Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number. How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline 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
Nebraska, 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 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 a NISSAN 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 and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or enginedamage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
9-4Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/20/02Ðcathy
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