Nissan Altima Hybrid (2010 year). Manual

CAUTION

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

5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with

a clean rag.

CAUTION

Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the sealing surface of the
engine. Failure to do so could lead to
engine damage.

6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean

engine oil.

7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance

is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.

8. Start the vehicle and check for leakage

around the oil filter. Correct as required.

9. Turn the vehicle off and wait more than 10

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

CAUTION

● Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF.

Do not mix with other fluids.

● Using transmission fluid other than

Genuine NISSAN Matic W ATF will dam-
age the transmission, which is not cov-
ered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.

When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.

For further brake fluid specification information,
refer

“Capacities

and

recommended

fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.

WARNING

● Use only new fluid from a sealed con-

tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake system.
The use of improper fluids can damage
the brake system and affect the vehi-
cle’s stopping ability.

● Clean the filler cap before removing.
● Brake fluid is poisonous and should be

stored carefully in marked containers
out of reach of children.

CAUTION

Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.

ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (eCVT) FLUID

BRAKE FLUID

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-13

BRAKE FLUID

Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. If the
fluid level is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine NISSAN
Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT
3 fluid up to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer.

WINDSHIELD–WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR

Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally. Add windshield-washer fluid when the low
windshield-washer fluid warning light comes on
(if so equipped).

To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir tank and pour the
windshield-washer fluid into the tank opening.

Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield-
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio.

Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
windshield-washer fluid.

Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent.

CAUTION

● Do not substitute engine anti-freeze

coolant for windshield-washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.

● Do not fill the windshield-washer reser-

voir tank with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl al-
cohol based washer fluid concentrates
may permanently stain the grille if
spilled while filling the windshield-
washer reservoir tank.

● Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with

water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the windshield-washer reservoir
tank. Do not use the windshield-washer
reservoir tank to mix the washer fluid
concentrate and water.

LDI0578

LDI0579

WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID

8-14

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

The 12-volt battery is located on the right hand
side of the trunk behind an access panel.

● Keep the battery surface clean and dry.

Clean the battery with a solution of baking
soda and water.

● Make certain the terminal connections are

clean and securely tightened.

● If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or

longer, disconnect the negative (-) battery
terminal cable to prevent discharge.

WARNING

● Do not expose the battery to flames or

electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas gener-
ated by the battery is explosive. Do not
allow battery fluid to contact your skin,
eyes, fabrics or painted surfaces. After
touching a battery, do not touch or rub
your eyes. Thoroughly wash your hands.
If the acid contacts your eyes, skin or
clothing, immediately flush with water
for at least 15 minutes and seek medi-
cal attention.

● The Hybrid vehicle uses a special 12-

volt battery. If the 12-volt battery needs
to be replaced, use a battery of the
same design. Using the wrong battery
can cause hydrogen gas to build up in
the vehicle, which could lead to an ex-
plosion and personal injury.

● When working on or near a battery, al-

ways wear suitable eye protection and
remove all jewelry.

● Battery posts, terminals and related ac-

cessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.

● Keep battery out of the reach of

children.

JUMP STARTING

If jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting”
in the “In case of emergency” section of this
manual. If the Hybrid System does not start by
jump starting, the battery may have to be re-
placed. Contact a NISSAN dealer.

Auto tensioner pulley

Water pump

Idler pulley

Crankshaft

WARNING

Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF or
LOCK position before servicing drive belt.
The engine could rotate unexpectedly.

1. Visually inspect the belt for signs of unusual

wear, cuts, fraying or looseness. If the belt is
in poor condition or is loose, have it replaced
or adjusted by a NISSAN dealer.

LDI0581

12-VOLT BATTERY

DRIVE BELT

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-15

2. Have the belt checked regularly for condi-

tion and tension in accordance with the
maintenance

schedule

found

the

“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide”.

REPLACING SPARK PLUGS

Iridium-tipped spark plugs

It is not necessary to replace iridium-tipped

䊊

spark plugs as frequently as conventional type
spark plugs because they last much longer. Fol-
low the maintenance log shown in the “NISSAN
Service and Maintenance Guide”. Do not service
iridium-tipped spark plugs by cleaning or regap-
ping.

● Always replace spark plugs with rec-

ommended or equivalent ones.

WARNING

Be sure the engine and ignition switch are
off and that the parking brake is engaged
securely.

CAUTION

Be sure to use the correct socket to re-
move the spark plugs. An incorrect socket
can damage the spark plugs.

If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer for assistance.

SDI1895

SPARK PLUGS

8-16

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the maintenance
log shown in the “NISSAN Service and Mainte-
nance Guide.” When replacing the filter, wipe the
inside of the air cleaner filter housing and the
cover with a damp cloth.

To remove the air cleaner filter, push the tabs and
pull the unit upward.

WARNING

● Operating the engine with the air

cleaner removed can cause you or oth-
ers to be burned. The air cleaner not
only cleans the air, it stops the flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn’t there, and
the engine backfires, you could be
burned. Do not drive with the air cleaner
removed, and be careful when working
on the engine with the air cleaner
removed.

● Never pour fuel into the throttle body or

attempt to start the engine with the air
cleaner removed. Doing so could result
in serious injury.

IN-CABIN MICROFILTER

The in-cabin microfilter restricts the entry of air-
borne dust and pollen particles and reduces
some objectionable outside odors. The filter is
located behind the glove box. Refer to the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide” for
change intervals.

If replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer.

CLEANING

If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield–washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.

Clean the outside of the windshield with a washer
solution or a mild detergent. Your windshield is
clean if beads do not form when rinsing with clear
water.

Clean each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer solution or a mild detergent. Then
rinse the blades with clear water. If your wind-
shield is still not clear after cleaning the blades
and using the wiper, install new windshield wiper
blades.

CAUTION

Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.

LDI0580

AIR CLEANER

WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-17

REPLACING

Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.

1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.

䊊

Push the release tab, then move the wiper
blade down the wiper arm to remove.

䊊

Remove the wiper blade.

4. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper

arm until it clicks into place.

5. Rotate wiper blade so the dimple is in the

groove.

6. Return the wiper to its original position and

release it until it has made contact with the
windshield.

CAUTION

● After wiper blade replacement, return

the wiper arm to its original position;
otherwise it may be damaged when the
hood is opened.

● Make sure the wiper blades contact the

glass; otherwise the arms may be dam-
aged from wind pressure.

If you wax the surface of the hood, be careful not
to let wax get into the windshield–washer nozzle

䊊

. This may cause clogging or improper wind-

shield–washer operation. If wax gets into the
nozzle, remove it with a needle or small pin

䊊

WDI0594

WDI0570

8-18

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer.

SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKES

Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.

The front and rear disc-type brakes self-adjust
every time the brake pedal is applied.

WARNING

See a NISSAN dealer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATORS

The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, a high pitched scraping or screech-
ing sound will be heard when the vehicle is in
motion. The noise will be heard whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.

Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect the
function or performance of the brake system.

Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed. For more information regarding
brake inspections, see the appropriate mainte-
nance schedule information in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.

Two types of fuses are used. Type

䊊

is used in

the fuse boxes in the engine compartment. Type

䊊

is used in the passenger compartment fuse

box.

Type A fuses are provided as spare fuses. They
are stored in the passenger compartment fuse
box.

Type A fuses can be installed in the engine com-
partment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes.

LDI0455

BRAKES

FUSES

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-19

If a type A fuse is used to replace a type B fuse,
the type A fuse will not be level with the fuse
pocket as shown in the illustration. This will not
affect the performance of the fuse. Make sure the
fuse is installed in the fuse box securely.

Type B fuses cannot be installed in the under-
hood fuse boxes. Only use type A fuses in the
underhood fuse boxes.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT

CAUTION

Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than specified on the
fuse box cover. This could damage the
electrical system or cause a fire.

If any electrical equipment does not come on,
check for an open fuse.

1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight

switch are OFF.

2. Open the engine hood.

3. Locate the two fuse blocks. All Hybrid Sys-

tem component fuses are located in fuse
panel

䊊

, all other fuses are located in

䊊

4. Remove the fuse box cover by pushing the

tab and lifting the cover up.

5. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. The

fuse puller is located in the center of the fuse
block in the passenger compartment.

LDI0457

LDI0582

8-20

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

6. If the fuse is open

䊊

, replace it with a new

fuse

䊊

7. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical

system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.

Fusible links

If the electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace with only genuine NISSAN parts.

WDI0452

WDI0402

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-21

PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

CAUTION

Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than specified on the
fuse box cover. This could damage the
electrical system or cause a fire.

If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.

1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight

switch are OFF.

2. Pull the fuse box cover to remove.

3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.

4. If the fuse is open

䊊

, replace it with an

equivalent good fuse

䊊

5. Push the fuse box cover to install.

6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical

system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.

Type A

WDI0452

Type B

LDI0456

8-22

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

CAUTION

Be careful not to allow children to swallow
the battery or removed parts.

NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY™

Replace the battery in the Intelligent Key as fol-
lows:

1. Remove the mechanical key from the Intelli-

gent Key.

2. Insert a small screwdriver

䊊

into the slit

䊊

of the corner and twist it to separate the
upper part from the lower part. Use a cloth to
protect the casing.

3. Replace the battery with a new one.

Recommended battery: CR2032 or equiva-
lent.

● Do not touch the internal circuit and elec-

tric terminals as doing so could cause a
malfunction.

● Hold the battery by the edges. Holding

the battery across the contact points will
seriously deplete the storage capacity.

● Make sure that the + side faces the bot-

tom of the case.

WDI0567

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-23

4. Close the lid securely as illustrated

䊊

5. Operate the buttons to check the operation.

See a NISSAN dealer if you need assistance for
replacement.

FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user’s authority to op-
erate the equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC

Rules

and

RSS-210

Industry

Canada.

Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.

HEADLIGHTS
Replacing the halogen headlight bulb

The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb. Be-
cause the headlight assembly must be removed
from the vehicle for bulb replacement, see your
NISSAN dealer.

CAUTION

● Aiming is not necessary after replacing

the bulb. When aiming adjustment is
necessary, contact a NISSAN dealer.

● Do not leave the headlight assembly

open without a bulb installed for a long
period of time. Dust, moisture, smoke,
etc. entering the headlight body may
affect bulb performance. Remove the
bulb from the headlight assembly just
before a replacement bulb is installed.

● Only touch the base when handling the

bulb. Never touch the glass envelope.
Touching the glass could significantly
affect

bulb

life

and/or

headlight

performance.

● High pressure halogen gas is sealed

inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.

WDI0568

LIGHTS

8-24

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

● Use the same number and wattage as

shown in the chart.

Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the
exterior lights in the rain or in a car wash. A
temperature difference between the inside and
the outside of the lens causes the fog. This is not
a malfunction. If large drops of water collect
inside the lens, contact a NISSAN dealer.

FRONT PARK/TURN/SIDEMARKER
LIGHT

Bulb replacement requires the removal of the
headlight assembly. If replacement is required,
see your NISSAN dealer.

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS

Item

Wattage (W)

Bulb *

Headlight assembly

Low (Halogen)

High

HB3 (9005)

Park/Turn

8/27

1157NA

Step light

—

194

Rear combination light

Tail/Stop

8/27

3157KX

Turn

3156

Backup (reversing)

912

Sidemarker

168

License plate light

W5W

High-mounted stop light

Inside

921

Spoiler (if so equipped)

See a NISSAN dealer

for assistance.

LED

Front map light

Rear map light

Trunk light

3.4

158

Vanity mirror light

—

HTU-14V

Glove box light*

—

Always check with the Parts Department at a NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information.

See a NISSAN dealer for assistance.

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-25

Rear map light

Front map light

Step light

Headlamp assembly

High-mount stoplight (if so equipped)

Trunk light

Spoiler mounted stoplight
(if so equipped)

Rear combination light

License plate light

WDI0722

8-26

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Replacement procedures

All other lights are either type A, B, C or D. When
replacing a bulb, first remove the lens, lamp
and/or cover.

Indicates bulb removal

Indicates bulb installation

Use a cloth

䊊

to protect the light housing.

WDI0263

Vanity mirror light

WDI0340

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

8-27

Use a cloth

䊊

to protect the light housing.

Use a cloth to protect the light housing.

Use a cloth

䊊

to protect the light housing.

Step light

LDI0341

Front map light

WDI0723

Personal light

WDI0585

8-28

Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Nissan Altima Hybrid (2010 year). Manual - part 23