10-4Technical and consumer information
contain no more than 10% oxyge-
nate. (MTBE may, however, be added
up to 15%.)
. E-15 fuel contains more than 10%
oxygenate. E-15 fuel will adversely
affect the emission control devices
and systems of the vehicle and
should not be used. Damage caused
by such fuel is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
. If a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable
amount of appropriate cosolvents
and corrosion inhibitors. If not prop-
erly formulated with appropriate
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors,
such methanol blends may cause
fuel system damage and/or vehicle
performance problems. At this time,
sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are
suitable for use in NISSAN vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems
such as engine stalling or hard hot
starting are experienced after using oxy-
genate-blend fuels, immediately change
to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a
low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refueling. Gasoline containing oxyge-
nates can cause paint damage.
E-15 fuel
E-15 fuel is a mixture of approximately
15% fuel ethanol and 85% unleaded gaso-
line. E-15 can only be used in vehicles
designed to run on E-15 fuel. Do not use E-
15 in your vehicle. U.S. government reg-
ulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified with small, square,
orange and black label with the common
abbreviation or the appropriate percen-
tage for that region.
E-85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately
85% fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded gaso-
line. E-85 can only be used in a Flexible
Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do not use E-85 fuel in
your vehicle. U.S. government regulations
require fuel ethanol dispensing pumps to
be identified by a small, square, orange
and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
Fuel containing MMT
MMT, or methylcyclopentadienyl manga-
nese tricarbonyl, is an octane boosting
additive. NISSAN does not recommend
the use of fuel containing MMT. Such fuel
may adversely affect vehicle perfor-
mance, including the emissions control
system. Note that while some fuel pumps
label MMT content, not all do, so you may
have to consult your gasoline retailer for
more details.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any aftermarket fuel additives (Example:
fuel injector cleaner, octane booster, in-
take valve deposit removers, etc.) which
are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or
deposit removal may contain active sol-
vent or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended above
can cause persistent, heavy spark
knock. (Spark knock is a metallic rap-
ping noise.) If severe, this can lead to
engine damage. If you detect a persis-
tent 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, it is recommended you have a
NISSAN dealer correct the condition.
Failure to correct the condition is mis-
use 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 con-
sumption or damage to the engine. If any
of the above symptoms are encountered,
have your vehicle checked. It is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for
servicing.
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.
JVT0342X
API certification markAPI service symbol
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance,
see “Capacities and recommended fluids/
lubricants” (P.10-2). 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) certifi-
cation or International Lubricant Standar-dization and Approval Committee (ILSAC)
certification and SAE viscosity standard.
These oils have the API certification 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 necessary when the proper oil type is
used and maintenance intervals are fol-
lowed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or
has been previously used should not be
used.
Technical and consumer information10-5
10-6Technical and consumer information
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 tem-
peratures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change.
Choosing an oil viscosity other than that
recommended could cause serious en-
gine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use the genuine 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. 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 cov-
ered by the new NISSAN vehicle limited
warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do nothave to change the oil before the first
recommended change interval. Oil and
filter change intervals depend upon how
you use your vehicle.
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM RE-
FRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT RE-
COMMENDATIONS
The air conditioning system in your
NISSAN vehicle must be charged with
the refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) and
the lubricant, NISSAN A/C system oil
Type S or the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or
lubricant may cause severe damage
to the air conditioning system and
may require the replacement of all
air conditioner 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 refrig-
erant during automotive air conditioning
system service. Your NISSAN dealer has
the trained technicians and equipment
needed to recover and recycle your air conditioning system refrigerant.
It is recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer when servicing your air condition-
ing system.
ENGINE
ModelVK56VD
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 8-cylinder, V-slanted at 90°
Bore × Stroke in (mm)3.858 × 3.622 (98 × 92)
Displacement cu in (cm
3)338.78 (5,552)
Firing order 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2
Idle speed rpm
See the emission control information
label on the underside of the hood.
Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.) degree/rpm
Spark plug StandardDILKAR7B11
Spark plug gap (Normal) in (mm)0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain
This spark ignition system complies with the Canadian standard ICES-002.STI0397B
Technical and consumer information10-7
SPECIFICATIONS
10-10Technical and consumer information
If you plan 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 must be operated with unleaded
gasoline. Therefore, avoid taking your
vehicle 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 stan-
dards vary according to the country,
state, province or district; therefore, vehi-
cle 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.
STI0431
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.
STI0708
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)
The number is stamped as shown.
WHEN TRAVELING OR REGISTERING
IN ANOTHER COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
STI0709
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The number is stamped on the engine as
shown.
STI0448
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION
LABEL
The Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards (F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.)
certification label is affixed as shown. This
label contains valuable vehicle informa-
tion, such as: Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ings (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR), month and year of manufacture,
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), etc.
Review it carefully.
STI0738
EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION
LABEL
The emission control information label is
attached as shown.
Technical and consumer information10-11
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely
affect vehicle handling, braking and
performance and may lead to acci-
dents.
CAUTION
.Do not tow a trailer or haul a
heavy load for the first 500 miles
(800 km). Your engine, axle or
other parts could be damaged.
. For the first 500 miles (800 km)
that you tow a trailer, do not drive
over 50 MPH (80 km/h) and do
not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be
used primarily to carry passengers and
cargo. Remember that towing a trailer
places additional loads on your vehicle’s
engine, drivetrain, steering, braking and
other systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available on the website at
www.nissanusa.com. This guide includes
information on trailer towing capability
and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to
exceed the value specified in the “Towing
load/specification” (P.10-21). The total trai-
ler load equals trailer weight plus its
cargo weight.
.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500
lbs (1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a
brake system MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) should not exceed the
value specified in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart.
STI0541
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 ad-
versely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer
is not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level high-
way driving may have to be reduced on
very steep grades or for low traction
situations (for example, on slippery boat
ramps).
Temperature conditions can also affect
Technical and consumer information10-17
TOWING A TRAILER
10-18Technical and consumer information
towing. For example, towing a heavy
trailer in high outside temperatures on
graded roads can affect engine perfor-
mance and cause overheating. The trans-
mission high fluid temperature and
engine protection mode, which helps
reduce the chance of transmission and
engine damage, could activate and auto-
matically decrease engine power. Vehicle
speed may decrease under high load.
Plan your trip carefully to account for
trailer and vehicle load, weather and road
conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced
engine power and vehicle speed.
The reduced speed may be lower
than other traffic, which could in-
crease the chance of a collision. Be
especially careful when driving. If the
vehicle cannot maintain a safe driv-
ing speed, pull to the side of the road
in a safe area. Allow the engine to
cool and return to normal operation.
See “If your vehicle overheats” (P.6-
14).
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures is not
covered by NISSAN warranties.
STI0542
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load
between 10 to 15% of the total trailer load
or use the trailer tongue load specified by
the trailer manufacturer. The tongue load
must be within the maximum tongue
load limits shown in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. If the tongue
load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo
to allow for proper tongue load.