Owner`s manual

system damage and/or vehicle per-
formance problems. At this time, suf-
ficient data is not available to ensure
that all methanol blends are suitable
for use in INFINITI vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such
as engine stalling and hard 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
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygen-
ates can cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additives
INFINITI does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (i.e. fuel injector 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 solvent or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should
use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of
at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number in these high altitude areas
[over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)] such as: Colorado,
Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming,
northeastern Nevada, southern Idaho, western
South Dakota, western Nebraska, and that part
of Texas which is directly south of New
Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an oc-
tane rating lower than stated above can
cause persistent, heavy ‘‘spark knock’’.
(‘‘Spark knock’’ is a metallic rapping
noise.) If severe, this can lead to en-
gine 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 your dealer correct the condition.
Failure to correct the condition is mis-
use of the vehicle, for which INFINITI is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knock-
ing, after-run or overheating. This in turn may
cause excessive fuel consumption or damage
to the engine. If any of the above symptoms
are encountered, have your vehicle checked at
an INFINITI dealer or other competent service
facility.
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.
TECHNICAL AND CONSUMER INFORMATION
9-16
Z 96.12.20/ X