Page 215 of 604

the vehicle when refueling.
. Do not attempt to top off the fuel
tank after the fuel pump nozzle
shuts off automatically. Contin-
ued refueling may cause fuel
overflow, resulting in fuel spray
and possibly a fire.
. Use only an original equipment
type fuel-filler cap as a replace-
ment. It has a built-in safety valve
needed for proper operation of
the fuel system and emission
control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunc-
tion and possible injury. It could
also cause the malfunction indi-
cator light to come on.
. Never pour fuel into the throttle
body to attempt to start your
vehicle.
. Do not fill a portable fuel contain-
er in the vehicle or trailer. Static
electricity can cause an explosion
of flammable liquid, vapor or gas
in any vehicle or trailer. To reduce
the risk of serious injury or death
when filling portable fuel contain-
ers:
— Always place the container on
the ground when filling. — Do not use electronic devices
when filling.
— Keep the pump nozzle in con- tact with the container while
you are filling it.
— Use only approved portable fuel containers for flammable
liquid.
CAUTION
. If fuel is spilled on the vehicle
body, flush it away with water to
avoid paint damage.
. Insert the cap straight into the
fuel-filler tube, then tighten until
the fuel-filler cap clicks. Failure to
tighten the fuel-filler cap properly
may cause the
malfunction
indicator light (MIL) to illuminate.
If the
light illuminates be-
cause the fuel-filler cap is loose
or missing, tighten or install the
cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn
off after a few driving trips. If the
light does not turn off after a
few driving trips, have the vehicle
inspected. It is recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
. The Loose Fuel Cap warning will
appear if the fuel-filler cap is not
properly tightened. It may take a
few driving trips for the message
to be displayed. Failure to tighten
the fuel-filler cap properly after
the Loose Fuel Cap warning ap-
pears may cause the
Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL) to
illuminate.
Turn the cap counterclockwise to re-
move. To tighten, turn the cap clockwise
until a single click is heard.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-27
Page 459 of 604

TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels. It is recommended you consult a
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads,
studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian provinces
prohibit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded
tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of
studded snow tires, on wet or dry
surfaces, may be poorer than that of
non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains” (P.8-35).
For four-wheel drive
If you install snow tires, they must also be
the same size, brand, construction and
tread pattern on all four wheels.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following
items be carried in the vehicle during
winter:
.A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to
remove ice and snow from the win-
dows and wiper blades.
. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of
snowdrifts.
. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
. Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing
rain), very cold snow or ice can be
slick and very hard to drive on.
The vehicle will have much less
traction or “grip” under these
conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted
or sanded. .
Whatever the condition, drive
with caution. Accelerate and slow
down with care. If accelerating or
downshifting too fast, the drive
wheels will lose even more trac-
tion.
. Allow more stopping distance
under these conditions. Braking
should be started sooner than on
dry pavement.
. Allow greater following distances
on slippery roads.
. Watch for slippery spots (glare
ice). These may appear on an
otherwise clear road in shaded
areas. If a patch of ice is seen
ahead, brake before reaching it.
Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
. Do not use the cruise control on
slippery roads.
. Snow can trap dangerous ex-
haust gases under your vehicle.
Keep snow clear of the exhaust
pipe and from around your vehi-
cle.
Starting and driving5-147
Page 560 of 604

10-6Technical and consumer information
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.
Page 562 of 604
10-8Technical and consumer information
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
SPECIFICATIONS