Nissan Altima (L32) 2007-2012 Service Manual: Precaution

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 belted or unbelted.

Information necessary to service the system safely is included in the SR and SB section of this Service Manual.

WARNING: • To avoid rendering the SRS inoperative, which could increase the risk of personal injury or death in the event of a collision which would result in air bag inflation, all maintenance must be performed by an authorized NISSAN/INFINITI dealer.

• Do not use electrical test equipment on any circuit related to the SRS unless instructed to in this Service Manual. SRS wiring harnesses can be identified by yellow and/or orange harnesses or harness connectors.

Precaution for Procedure without Cowl Top Cover

When performing the procedure after removing cowl top cover, cover the lower end of windshield with urethane, etc.

On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System of Engine and CVT

The ECM has an on board diagnostic system. It will light up the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) to warn the driver of a malfunction causing emission deterioration. CAUTION: • Be sure to turn the ignition switch OFF and disconnect the negative battery cable before any repair or inspection work. The open/short circuit of related switches, sensors, solenoid valves, etc. will cause the MIL to light up.

• Be sure to erase the unnecessary malfunction information (repairs completed) from the ECM and TCM (Transmission control module) before returning the vehicle to the customer.

General Precautions

• Always use a 12 volt battery as power source.

• Do not attempt to disconnect battery cables while engine is running.

• Before connecting or disconnecting the ECM harness connector, turn ignition switch OFF and disconnect negative battery cable. Failure to do so may damage the ECM because battery voltage is applied to ECM even if ignition switch is turned OFF.

• Before removing parts, turn ignition switch OFF and then disconnect battery ground cable.

• Do not disassemble ECM.

• If a battery cable is disconnected, the memory will return to the ECM value.

The ECM will now start to self-control at its initial value.

Engine operation can vary slightly when the terminal is disconnected.

However, this is not an indication of a malfunction.

Do not replace parts because of a slight variation.

• If the battery is disconnected, the following emission-related diagnostic information will be lost within 24 hours.

- Diagnostic trouble codes

- 1st trip diagnostic trouble codes

- Freeze frame data

- 1st trip freeze frame data

- System readiness test (SRT) codes

- Test values

• When connecting ECM harness connector (1), fasten (B) it securely with a lever as far as it will go as shown in the figure.

2. ECM

A. Loosen

• When connecting or disconnecting pin connectors into or from ECM, take care not to damage pin terminals (bend or break).

Make sure that there are not any bends or breaks on ECM pin terminal, when connecting pin connectors.

• Securely connect ECM harness connectors.

A poor connection can cause an extremely high (surge) voltage to develop in coil and condenser, thus resulting in damage to ICs.

• Keep engine control system harness at least 10 cm (4 in) away from adjacent harness, to prevent engine control system malfunctions due to receiving external noise, degraded operation of ICs, etc.

• Keep engine control system parts and harness dry.

• Before replacing ECM, perform ECM Terminals and Reference Value inspection and make sure ECM functions properly.

Refer to EC-485, "Reference Value".

• Handle mass air flow sensor carefully to avoid damage.

• Do not clean mass air flow sensor with any type of detergent.

• Do not disassemble electric throttle control actuator.

• Even a slight leak in the air intake system can cause serious incidents.

• Do not shock or jar the camshaft position sensor (PHASE), crankshaft position sensor (POS).

• After performing each TROUBLE DIAGNOSIS, perform DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE or Component Function Check. The DTC should not be displayed in the DTC Confirmation Procedure if the repair is completed. The Component Function Check should be a good result if the repair is completed.

• When measuring ECM signals with a circuit tester, never allow the two tester probes to contact.

Accidental contact of probes will cause a short circuit and damage the ECM power transistor.

• Do not use ECM ground terminals when measuring input/output voltage. Doing so may result in damage to the ECM’s transistor.

Use a ground other than ECM terminals, such as the ground.

• Do not operate fuel pump when there is no fuel in lines.

• Tighten fuel hose clamps to the specified torque.

• Do not depress accelerator pedal when starting.

• Immediately after starting, do not rev up engine unnecessarily.

• Do not rev up engine just prior to shutdown.

• When installing C.B. ham radio or a mobile phone, be sure to observe the following as it may adversely affect electronic control systems depending on installation location.

- Keep the antenna as far as possible from the electronic control units.

- Keep the antenna feeder line more than 20 cm (8 in) away from the harness of electronic controls.

Do not let them run parallel for a long distance.

- Adjust the antenna and feeder line so that the standing-wave ratio can be kept smaller.

- Be sure to ground the radio to vehicle body.