2000 NISSAN ALTIMA Owners Manual

of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber. However, you may use unleaded gaso-
line with an octane rating as low as 85 AKI
(Anti-Knock Index) number in high altitude
areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)] such as:
Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah,
Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and the 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 severe, 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 an
authorized dealer correct the condition.
Failure to correct the condition is misuse
of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is not
responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or en-
gine damage. If any of the above symptomsare encountered, have your vehicle
checked at an authorized 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
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
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ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose engine oil with 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 conserve en-
ergy. 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
Petroleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should
be used. This type of oil supersedes the
existing API SG, SH, or SJ and Energy
ConservingI&IIcategories.
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 combina-
tion with other categories (for example,
SG/CC or SG/CD) may also be used if one
with the API CERTIFICATION MARK cannotbe found. An ILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II oil
can also be used.
Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils
must however, meet the API quality and
SAE viscosity ratings specified for your ve-
hicle. Do not mix mineral based and syn-
thetic type oils in the engine.
Oil additives
NISSAN 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 viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness
changes with temperature. Because of this,
it is important that the engine oil viscosity be
selected based on the temperatures at
which the vehicle will be operated before
the next oil change. The chart ``Recom-
mended SAE viscosity number'' shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the ex-
pected ambient temperatures. Choosing an
oil viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.
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Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with
a high- quality genuine NISSAN oil filter.
When replacing, use a genuine NISSAN oil
filter or its equivalent for the reason de-
scribed in ``Change intervals''.
Change intervals
The 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 reduce engine life. Damage to the
engine 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 recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend upon how you use
your vehicle. Operation under the following
conditions may require more frequent oil
and filter changes:
Ð repeated short distance driving at cold
outside temperatures,Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,
Ð towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE
VISCOSITY NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred
for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if
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the ambient temperature is above 0ÉF
(-18ÉC).
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in this NIS-
SAN vehicle must be charged with the
refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the
lubricant, NISSAN A/C system oil Type R
or the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or
lubricant will cause severe damage to
the air conditioning system and will
require the replacement of all air con-
ditioner system components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth's
ozone layer. Although this refrigerant does
not affect the earth's atmosphere, certain
government regulations require the recov-
ery and recycling of any refrigerant during
automotive air conditioner system service.
An authorized NISSAN dealer has the
trained technicians and equipment neededto recover and recycle your air conditioner
system refrigerant.
Contact an authorized NISSAN dealer when
servicing your air conditioner system.
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ENGINE
Model KA24DE
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement 4-cylinder, in-line
Bore x Stroke in (mm) 3.504 x 3.780 (89.0 x 96.0)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 145.7 (2,389)
Firing order 1-3-4-2
Idle speed rpm
M/T 700650
A/T (in ``N'' position) 700650
Ignition timing
(degree B.T.D.C. at idle speed)20É62É
CO % at idleIdle mixture screw is preset and
sealed at factory
Spark plugPFR5G-11 (Standard)
PFR6G-11 (Cold)
PFR7G-11 (Cold)
Spark plug gap (Nominal) in (mm) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing Chain
Generator belt size
Width x Length in (mm) 0.8409 x 52.56 (21.36 x 1,335)
The spark ignition system of this ve-
hicle meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference - Causing
Equipment Regulations.
SPECIFICATIONS
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WHEELS AND TIRES
Conventional T type (Spare)
Road wheel
Steel XE, GXE 15 x 6JJ 15 x 4T
Aluminum
SE, GLE, GXE
(1)16 x 6JJ 15 x 4T
Offset in (mm) 1.77 (45) 1.57 (40)
Tire size XE P195/65R15
GXE P205/60R15T
GXE, GLE P205/55R16T T125/70D15
SE P205/55R16H
(1) if so equipped
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Overall length in (mm) 185.7 (4,717)
Overall width in (mm) 69.1 (1,754)
Overall height in (mm) 55.9 (1,420)
Front tread in (mm) 59.3 (1,505)
Rear tread in (mm) 58.9 (1,495)
Wheelbase in (mm) 103.1 (2,620)
Gross vehicle weight rating lb (kg)
See the ``F.M.V.S.S.
certification label'' on
the driver side, center
door pillar. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
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When planning to travel in another coun-
try,you should first find out if the fuel
available is suitable for your vehicle's en-
gine.
Using fuel with an octane rating that is too
low may cause engine damage. All gasoline
vehicles must 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
another country, state, province or dis-
trict and registered, its modifications,
transportation, and registration are the
responsibility of the user. NISSAN is not
responsible for any inconvenience that
may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (VIN) PLATE
The vehicle identification number plate is
attached as shown. This number is the
identification for your vehicle and is used in
the vehicle registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (Chassis number)
The number is stamped as shown.
LTI0003ATI1003
WHEN TRAVELING OR
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE
IN ANOTHER COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
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ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The number is stamped on the engine as
shown.
F.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION
LABEL
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stan-
dards (F.M.V.S.S.) certification label is af-
fixed 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. Review it carefully.
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