Tag Archive for: nissan

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Nissan Skyline GTR Motor Oil Options: 10W-40 Or 0W-40?

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A reader asks: I own a Nissan Skyline GTR with the twin turbo RB26 engine. The previous owner used 0W-40 motor oil. I’ve read online that 0W-40 might be too thin. Is 10W-40 a better option? I will not be winter driving it at all, but might occasionally start it up during the nicer winter days to circulate the oil.

0W-40 Or 10W-40 For Nissan Engine?

AMSOIL 0W-40 Signature Series Synthetic OilOur answer: This model was never sold in North America, so it isn’t included in AMSOIL’s application guide. As this is an older car (RB26 models were made from 1989-1994), a search doesn’t seem offer much in the way of official Nissan oil suggestions. Contributors to Skyline forums use everything from 10W-30 to 10W-60.

The previous owner’s use of 0W-40 would be right in the middle of that range. AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic 0W-40 would be a very good choice. Remember that this product is still a 40-weight oil at operating temps, so there are no grounds to call it “too thin”. It simply has a very wide operating range. Signature Series Synthetic 0W-40 also has a strong resistance to shear-down, metal-to-metal contact and volatility boil-off. It is formulated for turbo-charger service. It meets the latest Nissan GTR motor oil AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-40 Premium Protection Motor Oilspecification. Note that it is also suggested for the 707 horsepower Dodge Hellcat engine. The wear control abilities of this product are not a concern.

Another great candidate for your Skyline would be AMSOIL Synthetic Premium Protection 10W-40 Motor Oil. Premium Protection 10W-40 is an “old school” formula that is loaded with zinc and phosphorus for powerful anti-wear protection. It is also designed to withstand the extreme heat generated by turbo-chargers. Were it our Skyline, we would likely lean toward this product over any other in the AMSOIL motor oil line-up. Not because it is a 10W-40 versus a 0W-40. More so because its high-zinc formula is ideal for older engines.

 

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Daytime Running Light Repair for Honda and Nissan

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Daytime Running Light Circuit Board

Circuit board from DRL module in 2005 Nissan Altima

This easy fix could save you hundreds of dollars. Do not be intimidated by complicated appearance of this task. Read on!

If the daytime running lights (also known as “DRL”) in your Honda/Acura or Nissan/Infinti vehicle are not working, have a good look at this article before taking your vehicle to the dealer or replacing the running light module. In all likelihood, there is fast and inexpensive solution to this issue that could save you a lot of money.

We noticed that the daytime running lights on our 2005 Nissan Altima were out and also only one headlight was working in high-beam mode. We initially assumed that a burned out bulb was causing the problem. But a quick internet search pointed to a faulty daytime running light module. Apparently the driver’s-side high-beam goes out when the DRL module malfunctions.

We also discovered that a small solder job on the module circuit board could easily repair the problem. We are certainly not experts in electronics or circuit board repair, but as a new module apparently sells for over $250 at the dealership, we were game to give it a try.

For our Altima, this forum thread at Nissanclub.com (post # 30) provided the exact location of the unit under the dash and the exact spots on the circuit board that generally require solder touch-up. We (carefully!) doctored up the spots shown in the image of the thread, as well as a few others that appeared discolored. We reinstalled the module and voila! We had daytime running lights and fully functioning high-beams. Thank-you internet! We didn’t even have to remove any dash panels to complete this task.

It is vital that you do your research before jumping into this job, as DRL module locations can vary. You do not want to be soldering the innards of the wrong module box! For helpful dis-assembly and soldering tips, do check out the two videos below.

Honda DRL Module Repairs

It seems as though daytime running light repairs on Honda vehicles are very common and thankfully there is a load of guidance out there. Even if you do not own a Honda, check out these two videos as they are very helpful. The fellow performing the repair on the CRV is especially adept with a soldering iron.

Honda CRV Daytime Running Light Repair Video

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