Nissan Altima Hybrid (2010 year). Manual

R (Reverse):

CAUTION

To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.

Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake
pedal must be depressed to move the shift
selector from P (Park), N (Neutral) or any
drive position to R (Reverse).

N (Neutral):

Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. Do
not leave the shift selector in the N (Neutral)
position for a long period of time. In the N (Neu-
tral) position, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity cannot be generated. The high voltage
battery will be discharged requiring unnecessary
engine power to recharge.

Depending on the status of the engine before
shifting into the N (Neutral) position, the engine
may not operate.

D (Drive):

Use this position for all normal forward driving.

B (Brake) low gear:

Downshift into the B position with your foot off
the accelerator pedal to use engine braking while
driving.

You may feel that engine braking is less effective
than a conventional vehicle when driving at higher
speeds.

Driving with the transmission in the B position for
long periods of time may cause a decrease in fuel
economy.

Shift lock release

If the battery charge is low or discharged, the
shift selector may not be moved from the P (Park)
position even with the brake pedal depressed
and the shift selector button pushed.

It will be necessary to jump start or have your
battery charged, see “Jump starting” in the “In
case of emergency” section. Contact your
NISSAN dealer or a professional towing service.

LSD0190

Starting and driving

5-13

To move the shift selector, complete the following
procedure:

1. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-

tion.

2. Apply the parking brake.

3. For cap removal it must be used or if it is

available a plastic trim tool can be used

4. Using a protective cloth on the tip of a 3 mm

screwdriver, remove the shift lock release
cover.

● If available, a plastic trim tool can also be

used.

5. Insert the small screwdriver in the shift lock

release slot and push down.

6. Move the shift selector to the N (Neutral)

position while holding down the shift lock
release.

7. Push the ignition switch to the ON position

to unlock the steering wheel. Now the ve-
hicle may be moved to the desired location.

If the shift selector cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have a NISSAN dealer check the trans-
mission as soon as possible.

WARNING

If the shift selector cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunction-
ing stop lights could cause an accident
injuring yourself and others.

WARNING

● Be sure the parking brake is fully re-

leased before driving. Failure to do so
can cause brake failure and lead to an
accident.

● Do not release the parking brake from

outside the vehicle.

● Do not use the shift selector in place of

the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully engaged.

● Do not leave children unattended in a

vehicle. They could release the parking
brake and cause an accident.

PARKING BRAKE

5-14

Starting and driving

To engage: Firmly depress the parking brake.

To release:

1. Firmly apply the foot brake.

2. Move the shift selector to the P (Park) posi-

tion.

3. Firmly depress the parking brake pedal and it

will release.

4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning

light goes out.

CANCEL switch

ACCEL/RES switch

COAST/SET switch

ON/OFF switch

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL

● If the cruise control system malfunctions, it

cancels automatically. The SET indicator
light in the instrument panel then blinks to
warn the driver.

● If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the

cruise control switch off and have the sys-
tem checked by a NISSAN dealer.

● The SET indicator light may blink when the

cruise control switch is turned ON while
pushing the ACCEL/RES, COAST/SET, or
CANCEL switch. To properly set the cruise
control system, use the following proce-
dures.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control when driving
under the following conditions:

● When it is not possible to keep the

vehicle at a set speed.

● In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in

speed.

● On winding or hilly roads.
● On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
● In very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.

CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS

The cruise control allows driving at a speed be-
tween 25 - 89 MPH (40 - 144 km/h) without
keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal.

To turn on the cruise control, push the
ON/OFF switch. The CRUISE indicator light in
the instrument panel comes on.

LSD0158

LSD0184

CRUISE CONTROL

Starting and driving

5-15

To set cruising speed, accelerate the vehicle to
the desired speed, push the COAST/SET switch
and release it. The SET indicator light in the
instrument panel comes on. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Your vehicle maintains the set
speed.

● To pass another vehicle, depress the ac-

celerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previously
set speed.

● The vehicle may not maintain the set speed

when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.

To cancel the preset speed, use one of the
following three methods.

● Push the CANCEL switch; the SET indicator

light in the instrument panel goes out.

● Tap the brake pedal; the SET indicator light

goes out.

● Push the ON/OFF switch off. Both the

CRUISE indicator light and SET indicator
light in the instrument panel go out.

The cruise control is automatically canceled and
the SET light in the instrument panel goes out if:

● you depress the brake pedal while pushing

the ACCEL/RES or SET/COAST switch.
The preset speed is deleted from memory.

● the vehicle slows down more than 8 MPH

(13 km/h) below the set speed.

● you move the shift selector to N (Neutral).

To reset at a faster cruising speed, use one
of the following three methods.

● Depress the accelerator pedal. When the

vehicle attains the desired speed, push and
release the COAST/SET switch.

● Push and hold the ACCEL/RES switch.

When the vehicle attains the speed you de-
sire, release the switch.

● Push and release the ACCEL/RES switch.

Each time you do this, the set speed in-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

To reset at a slower cruising speed, use one
of the following three methods.

● Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the ve-

hicle attains the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it.

● Push and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re-

lease the switch when the vehicle slows to
the desired speed.

● Push and release the COAST/SET switch.

Each time you do this, the set speed de-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h).

To resume the preset speed, push and re-
lease the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehicle re-
turns to the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).

5-16

Starting and driving

CAUTION

During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and en-
sure the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these
recommendations may result in short-
ened engine life and reduced engine
performance.

● Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
● Avoid quick starts.
● Avoid hard braking as much as possible.
● Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles

(800 km). Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.

● Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain

cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.

● Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.

Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.

● Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.

Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.

● Keep your engine tuned up.
● Follow the recommended periodic mainte-

nance schedule.

● Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-

sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.

● Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Im-

proper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.

● Air conditioner operation lowers fuel

economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.

● When cruising at highway speeds, it is more

economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.

● Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.

See “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tions” in “Technical and consumer informa-
tion” later in this manual.

BREAK-IN SCHEDULE

INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY

Starting and driving

5-17

WARNING

● Do not stop or park the vehicle over

flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.

● Safe parking procedures require that

both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park). Fail-
ure to do so could cause the vehicle to
move unexpectedly or roll away and re-
sult in an accident. Make sure the shift
selector has been pushed as far forward
as it can go and cannot be moved without
depressing the foot brake pedal.

● Never leave the Hybrid System in the

READY mode while the vehicle is
unattended.

● Do not leave children unattended inside

the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls. Unattended
children could become involved in seri-
ous accidents.

1. Firmly apply the parking brake.

Move the shift selector to the P (Park)

position.

3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into

traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.

● HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:

䊊

Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.

● HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:

䊊

Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.

● HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO

CURB:

䊊

Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the cen-
ter of the road if it moves.

4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-

tion.

WSD0050

PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS

5-18

Starting and driving

WARNING

● If the Hybrid System is not in the READY

mode or is turned off while driving, the
power assist for the steering will not
work.

Steering

will

harder

operate.

● When the power steering warning light

illuminates with the Hybrid System in
the READY mode, there will be no
power assist for the steering. You will
still have control of the vehicle but the
steering will be harder to operate. Have
the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.

The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.

When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. When the temperature of the power steer-
ing system goes down, the power assist level will
return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering

wheel operations that could cause the power
steering system to overheat.

You may hear a sound when the steering wheel is
operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunc-
tion.

If the power steering warning light PS illuminates
while the Hybrid System is in the READY mode, it
may indicate the power steering system is not
functioning properly and may need servicing.
Have the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.

When the power steering warning light illumi-
nates with the Hybrid System in the READY
mode, there will be no power assist for the steer-
ing but you will still have control of the vehicle. At
this time, greater steering effort is required to
operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp
turns and at low speeds.

For additional information see “Electric Power
steering warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section.

WARNING

Your brake system may not be working
properly if the hydraulic brake warning
light and the electronically controlled
brake system warning light is on. Driving
could be dangerous. If you judge it to be
safe, drive carefully to the nearest service
station for repairs. Otherwise, have your
vehicle towed because driving it could be
dangerous.

BRAKE PRECAUTIONS

Regenerative brake

The Hybrid System changes vehicle motion into
electricity. The electricity is used to recharge the
high voltage battery. When applying the brakes,
you may hear a sound coming from the regenera-
tive braking system. This is a normal operating
characteristic of a hybrid vehicle.

The regenerative braking works in the following
conditions:

1. When the accelerator pedal is released, the

Hybrid System makes electricity while the
vehicle slows down during coasting.

2. When the brake pedal is depressed with the

shift selector in “D” or “B”.

POWER STEERING

BRAKE SYSTEM

Starting and driving

5-19

Hydraulic system

The brake system has separate hydraulic circuits.
If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have brak-
ing at other wheels.

However, the brake pedal will have to be de-
pressed harder and your stopping distance will
increase. The brake system warning light will also
come on.

Brake actuator

The brake actuator uses a pump to provide
power assisted braking.

The brake warning light comes on if the actuator
is not functioning properly. The brake pedal will
be hard to depress and stopping distance will
increase. Depress the brake pedal firmly to stop
the vehicle in a safe place and contact a NISSAN
dealer.

If the brake pedal is depressed repeatedly, the
brake warning light may turn on. However this is
normal if the light turns off after a few seconds.

Noise may be heard in the engine room under the
following conditions. This is a normal operating
characteristic and does not indicate a malfunc-
tion.

● When you open a door.
● When the brake pedal is depressed firmly.

● When the brake pedal is depressed repeat-

edly.

● When the Hybrid System is in the READY

mode.

● When the Hybrid System is turned off.

It may be hard to depress the brake pedal or the
pedal stroke may be short with the Hybrid System
OFF. This is not a malfunction.

Using the brakes

Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.

To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.

When applying the brakes, you may hear a sound
coming from the braking system. This is normal.

WARNING

While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or acceler-
ating could cause the wheels to skid and
result in an accident.

Parking brake break-in

Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best brake performance.

This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.

Wet brakes

When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.

To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.

5-20

Starting and driving

ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)

WARNING

● The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a

sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is respon-
sible for safety.

● Tire type and condition of tires may also

affect braking effectiveness.

– When replacing tires, install the

specified size of tires on all four
wheels.

– When installing a spare tire, make

sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See “Tire and
Loading Information label” in the
“Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.

– For

detailed

information,

see

“Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces. When the ABS is operating the
SLIP indicator light in the instrument panel will
blink.

Using the system

Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.

WARNING

Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may

result

increased

stopping

distances.

Self-test feature

The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine
and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear
a “clunk” noise. This is normal and does not
indicate a malfunction. If the computer senses a
malfunction, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates the ABS warning light on the instrument
panel. The brake system then operates normally,
but without anti-lock assistance.

If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.

Starting and driving

5-21

Normal operation

The ABS operates at speeds above 4 - 6 MPH (7
- 10 km/h). The speed varies according to road
conditions.

When the ABS senses that 1 or more wheels are
close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies
and releases hydraulic pressure. This action is
similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may hear a noise from under the hood or feel a
vibration from the actuator when it is operating.
This is normal and indicates that the ABS is
operating properly. However, if the SLIP indica-
tor light blinks, the road conditions are hazardous
and extra care is required while driving.

When accelerating on slippery surfaces the tire
may spin or slip. With the vehicle Traction Control
System (TCS), sensors detect these movements
and control the braking and engine output to help
improve vehicle road traction.

● When the TCS is operating, the slip indica-

tor in the instrument panel blinks.

● If the slip indicator blinks, the vehicle is may

be under slippery conditions. Be sure to
drive carefully.

● If a malfunction occurs in the system, the

VDC warning light illuminates in the instru-
ment panel.

As long as the VDC warning light is on, the
traction control function is canceled. The vehicle
will behave like a vehicle without the system.

WARNING

● The Traction Control System is de-

signed to help maintain traction with
the road surface but does not prevent
accidents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Reduce
vehicle speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slippery
surfaces and always drive carefully.

● If brake related parts such as brake

pads, rotors and calipers are not stan-
dard equipment or are extremely dete-
riorated, the Traction Control System
may not operate properly and the VDC
warning light may come on.

● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.

If suspension parts such as shock ab-
sorbers, struts, springs, bushings and
wheels are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the Traction
Control System may not operate prop-
erly and the VDC warning light may
come on.

● If wheels or tires other than the recom-

mended ones are used, the Traction
Control System may not operate prop-
erly and the VDC warning light may
come on.

● The Traction Control System is not a

substitute for winter tires or tire chains
on a snow covered road.

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)

5-22

Starting and driving

The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving situations, the
system will control braking and engine output to
help keep the vehicle on its steered path.

● When the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)

system is operating, the SLIP indicator in
the instrument panel blinks.

● If the SLIP indicator blinks, the road condi-

tions may be slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. See
“Slip indicator light”, and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control warning light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section.

● Indicator light

If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light comes on in the instru-
ment panel.
As long as this warning light is on, the trac-
tion control and the Vehicle Dynamic Control
functions are canceled.

When the VDC system is operating, you may
hear a noise or vibration from under the hood.
This is normal and indicates that the VDC system
is working properly.

The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse
at a slow speed. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a clunk noise. This is not an indication of
a malfunction and indicates that the VDC system
is working properly.

WARNING

● The Vehicle Dynamic Control system is

designed to help improve driving stabil-
ity but does not prevent accidents due
to abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving

techniques.

Reduce

vehicle

speed and be especially careful when
driving and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.

● Do not modify the vehicle’s suspension.

● If brake related parts such as brake

pads, rotors and calipers are not stan-
dard equipment or are extremely dete-
riorated, the Vehicle Dynamic Control
system may not operate properly and
the VDC warning light may come on.

● When driving on extremely inclined sur-

faces such as higher banked corners,
the Vehicle Dynamic Control system
may not operate properly and the VDC
warning light may come on. Do not drive
on these types of roads.

● When driving on an unstable surface

such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the VDC warning light may illumi-
nate. This is not a malfunction. Restart
the engine after driving onto a stable
surface.

● If wheels or tires other than the recom-

mended ones are used, the Vehicle Dy-
namic Control system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning light may
come on.

● The Vehicle Dynamic Control system is

not a substitute for winter tires or tire
chains on a snow covered road.

VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM

Starting and driving

5-23

FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK

To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole or use the remote keyless entry function on
the intelligent key.

ANTI-FREEZE

In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check the
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For details, see “Engine cooling system” and
“Inverter cooling system” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER

If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “Changing engine coolant” and
“Changing inverter coolant” in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

TIRE EQUIPMENT

1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to

provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-

hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.

2. 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 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.

3. Tire chains may be used. For details, see

“Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.

SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT

It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:

● A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove

ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.

● A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the

jack to give it firm support.

● A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
● Extra windshield–washer fluid to refill the

reservoir tank.

DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE

WARNING

● Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),

very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.

● Whatever the condition, drive with cau-

tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.

● Allow more stopping distance under

these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.

● Allow greater following distances on

slippery roads.

COLD WEATHER DRIVING

5-24

Starting and driving

● Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).

These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and

avoid

any

sudden

steering

maneuvers.

● Do not use the cruise control on slip-

pery roads.

● Snow can trap dangerous exhaust

gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)

WARNING

● Do not use your engine block heater

with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be se-
riously injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.

● Disconnect and properly store the en-

gine block heater cord before turning
the Hybrid System ON. Damage to the
cord could result in an electrical shock
and can cause serious injury.

● Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged ex-

tension cord rated for at least 10 A. Plug
the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt

(GFI)

protected,

grounded

110-VAC outlet. Failure to use the
proper extension cord or a grounded
outlet can result in a fire or electrical
shock

and

cause

serious

personal

injury.

Engine block heaters are available through
NISSAN dealers to assist in cold temperature
starting. The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20° F (-7° C) or
lower.

To use the engine block heater:

1. Turn the Hybrid System OFF.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block

heater cord.

3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a

grounded

3-wire,

3-pronged

extension

cord.

4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault

Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110-
volt AC (VAC) outlet.

5. The engine block heater must be plugged in

for at least 2 - 4 hours, depending on outside
temperatures, to properly warm the engine
coolant. Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.

6. Before turning the Hybrid System ON, un-

plug and properly store the cord to keep it
away from moving parts.

Starting and driving

5-25

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)

This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire pres-
sure of all tires except the spare. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. If the
vehicle is being driven with low tire pressure, the
TPMS will activate and warn you of it by the low
tire pressure warning light. This system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 16 MPH (25 km/h). For more details, refer
to “Warning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “Instruments and controls” section,
and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)”
in the “Starting and driving” section.

WARNING

● If the low tire pressure warning light

illuminates while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage
the tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an acci-
dent and could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Check the tire pressure for
all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.

● 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.

● Replacing tires with those not originally

specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.

● Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol

tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pressure
sensors.

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE

If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions be-
low:

Stopping the vehicle

1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and

away from traffic.

2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.

3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking

brake. Move the shift selector to P (Park).

4. Turn Hybrid System OFF.

5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to

signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.

6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle

and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.

FLAT TIRE

6-2

In case of emergency

Nissan Altima Hybrid (2010 year). Manual - part 20