engine NISSAN CUBE 2012 3.G Manual Online

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ................... 9-2Fuel recommendation ......................................................... 9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ....................... 9-5
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................................... 9-6
Specifications ........................................................................\
..... 9-7
Engine ........................................................................\
............ 9-7
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 9-7
Dimensions and weights ................................................... 9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ........................................................................\
.. 9-8
Vehicle identification ................................................................. 9-8 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate ..................... 9-8
Vehicle identification number (chassis number) .......... 9-9
Engine serial number .......................................................... 9-9
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ....................... 9-9
Emission control information label ............................... 9-10
Tire and loading information label ................................ 9-10
Air conditioner specification label (if
so equipped) ..................................................................... 9-10 Installing front license plate ................................................ 9-11
Vehicle loading information ................................................. 9-12 Terms ........................................................................\
......... 9-12
Vehicle load capacity .................................................... 9-13
Securing the load .......................................................... 9-14
Loading tips ..................................................................... 9-14
Measurement of weights .............................................. 9-15
Towing a trailer ....................................................................... 9-15
Flat towing ........................................................................\
....... 9-16 Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) ............. 9-16
Manual Transmission ..................................................... 9-16
Uniform tire quality grading ................................................. 9-16 Treadwear ........................................................................\
9-16
Traction AA, A, B and C .............................................. 9-16
Temperature A, B and C .............................................. 9-17
Emission control system warranty ..................................... 9-17
Reporting safety defects ..................................................... 9-18
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test ......... 9-19
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................................. 9-19
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information ..... 9-20

9-2Technical and consumer information
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 13-1/4 gal 11 gal50 See “Fuel recommendation” (P.9-3).
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill With oil filter change 4-3/8 qt 3-5/8 qt4.1
.Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2
. Viscosity SAE 5W-30
Without oil filter change 4 qt3-3/8 qt 3.8
Cooling system
With reservoir CVT model
7-1/2 qt 6-1/4 qt 7.1
Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Blue) or equivalent
MT model 7-1/4 qt6 qt6.8
Reservoir 3/4 qt5/8 qt 0.7
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid —— — Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2*3
Manual Transmission (MT) gear oil —— — API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-80
Brake and clutch fluid Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*4 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease —— — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant —— — HFC-134a (R-134a)*5
Air conditioning system lubricants —— — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid 1-1/4 gal1 gal 4.5Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
*1: For additional information, see “Engine oil” (P.8-9) for changing engine oil.
*2: For additional information, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” (P.9-5).
*3: Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle
limited warranty.
*4: Available in mainland U.S.A. through a NISSAN dealer.
*5: For additional information, see “Vehicle identification” (P.9-8) for air conditioner specification label.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 91).
CAUTION
.Using a fuel other than that speci-
fied could adversely affect the emis-
sion control system, and may also
affect warranty coverage.
. Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because
this will damage the three-way cat-
alyst.
. Do not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle.
Your vehicle is not designed to run
on E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel can
damage the fuel system compo-
nents and is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
Gasoline specifications
NISSAN recommends using gasoline that meets
the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) speci-
fications where it is available. Many of the
automobile manufacturers developed this spe-
cification to improve emission control system
and vehicle performance. Ask your service
station manager if the gasoline meets the
WWFC specifications.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing refor-
mulated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSAN
supports efforts towards cleaner air and sug-
gests that you use reformulated gasoline when
available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and metha-
nol with or without advertising their presence.
NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels
of which the oxygenate content and the fuel
compatibility for your NISSAN cannot be readily
determined. If in doubt, ask your service station
manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take
the following precautions as the usage of such
fuels may cause vehicle performance problems and/or fuel system damage.
.
The fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.
. If an oxygenate-blend, other than
methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
. 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 corro-
sion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated 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 driveability problems such as engine
stalling and difficult hot-starting are experienced
after using oxygenate-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
Technical and consumer information9-3

9-4Technical and consumer information
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygenates
can cause paint damage.
E-85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) . Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square,
orange and black label with the common
abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel
injector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve
deposit removers, etc.) which are sold commer-
cially. Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain active
solvent 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 can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock”. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If
severe, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark knockeven when using gasoline of the stated
octane rating, or if you hear steady spark
knock while holding a steady speed on
level roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct
the condition. Failure to correct the condi-
tion is misuse of the vehicle, for which
NISSAN is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
CAUTION
.
Your vehicle is not designed to run
on E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a
vehicle not specifically designed for
E-85 fuel can damage fuel system
components and is not covered by
the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
. E-85 is a mixture of approximately
85% fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline.
. U.S. government regulations require
ethanol dispensing pumps to be
identified by a small, square, orange
and black label with the common
abbreviation or the appropriate per-
centage for that region.

JVT0116X
1. API certification mark
2. API 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 fuel/lubricants”
(P.9-2) . 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) certification or Interna-tional Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity 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 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
operated before the next oil change. Choosing
an oil viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, 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 an engine oil and
filter other than the specified quality, or exceed-
ing recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of
incorrect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is
not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
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
Technical and consumer information9-5

ENGINE
ModelMR18DE
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement 4-cylinder, in-line
Bore 6Stroke in (mm)3.30763.193 (84.0 681.1)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 109.65 (1,798)
Firing order 1-3-4-2
Idle speed rpm
No adjustment is necessary.
Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.) degree/rpm
Spark plug Standard FXE20HR-11
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.
WHEELS AND TIRES
Road wheel
Type
Size Offset in (mm)
Steel 15 66J 1.65 (42)
Aluminum 16 66J 1.65 (42)
T-type 1564T 1.38 (35)
Tire
Type
Size Pressure PSI
(kPa) [Cold]
Conventional P195/60R15
87H
33 (230)
P195/55R16
86V
T-type T125/70D15 60 (420)
Technical and consumer information9-7
SPECIFICATIONS

9-8Technical and consumer information
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Overall length in (mm) 156.7 (3,980)*1156.5 (3,975)*2
Overall width in (mm) 66.7 (1,695)
Overall height in (mm) 66.1 (1,680)
Front tread in (mm) 58.1 (1,475)
Rear tread in (mm) 58.3 (1,480)
Wheelbase in (mm) 99.6 (2,530)
Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating
(GVWR) lb (kg)
See the F.M.V.S.S. or
C.M.V.S.S. certification
label on the driver’s
side center pillar.
Gross Axle
Weight Rating
(GAWR)
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
*1: With front license plate bracket
*2: Without front license plate bracket When planning to travel in another coun-
try,
you should first find out if the fuel available is
suitable for your vehicle’s engine.
Using fuel with an octane rating that is too low
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 standards vary
according to the country, state, province or
district; therefore, vehicle specifications may
differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into
another country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, transpor-
tation, and registration are the responsi-
bility of the user. NISSAN is not
responsible for any inconvenience that
may result.
STI0457
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATE
The vehicle identification number plate is at-
tached as shown. This number is the identifica-
tion for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle
registration.
WHEN TRAVELING OR
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE IN
ANOTHER COUNTRY VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION

STI0637
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)
The vehicle identification number is located as
shown.
Remove the cover to access the number.
STI0466
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 information, such as: Gross
Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) , Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) , month and year of
manufacture, Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) , etc. Review it carefully.
Technical and consumer information9-9

9-16Technical and consumer information
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a
vehicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION
.Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.
. Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never back-
ward.
. DO NOT tow any Continuously Vari-
able Transmission (CVT) vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground
(flat towing) . Doing so WILL DA-
MAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrica-
tion.
. For emergency towing procedures
refer to “Towing your vehicle” (P.6-
12) of this manual.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANS-
MISSION (CVT)
To tow a vehicle equipped with a Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) , an appropriate
vehicle dolly MUSTbe placed under the towed
vehicle’s driving wheels. Alwaysfollow the dolly
manufacturer’s recommendations when using
their product.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
. Always tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
. Your vehicle speed should never exceed 60
MPH (96 km/h) when flat towing your
vehicle.
. After towing 500 miles, start and idle the
engine with the transmission in Neutral for
two minutes. Failure to idle the engine after
every 500 miles of towing may cause
damage to the transmission’s internal parts. DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1
1/2) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
TRACTION AA, A, B AND C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled conditions on spe-
cified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
FLAT TOWING
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

Due to legal requirements in some states/areas
or provinces, your vehicle may be required to be
in what is called the “ready condition” for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the “ready condition” can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready condition”. Before taking
the I/M test, check the vehicle’s inspection/
maintenance test readiness condition. Place the
ignition switch in the ON position without
starting the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and
then blinks for 10 seconds, the I/M test
condition is “not ready”. If the MIL does not
blink after 20 seconds, the I/M test condition is
“ready”.
Contact a NISSAN dealer to set the “ready
condition” or to prepare the vehicle for testing.This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data
Recorder (EDR) . The main purpose of an EDR is
to record, in certain crash or near crash-like
situations, such as an air bag deployment or
hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in
understanding how a vehicle’s systems per-
formed. The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems
for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds
or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to
record such data as:
.
How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
. Whether or not the driver and passenger
safety belts were buckled/fastened;
. How far (if at all) the driver was depressing
the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
. How fast the vehicle was traveling.
. Sounds are not recorded.
These data can help provide a better under-
standing of the circumstances in which crashes
and injuries occur.
NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle
only if a nontrivial crash situation occurs; no data
are recorded by the EDR under normal driving
conditions and no personal data (e.g. name,
gender, age and crash location) are recorded.
However, other parties, such as law enforce-
ment, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired
during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special
equipment is required and access to the vehicle
or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle
manufacturer and NISSAN dealer, other parties,
such as law enforcement, that have the special
equipment, can read the information if they have
access to the vehicle or the EDR. EDR data will
only be accessed with the consent of the vehicle
owner or lessee or as otherwise required or
permitted by law.
Technical and consumer information9-19
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR)