2020 Nissan Altima Warning Lights and Symbols Guide
To get around in the 2020 Nissan Altima, a modern gem of automotive engineering, you need to know a lot about its complicated warning lights and symbols. Each one is an important way for the driver and the car to talk to each other. There are many lights on the dashboard that act as guardians, warning drivers of possible dangers, system problems, or important messages that are needed for safe and efficient driving on the road. Understanding these signs, like the familiar glow of the check engine light or the mysterious symbols that mean low tyre pressure or problems with the brake system, gives drivers the power to fix problems right away, protecting both the safety of everyone in the car and its longevity.
2023 Nissan Altima Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)
VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY
NISSAN Intelligent Key® door buzzer
The Intelligent Key door buzzer sounds if the Intelligent Key is left inside the vehicle when locking the doors. When the buzzer sounds, be sure to check both the vehicle and the Intelligent Key. For additional information, refer to “NISSAN Intelligent Key®” in the “Pre-driving checks and adjustments” section of this manual.
The vehicle information display is located to the left of the speedometer. It displays such items as:
- Vehicle settings
- Drive computer information
- Drive system warnings and settings
- Cruise control system information
- Variable Compression Turbo informa-tion
- NISSAN Intelligent Key® operation information
- Indicators and warnings
- Tire pressure information
- Audio information
- Compass and navigation information (if so equipped)
- ProPILOT (if so equipped)
- Driving Aids
- Odometer/twin trip odometer
- Distance to empty
- Clock and outside temperature
HOW TO USE THE VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY
The vehicle information display can be
changed using the,
, and OK buttons located on the steering wheel.
– Use these buttons to navigate the vehicle information display.
- OK – Change or select an item in the vehicle information display.
— Returns to the previous menu.
The OK and
buttons also control audio and control panel functions in some conditions. Most screens and menus offer instruction prompts of the steering switch buttons to indicate how to control the vehicle information display. Dots on the right side of the vehicle information display will appear if there is more than one page of menu items or warning messages. The OK button changes the audio source and the
buttons also control voice recognition manual mode. The OK button can be used to change the audio source when the audio
screen is displayed. The buttons can be used when controlling voice recognition prompts manually. For additional information, refer to the separate NissanConnect® Owner’s Manual.
STARTUP DISPLAY
When the vehicle is placed in the ON position the vehicle information display may display the following screens (if so equipped):
- Home
- Drive Computer — Speed, Fuel Economy, Trip Distance & Time
- Convenience
- Tire Pressure
- Variable Compression Turbo
- Speed Limit Sign
- Compass and Navigation
- Audio/telephone
- Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
- ProPILOT
- Driving Aids
- Settings
- Warnings
Warnings will only be displayed if there are any present. For additional information, refer to “Vehicle information display warnings and indicators” in this section.
To control what items are displayed in the vehicle information display, refer to “How to use the vehicle information display” in this section.
RESETTING THE DRIVE COMPUTER
The drive computer is divided across three screens:
- Average Speed
- Average Fuel Economy
- Trip Distance & Time
- Press the
buttons until you reach the desired drive computer mode.
- Press and hold the OK button for approximately 1 second to reset the information on the currently displayed screen.
NOTE:
If you wish to reset all drive computer values at once, press and hold the OK button for approximately 3 seconds until a reset menu appears; and follow the instructions.
OIL CONTROL SYSTEM
The oil control system can be accessed in the Maintenance portion of the vehicle information display settings.
Engine oil information informs the distance to oil change. Never exceed one year or 7,500 miles (12000 km) between oil change intervals for the KR20DDET engine or 10,000 miles (16000 km) between oil change intervals for the PR25DD engine.
Display when the ignition is ON | Display timing | Action Required |
Engine Oil Service due in xxx miles | The remaining oil life is less than 940 miles
(1500 km). |
Plan to have your vehicle serviced. |
Engine Oil Service due | The remaining oil life is 0 miles (0 km). | Have your vehicle serviced within two weeks or less than 500 miles (800 km). |
The oil change interval cannot be adjusted manually.
The distance to the oil change interval is calculated depending on the driving conditions and set automatically by the oil control system. A reminder will be displayed when approaching the end of the service interval.
When the Factory Reset option is selected in the vehicle information display, the oil control system will also be reset to the initial value. Please change the engine oil when Factory Reset is selected.
CAUTION
If the oil replacement indicator is displayed, change the engine oil within two weeks or less than 500 miles (800 km).
Operating the vehicle with deteriorated oil can damage the engine.
To reset the oil control system:
- Push the ignition button to the “ON” position.
- Push the
buttons located on the steering wheel until “Settings” displays in the vehicle informa-tion display. Use the
buttons to select “Maintenance”. Then, press the OK button.
- Select the “Oil Control System” and press the OK button.
- Press the OK button according to the reset instructions displayed at the bottom of the “Oil Control System” mainte-nance screen.
For additional information, refer to “Oil control system” in the “Maintenance and schedules” section of this manual.
SETTINGS
The setting mode allows you to change the information displayed in the vehicle information display. It also allows you to change vehicle functions:
- VDC Setting
- Driver Assistance
- TPMS Setting
- Clock
- Vehicle Settings
- Maintenance
- Customize Display
- Unit/Language
- Key-Linked Settings (if so equipped)
- Factory Reset
VDC Setting
The VDC Setting menu allows the user to enable or disable the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.
Menu item |
Result |
System |
Allows the user to turn the VDC system on or off. For additional information, refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the Starting and Driving” section of this manual. |
Driver Assistance
The driver assistance menu allows the user to change the settings for driving, parking, and braking aids.
Menu item |
Result |
|
Steering Assist |
Allows users to turn the Steering Assist of the ProPILOT Assist system on or off. For additional information, please refer to “ProPILOT Assist” in the “Starting and Driving” section of this manual. |
|
Emergency Brake |
Displays available emergency braking options. |
|
Front |
Allows users to turn the front emergency braking system on or off. For additional information, refer to “Automatic |
|
Rear |
Allows users to turn the rear emergency braking system on or off. For additional information, refer to “Rear Auto-Matic Braking (RAB)” in the “Starting and Driving” section of this manual. |
|
Lane (if so equipped) | Displays available lane options. | |
Lane Departure Warning |
Allows users to turn the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system on or off. For additional information, refer to “Lane |
|
Lane Departure Prevention |
Allows users to turn the Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-LI) system on or off. For additional information, refer to “Intelli- |
|
Blind Spot |
Displays available blind spot options. |
|
Blind Spot Warning |
Allows users to turn the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system on or off. For additional information, refer to “Blind Spot |
|
Side Indicator Brightness |
Allows users to change the brightness of the side indicator. |
|
Speed Limit Sign |
Allows users to turn the Speed Limit Sign recognition on or off. For additional information, refer to “Traffic Sign Recognition” in the “Starting and driving” |
|
Parking Aids (if so equipped) |
Displays available parking aids. |
|
Auto Show Sonar |
Allows users to auto-display the sonar. For additional information, refer to “Rear Sonar System (RSS)” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual. |
|
Rear |
Allows users to turn the rear sonar on or off. |
|
Distance |
Allows users to set the distance sensor range to Long/Medium/Short. |
Menu item |
Result |
|
Volume |
Allows the user to set the parking sensor volume to High/Medium/Low. |
|
Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
Allows users to turn the Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system on or off. For additional information, refer to “Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual. |
|
Driver Attention Alert |
Allows users to turn the Intelligent Driver Alertness on or off. For additional information, refer to “Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA)” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual. |
|
Timer Alert |
Allows users to set the timer alert. |
|
Low-Temperature Alert |
Allows users to turn the low-temperature alert on or off. |
|
Chassis Control |
Displays available chassis control options. |
|
Active Trace Control |
Allows users to turn the Intelligent Trace Control system on or off. For additional information, refer to “Intelligent Trace Control (I-TC)” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual. |
TPMS Setting
The TPMS settings menu allows the user to change the tyre pressure units displayed in the vehicle information display.
Menu item |
Result |
|
TPMS Setting |
Displays available TPMS settings. |
|
Tire Pressure Unit |
Allows users to select the tire pressure units that will display in the vehicle information display. |
Clock
Menu item |
Result |
Clock |
Allows users to adjust the clock settings and time within the vehicle information display. Adjustments that can be made include automatically setting the time, 12H/24H format, Daylight Saving Time, time zone, and manually setting the time. |
Vehicle Settings
The vehicle settings allow the user to change the settings for lights, wipers, lock-ing, keys, and other vehicle settings.
Menu item |
Result |
||
Lighting |
Displays the available lighting options. |
||
Welcome Headlight |
Allows users to turn the welcome light on or off. |
||
Auto Room Lamp |
Allows users to turn the auto room lamp on or off. |
||
Accent Lighting |
Allows users to adjust the accent lighting brightness. |
||
Auto Headlight |
Allows users to change when the auto headlights activate based on the exterior brightness. |
||
Light Off Delay |
Allows users to change the length of time the exterior lights remain on. |
||
Turn indicator |
Displays the available turn indicator options. |
||
3 Flashes |
Allows users to turn the 3 flash pass feature on or off. |
||
Continuous |
Allows users to adjust the continuous feature. |
||
Locking |
Displays the available locking options. |
||
Ext Door Switch |
Allows users to turn the exterior door switch on or off. When turned on, the request switch on the door is activated. |
||
Selective Unlock |
Allows users to turn selective unlock on or off. When turned on, only the driver’s door is unlocked after the door unlock operation. When the door handle request switch on the driver’s or front passenger’s side door is pushed to be unlocked, only the corresponding door is unlocked first. All the doors can be unlocked if the door unlock operation is performed again within 5 seconds. When this item is turned off, all the doors will be unlocked after the door unlock operation is performed once. |
||
Auto Door Unlock |
Displays the auto door unlock options. |
||
Shift to P |
Doors will unlock when the vehicle is shifted into P (Park). |
||
IGN OFF |
Doors will unlock when the ignition is turned off. |
||
OFF |
Doors will have to be manually unlocked. |
||
Horn beeps on lock |
Allows user to turn answer back horn on or off. When turned on, the horn will chirp and the hazard indicators will flash once when locking the vehicle with the Intelligent Key. |
||
Wipers | Displays the available wiper options. |
Menu item |
Result |
|
Speed Dependent | Allows users to turn the wiper with speed on or off. | |
Driving Position | Displays the available driving position options. | |
Exit Seat Slide |
Allows the user to turn the exit seat slide on or off. When turned on, this feature will move the driver’s seat backwards for an easy exit when the ignition is turned off and the driver’s door is opened. After getting into the vehicle and placing the ignition switch in the ON position, the driver’s seat will move to the previous set position. For additional information, refer to “Automatic drive positioner” in the “Pre-driving checks and adjustments” section of this manual. |
|
Rear Door Alert |
Displays the available Rear Door Alert options. For additional information, refer to “Rear Door Alert” in this section. |
|
Horn & Alert |
When selected, the alert is displayed and the horn sounds. |
|
Alert Only |
When selected, only the alert is displayed. |
|
OFF |
When selected, no alert or horn will be active. |
|
Remote Engine Start |
Allows users to turn the Remote Engine Start on or off. When turned on, the engine can be restarted remotely. |
Maintenance
The maintenance menu allows the user to set reminders for various vehicle mainte-nance items.
WARNING
The tyre replacement indicator is not a substitute for regular tyre checks, including tyre pressure checks. For additional information, refer to “Changing wheels and tyres” in the “Do-it-yourself” section of this manual. Many factors including tyre inflation, alignment, driving habits and road conditions affect tire wear and when tyres should be replaced. Setting the tyre replacement indicator for a certain driving distance does not mean your tyres will last that long. Use the tyre replacement indicator as a guide only and always perform regular tyre checks. Failure to perform regular tire checks, including tyre pressure checks could result in tire failure. Serious vehicle damage could occur and may lead to a collision, which could result in serious personal injury or death.
Menu item |
Result |
|
Maintenance |
Displays various maintenance reminder options. |
|
Oil ControlSystem |
Allows users to reset the current interval. This should only be done after completing oil change maintenance. |
|
Oil and Filter |
Allows users to set a reminder at a specific interval or reset the current one. |
|
Tyre |
Allows users to set a reminder at a specific interval or reset the current one. |
|
Other |
Allows users to set a reminder at a specific interval or reset the current one. |
Customize Display
The customize display menu allows the user to customize the information that appears in the vehicle information display.
Menu item |
Result |
|
Main Menu Selection |
Displays available screens that can be shown in the vehicle information display. |
|
Home |
Allows users to turn the home screen on or off in the vehicle information display. |
|
Blank |
Allows users to turn the blank on or off in the vehicle information display. |
|
Audio |
Allows users to turn the audio controls screen on or off in the vehicle information display. |
|
Navigation |
Allows users to turn the navigation screen on or off in the vehicle information display. |
|
Fuel Economy |
Allows users to turn the fuel economy screen on or off in the vehicle information display. |
|
Chassis Control |
Allows users to turn the chassis control screen on or off in the vehicle information display. |
|
Cruise |
Allows users to turn the cruise control screen on or off in the vehicle information display. |
|
Speed Limit Sign |
Allows users to turn the speed limit sign screen on or off in the vehicle information display. |
|
TPMS |
Allows users to turn the TPMS screen on or off in the vehicle information display. |
|
Variable Compression Turbo |
Allows users to turn the Variable Compression Turbo screen on or off in the vehicle information display. |
|
Speed |
Allows users to turn the speedometer screen on or off in the vehicle information display. |
|
Drive Computer |
Allows users to turn the drive computer screen on or off in the vehicle information display. |
|
Auto Turn Notification |
Allow users to turn the auto-turn notification alerts on or off. |
|
Cruise Screen Transition |
Allow the user to turn the cruise screen transition on or off. |
|
Welcome Effect |
Displays the available welcome effect settings. |
|
Gauges |
Allows users to turn the gauges effect on or off. |
|
Animation |
Allows users to turn the animation effect on or off. | |
Light/Wiper Guidance |
Displays the available light and wiper guidance settings. |
|
Lights mode guidance |
Allows users to turn the light mode guidance on or off. |
|
Wiper mode guidance |
Allows users to turn the wiper mode guidance on or off. |
Unit/Language
The unit/language menu allows the user to change the units shown in the vehicle information display.
Menu item |
Result |
Mileage/Fuel |
Displays the available mileage/fuel display units and allows the user to select the preferred unit for display. |
Tire Pressure |
Allows users to select the tyre pressure display units. Changing the tyre pressure units will also change the units displayed for the Variable Compression Turbo (if so equipped). |
Temperature |
Allows users to select the temperature display units. |
Language |
Displays the available language options and allows the user to select the preferred language for display. |
Key-Linked Settings
Menu item |
Result |
Key-Linked Settings |
Allows users to turn the Key-Linked Settings on or off. For additional information, refer to “Memory storage function (key-link)” in the “Pre-driving checks and adjustments” section of this manual. |
Factory Reset
The factory reset menu allows the user to restore the vehicle information display settings to factory status.
Menu item |
Result |
Factory Reset |
Allows users to reset the vehicle information display settings to the original factory settings. Once selected, the user can confirm or cancel the reset. |
FAQs
This sign usually means there is a problem with the brakes.
This symbol means there is trouble with the charging system of the car. It could mean that the battery, generator, or electrical system is broken. Attention should be given right away to avoid possible breakdowns.
This message means that the oil flow is low, which could damage the engine if you don’t pay attention to it. Check the oil level right away, and if you need to, get help from an expert.
This symbol means that the power steering system isn’t working right. This problem needs to be fixed right away because it could affect car control and safety.
This light means that there might be a problem with the engine or one of its parts.
This symbol means that the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is not working properly or that the tyres have low air. Check the pressure in your tyres and add air if needed. Get the TPMS checked if the light stays on.
This message usually means there is a problem with the car’s security system or how the keys work. Make sure you’re using the right key, and if the problem still happens, you might want to have the system checked out.
This sign means that the windshield washer fluid level is low. Fill up the washer fluid tank again to make sure you can see clearly while driving.
This message means the engine is getting too hot. Right away, stop the car, let it cool down, and check the coolant level. If you keep driving with an engine that is too hot, you could do a lot of damage.
This sign means that something is wrong with the airbag system. Getting this fixed right away is very important to make sure the airbags work right in case of a crash.
This message means that one or more doors are not closed properly. Make sure all the doors are properly closed and checked to avoid any safety risks.
This symbol means that there might be a problem with the fuel system, like a low fuel amount or a problem. As soon as possible, fill up with fuel, and if the light stays on, have the system checked out.
This message means there is a problem with the immobilizer system or key recognition in the car.
This symbol usually means that there is a problem with the outside lighting of the car. Check all of the outside lights, like the headlights, taillights, and turn signals, and replace any bulbs that need to be changed.
This message means that the vehicle’s stability control device isn’t working right. To keep the car safe and stable, this problem needs to be found and fixed right away.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: Nissan Altima 2020 User Manual|Auto User Guide
2023 Nissan Altima Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)