Nissan Altima Hybrid 2007 First Responder’s PDF Guide Manual

Nissan released the Nissan Altima Hybrid in North America in January of 2007. The Nissan Altima Hybrid runs on conventional gasoline and a traction motor. The basic vehicle systems and features of the Altima Hybrid are the same as those of the conventional Altima, except where noted in this guide. This First Responder’s Guide was published to help educate and assist first responders in the safe handling of the Altima Hybrid and its technology.

A high voltage battery is used to power the traction motor, generator, electric compressor (for air conditioner), voltage converter, and inverter unit. A separate 12 volt battery is used to power other electrical devices such as the radio, horn, headlamps, and instrument cluster gauges. A number of safeguards have been designed to ensure that the high voltage Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery is kept safe and secure in the event of an accident.

The Altima Hybrid utilizes both low and high voltage systems:
Low voltage system
• A 12 volt DC negative chassis ground body electrical system

High voltage system
• A 245 volt DC high voltage battery
• A harness that carries high voltage between the high voltage battery, converter, inverter unit, transaxle and electric compressor
• A converter which converts 245 volts DC to 42 volts DC for the electric power steering
• An inverter unit which delivers up to 650 volts AC to the transaxle
• A transaxle which houses a traction motor and generator
• A 245 volt DC, motor driven electric compressor
High voltage electrical safety is an important factor in the emergency handling of the Altima Hybrid. It is important to recognize and understand the disabling procedures and warnings throughout this guide. Additional topics in this guide include:
• Nissan Altima Hybrid identification
• Hybrid system component locations and descriptions
• Extrication, fire, recovery, and additional emergency response information
• Roadside assistance information

There are two power sources stored on board the vehicle:
• Gasoline is stored in a fuel tank and used to supply the gasoline engine.
• Electricity is stored in a high voltage battery and is used to power the traction motor.
The result of combining these two power sources is improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The gasoline engine also powers an electric generator to recharge the high voltage battery; unlike an entirely electric vehicle, the Altima Hybrid never needs to be recharged from an external electric power source. Depending on the driving conditions, one or both sources are used to power the vehicle. The following information explains how the Altima Hybrid operates in various driving modes:
1. During light acceleration at low speeds, the vehicle is powered by the traction motor. The gasoline engine is shut off.
2. During normal driving, the vehicle is powered mainly by the gasoline engine. The gasoline engine also powers the generator to recharge the high voltage battery.
3. During full acceleration, such as climbing a hill, both the gasoline engine and the traction motor power the vehicle.
4. During deceleration, such as when braking, the vehicle converts kinetic energy from the front wheels to electricity that will recharge the high voltage battery.
5. While the vehicle is stopped, the gasoline engine and the traction motor are off, however the vehicle remains operational.

Download Nissan Altima Hybrid 2007 First Responder’s PDF Guide Manual