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

cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
c Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
c Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
c Use a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
c Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
c Keep your engine tuned up.
c Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
c Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
c Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Im-
proper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
c Air conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary. c
When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
c Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
See “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion” in “Technical and consumer informa-
tion” later in this manual.
INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving5-17
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.........9-2
Fuel recommendation ...........................9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ...........9-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number ............9-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ......................9-6
Specifications .....................................9-7
Engine ........................................9-7
Wheels and tires ...............................9-8
Dimensions and weights ........................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ...................................9-9
Vehicle identification ...............................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ..........9-9
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ...............................9-9
Engine serial number ........................... 9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ....................9-10
Emission control information label ...............9-11Tire and loading information label
................9-11
Air conditioner specification label ................9-11
Installing front license plate ........................9-12
Vehicle loading information ........................9-12
Terms ........................................ 9-12
Determining vehicle load capacity ...............9-13
Loading tips .................................. 9-13
Towing a trailer ................................... 9-14
Maximum load limits ........................... 9-14
Towing load/specification chart .................9-15
Towing safety ................................. 9-15
Flat towing .................................... 9-18
Uniform tire quality grading ........................9-19
Emission control system warranty ..................9-20
Reporting safety defects (US only) .................9-20
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test .....9-21
Event data recorders .............................. 9-22
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-23 In the event of a collision .......................9-24
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/29/04Ðtbrooks
X

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
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

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
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima
(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

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 warranty.
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:c repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
c driving in dusty conditions
c extensive idling
c towing a trailer
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 LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
NISSAN A/C system oil DH-PS or the exact
equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or lubri-
cant will cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and will require the
replacement 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
9-6Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
06/28/04Ðtbrooks
X

Chimes, audible reminders...........2-15
Cigarette lighter and ashtray ..........2-28
Cleaning exterior and interior ..........7-2
Clock ........... .4-28, 4-32, 4-38, 4-42
(models with navigation system) ......4-8
Clock set Control panel buttons ............4-8
Clutch Clutch fluid ................ .8-16
Cold weather driving ............. .5-22
Console box .................. .2-31
Control panel buttons With navigation system ...........4-2
Controls Heater and air conditioner
controls ............... .4-12, 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 ................. .5-15
Cup holders .................. .2-30
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ................. .2-23
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch .............. .2-20
Dimensions and weights .............9-8
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 ............5-22
Driving with automatic transmission .....5-7
Driving with manual transmission .....5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel ................ .5-17
Emission control information label .......9-11
Emission control system warranty .......9-20
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 viscosity ............. .9-5
Engine serial number ............9-10
Engine specifications .............9-7
Starting the engine ............. .5-6
Engine oil pressure gauge ............2-9
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light .........2-12English/Metric button
..............4-8
Control panel buttons ............4-8
ENTER button ................. .4-2
Enter button Control panel buttons ............4-2
Event data recorders ............. .9-22
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ........5-2
Eyeglass case ................. .2-30
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) ......2-25
Flat tire ..................... .6-2
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-4
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) .....1-40
Front seats ................... .1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ................ .9-2
Fuel economy ............... .5-17
Fuel filler cap ............... .3-12
10-2
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
07/09/04Ðtbrooks
X

Headlight and turn signal switch......2-21
Interior light ................ .2-39
Light bulbs ................. .8-30
Low washer fluid warning light .......2-13
Passenger air bag and status light .....1-42
Security indicator light ...........1-42
Spotlights (See map light) .........2-40
Trunk light ................. .2-41
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ................. .2-11
Lights Map lights ................. .2-40
Lock Child safety rear door lock ..........3-5
Door locks ................. .3-3
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever .......3-12
Glove box lock .............. .2-31
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 ...........1-16Under the hood and vehicle
.........8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ........2-14
Manual front seat adjustment ..........1-2
Map lights ................... .2-40
Map pocket .................. .2-29
Meters and gauges ............... .2-3
Instrument brightness control .......2-24
Mirror Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .....3-15
Inside mirror ................ .3-15
Outside mirrors .............. .3-16
Vanity mirror ................ .3-15
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system) .......3-5
N
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS) . .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 pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light .......2-12 Engine oil viscosity
............. .9-5
Outside mirrors ................ .3-16
Overheat If your vehicle overheats ...........6-8
Owner’s manual order form ..........9-23
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information ................... .9-23
P
Parking Parking brake check ............8-25
Parking brake operation ..........5-14
Parking/parking on hills ...........5-18
Power Power door locks .............. .3-4
Power outlet ................ .2-27
Power rear windows ............2-37
Power steering fluid ............ .8-15
Power steering system ...........5-19
Power windows .............. .2-36
Rear power windows ............2-37
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 ................... .1-33
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
10-4
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima(l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
07/09/04Ðtbrooks
X

RECOMMENDED FUEL:
For 2.5L engine
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
For 3.5L engine
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
For improved performance, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of unleaded premium gasoline
with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI number
(Research octane number 96) .
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect the
warranty coverage.
c Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
For additional information, see “Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants in the “Technical
and consumer information” section.
RECOMMENDED ENGINE OIL:
c API Certification Mark
c API grade SG/SH Energy Conservin gI&II
or API grade SJ or SL Energy Conserving
c ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III
c 5W-30 Viscosity preferred
See “Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” in
the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.
TIRE COLD PRESSURE:
See tire placard.
RECOMMENDED NEW VEHICLE
BREAK-IN PROCEDURE:
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of vehicle
use, follow the recommendations outlined in the
“BREAK-IN SCHEDULE” information found in
the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Follow these recommendations for the future re-
liability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure
to follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Altima (l30)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English (nna)
07/09/04Ðtbrooks
X