Instrument Cluster: 2019 Nissan Altima Warning Lights Guide
Navigating the 2019 Nissan Altima’s dashboard symbols on the instrument cluster can be like figuring out a complicated code since each symbol stands for an important part of the car’s state and functionality. Understanding these symbols is very important for keeping your car running well and staying safe on the road. For example, lights on the dashboard can mean that the engine isn’t working right or that the tyres have low pressure. Other symbols can mean that important safety features like the anti-lock brakes and airbags have been deployed.
2023 Nissan Altima Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)
METERS AND GAUGES
- Tachometer
- Warning and indicator lights
- Vehicle information display Odometer Twin trip odometer
- Speedometer
- Fuel gauge
- Engine coolant temperature gauge
SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER
This vehicle is equipped with a speedometer and odometer. The speedometer is located on the right side of the meter cluster. The odometer is located within the vehicle information display.
Speedometer
The speedometer indicates vehicle speed.
Odometer/Twin trip odometer
The odometer and the twin trip odometer
1 is displayed in the vehicle information display when the ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
The odometer records the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
The twin trip odometer records the distance of individual trips.
Changing the display
Push the TRIP RESET switch 2 on the left side of the instrument panel to change the display as follows:
Odometer Mileage → Trip
Trip → Odometer Mileage
Resetting the trip odometer
Push the TRIP RESET switch 2 until the desired trip odometer (Trip or Trip ) is displayed.
Pushing the TRIP RESET switch 2 for more than 1 second resets the currently displayed trip odometer to zero. 
TACHOMETER
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). Do not rev the engine into the red zone 1.
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the red zone, reduce engine speed. Operating the engine in the red zone may cause serious engine damage.
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature. The engine coolant tempera-
ture is within the normal range of 1 when the gauge needle points within the zone shown in the illustration.
The engine coolant temperature varies with the outside air temperature and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates coolant temperature near the hot (H) end of the normal range, reduce vehicle speed to decrease temperature. If the gauge is over the normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible. If the engine is overheated, continued operation of the vehicle may seriously damage the engine. For additional information, refer to “If your vehicle overheats” in the “In case of emergency” section of this manual for immediate action required.
FUEL GAUGE
The gauge indicates the approximate fuel level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking, turning, acceleration, or going up or down hills.
The gauge needle returns to 0 (Empty) after the ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
The low fuel warning message shows in the vehicle information display when the amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge registers 0 (Empty).
This 
indicates that the fuel-filler door is located on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
CAUTION
- If the vehicle runs out of fuel, the
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon as possible. After a few driving trips, the - light should turn off. If the light remains on after a few driving trips, have the vehicle inspected? It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
- For additional information, refer to “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in this section.
DISTANCE TO EMPTY (DTE)
Displays the estimated distance the vehicle can be driven before refuelling. The value is calculated based on recent fuel economy, the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank, and the actual fuel consumption.
Changes in driving patterns or conditions can cause the DTE value to vary. As a result, the value displayed may differ from the actual distance that can be driven.
DTE display will change to “—” when the fuel level in the tank is getting low before the fuel gauge reaches 0 (Empty).
NOTE:
- The DTE value after refill is estimated based on recent fuel economy and the amount of fuel added.
- If a small amount of fuel is added, or the ignition is on during refueling, the display may not be updated.
- Conditions that affect the fuel economy will also affect the estimated DTE value (city/highway driving, idle time, remote start time, terrain, seasonal weather, added vehicle weight, added deflectors, roof racks, etc.).
VARIABLE COMPRESSION TURBO
Your engine is equipped with a variable compression ratio system called “Variable Compression Turbo”. This system can vary the engine compression ratio continuously.
According to driving conditions, the system applies optimum compression ratio automatically to achieve both high output and high fuel economy efficiency.
This is not a physical gauge. It is a display option in the vehicle information display that can be selected. For additional information, refer to “Vehicle information display” in this section.
- Compression ratio status display Displays the status of compression ratio controlled by Variable Compression Turbo. The lowest compression ratio (8:1) and the highest (14:1) are displayed as “Power” and ”Eco” respectively.
- The turbocharger boost pressure gauge Displays the turbocharger boost pressure.
NOTE:
Under some conditions, the compression ratio may not change. This is not a malfunction of the system.
CAUTION
If the Variable Compression Turbo becomes faulty, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may come on. For additional information, refer to “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in this section.
WARNING LIGHTS, INDICATOR LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
CHECKING LIGHTS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake, fasten the seat belts and place the ignition switch in the ON position without starting the engine. The following lights (if so equipped) will come on:
The following lights (if so equipped) come on briefly and then go off:
If any light fails to come on or operate in a way other than described, it may indicate a burned-out bulb and/or a system malfunction. Have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Some indicators and warnings are also displayed in the vehicle information display between the speedometer and tachometer. For additional information, refer to “Vehicle information display” in this section.
WARNING LIGHTS
For additional information on warnings and indicators, refer to “Vehicle information display” in this section.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the ABS warning light illuminates and then turns off. This indicates the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the engine is running or while driving, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock function is turned off. The brake system then operates normally but without anti-lock assistance. For additional information, refer to “Brake system” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system warning light
This light comes on when the ignition switch is placed in the ON position. It turns off after the vehicle is started.
This light illuminates when the AEB system is set to OFF on the meter display.
If the light illuminates when the AEB system is on, it may indicate that the system is unavailable. For additional information, refer to “Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)” and “Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW)” in the “Starting and Driving” section of this manual.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection system warning light
This light comes on when the ignition switch is placed in the ON position. It turns off after the engine is started.
This light illuminates when the AEB with Pedestrian Detection system is set to OFF in the vehicle information display.
If the light illuminates when the AEB with Pedestrian Detection system is on, it may indicate that the system is unavailable. For additional information, refer to “Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection” and “Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (I-FCW)” in the “Starting and Driving” section of this manual.
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the light comes on when the parking brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light comes on while the engine is running with the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle and perform the following:
- Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. For additional information, refer to “Brake fluid” in the “Do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
- If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
WARNING
- Your brake system may not be working properly if the warning light is on. Driving could be dangerous. If you judge it to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest service station for repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle towed because driving it could be dangerous.
- Pressing the brake pedal with the engine stopped and/or a low brake fluid level may increase your stopping distance and braking will require greater pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
- If the brake fluid level is below the MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do not drive until the brake system has been checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running, it may indicate the charging system is not functioning properly. Turn the engine off and check the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken, or missing, or if the light remains on, have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
CAUTION
- Do not ground electrical accessories directly to the battery terminal. Doing so will bypass the variable voltage control system and the vehicle battery may not charge completely. For additional information, refer to “Variable voltage control system” in the “Do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
- Do not continue driving if the generator belt is loose, broken or missing.
Electronic parking brake warning light (yellow)
The electronic parking brake system warning light functions for the electronic parking brake system. If the warning light illuminates, it may indicate the electronic parking brake system is not functioning properly. Have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
For additional information, refer to “Parking brake” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Engine oil pressure warning light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the light flickers or comes on during normal driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine immediately and call a NISSAN dealer or other authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the dipstick to check the oil level. For additional information, refer to “Engine oil” in the “Do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil pressure warning light on could cause serious damage to the engine almost immediately. Such damage is not covered by the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it is safe to do so.
Low tyre pressure warning light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tyre pressure warning light warns of low tyre pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, this light illuminates for about 1 second and turns off.
Low tyre pressure warning
If the vehicle is being driven with low tyre pressure, the warning light will illuminate. A “Tire Pressure Low – Add Air” warning also appears in the vehicle information display.
When the low tire pressure warning light illuminates, you should stop and adjust the tire pressure of all four tires to the recommended COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label located in the driver’s door opening. The low tyre pressure warning light does not automatically turn off when the tyre pressure is adjusted. After the tyre is inflated to the recommended pressure, the vehicle must be driven at speeds above 16 mph (25 km/h) to activate the TPMS and turn off the low tyre pressure warning light. Use a tyre pressure gauge to check the tyre pressure.
The “Tire Pressure Low – Add Air” warning appears each time the ignition switch is placed in the ON position as long as the low tire pressure warning light remains illuminated.
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle Information Display” in this section, and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and Driving” and “In Case of Emergency” sections of this manual.
TPMS malfunction
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the low tyre pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute when the ignition switch is placed in the ON position. The light will remain on after 1 minute. Have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. The “Tire Pressure Low — Add Air” warning does not appear if the low tire pressure warning light illuminates to indicate a TPMS malfunction.
For additional information, refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and Driving” section and “Tire pressure” in the “Do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
WARNING
- Radio waves could adversely affect electric medical equipment. Those who use a pacemaker should contact the electric medical equipment manufacturer for the possible influences before use.
- If the light does not illuminate with the ignition switch placed in the ON position, have the vehicle checked as soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
- If the light illuminates while driving, avoid sudden steering maneuvers or abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road to a safe location and stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Driving with under-inflated tyres may permanently damage the tyres and increase the likelihood of tyre failure. Serious vehicle damage could occur and may lead to an accident and could result in serious personal injury or death. Check the tyre pressure for all four tyres. Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label located in the driver’s door opening to turn the low tire pressure warning light off. If the light still illuminates while driving after adjusting the tyre pressure, a tyre may be flat or the TPMS may be malfunctioning. If you have a flat tyre, replace it with a spare tyre as soon as possible. If no tyre is flat and all tyres are properly inflated, have the vehicle checked? It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
- ∙ When replacing a wheel without the TPMS such as the spare tyre, the TPMS will not function and the low tyre pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute. The light will remain on after 1 minute. Have your tyres replaced and/or the TPMS system reset as soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for these services.
- Replacing tyres with those not originally specified by NISSAN could affect the proper operation of the TPMS.
CAUTION
- The TPMS is not a substitute for the regular tyre pressure check. Be sure to check the tyre pressure regularly.
- If the vehicle is being driven at speeds of less than 16 mph (25 km/h), the TPMS may not operate correctly.
- Be sure to install the specified size of tyres to the four wheels correctly.
Master warning light
When the ignition is in the ON position, the master warning light illuminates if any of the following are displayed on the vehicle information display.
- No key warning
- Low windshield-washer fluid warning
- Parking brake release warning
- Door/trunk open warning
- Loose fuel cap
- Low tyre pressure warning
Power steering warning light
WARNING
- If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the steering will not work. Steering will be harder to operate.
- When the power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running, there will be no power assist for the steering. You will still have control of the vehicle, but the steering will be harder to operate. Have the power steering system checked. It is recom-mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the power steering warning light illuminates. After starting the engine, the power steering warning light turns off. This indicates the power steering is operational.
If the power steering warning light illuminates while the engine is running, it may indicate the power steering is not functioning properly and may need servicing. Have the power steering checked? It is recom-mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
When the power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running, there will be no power assist for the steering, but you will still have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater steering effort is required to operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
For additional information, refer to “Power steering” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) warning light
This light comes on when the ignition switch is placed in the ON position. It turns off after the engine is started.
This light illuminates when the RAB system is turned off in the vehicle information display.
If the light illuminates when the RAB sys-tem is on, it may indicate that the system is unavailable. For additional information, refer to “Rear Automatic Braking (RAB)” in the “Starting and Driving” section of this manual.
Seat belt warning light and chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten the driver and front passenger seat belts.
For additional information, refer to “Seat belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system” section of this manual.
Supplemental air bag warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON or START position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then turns off. This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the front airbag, side airbag, curtain airbag, and pretensioner systems need servicing and your vehicle must be taken to a NISSAN dealer:
- The supplemental air bag warning light remains on after approximately 7 seconds.
- The supplemental air bag warning light flashes intermittently.
- The supplemental air bag warning light does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental restraint system (air bag system) and/or the pretensioners may not function properly. For additional details, refer to “Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint System” section of this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light is on, it could mean that the front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag systems and/or pretensioner systems will not operate in an accident. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
For additional information, refer to “Vehicle information display” in this section.
Automatic brake hold indicator light (green)
The automatic brake hold indicator light (green) illuminates while the automatic brake hold system is operating.
For additional information, refer to “Automatic brake hold” in the “Starting and driving” section of the Owner’s Manual.
Automatic brake hold indicator light (white)
The automatic brake hold indicator (white) illuminates when the automatic brake hold system is on standby.
For additional information, refer to “Auto-matic brake hold” in the “Starting and driv-ing” section of the Owner’s Manual.
Electronic parking brake indicator light (red)
This light illuminates when the electronic parking brake system is operating.
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the electronic parking brake warning light illuminates. When the engine is started and the parking brake is released, the warning light turns off.
If the parking brake is not released, the electronic parking brake warning light remains illuminated. Ensure the electronic parking brake warning light is turned off before driving.
If the electronic parking brake warning light illuminates or flashes while the electronic parking brake system warning light
(yellow) illuminates, it may indicate that the electronic parking brake system is not functioning properly. Have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
For additional information, refer to “Parking brake” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Front fog light indicator light
The front fog light indicator light illuminates when the front fog lights are on. For additional information, refer to “Fog light switch” in this section.
Front passenger airbag status light
The front passenger airbag status light will be lit and the passenger front airbag will be off depending on how the front passenger seat is being used.
For additional information, refer to “Front passenger air bag and status light” in the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system” section of this manual.
High Beam Assist indicator light (green)
This indicator light illuminates when the headlights come on while the headlight switch is in the AUTO position with the high beams selected. This indicates that the high beam assist is operational.
For additional information, refer to “Headlight and turn signal switch” in this section.
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 MIL 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 emis-sion 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. For additional information, refer to the “Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test” in the “Technical and consumer information” section of this manual.
Operation
The MIL will come on in one of two ways:
MIL 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 fuel-filler 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. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
- MIL 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 MIL may stop blinking and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. 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.
Security indicator light
This light blinks when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF, LOCK or AUTO ACC position.
The blinking security indicator light indicates that the security systems equipped on the vehicle are operational.
For additional information, refer to “Security systems” in this section.
Side light and headlight indicator light (green)
The side light and headlight indicator light illuminate when the side light or headlight position is selected. For additional informa-tion, refer to “Headlight and turn the signal switch” in this section.
Slip indicator light
This indicator light will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is operating, thus alerting the driver to the fact that the road surface is slippery and the vehicle is nearing its traction limits.
You may feel or hear the system working; this is normal.
The light will blink for a few seconds after the VDC system stops limiting wheel spin.
The
indicator light also comes on when you place the ignition switch in the ON position. The light will turn off after approximately 2 seconds if the system is operational. If the light does not come on have the system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the VDC is turned off in the vehicle information display. This indicates the VDC has been turned off.
Turn the VDC on using the vehicle informa-tion display, or by restarting the engine. For additional information, refer to the “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and Driving” section of this manual.
The VDC light also comes on when the ignition switch is placed in the ON position. The light will turn off after a while if the system is operational. If the light stays on or comes on along with the indicator light while you are driving, have the VDC system checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
WARNING
VDC should remain on unless freeing a vehicle from mud or snow.
While the VDC system is operating, you might feel a slight vibration or hear the sys-tem working when starting the vehicle or accelerating, but this is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings. When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it makes a high-pitched scraping sound when the vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch placed in the OFF position, a chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened if the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leaving the vehicle.
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.
FAQs
The oil can icon means that the engine oil level is low. Adding more oil is very important to keep the engine from breaking down.
An exclamation mark inside a circle usually means that there is a problem with the brakes. It’s important to get this checked right away.
The thermometer icon means the engine is getting too hot. Stop in a safe place, let the engine cool down, and check the water level.
The key icon with a line through it means there is a problem with the car’s protection system.
The gas pump sign means that the gas tank is low. You should fill up your gas tank as soon as possible to avoid running out.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System is what “TPMS” stands for. This sign means that one or more tyres might not have enough air in them. Quickly check the tyre pressure.
The battery symbol means that there is a problem with the charging device in the car. As soon as possible, have the battery and charging device checked out.
The engine sign with the word “Check” on it means that something is wrong with the engine control system.
The picture of a person wearing a seatbelt means that at least one person in the vehicle has not buckled up. Make sure that everyone is safely buckled up.
If the steering wheel has an exclamation mark on it, there’s probably a problem with the power steering system.
A car with curved lines is usually a sign that something is wrong with the traction control system.
The key with the question mark on it means there is a problem with the smart key system in the car.
One or more doors are not safely closed when you see the symbol of a car with a door open. Be sure to close all the doors the right way.
A car with squiggly lines under it usually means that there is a problem with the stability control system of the car.
A car with a key inside it means there is a problem with the immobilizer system of the vehicle.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: Nissan Altima 2019 User Manual| Auto User Guide
2023 Nissan Altima Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)