
eastern Nevada, southern Idaho, western
South Dakota, western Nebraska, and that
part of Texas which is directly south of New
Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have your dealer correct the condi-
tion. Failure to correct the condition is
misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may
cause excessive fuel consumption or damage
to the engine. If any of the above symptoms
are encountered, have your vehicle checked at
a NISSAN dealer or other competent service
facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get thegreatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time.
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ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct quality, and
viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory engine life
and performance. Nissan recommends the
use of a low friction oil (energy conserving oil)
in order to improve fuel economy and con-
serve energy. Oils which do not have the
specified quality label should not be used as
they could cause engine damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Pe-
troleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATIONMARK on the front of the container should be
used. This type of oil supersedes the existing
API SG, SH and SJ and Energy Conserving II
categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the API
CERTIFICATION MARK, use an API grade
SG/SH, Energy Conserving II or API grade SJ,
Energy Conserving oil. An oil with a single
designation SG or SH, or in combination with
other categories (for example, SG/CC or
SG/CD) may also be used if one with the API
CERTIFICATION MARK cannot be found. An
ILSAC grade GF-II oil can also be used.
Mineral based or synthetic type oils may beused in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils must
however, meet the API quality and SAE vis-
cosity ratings specified for your vehicle. Do not
mix mineral based and synthetic type oils in
the engine at the same time.
Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.Oil viscosityThe engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is impor-
tant that the engine oil viscosity be selected
based on the temperatures at which the ve-
hicle will be operated before the next oil
change. The chart recommended SAE viscos-
ity number shows the recommended oil vis-
cosities for the expected ambient tempera-
tures. Choosing an oil viscosity other than that
recommended could cause serious engine
damage.Selecting the correct oil filterYour new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine Nissan oil filter. When replac-
STI0077
10-6
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ing, use the genuine oil filter or its equivalent
for the reason described in change intervals.Change intervalsThe oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than
the specified quality, or oil and filter change
intervals longer than recommended could re-
duce engine life. Damage to engines caused
by improper maintenance or use of incorrect
oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the new Nissan vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have to
change the oil before the first recommended
change interval. Oil and filter change intervals
depend upon how you use your vehicle. Op-
eration under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes.
Ð repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,
Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,
Ð towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE OIL
VISCOSITY NUMBER
SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
temperatures. SAE 10W-30 viscosity oil
may be used if the ambient temperature is
above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
TI0008-A
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ENGINE
Model VG33E
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 6-cylinder, V-slanted at 60É
Bore´Stroke in (mm) 3.602´3.268 (91.5´83.0)
Displacement
cu in (cm
3)199.84 (3,275)
Firing order 1-2-3-4-5-6*1
Idle speed rpm
See the ªEmission control
labelº on the underside of the
hood. Ignition timing (BTDC)
degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed
[No air] %
Spark plug FR4AP-10 (Hot)
FR5AP-10 (Standard)
FR6AP-10 (Cold)
Spark plug gap in (mm) 0.039 (1.0)
Camshaft operation Timing belt*2
Alternator belt size
Width´Length
in (mm)0.8409´41.93 (21.36´1,065)
*2: Periodic maintenance is necessary. See ªPeriodic maintenanceº in the ª9.
Maintenanceº section for maintenance intervals.
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of
the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
TI0001-A
SPECIFICATIONS
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When planning to travel in another country,
you should first find out if the fuel available is
suitable for your vehicle's engine.
Using fuel with too low an octane rating
may cause engine damage. All gasoline
vehicles can be operated with unleaded
gasoline. Therefore, avoid taking your ve-
hicle to areas where appropriate fuel is not
available.
When transferring the registration of your
vehicle to another country, state, province
or district,it may be necessary to modify the
vehicle to meet local laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle
emission control and safety standards vary
according to the country, state, province or
district; therefore, vehicle specifications may
differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into an-
other country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, transpor-
tation and registration are the responsibil-
ity of the user. NISSAN is not responsible
for any inconvenience that may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (VIN) PLATEThe vehicle identification number plate is at-
tached as shown. This number is the identifi-
cation for your vehicle and is used in the
vehicle registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (Chassis number)
STI0095
STI0089
WHEN TRAVELING OR
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE IN
ANOTHER COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
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ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERThe number is stamped on the engine as
shown.
F.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION LABELThe Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(F.M.V.S.S.) certification label is affixed as
shown. This label contains valuable vehicle
information, such as: Gross Vehicle Weight
Ratings (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR), month and year of manufacture,
Vehicle Identification Number, (VIN), etc. Re-
view it carefully.
EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABELThe emission control information label is at-
tached as shown.
STI0094
STI0096
STI0097
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Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place addi-
tional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
Information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required should be ob-
tained from your Nissan dealer. He can obtain
aNissan Trailer Towing Guidefor you.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. The total trailer load
equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
IWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lb (454
kg) or more, trailers with a brake system
MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing Load Speci-
fication Chart.
The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and
cargo) plus the total trailer load. Towing loads
greater than these or using improper towing
equipment could adversely affect vehicle han-
dling, braking and performance.Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures is not covered by NISSAN warran-
ties.
Information on trailer towing and re-quired towing equipment should be ob-
tained from dealers who specialize in
providing trailers or other towing
equipment.
Tongue loadKeep the tongue load between 9 to 11% of the
total trailer load within the maximum tongue
load limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specifications Chart. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow
for proper tongue load.
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILER
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braking performance will be somewhat differ-
ent than under normal driving conditions.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
IAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if you
must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped
with automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission selector lever
into the P position. If you move the selector
lever to the P position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not stay in1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH
(56 km/h).
IIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
ITrailer towing requires more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule.
When towing a trailer, change oil in the
transmission more frequently. See the
Maintenance Schedule.Your NISSAN is covered by the following
emission warranties.
For US:
1) Emission Defects Warranty
2) Emissions Performance Warranty
For CANADA:
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty In-
formation and Maintenance Log Booklet which
comes with your NISSAN. If you did not re-
ceive a Warranty Information and Mainte-
nance Log Booklet or it becomes lost, you may
obtain a replacement by writing.
INissan North America, Inc. Consumer Af-
fairs Department P.O. Box 191 Gardena.
CA 90248-0191
INissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY
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