oil type NISSAN ALTIMA 2005 L31 / 3.G Owners Manual

Theindicates that the fuel filler lid is
located on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
CAUTION
c If the vehicle runs out of fuel,
the
malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon as
possible. After a few driving trips,
the
lamp should turn off. If the
lamp remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer.
c For additional information, see “Mal-
function indicator lamp (MIL)” later in
this section.
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running.
When the engine speed is high, the engine oil
pressure is also high. When it is low, the gauge
indicates the low oil pressure.
CAUTION
cThis gauge is not designed to indicate
low engine oil level. Use the dipstick to
check the oil level. (See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.) c
If the gauge needle does not move with
the proper amount of engine oil, have
the vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer. Continued vehicle operation in
such a condition could cause serious
damage to the engine.
Type A
LIC0749
Type B
LIC0752
Instruments and controls2-9
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5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oillevel. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) marks
sB. This is the normal oper-
ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark
sA, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
opening. Do not overfill
sC. 6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Op-
erating the engine with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine, and
such damage is not covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature, then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap by turning it coun- terclockwise.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
Type A
WDI0213
Type B
WDI0214
QR25DE
WDI0215
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Platinum-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace platinum-tipped
spark plugs as frequently as conventional type
spark plugs because they last much longer. Fol-
low the maintenance schedule, but do not reuse
the spark plugs by cleaning or regapping.c Always replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch are
off and that the parking brake is engaged
securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to re-
move the spark plugs. An incorrect socket
can damage the spark plugs.
QR25DE
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the engine cover.
3. Remove the coil pack bolt.
4. Remove the coil pack/spark plug boot from
the spark plug.
5. Remove the spark plugs with a spark plug socket.
The plug socket has a rubber seal that holds
the spark plug so it does not fall when it is
pulled out. Make sure each spark plug is
snugly fitted into the spark plug socket. 6. Fit the new plugs, one at a time, into the
spark plug socket and install them. Use
only the specified spark plugs. Turn
each plug several full turns by hand, then
tighten with the spark plug socket to the
correct torque. Do not overtighten.
Spark plug tightening torque: 14 - 22 ft-lb (20 - 29 N·m)
7. Install the coil pack/spark plug boot on the spark plug by pushing it on until you feel a
snap.
8. Install the coil pack bolt. Coil pack tightening torque: 48 - 65 in-lb (5.4 - 7.3 N·m)
9. Install the engine cover.
10. Connect the negative battery cable.
VQ35DE
If replacement is required, please see your
NISSAN dealer for assistance.
WDI0005
SPARK PLUGS
8-20Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 75.6 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *9 Drain and RefillWith oil filter change QR25DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.2
• API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II, or GF-III*2 *3
VQ35DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.2
Without oil filter
change QR25DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
VQ35DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
Cooling system With reservoir QR25DE 2 gal 1-5/8 gal 7.6 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
VQ35DE 2-1/8 gal 1-3/4 gal 8.2
Manual transmission gear oil 2-3/8 qt 2 qt 2.2 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level according to the
instructions in the “Maintenance and do-
it-yourself” section.
4 Speed
Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid.*4
5 Speed Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF *5
Power steering fluid (PSF) Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*6
Brake and clutch fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*7 or equivalent DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*8
Air conditioning system lubricants — — — NISSAN A/C System Lubricant Type S (DH-PS) or equivalent*8
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: For further details, see “Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.”
*4: DEXRON™ III/MERCON™ or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a NISSAN dealership for more informa tion regarding suitable fluids, including recommended
brand(s) of DEXRON™ III/MERCON™ Automatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic K ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission du rability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle warranty.
*6: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ III/MERCON™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
*7: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*8: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*9: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose engine oil with the cor-
rect quality and viscosity to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. NISSAN recom-
mends the use of a low friction oil (energy con-
serving oil) in order to improve fuel economy and
conserve energy. Oils which do not have the
specified quality label should not be used as they
could cause engine damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Petro-
leum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION MARK onthe front of the container should be used. This
type of oil supersedes the existing API SG, SH, or
SJ and Energy Conserving II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the API CERTI-
FICATION MARK, use API grade SL Energy
Conserving oil. An oil with a single designation
SL, or in combination with other categories (for
example, SL/CF) may also be used if one with the
API CERTIFICATION MARK cannot be found. An
ILSAC grade GF-III oil can also be used.
NISSAN recommends mineral based oils. These
oils must, however, meet the API quality and SAE
viscosity ratings specified for your vehicle.
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”.
WTI0082
Technical and consumer information9-5
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(l30)
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Traction control system (TCS) off
switch................... .2-27
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-19
T
Tachometer ................... .2-7
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-8
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light .......2-12
Theft (Nissan vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start ............. .2-17, 3-2, 5-5
Three-way catalyst ............... .5-2
Tire Flat tire ................... .6-2
Spare tire ............... .6-3, 8-48
Tire chains ................. .8-45
Tire placard ................ .9-11
Tire pressure ............... .8-38
Tire rotation ................ .8-46
Types of tires ............... .8-45
Uniform tire quality grading .........9-19
Wheels and tires ............. .8-38
Wheel/tire size ............... .9-8
Top tether strap child restraint .........1-25
Towing Flat towing ................. .9-18
Tow truck towing .............. .6-9
Towing load/specification chart ......9-15
Trailer towing ............... .9-14
Traction control system (TCS) off switch . . .2-27
Transceiver HomeLink TUniversal Transceiver .....2-41 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 ................... .2-41
Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch) ........... .2-21, 2-24
U
Uniform tire quality grading ...........9-19
V
Vanity mirror .................. .3-15
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
Vehicle security system .............2-16Vehicle 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 .........1-48, 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 low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light .......2-12
Hazard warning flasher switch .......2-25
Low fuel warning light ...........2-13
Low washer fluid warning light .......2-13
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-42
Seat belt warning light ...........2-13
Vehicle security system ...........2-16
Warning labels (for SRS) ..........1-47
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 ............... .8-38
Wheel/tire size ................. .9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ................. .9-9
Window washer fluid ............. .8-16
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