Nissan Altima (L33) 2013-2018 Owners Manual: Indicator lights

For additional information on warnings and indicators, see “Vehicle information display” later in this section.

Front fog light indicator light (if so equipped)

The front fog light indicator light illuminates when the front fog lights are ON. See “Fog light switch” later in this section.

Front passenger air bag status light

The front passenger air bag status light (
) will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be OFF depending on how the front passenger seat is being used.

For front passenger air bag status light operation, see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system” section of this manual.

High beam indicator light (blue)

This blue light comes on when the headlight high beams are on and goes out when the low beams are selected.

The high beam indicator light also comes on when the passing signal is activated.

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate a potential emission control malfunction.

The Malfunction Indicator Light may also come on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons (11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.

After a few driving trips, the
light should turn off if no other potential emission control system malfunction exists.

If this indicator light comes on steady for 20 seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when the engine is not running, it indicates that the vehicle is not ready for an emission control system inspection/maintenance test. See “Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the “Technical and consumer information” section of this manual.

Operation

The Malfunction Indicator Light will come on in one of two ways: ● Malfunction Indicator Light on steady — An emission control system malfunction has been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap if the LOOSE FUEL CAP warning appears in the vehicle information display. If the fuelfiller cap is loose or missing, tighten or install the cap and continue to drive the vehicle.

The light should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the light does
not turn off after a few driving trips, have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.

● Malfunction Indicator Light blinking — An engine misfire has been detected which may damage the emission control system. To reduce or avoid emission control system damage: – do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h).

– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.

– avoid steep uphill grades.

– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.

The Malfunction Indicator Light may stop blinking and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.

CAUTION

Continued vehicle operation without having the emission control system checked and repaired as necessary could lead to poor driveability, reduced fuel economy, and possible damage to the emission control system.

Overdrive OFF indicator light (if so equipped)

QR25DE:
The overdrive off indicator light illuminates when the overdrive off mode is selected.

VQ35DE:
This light illuminates and then turns off when the ignition switch is placed to the ON position.

QR25DE and VQ35DE:
For additional information, see “Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.

Security indicator light

This light blinks when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF, LOCK or ACC position.

The blinking security indicator light indicates that the security systems equipped on the vehicle are operational.

For additional information, see “Security systems” later in this section.

Side light and headlight indicator light (green)

The side light and headlight indicator light illuminates when the side light or headlight position is selected. See “Headlight and turn signal switch” later in this section for further details.

Slip indicator light

This indicator will blink when the VDC system or the traction control system is operating, thus alerting that the vehicle is nearing its traction limits. The road surface may be slippery.

SPORT mode indicator light (if so equipped)

QR25DE:

This light illuminates and then turns off when the ignition switch is placed to the ON position, and when the SPORT mode off is selected.

For additional information, see “Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.

Turn signal/hazard indicator lights

The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal switch is activated.

Both

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator light

This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF.

This indicates the Vehicle Dynamic Control has been turned off.

Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch again or restart the engine and the system will be reactivated. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.

The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on when you push the push-button ignition switch to the ON position. The light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is operational. If the light stays on or comes on along with the
indicator light while you are driving, have the Vehicle Dynamic Control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is operating, you might feel slight vibration or hear the system working when starting the vehicle or accelerating, but this is normal.