Maintenance (Coupe): Other Nissan Altima L33

Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER"

The Supplemental Restraint System such as "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER", used along with a front seat belt, helps to reduce the risk or severity of injury to the driver and front passenger for certain types of collision. This system includes seat belt switch inputs and dual stage front air bag modules. The SRS system uses the seat belt switches to determine the front air bag deployment, and may only deploy one front air bag, depending on the severity of a collision and whether the front occupants are buckled or unbuckled. Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the SRS AIRBAG (COUPE) and SEAT BELTS (COUPE) article of this Service Information.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING POWER TOOLS (AIR OR ELECTRIC) AND HAMMERS

Special Service Tool

The actual shapes of the tools may differ from those illustrated here.

Tool number (TechMate No.) Tool name Description KV10115801 (J-38956) Oil filter wrench Removing and installing oil filter 64.3 mm (2.531 in) KV991J0070 (J-45695) Coolant Refill Tool Refilling engine cooling system - (J-23688) Engine coolant refractometer Checking concentration of ethylene glycol in engine coolant - (J-48891) Spark plug wrench Removing and installing spark plug

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Commercial Service Tool

Tool name Description Power tool Loosening nuts, screws and bolts

OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE

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

INSIDE THE VEHICLE

The maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as when performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the vehicle, etc.

UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE

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

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

CHASSIS AND BODY

Engine Oil Recommendation

NISSAN recommends the use of an energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel economy. Select only engine oils that meet the American Petroleum Institute (API) certification and International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE viscosity standard. These oils have the API certification mark on the front of the container. Oils which do not have the specified quality label should not be used as they could cause engine damage.

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Anti-Freeze Coolant Mixture Ratio

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with a pre-diluted mixture of 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) and 50% water to provide year-round anti-freeze and coolant protection. The antifreeze solution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Additional engine cooling system additives are not necessary.

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1. Make sure that the stamp mark of drive belt auto-tensioner is within the usable range. NOTE: Check the drive belt auto-tensioner indicator (notch) when the engine is cold. When the new drive belt is installed, the range should be (A) as shown above. Visually check entire belt for wear, damage or cracks. If the indicator is out of allowable use range or belt is damaged, replace the belt.

ENGINE COOLANT: Changing Engine Coolant

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1. Remove the engine under cover. Refer to " «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-592019-S16772029082014010800000) ".
2. Open the radiator drain plug at the bottom of the radiator and remove the radiator filler cap. This is the only step required when partially draining the cooling system (radiator only). CAUTION: Do not allow the coolant to contact the drive belts. Perform this step when engine is cold.
3. Follow this step for heater core removal/replacement only. Disconnect the upper heater hose at the engine side and apply moderate air pressure [103.46 kPa (15 psi, 1.055 kg/cm 2 ) maximum air pressure] into the hose for 30 seconds to blow the excess coolant out of the heater core.
4. When draining all of the coolant in the system, remove the reservoir tank and drain the coolant, then clean the reservoir tank before installation. CAUTION: Do not allow the coolant to contact the drive belts. Perform this step when engine is cold.
5. When draining all of the coolant in the system for engine removal or repair, open the drain plug on the cylinder block.
6. Check the drained coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion or discoloration. If the coolant is contaminated, flush the engine cooling system.

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1. Install the radiator drain plug. Install the reservoir tank and cylinder block drain plug, if removed for a total system drain or for engine removal or repair. The radiator must be completely empty of coolant and water. Apply sealant to the threads of the cylinder block drain plugs. Use Genuine High Performance Thread Sealant or equivalent. Refer to " «RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS»(ref-592010-S39097878722014010800000) ". Radiator drain plug: Refer to " «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-592018-S00206217232014010800000) ". Cylinder block drain plug: 9.8 N.m (1.0 kg-m, 87 in-lb)
2. If disconnected, reattach the upper radiator hose at the engine side.
3. Set the vehicle heater controls to the full HOT and heater ON position. Turn the vehicle ignition ON with the engine OFF as necessary to activate the heater mode.
4. Install the Tool by installing the radiator cap adapter onto the radiator neck opening. Then attach the gauge body assembly with the refill tube and the venturi assembly to the radiator cap adapter. Tool number: KV991J0070 (J-45695)
5. Insert the refill hose into the coolant mixture container that is placed at floor level. Make sure the ball valve is in the closed position. Use recommended coolant or equivalent. Refer to " «FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS»(ref-592017-S26681702042014010800000) ". CAUTION: Never use any cooling system additives such as radiator sealer. Additives may clog the cooling system and cause damage to the engine, transmission and/or cooling system. Engine coolant capacity (with reservoir tank): Refer to " «CAPACITY»(ref-592018-S10138464532014010800000) ".
6. Install an air hose to the venturi assembly, the air pressure must be within specification. Compressed air supply pressure: 549 - 824 kPa (5.6 - 8.4 kg/cm 2 , 80 - 119 psi) CAUTION: The compressed air supply must be equipped with an air dryer.
7. The vacuum gauge will begin to rise and there will be an audible hissing noise. During this process open the ball valve on the refill hose slightly. Coolant will be visible rising in the refill hose. Once the refill hose is full of coolant, close the ball valve. This will purge any air trapped in the refill hose.
8. Continue to draw the vacuum until the gauge reaches 28 inches of vacuum. The gauge may not reach 28 inches in high altitude locations, use the vacuum specifications based on the altitude above sea level. Altitude above sea level Vacuum gauge reading 0 - 100 m (328 ft): 28 inches of vacuum 300 m (984 ft): 27 inches of vacuum 500 m (1, 641 ft): 26 inches of vacuum 1, 000 m (3, 281 ft): 24 - 25 inches of vacuum
9. When the vacuum gauge has reached the specified amount, disconnect the air hose and wait 20 seconds to see if the system loses any vacuum. If the vacuum level drops, perform any necessary repairs to the system and repeat steps 6 - 8 to bring the vacuum to the specified amount. Recheck for any leaks.
10. Place the coolant container (with the refill hose inserted) at the same level as the top of the radiator. Then open the ball valve on the refill hose so the coolant will be drawn up to fill the cooling system. The cooling system is full when the vacuum gauge reads zero. CAUTION: Do not allow the coolant container to get too low when filling, to avoid air from being drawn into the cooling system.
11. Remove the Tool from the radiator neck opening.
12. Fill the cooling system reservoir tank to the specified level and install the radiator cap. Run the engine to warm up the cooling system and top up the system as necessary.
13. Install the engine under cover. Refer to " «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-592019-S16772029082014010800000) ".

CHANGING THE AIR CLEANER FILTER

1. Remove the front air duct.
2. Unhook the air cleaner case side clips.
3. Remove the air cleaner case (front).
4. Remove the air cleaner filter.
5. Install the air cleaner case (front).
6. Install a new air cleaner filter.
7. Lock the air cleaner case side clips.
8. Install the front air duct.

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1. Before starting the engine, check the oil level. If the engine is already started, stop it and allow 10 minutes before checking.
2. Check that the oil level is within the range on the dipstick.
3. If it is out of range, add oil as necessary.

ENGINE OIL: Changing Engine Oil

1. Position the vehicle so it is level on the hoist.
2. Warm up the engine and check for oil leaks from the engine.
3. Stop engine and wait for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the oil pan drain plug and oil filler cap.
5. Drain the engine oil.
6. Install the oil pan drain plug with a new washer and refill the engine with new engine oil. Oil specification and viscosity: Refer to " «ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION»(ref-592017-S40957779982014010800000) " Oil pan drain plug: Refer to " «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-592016-S01467858682014010800000) " CAUTION: Be sure to clean the oil pan drain plug and install using a new washer. The 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.
7. Warm up the engine and check around the drain plug and oil filter for oil leaks.
8. Stop the engine and wait for 10 minutes.
9. Check the oil level using the dipstick. CAUTION: Do not overfill the engine with engine oil.

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1. Drain engine oil. Refer to " «ENGINE OIL: CHANGING ENGINE OIL»(ref-592017-S13944111782014010800000) "
2. Remove the oil filter using Tool. Tool number: KV10115801 (J-38956) WARNING: Be careful not to get burned, the engine and engine oil may be hot. CAUTION: When removing, prepare a shop cloth to absorb any oil leakage or spillage. Do not allow engine oil to adhere to the drive belts. Completely wipe off any oil that adheres to the engine and the vehicle. The oil filter has a built in pressure relief valve. Use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or equivalent

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1. Remove foreign materials adhering to the oil filter installation surface.
2. Apply clean engine oil to the oil seal contact surface of the new oil filter.
3. Screw the oil filter manually until it touches the installation surface, then tighten it by 2/3 turn. Or tighten to specification below. Oil filter: 18.0 N.m (1.8 kg-m, 13 ft-lb)
4. Refill engine with new engine oil. Refer to " «ENGINE OIL: CHANGING ENGINE OIL»(ref-592017-S13944111782014010800000) ".
5. After warming up the engine, check for engine oil leaks. Repair as necessary.

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1. Remove engine room cover.
2. Remove the ignition coil. Refer to " «REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(ref-592016-S19438804222014010800000) ".
3. Remove the spark plug with a suitable tool.

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1. Do not use a wire brush for cleaning the spark plugs. Replace as necessary.
2. If plug is covered with carbon, a spark plug cleaner may be used. Cleaner air pressure: less than 588 kPa (6 kg/cm 2 , 85 psi) Cleaning time: less than 20 seconds
3. Checking and adjusting plug gap is not required between change intervals. If the gap is out of specification, replace the spark plug. Gap (nominal): 1.1 mm (0.043 in)

EXHAUST SYSTEM: Checking Exhaust System

Check the exhaust pipes, muffler, and mounting components for incorrect attachment, leaks, cracks, damage, or deterioration.

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BALANCING WHEELS (ADHESIVE WEIGHT TYPE)

Preparation Before Adjustment

Remove inner and outer balance weights from the road wheel. Using releasing agent, remove double-faced adhesive tape from the road wheel.

Wheel Balance Adjustment

1. If a balancer machine has an adhesive weight mode setting, select the adhesive weight mode setting and skip Step 2. below. If a balancer machine only has the clip-on (rim flange) weight mode setting, follow Step 2. to calculate the correct size adhesive weight.

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1. Set road wheel on balancer machine using the center hole as a guide. Start the balancer machine.
2. For balancer machines that only have a clip-on (rim flange) weight mode setting, follow this step to calculate the correct size adhesive weight to use. When inner and outer imbalance values are shown on the balancer machine indicator, multiply outer imbalance value by 5/3 (1.67) to determine balance weight that should be used. Select the outer balance weight with a value closest to the calculated value above and install in to the designated outer position of, or at the designated angle in relation to the road wheel. Indicated imbalance value x 5/3 (1.67) = balance weight to be installed Calculation example: 23 g (0.81 oz) x 5/3 (1.67) = 38.33 g (1.35 oz) ==> 40 g (1.41 oz) balance weight (closer to calculated balance weight value) NOTE: Note that balance weight value must be closer to the calculated balance weight value. Example: 37.4 ==> 35 g (1.23 oz) 37.5 ==> 40 g (1.41 oz)
3. Install balance weight in the position shown above. CAUTION: Do not install the inner balance weight before installing the outer balance weight. Before installing the balance weight, be sure to clean the mating surface of the road wheel. When installing balance weight (1) to road wheel, set it into the grooved area (A) on the inner wall of the road wheel as shown below so that the balance weight center (B) is aligned with the balancer machine indication position (angle) (C). CAUTION: Always use genuine NISSAN adhesive balance weights. Balance weights are non-reusable; always replace with new ones. Do not install more than three sheets of balance weight.
4. If calculated balance weight value exceeds 50 g (1.76 oz), install two balance weight sheets in line with each other as shown below. CAUTION: Do not install one balance weight sheet on top another.
5. Start balancer machine again.
6. Install balance weight on inner side of road wheel in the balancer machine indication position (angle). CAUTION: Do not install more than two balance weights.
7. Start balancer machine. Make sure that inner and outer residual imbalance values are 5 g (0.17 oz) each or below.
8. If either residual imbalance value exceeds 5 g (0.17 oz), repeat installation procedures. Wheel balance Dynamic (At flange) Static (At flange) Maximum allowable imbalance Refer to " «ROAD WHEEL»(ref-592020-S01894225842014010800000) ".

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1. Follow the maintenance schedule for tire rotation service intervals. Refer to " «EXPLANATION OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE»(ref-592017-S31452252702014010800000) ".
2. When installing the wheel, tighten wheel nuts to the specified torque. CAUTION: Do not include the T-type spare tire when rotating the tires. When installing wheels, tighten them diagonally by dividing the work two to three times in order to prevent the wheels from developing any distortion. Be careful not to tighten wheel nut at torque exceeding the criteria for preventing strain of disc rotor. Use NISSAN genuine wheel nuts for aluminum wheels. Wheel nut tightening torque: 113 N.m (12 kg-m, 83 ft-lb)
3. Perform the ID registration, after tire rotation. Refer to " «ID REGISTRATION PROCEDURE»(ref-592020-S25907587032014010800000) ".

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1. Make sure that a brake fluid level in reservoir tank is within the specified range between the MAX and MIN lines.
2. Visually check around reservoir tank for fluid leaks.
3. If the level is excessively low, check brake system for leaks.
4. Release parking brake lever and see if brake warning lamp goes off. If not, check brake system for fluid leaks.

BRAKE LINE

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1. Check brake lines (tubes and hoses) for cracks, deterioration or other damage. Replace any damaged parts.
2. Check for oil leaks by fully depressing brake pedal while the engine is running.

PAD WEAR

Check pad thickness from an inspection hole on cylinder body. Check using a scale if necessary.

Standard thickness: Refer to " FRONT DISC BRAKE ".

Wear limit thickness: Refer to " FRONT DISC BRAKE ".

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VISUAL

Check surface of disc rotor for uneven wear, cracks, and serious damage. Replace if necessary.

THICKNESS

Check thickness of the disc rotor using a micrometer. Replace disc rotor if thickness is under the wear limit.

Standard thickness: Refer to " FRONT DISC BRAKE ".

Wear limit thickness: Refer to " FRONT DISC BRAKE ".

Thickness variation (Measured at 8 positions): Refer to " FRONT DISC BRAKE ".

Scheme 93

Check pad thickness from an inspection hole on cylinder body. Check using a scale if necessary.

Standard thickness: Refer to " REAR DISC BRAKE ".

Wear limit thickness: Refer to " REAR DISC BRAKE ".

Check surface of disc rotor for uneven wear, cracks, and serious damage. Replace if necessary.

Check the thickness of the disc rotor using a micrometer. Replace disc rotor if the thickness is under the wear limit.

Standard thickness: Refer to " REAR DISC BRAKE ".

Wear limit thickness: Refer to " REAR DISC BRAKE ".

Thickness variation (measured at 8 positions): Refer to " REAR DISC BRAKE ".

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1. Check gear housing and boots for looseness, damage and grease leakage.
2. Check connection with steering column for looseness.

STEERING LINKAGE

Check ball joint, dust cover and other component parts for looseness, wear, damage and grease leakage.

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1. Check fluid level with engine stopped.
2. Make sure that fluid level is between MIN and MAX.
3. Fluid levels at HOT (A) and COLD (B) are different. Do not confuse them. HOT (A): Fluid temperature 50 - 80 °C (122 - 176°F) COLD (B): Fluid temperature 0 - 30°C (32 - 86°F) CAUTION: The fluid level should not exceed the MAX line. Excessive fluid will cause fluid leakage from the cap. Do not reuse drained power steering fluid. Recommended fluid is Genuine Nissan PSF or equivalent.