2006 NISSAN ALTIMA engine oil

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality
and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. See9Capacities
and recommended fuel/lubricants9earlier in this
section. NISSAN recommends the use of an
energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel
economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and ApprovalCommittee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label should not
be used as they could cause engine damage.Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance 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
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. The chart “Rec-
ommended SAE viscosity number” shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the expected
ambient temperatures. Choosing an oil viscosity
other than that recommended could cause seri-
ous engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described 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. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
WTI0082
Technical and consumer information9-5
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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 frequent oil and filter changes:
crepeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
cdriving in dusty conditions
cextensive idling
ctowing a trailer
cstop and go commuting
Refer to the9NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide9for the maintenance schedule.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE
10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (-18°C) .
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil, NISSAN
A/C system oil Type S or the exact equiva-
lents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replace-
ment of all air conditioner 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 regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
ATI1028
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cAlways 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 an
automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, and
then move the transmission shift selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion before blocking the wheels and applying
the parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen 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 over-
loading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
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.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .cFor the first 500 miles that you do tow, do
not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds 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 sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive
(automatic transmission) .
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
9-20Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
Active head restraint...............1-8
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system). .1-34
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system).................1-41
Air bag warning light...........1-49, 2-13
Air cleaner housing filter............8-21
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation..........4-15
Air conditioner service...........4-22
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-11, 4-20
Servicing air conditioner..........4-22
Air flow charts..................4-16
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-16
Anchor point locations.............1-26
Antenna.....................4-41
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-19
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-11
Armrests.....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-15
Audio system..................4-23
AM-FM-SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer................4-35
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-38FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-30
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-25
Radio....................4-23
Autolight switch.................2-22
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-39
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-13
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-14
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-10
B
Battery......................8-17
Charge warning light............2-12
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-19
Booster seats..................1-29
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-19
Brake booster................8-26
Brake fluid..................8-15
Brake light (See stop light).........8-32
Brake pedal.................8-25
Brake system................5-18
Brake warning light.............2-12
Brake wear indicators........2-15, 8-26Parking brake check............8-25
Parking brake operation..........5-14
Self-adjusting brakes............8-26
Break-in schedule................5-16
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-24
Brightness/Contrast button..........4-10
Control panel buttons...........4-10
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-11
Bulb replacement................8-32
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-41
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-40
CD changer (See audio system)........4-38
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-25
Child restraints.......1-11, 1-12, 1-17, 1-24
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-17, 1-29
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-26
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-15
Cigarette lighter and ashtray..........2-29
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock............4-26, 4-30, 4-36, 4-40
(models with navigation system)......4-8
Clock set
Control panel buttons............4-8
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Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-16
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-21
Console box...................2-33
Control panel buttons..............4-2
Controls
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-11, 4-20
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-8
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-14
Cup holders...................2-32
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-24
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-20
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-24
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-12
Drive belts....................8-19
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-21
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7Driving with manual transmission.....5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-16
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-8
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-12
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-6
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-9
English/Metric button..............4-8
Control panel buttons............4-8
ENTER button..................4-2
Enter button
Control panel buttons............4-2
Event data recorders..............9-24
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2Eyeglass case..................2-31
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-26
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-13
Brake fluid..................8-15
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-16
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Power steering fluid.............8-15
Window washer fluid............8-16
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-25
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-41
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-16
Fuel gauge..................2-8
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-12
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-12
Fuel consumption gauge............2-10
FUEL ECON button...............4-4
10-2
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Fuel Econ button
Control panel buttons............4-4
Fuses......................8-26
Fusible links...................8-27
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-43
Gascap.....................3-12
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-8
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-9
Fuel consumption gauge..........2-10
Fuel gauge..................2-8
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-7
Trip computer.................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
Voltmeter..................2-10
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-33
Glove box lock.................2-33
Grocery hooks.................2-36
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-26
Head restraints..................1-7
Active head restraint.............1-8
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-21
Headlight control switch............2-21
Heated seats..................2-27Heater
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-11, 4-20
Heater operation...........4-14, 4-21
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-43
Hood release...................3-9
Horn.......................2-26
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-17, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-21
Increasing fuel economy............5-16
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-11
Inside mirror...................3-15
Instrument brightness control.........2-24
Instrument panel.................2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-24
Interior light...................2-41
Interior trunk lid release.............3-11
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-24
J
Jump starting...................6-6
K
Key ........................3-2Keyfob battery replacement..........8-29
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-48
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers
for CHildren) System..............1-24
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-49, 2-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-32
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-11
Bulb replacement..............8-32
Charge warning light............2-12
Fog light switch...............2-25
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-21
Headlight control switch..........2-21
Interior light.................2-41
Light bulbs..................8-30
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-13
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-43
Spotlights (See map light).........2-42
Trunk light..................2-43
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-11
10-3
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Lights
Map lights..................2-42
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-12
Glove box lock...............2-33
Power door locks...............3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-10
Low fuel warning light.............2-13
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-13
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maint (maintenance) button
Control panel buttons............4-4
Maint (Maintenance) button, control panel
display.......................4-4
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-16
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-14
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Map lights....................2-42
Map pocket...................2-30
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-24
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-15
Outside mirrors...............3-15Vanity mirror.................3-14
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
N
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-17, 3-2, 5-5
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirrors.................3-15
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats...........6-8
Owner’s manual order form..........9-24
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-24
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-25Parking brake operation..........5-14
Parking/parking on hills...........5-17
Power
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-28
Power rear windows............2-39
Power steering fluid.............8-15
Power steering system...........5-18
Power windows...............2-38
Rear power windows............2-39
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-17, 1-29
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-9
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-34
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
PREV button...................4-3
Prev button
Control panel buttons............4-3
Programmable features...........4-3, 4-6
Push starting...................6-8
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-41
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-38
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-30
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-25
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-23
Rear power windows..............2-39
10-4
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Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-49
Tire chains..................8-47
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-39
Tire rotation.................8-47
Types of tires................8-46
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-21
Wheels and tires..............8-39
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-25
Towing
Flat towing..................9-21
Tow truck towing...............6-9
Towing load/specification.........9-17
Trailer towing................9-16
Traction control system (TCS) off switch . . .2-28
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-43
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-13
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-11
Selector lever lock release.........5-10
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country)......................9-9
TRIP button....................4-4
Trip button
Control panel buttons............4-4
Trip computer...................2-5
Trip odometer...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat.......1-6
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-10
Trunk light....................2-43Turn signal switch................2-25
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-21
V
Vanity mirror...................3-14
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle electronic system............4-7
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number).................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.............6-11, 6-12
Vehicle security system.............2-16
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle
immobilizer system) , engine start . .2-17, 3-2, 5-5
Ventilators....................4-11
Voltmeter....................2-10
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-49, 2-13
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-11
Battery charge warning light........2-12
Brake warning light.............2-12
Door open warning light..........2-12
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-12
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-26Low fuel warning light...........2-13
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-13
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-43
Seat belt warning light...........2-13
Vehicle security system...........2-16
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-48
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-11
Warning lights..................2-11
Washer switch
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-19
Weights (See dimensions and weights). . . .9-8
Wheels and tires................8-39
Wheel/tire size..................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................9-9
Window washer fluid..............8-16
Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-39
Power rear windows............2-39
Power windows...............2-38
Rear power windows............2-39
Windshield wiper and washer switch.....2-19
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-19
Wiper blades................8-24
10-6
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