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

Description

Observe the following precautions to ensure safe and proper servicing. These precautions are not described in each individual section.

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.

Necessary for Steering Wheel Rotation After Battery Disconnect

NOTE: • Before removing and installing any control units, first turn the push-button ignition switch to the LOCK position, then disconnect both battery cables.

• After finishing work, confirm that all control unit connectors are connected properly, then re-connect both battery cables.

• Always use CONSULT-III to perform self-diagnosis as a part of each function inspection after finishing work.

If a DTC is detected, perform trouble diagnosis according to self-diagnosis results.

This vehicle is equipped with a push-button ignition switch and a steering lock unit.

If the battery is disconnected or discharged, the steering wheel will lock and cannot be turned.

If turning the steering wheel is required with the battery disconnected or discharged, follow the procedure below before starting the repair operation.

OPERATION PROCEDURE

1. Connect both battery cables.

NOTE: Supply power using jumper cables if battery is discharged.

2. Carry the Intelligent Key or insert it to the key slot and turn the push-button ignition switch to ACC position.

(At this time, the steering lock will be released.) 3. Disconnect both battery cables. The steering lock will remain released with both battery cables disconnected and the steering wheel can be turned.

4. Perform the necessary repair operation.

5. When the repair work is completed, re-connect both battery cables. With the brake pedal released, turn the push-button ignition switch from ACC position to ON position, then to LOCK position. (The steering wheel will lock when the push-button ignition switch is turned to LOCK position.) 6. Perform self-diagnosis check of all control units using CONSULT-III.

Procedures without Cowl Top Cover

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

General Precautions

• Do not operate the engine for an extended period of time without proper exhaust ventilation.

Keep the work area well ventilated and free of any inflammable materials. Special care should be taken when handling any inflammable or poisonous materials, such as gasoline, refrigerant gas, etc. When working in a pit or other enclosed area, be sure to properly ventilate the area before working with hazardous materials.

Do not smoke while working on the vehicle.

• Before jacking up the vehicle, apply wheel chocks or other tire blocks to the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving. After jacking up the vehicle, support the vehicle weight with safety stands at the points designated for proper lifting before working on the vehicle.

These operations should be done on a level surface.

• When removing a heavy component such as the engine or transaxle/ transmission, be careful not to lose your balance and drop them. Also, do not allow them to strike adjacent parts, especially the brake tubes and master cylinder.

• Before starting repairs which do not require battery power: Turn off ignition switch.

Disconnect the negative battery terminal.

• If the battery terminals are disconnected, recorded memory of radio and each control unit is erased.

• To prevent serious burns: Avoid contact with hot metal parts.

Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.

• Dispose of drained oil or the solvent used for cleaning parts in an appropriate manner.

• Do not attempt to top off the fuel tank after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off automatically.

Continued refueling may cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel spray and possibly a fire.

• Clean all disassembled parts in the designated liquid or solvent prior to inspection or assembly.

• Replace oil seals, gaskets, packings, O-rings, locking washers, cotter pins, self-locking nuts, etc. with new ones.

• Replace inner and outer races of tapered roller bearings and needle bearings as a set.

• Arrange the disassembled parts in accordance with their assembled locations and sequence.

• Do not touch the terminals of electrical components which use microcomputers (such as ECM).

Static electricity may damage internal electronic components.

• After disconnecting vacuum or air hoses, attach a tag to indicate the proper connection.

• Use only the fluids and lubricants specified in this manual.

• Use approved bonding agent, sealants or their equivalents when required.

• Use hand tools, power tools (disassembly only) and recommended special tools where specified for safe and efficient service repairs.

• When repairing the fuel, oil, water, vacuum or exhaust systems, check all affected lines for leaks.

• Before servicing the vehicle: Protect fenders, upholstery and carpeting with appropriate covers.

Take caution that keys, buckles or buttons do not scratch paint.

WARNING: To prevent ECM from storing the diagnostic trouble codes, do not carelessly disconnect the harness connectors which are related to the engine control system and TCM (transmission control module) system. The connectors should be disconnected only when working according to the WORK FLOW of TROUBLE DIAGNOSES in EC and DLN sections.

Three Way Catalyst

If a large amount of unburned fuel flows into the catalyst, the catalyst temperature will be excessively high. To prevent this, follow the instructions.

• Use unleaded gasoline only. Leaded gasoline will seriously damage the three way catalyst.

• When checking for ignition spark or measuring engine compression, make tests quickly and only when necessary.

• Do not run engine when the fuel tank level is low, otherwise the engine may misfire, causing damage to the catalyst.

Do not place the vehicle on flammable material. Keep flammable material off the exhaust pipe and the three way catalyst.

Fuel (Regular Unleaded Gasoline Recommended) QR25DE

Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research octane number 91).

CAUTION: Do not use leaded gasoline. Using leaded gasoline will damage the three way catalyst. Do not use E-85 fuel (85% fuel ethanol, 15% unleaded gasoline) unless the vehicle is specifically designed for E-85 fuel (i.e. Flexible Fuel Vehicle - FFV models). Using a fuel other than that specified could adversely affect the emission control devices and systems, and could also affect the warranty coverage validity.

Fuel (Unleaded Premium Gasoline Required) VQ35DE

Use unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number (Research octane number 96).

If unleaded premium gasoline is not available, unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI number (Research octane number 91) can be used, but only under the following precautions: • have the fuel tank filled only partially with unleaded regular gasoline, and fill up with unleaded premium gasoline as soon as possible.

• avoid full throttle driving and abrupt acceleration.

However, for maximum vehicle performance, the use of unleaded premium gasoline is recommended.

CAUTION: Do not use leaded gasoline. Using leaded gasoline will damage the three way catalyst. Do not use E-85 fuel (85% fuel ethanol, 15% unleaded gasoline) unless the vehicle is specifically designed for E-85 fuel (i.e. Flexible Fuel Vehicle - FFV models). Using a fuel other than that specified could adversely affect the emission control devices and systems, and could also affect the warranty coverage validity.

Multiport Fuel Injection System or Engine Control System

• Before connecting or disconnecting any harness connector for the multiport fuel injection system or ECM: Turn ignition switch to “OFF” position.

Disconnect negative battery terminal.

Otherwise, there may be damage to ECM.

• Before disconnecting pressurized fuel line from fuel pump to injectors, be sure to release fuel pressure.

• Be careful not to jar components such as ECM and mass air flow sensor.

Hoses

HOSE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

• To prevent damage to rubber hose, do not pry off rubber hose with tapered tool or screwdriver.

• To reinstall the rubber hose securely, make sure that hose insertion length and orientation is correct. (If tube is equipped with hose stopper, insert rubber hose into tube until it butts up against hose stopper.)

HOSE CLAMPING

• If old rubber hose is re-used, install hose clamp in its original position (at the indentation where the old clamp was). If there is a trace of tube bulging left on the old rubber hose, align rubber hose at that position.

• Discard old clamps; replace with new ones.

• After installing plate clamps, apply force to them in the direction of the arrow, tightening rubber hose equally all around.

Engine Oils

Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oil may cause skin cancer. Try to avoid direct skin contact with used oil.

If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible.

HEALTH PROTECTION PRECAUTIONS

• Avoid prolonged and repeated contact with oils, particularly used engine oils.

• Wear protective clothing, including impervious gloves where practicable.

• Do not put oily rags in pockets.

• Avoid contaminating clothes, particularly underpants, with oil.

• Heavily soiled clothing and oil-impregnated footwear should not be worn. Overalls must be cleaned regularly.

• First aid treatment should be obtained immediately for open cuts and wounds.

• Use barrier creams, applying them before each work period, to help the removal of oil from the skin.

• Wash with soap and water to ensure all oil is removed (skin cleansers and nail brushes will help). Preparations containing lanolin replace the natural skin oils which have been removed.

• Do not use gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, gas oil, thinners or solvents for cleaning skin.

• If skin disorders develop, obtain medical advice without delay.

• Where practical, degrease components prior to handling.

• Where there is a risk of eye contact, eye protection should be worn, for example, chemical goggles or face shields; in addition an eye wash facility should be provided.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PRECAUTIONS

Dispose of used oil and used oil filters through authorized waste disposal contractors to licensed waste disposal sites, or to the waste oil reclamation trade. If in doubt, contact the local authority for advice on disposal facilities.

It is illegal to pour used oil on to the ground, down sewers or drains, or into water sources.

The regulations concerning pollution vary between regions.

Air Conditioning

Use an approved refrigerant recovery unit any time the air conditioning system must be discharged. Refer to HA-32, "HFC-134a (R-134a) Service Procedure".