Nissan Altima Hybrid (2010 year). Instruction - part 25

FUEL RECOMMENDATION

Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91).

CAUTION

● Using a fuel other than that specified

could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect the
warranty coverage.

● Under no circumstances should a

leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage the three-way catalyst.

● 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 components and is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle lim-
ited warranty.

Gasoline specifications

NISSAN recommends using gasoline that meets
the World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) specifi-
cations where it is available. Many of the automo-
bile manufacturers developed this specification
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 reformu-
lated 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 oxy-
genates such as ethanol, MTBE and methanol
with or without advertising their presence.
NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel com-
patibility for your NISSAN cannot be readily de-
termined. 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 con-
tain 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).

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 avail-
able to ensure that all methanol blends
are suitable for use in NISSAN ve-
hicles.

If any driveability problems such as engine stall-
ing 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 refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.

Technical and consumer information

9-3

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 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 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 injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active solvents 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 se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent 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, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.

Incorrect ignition timing may 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 en-
countered, 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 identi-
fied by a small, square, orange and
black label with the common abbrevia-
tion or the appropriate percentage for
that region.

9-4

Technical and consumer information

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS

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” earlier in this
section. 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 certifica-
tion 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 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. 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 re-
placing, 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 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 limited war-
ranty.

WTI0186

Technical and consumer information

9-5

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:

● repeated short distance driving at cold out-

side temperatures

● driving in dusty conditions
● extensive idling
● towing a trailer
● stop and go commuting

Refer to the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.

AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS

The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil, com-
pressor oil ND OIL-11.

CAUTION

The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replace-
ment

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.

9-6

Technical and consumer information

ENGINE

Model

QR25DE

Type

Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC

Cylinder arrangement

4-cylinder in-line

Bore x Stroke

in (mm) 3.5 x 3.9 (89.0 x 100.0)

Displacement

cu in (cm

) 151.82 (2,488)

Firing order

1–3–4–2

Idle speed

eCVT (in “N” position)

No adjustment is necessary.

Ignition timing (degree B.T.D.C. at idle speed)

CO % at idle

Spark plug

DILKAR6A-11

Spark plug gap (Nominal)

in (mm) 0.043 (1.1)

Camshaft operation

Timing chain

This spark ignition system complies with the Canadian standard ICES-002.

SPECIFICATIONS

Technical and consumer information

9-7

WHEELS AND TIRES

Wheel type

Size

Offset

in (mm)

Aluminum

16 x 7JJ

1.77 (45)

T type (Spare)

16 x 4T

1.57 (40)

Tire size

P215/60R16

Spare tire

T135/90R16

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS

Overall length

in (mm)

190.7 (4,844)

Overall width

in (mm)

70.7(1,795.7)

Overall height

in (mm)

58.3 (1,481)

Front track

in (mm)

61.4 (1,560)

Rear track

in (mm)

61.2 (1,555)

Wheelbase

in (mm)

109.3 (2,775)

Gross vehicle weight rat-
ing

lb (kg)

See the “F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label” on the center
pillar between the driver’s side
front and rear doors.

Gross axle weight rating

Front

lb (kg)

Rear

lb (kg)

9-8

Technical and consumer information

When planning to drive your NISSAN ve-
hicle in another country, you should first find
out if the fuel available is suitable for your vehi-
cle’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. There-
fore, 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 emis-
sion control and safety standards vary according
to the country, state, province or district; there-
fore, vehicle specifications may differ.

When any vehicle is to be taken into an-
other country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, transpor-
tation, and registration are the responsibil-
ity of the user. NISSAN is not responsible
for any inconvenience that may result.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATE

The vehicle identification number (VIN) plate is
attached as shown. This number is the identifica-
tion for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle
registration.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)

The vehicle identification number is located as
shown.

LTI0025

LTI0070

WHEN TRAVELING OR REGISTERING
YOUR VEHICLE IN ANOTHER
COUNTRY

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION

Technical and consumer information

9-9

ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER

The number is stamped on the engine as shown.

F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
CERTIFICATION LABEL

The Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard (F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.) certification la-
bel is affixed as shown. This label contains valu-
able 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.

EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABEL

The emission control information label is at-
tached to the underside of the hood as shown.

WTI0096

STI0349

WTI0189

9-10

Technical and consumer information

TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION
LABEL

The cold tire pressure is shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. The label is located as
shown.

AIR CONDITIONER SPECIFICATION
LABEL

The air conditioner specification label is affixed to
the underside of the hood as shown.

WTI0174

WTI0178

WTI0179

INSTALLING FRONT LICENSE PLATE

Technical and consumer information

9-11

Use the following steps to mount the front license
plate:

䊊

Make a shallow hole in each plastic finisher
at the location mark (small dimple) using a
0.39 in (10 mm) drill. To avoid damaging the
threads behind the finisher, apply only light
pressure to the drill.

䊊

Mount the license plate bracket using two 10
mm slotted Phillip head screws.

WARNING

● It is extremely dangerous to ride

in a cargo area inside a vehicle. In
a collision, people riding in these
areas are more likely to be seri-
ously injured or killed.

● Do not allow people to ride in any

area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat
belts.

● Be sure everyone in your vehicle

is in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.

TERMS

It is important to familiarize yourself with
the following terms before loading your
vehicle:

● Curb Weight (actual weight of your

vehicle) - vehicle weight including:
standard and optional equipment, flu-
ids, emergency tools, and spare tire
assembly. This weight does not in-
clude passengers and cargo.

● GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb

weight plus the combined weight of
passengers and cargo.

● GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-

ing) - maximum total combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle, pas-
sengers,

luggage,

hitch,

trailer

tongue load and any other optional
equipment. This information is lo-
cated on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label.

● GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -

maximum weight (load) limit specified
for the front or rear axle. This informa-
tion

located

the

F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.

certification

label.

● GCWR (Gross Combined Weight

rating) - The maximum total weight
rating of the vehicle, passengers,
cargo, and trailer.

VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION

9-12

Technical and consumer information

● Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load limit,

Total load capacity - maximum total
weight limit specified of the load
(passengers and cargo) for the ve-
hicle. This is the maximum combined
weight of occupants and cargo that
can be loaded into the vehicle. If the
vehicle is used to tow a trailer, the
trailer tongue weight must be in-
cluded as part of the cargo load. This
information is located on the Tire and
Loading Information label (if so
equipped).

● Cargo capacity - permissible weight

of cargo, the subtracted weight of
occupants from the load limit.

VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY

Do not exceed the load limit of your ve-
hicle shown as “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo” on the Tire and
Loading Information label. Do not exceed
the number of occupants shown as
“Seating Capacity” on the Tire and Load-
ing Information label.

To get “the combined weight of occu-
pants and cargo”, add the weight of all
occupants, then add the total luggage
weight. Examples are shown in the follow-
ing illustration.

Technical and consumer information

9-13

Steps for determining correct load
limit

1. Locate the statement “The combined

weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs” on your vehicle’s placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of

the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the

driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.

4. The resulting figure equals the avail-

able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the
XXX amount equals 1400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capac-
ity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 X 150)
= 650 lbs) or (640-340 (5 X 70) =
300 kg.)

Example

LTI0152

9-14

Technical and consumer information

5. Determine the combined weight of

luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.

6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,

load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this re-
duces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.

Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm
that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle.
See “Measurement of Weights” later in
this section.

Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. See the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label.

LOADING TIPS

● The GVW must not exceed GVWR

or GAWR as specified on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.

certification

label.

● Do not load the front and rear axle to

the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the
GVWR.

WARNING

● Properly secure all cargo with

ropes or straps to help prevent it
from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or colli-
sion,

unsecured

cargo

could

cause personal injury.

● Do not load your vehicle any

heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear GAWRs.
If you do, parts of your vehicle
can break, tire damage could oc-
cur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result
in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury.

● Overloading not only can shorten

the life of your vehicle and the
tire, but can also cause unsafe
vehicle handling and longer brak-
ing distances. This may cause a
premature

tire

failure

which

could result in a serious accident
and

personal

injury.

Failures

caused by overloading are not
covered

the

vehicle’s

warranty.

MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS

Secure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of your
vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded, drive
to a scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axle
loads. Individual axle loads should not ex-
ceed either of the gross axle weight rat-
ings (GAWR). The total of the axle loads
should not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR). These ratings are
given on the vehicle certification label. If
weight ratings are exceeded, move or re-
move items to bring all weights below the
ratings.

Technical and consumer information

9-15

WARNING

Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.

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 pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing 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 ca-
pability 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

the

“Towing

Load/Specification” chart found later in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.

● When towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.

(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system must be used.

The Gross Combined Weight Rating (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 per-
formance.

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 appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced for low traction situations (for example,
on slippery boat ramps).

LTI0164

TOWING A TRAILER

9-16

Technical and consumer information

Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside
temperatures on graded roads can affect engine
performance and cause overheating. The engine
protection mode, which helps reduce the chance
of engine damage, could activate and automati-
cally 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 increase the chance of a col-
lision. 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” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.

CAUTION

Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
NISSAN warranties.

Tongue load

Keep the tongue load between 10 - 15 percent 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

the

following

“Towing

Load/Specification” chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.

Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW)/Maximum Gross Axle Weight
(GAW)

The GVW of the towing vehicle must not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label. The GVW equals the combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment. In addition, front or rear GAW must
not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label.

WTI0160

TI1012M

Technical and consumer information

9-17

Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
base vehicle with driver and any options required
to achieve the rating. Additional passengers,
cargo and/or optional equipment, such as the
trailer hitch, will add weight to the vehicle and
reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity
and trailer tongue load.

The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to
confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR, Front
GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity.

All vehicle and trailer weights can be measured
using platform type scales commonly found at
truck stops, highway weigh stations, building
supply centers or salvage yards.

To determine the available payload capacity for
tongue load, use the following procedure.

1. Locate

the

GVWR

the

F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.

2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all of

the passengers and cargo that are normally
in the vehicle when towing a trailer.

3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the

GVWR. The remaining amount is the avail-
able maximum tongue load.

To determine the Gross Trailer Weight, weigh
your trailer on a scale with all equipment and
cargo, that are normally in the trailer when it is
towed. Make sure the Gross Trailer Weight is not
more than the Gross Trailer Weight Rating shown
on the trailer and is not more than the calculated
available maximum towing capacity.

Also weigh the front and rear axles on the scale to
make sure the Front Gross Axle Weight and Rear
Gross Axle Weight are not more than Front
Gross Axle Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight
on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
The cargo in the trailer and vehicle may need to
be moved or removed to meet the specified rat-
ings.

Example:

● Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed

on a scale - including passengers, cargo and
hitch - 4,103 lb. (1861 kg).

● Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from

F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
4,203 lb. (1906 kg).

● Maximum Towing Load from “Towing

Load/Specification

⬙ chart - 1,000 lb. (454

kg).

4,203 lb. (1906 kg)

GVWR

– 4,103 lb. (1861 kg)

GVW

= 100 lb. (45 kg)

Available for tongue

weight

1,000 lb. (454 kg)

Capacity available for

towing

100 lb. (45 kg)

Available tongue weight

/ 1,000 lb. (454 kg)

Available capacity

10 % tongue weight

The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the passen-
ger and cargo load in the vehicle.

Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within the
trailer tongue load specification recommended
by the trailer manufacturer. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to ob-
tain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed the
maximum tongue weight specification shown in
the “Towing load/specification” chart even if the
calculated available tongue weight is greater
than 15%. If the calculated tongue weight is less
than 10% , reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.

9-18

Technical and consumer information

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