9 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ................ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ...................................................... 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation.................... 9-6
Recommended SAE oil viscosity number.................. 9-7
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ............................................................. 9-7
Specifications.......................................................................... 9-9
Engine ................................................................................. 9-9
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 9-11
Dimensions and weights.............................................. 9-11
When traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country.................................................................................... 9-12
Vehicle identification ........................................................... 9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ................ 9-12
Vehicle identification number (Chassis
number) ............................................................................ 9-12
Engine serial number .................................................... 9-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ....................................... 9-13
Emission control information label ............................ 9-13
Tire and Loading Information label............................ 9-14
Air conditioner specification label ............................. 9-14Vehicle loading information ............................................... 9-14
Terms ................................................................................ 9-14
Vehicle load capacity.................................................... 9-15
Securing the load .......................................................... 9-16
Loading tips .................................................................... 9-17
Vehicle load capacity.................................................... 9-17
Measurement of weights ............................................. 9-17
Towing a trailer .................................................................... 9-18
Maximum load limits ...................................................... 9-18
Towing load/specification chart ................................. 9-20
Towing safety.................................................................. 9-20
Flat towing ....................................................................... 9-22
Uniform tire quality grading ......................................... 9-23
Emission control system warranty ................................... 9-24
Reporting safety defects (US only) ................................ 9-24
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ................................................................................ 9-25
Event data recorders ......................................................... 9-26
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information ... 9-27
In the event of a collision ............................................ 9-27
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Manual transmission— — — API GL-4 Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Differential gear oil (exc. LSD)— — — API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90*1
Limited-slip differential (LSD) gear oil — — —Only LSD gear oil:
API GL-5 and SAE 80W-90*1 approved for Nissan LSD*2
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Nissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*6
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*5
All-mode 4WD transfer fluidNissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*6
Transfer fluidNissan Matic “D” (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*6 or API GL-4 Viscosity SAE 75W-90
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent
DOT 3 (U.S. F.M.V.S.S. No. 116)
Propeller shaft grease— — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Multi-purpose grease— — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*4
Air conditioning system lubricants———Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent*4
*1: For hot areas, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0°C (32°F).
*2: Contact your NISSAN dealer for a list of approved oils.
*3: Available in mainland U.S. through your NISSAN dealer.
*4: See “Vehicle identification” later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
*5: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TMor equivalent ATF may also be used.
*6: Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TM
or equivalent may also be used. Outside the continental U.S. and Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for more information regarding
suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
Technical and consumer information
9-3
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
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 reduce 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. Operation under
the following conditions may require more fre-
quent oil and filter changes.
— repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,
— driving in dusty conditions,
— extensive idling,
— towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE OIL
VISCOSITY NUMBER
SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30,
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (−18°C).AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONSThe air conditioning system in this NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or the exact
equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerants or
lubricants will cause severe damage to
the air conditioning system and will re-
quire the replacement of all air condi-
tioning system components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle will not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect
the earth’s atmosphere, certain governmental
regulations require the recovery and recycling of
any refrigerant during automotive air condition-
TI1028-C
Technical and consumer information
9-7
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
ing system service. Your NISSAN dealer has the
trained technicians and equipment needed to
recover and recycle your air conditioning system
refrigerant.
Contact your NISSAN dealer when servicing
your air conditioning system.9-8
Technical and consumer information
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION
LABELThe cold tire pressure is shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
AIR CONDITIONER SPECIFICATION
LABELThe air conditioner specification label is at-
tached as shown.
WARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously in-
jured or killed.
Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.TERMSIt is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:
CurbWeight (actual weight of your vehicle) -
vehicle weight including: standard and op-
tional equipment, fluids, emergency tools,
and spare tire assembly. This weightdoes
notinclude passengers and cargo.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curbweight
plus the combined weight of passengers and
cargo.
STI0370A
STI0229
VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION
9-14
Technical and consumer information
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
LOADING TIPSThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the FMVSS Certifi-
cation Label located on the driver’s door
center pillar.
Do not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
Loads should be spread out, and cargo
should be properly secured. Large or heavy
objects should be placed toward the front of
the cargo area to help prevent sliding or
shifting.
WARNING
Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
Do not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles.This could result in loss of control
and cause personal injury.
Overloading not only could shorten
the life of your vehicle and the tires,
but also could lead to hazardous ve-
hicle handling and long braking dis-
tance. This may cause a premature
tire malfunction, which could result in
a serious accident and personal in-
jury. Malfunctions caused by over-
loading are not covered by your
NISSAN warranty.
VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITYThe vehicle load capacity is the maximum total
weight of passengers, optional equipment (air
conditioning, trailer hitch, etc.) and cargo that
your vehicle is designed to carry.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you
do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for your vehicle. See “Vehicle loading
information” earlier in this section for details.Also check tires for proper inflation pressures.
Vehicle Load Weight Capacity Unit: lb(kg)
VQ35DE
2WD 4WD
Automatic and
Manual Trans-
missionAutomatic and
Manual Trans-
mission
XE, SE, LE
US 980 (445) 970 (440)
Canada — 945 (430)
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTSSecure loose items to prevent weight shifts that
could affect the balance of your vehicle. When
the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale and weight
the front and the rear wheels separately to
determine axle loads. Individual axle loads
should not exceed either of the gross axle weight
ratings (GAWR). The total of the axle loads
should not exceed the gross vehicle weight
rating (GVWR). These ratings are given on the
vehicle certification label that is located on the
driver’s door lock pillar. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to bring all
weights below the ratings.Technical and consumer information
9-17
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not stay in
1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH (56
km/h).
If 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 con-
trol to high and setting the temperature con-
trol to the HOT position.
Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(805 km).
Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended Main-
tenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance fluid”.
When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, makea larger than normal turning radius during the
turn.
Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal passing.
Remember the length of the trailer must also
pass the other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.
To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
sixth gear (manual transmission) or fifth posi-
tion (automatic transmission).
Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking ef-
ficiency.
When towing a trailer, the transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-quently. For additional information, see
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWINGTowing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a ve-
hicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION
Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.
Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never backward.
DO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground (flat towing). Doing so
WILL DAMAGE internal transmission
parts due to lack of transmission lu-
brication.
For emergency towing procedures re-
fer to “Towing Recommended by
9-22
Technical and consumer information
04.3.9/R50-D/V5
ment, toll-free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1
(1-800-647-7261). In Hawaii call
(808) 836-0888.
Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in what
is called the ready condition for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usu-
ally, the ready condition can be obtained by
ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a not ready condition. Before taking the
I/M test, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition.
If you cannot or do not want to perform the
driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it
for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions, and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle until
the engine coolant temperature gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal operat-
ing temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h),
then quickly release the accelerator pedal
completely and keep it released for at least 6
seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least 5
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle. Leave the engine running.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 3 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission gear
shift lever in the “P” or “N” position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10.Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the engine
until step 7 is completed.READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)
Technical and consumer information
9-25
04.3.9/R50-D/V5