSAN

Long Life

Antifreeze/
Coolant or

equivalent

Demineral-

ized or dis-

tilled water

°C

°F

-35

-30

50%

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL

Check the coolant level in the reservoir when
the engine and inverter are cold. If the cool-
ant level is below the MIN level

䊊

, add coolant to

the MAX level

䊊

. If the reservoir is empty, check

the coolant level in the radiator when the en-
gine is cold. If there is insufficient coolant in the
radiator, fill the radiator with coolant up to the filler
opening and also add it to the reservoir up to the
MAX level

䊊

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN
dealer.

LDI0554

ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM

8-8

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT

A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.

Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.

WARNING

● To avoid the danger of being scalded,

never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.

● Never remove the radiator cap when the

engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.

● Avoid direct skin contact with used

coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.

● Keep coolant out of the reach of chil-

dren and pets.

Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.

The inverter cooling system is filled at the factory
with

Genuine

NISSAN

Long

Life

Antifreeze/Coolant to provide year-round anti-
freeze and coolant protection. The anti-freeze
solution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors.
Additional inverter cooling system additives are
not necessary.

WARNING

● The temperature of the inverter rises to

140° F (60° C). Never remove the coolant
reservoir cap when the engine and in-
verter are hot. Wait until the engine and
inverter cool down. Serious burns could
be caused by high pressure fluid escap-
ing from the reservoir.

● The inverter reservoir is equipped with a

pressure type cap. To prevent engine
and inverter damage, use only a genu-
ine NISSAN inverter reservoir cap.

CAUTION

Antifreeze/Coolant

equivalent,

may damage the inverter cooling system.

Outside temperature

down to

Genuine
NISSAN

Long Life

Antifreeze/
Coolant or

equivalent

Demineral-

ized or dis-

tilled water

°C

°F

-35

-30

50%

INVERTER COOLING SYSTEM

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-9

CHECKING INVERTER COOLANT
LEVEL

Check the coolant level in the reservoir when
the engine and inverter are cold. If the cool-
ant level is below the MIN level

䊊

, add coolant to

the MAX level

䊊

If the inverter cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by a
NISSAN dealer.

CHANGING INVERTER COOLANT

A NISSAN dealer can change the inverter cool-
ant. The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.

Improper servicing can result in inverter
overheating.

WARNING

● To avoid the danger of being scalded,

never change the coolant when the in-
verter is hot.

● Never remove the cap when the inverter

is hot. Serious burns could be caused
by high pressure fluid escaping from
the inverter coolant reservoir.

● Avoid direct skin contact with used

coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.

● Keep coolant out of the reach of chil-

dren and pets.

Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.

CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply

the parking brake.

2. Start the vehicle and let it idle until it reaches

operating temperature.

3. Turn off the vehicle. Wait more than 10

minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.

4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-

insert it all the way.

LDI0583

LDI0555

ENGINE OIL

8-10

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil

level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) marks

䊊

. This is the normal oper-

ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark

䊊

, remove the oil filler cap

and pour recommended oil through the
opening. Do not overfill

䊊

6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.

It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance

intervals

during

the

break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.

CAUTION

Oil level should be checked regularly. Op-
erating the engine with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine, and
such damage is not covered by warranty.

CHANGING ENGINE OIL

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply

the parking brake.

2. Start the vehicle and let it idle until it reaches

operating temperature, then turn it off.

3. Remove the oil filler cap

䊊

by turning it

counterclockwise.

4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug

䊊

WDI0214

䊊

Oil filler cap

䊊

Oil drain plug

䊊

Oil filter

WDI0597

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-11

5. Remove the drain plug

䊊

with a wrench by

turning it counterclockwise and completely
drain the oil.

If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See “Changing engine
oil filter” later in this section.

● Waste oil must be disposed of prop-

erly.

● Check your local regulations.

WARNING

● Prolonged and repeated contact with

used engine oil may cause skin cancer.

● Try to avoid direct skin contact with

used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.

● Keep used engine oil out of reach of

children.

CAUTION

Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.

6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a new

washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench. Do not use excessive force.

Drain plug tightening torque:

22 - 29 ft-lb (29 - 39 N·m)

7. Refill engine with recommended oil through

the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.

See

“Capacities

and

recommended

fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual for
drain and refill capacity.

The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine when the proper
amount of oil is in the engine.

8. Start the vehicle. Check for leakage around

the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as re-
quired.

9. Turn the vehicle off and wait more than 10

minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply

the parking brake.

2. Turn the vehicle off.

3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter

䊊

4. Loosen the oil filter

䊊

with an oil filter

wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Then
remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.

䊊

Oil filler cap

䊊

Oil drain plug

䊊

Oil filter

WDI0597

8-12

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Nissan Altima Hybrid (2010 year). Instruction - part 22