Nissan Xterra (2015 year). Instruction — part 24

2. Insert (at any position) 2 channel tie-down

hooks

䊊

A

into the channel opening

䊊

B

of

each channel and slide to the desired posi-
tion.

3. Hand tighten each hook until it is securely

fixed to the channel.

4. To reposition the channel tie-down hook un-

screw the hook loop from the hook plate (2
revolutions), move to a new location, and
retighten.

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.

䊊

A

Correct,

䊊

B

Incorrect

LTI0145

LTI0146

LTI0147

Technical and consumer information

9-17

● 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 occur,
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 by 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 GAWR. The total of the
axle loads should not exceed the GVWR.
These ratings are given on the vehicle
certification label. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to bring
all weights below the ratings.

䊊

A

Correct,

䊊

B

Incorrect

LTI0148

9-18

Technical and consumer information

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 (805 km). Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.

● For the first 500 miles (805 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 load.

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

in

the

“Towing

Load/Specification” chart found in this section.
The total trailer load equals trailer weight plus its
cargo weight.

● When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.

(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.

The maximum GCWR should not exceed the
value

specified

in

the

following

“Towing

Load/Specification” chart.

The 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 adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.

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).

LTI0162

TOWING A TRAILER

Technical and consumer information

9-19

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. Refer to “If
your vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency” section of this manual.

CAUTION

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

Tongue load

When using a weight carrying or a weight distrib-
uting hitch, keep the tongue load between 10 -
15 percent of the total trailer load or use the
trailer tongue load specified by the trailer manu-
facturer. The tongue load must be within the
maximum tongue load limits shown in the follow-
ing “Towing Load/Specification” chart. If the
tongue load becomes 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

(GAWR)

shown

on

the

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

WTI0160

ATI1025

9-20

Technical and consumer information

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

on

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 available towing capacity, use
the following procedure.

1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the

“Towing Load/Specification” chart found in
this section.

2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the

GCWR. The remaining amount is the avail-
able maximum towing capacity.

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 - 4,900 lb. (2,222 kg).

● Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from

F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
5,400 lb. (2,449 kg).

● Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

from “Towing Load/Specification” chart -
9,658 lb. (4,380 kg).

● Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Tow-

ing Load/Specification” chart - 5,000 lb.
(2,268 kg).

5,400 lb. (2,449 kg)

GVWR

– 4,900 lb. (2,222 kg)

GVW

= 500 lb. (226 kg)

Available for tongue

weight

9,658 lb. (4,380 kg)

GCWR

– 4,900 lb. (2,222 kg)

GVW

= 4,758 lb. (2,158 kg)

Capacity available for

towing

500 lb. (226 kg) Available tongue weight

/ 4,758 lb. (2,158 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.

Technical and consumer information

9-21

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.

Always verify that available capacities are within
the required ratings.

Trailer frontal area

CAUTION

Exceeding the maximum trailer frontal
area specification may exceed the towing
capacity of the vehicle. This may affect the
towing performance and lead to vehicle
damage.

The trailer frontal area affects the towing load of a
trailer. The frontal area is the total area of the
vehicle and trailer that is affected by air resis-
tance while towing. Do not exceed the maximum
trailer frontal area specification shown in the

⬙Towing Load/Specification” chart. The frontal
area can be determined by multiplying the width

of the trailer by the height of the trailer. For
example, a trailer that is 8 feet wide by 6 feet tall
has a trailer frontal area of 48 square feet.

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION

US & CAN

Maximum Towing

Capacity*1, *2

5,000 lb.

(2,268 kg)

Maximum Tongue Load

500 lb.

(227 kg)

Maximum Gross Com-

bined Weight Rating

9,658 lb.

(4,380 kg)

Maximum trailer frontal

area

60 sq ft (5.52 sq me-

ters)

*1: The towing capacity values are calculated
assuming a base vehicle with driver and any
options required to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment
will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your
vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.

*2: Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is
recommended when towing over 5,000 lb
(2,268 kg).

TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch

Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional
trailer tow package. The trailer tow package in-
cludes a receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This
hitch is rated for the maximum towing capacity of
this vehicle when the proper towing equipment is
used. Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genuine
NISSAN ball mounts and hitch balls are available
from your NISSAN dealer.

If your vehicle is not equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, check the towing capacity of
your bumper hitch or receiver-type frame
mounted hitch. Choose a proper hitch for your
vehicle and trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer
hitch is available from your NISSAN dealer. Make
sure the trailer hitch is securely attached to the
vehicle to help avoid personal injury or property
damage due to sway caused by crosswinds,
rough road surfaces or passing trucks.

9-22

Technical and consumer information

WARNING

Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be capable
of towing a trailer heavier than the weight
rating of the hitch components. Never ex-
ceed the weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Doing so can cause serious personal
injury or property damage.

Hitch ball

Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:

● The required hitch ball size is stamped on

most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.

● Choose the proper class hitch ball based on

the trailer weight.

● The diameter of the threaded shank of the

hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.

● The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be

long enough to be properly secured to the ball
mount. There should be at least 2 threads
showing beyond the lock washer and nut.

Ball mount

The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver.
Choose a proper class ball mount based on the
trailer weight. Additionally, the ball mount should
be chosen to keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.

Weight carrying hitches

A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount of
tongue weight and gross weight directly on the
ball mount and on the receiver.

Weight distribution hitch

This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling” or
“equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the ball
mount and to the trailer to distribute the tongue
weight (hitch weight) of your trailer. Many ve-
hicles can’t carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue weight
transferred through the frame and pushing down
on the front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.

A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).
Check with the trailer and towing equipment

manufacturers to determine if they recommend
the use of a weight-distributing hitch system.

NOTE:

A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.

Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system.

General set-up instructions are as follows:

1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.

With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.

2. Measure the height of a reference point on

the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.

3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust

the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within 0 - .5 inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.

Technical and consumer information

9-23

WARNING

Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher

than

the

measured

reference

height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious

personal

injury

or

property

damage.

Sway control device

Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. If you choose to use one,
contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to make
sure the sway control device will work with the
vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake sys-
tem. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.

Class I hitch

Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (907 kg).

Class II hitch

Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,587 kg).

Class III hitch

Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg).

CAUTION

● Special hitches which include frame re-

inforcements are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable genu-
ine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts and
hitch balls for pickup trucks and sport
utility

vehicles

are

available

at

a

NISSAN dealer.

● The hitch should not be attached to or

affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.

● Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
● Do not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-

tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.

● To reduce the possibility of additional

damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
receiver when not in use.

● After the hitch is removed, seal the bolt

holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water
or dust from entering the passenger
compartment.

● Regularly check that all trailer hitch

mounting bolts are securely mounted.

Tire pressures

● When towing a trailer, inflate the ve-

hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.

● Trailer tire condition, size, load rating

and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturer’s specifications.

9-24

Technical and consumer information

Safety chains

Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.

Trailer lights

CAUTION

When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more that
15 milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer dealer to obtain the
proper equipment and to have it installed.

Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-

table trailer dealer. Vehicles equipped with the
optional trailer tow package are equipped with a
7-pin trailer harness connector. A NISSAN 7–pin
tow harness kit is available from your dealer. If
your trailer is equipped with a flat 4-pin connec-
tor, an adapter will be needed to connect the
trailer lights to the vehicle. Adapters are available
at auto parts stores and hitch retailers.

Trailer brakes

When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used. However, most states
require a separate braking system on trailers with
a loaded weight above a specific amount. Make
sure the trailer meets the local regulations and
the regulations where you plan to tow.

Several types of braking systems are available.

Surge Brakes - The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic line
running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes are
activated by the trailer pushing against the hitch
ball when the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic
surge brakes are common on rental trailers and
some boat trailers. In this type of system, there is
no hydraulic or electric connection for brake op-
eration between the tow vehicle and the trailer.

Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-
sensing module). If electric trailer brakes are
used, refer to “Electric trailer brake controller” in
this section.

Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.

WARNING

Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.

Electric trailer brake controller

Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.

A Genuine NISSAN jumper harness is available
that is specifically designed to be used when
installing an aftermarket brake controller.

Install the aftermarket electric trailer brake con-
troller according to the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.

Technical and consumer information

9-25

Pre-towing tips

● Be certain your vehicle maintains a level

position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.

● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent

load shift while driving.

● Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the

trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity low.

● Load the trailer so approximately 60 percent

of the trailer load is in the front half and
40 percent is in the back half. Also make
sure the load is balanced side to side.

● Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-

hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.

● Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to

all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.

● Determine the overall height of the vehicle

and trailer so the required clearance is
known.

Trailer towing tips

In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.

● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent

load shift while driving.

● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or

lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.

● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate

speed.

● When backing up, hold the bottom of the

steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:

CAUTION

If you move the shift lever to the P (Park)
position before blocking the wheels and
applying the parking brake, transmission
damage could occur.

1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.

2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill

side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.

3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly

release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.

4. Apply the parking brake.

5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).

6. Make sure the

indicator light (if so

equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the

indicator light is flashing, or the

ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (A/T) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. Refer to, “Automatic trans-
mission park warning light” in the “Instru-
ments and controls” section and “Using four
wheel drive (4WD)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.

7. Turn off the engine.

9-26

Technical and consumer information

To drive away:

1. Start the vehicle.

2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.

3. Shift the transmission into gear.

4. Release the parking brake.

5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are

clear from the blocks.

6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.

7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.

● While going downhill, the weight of the

trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.

● If the engine coolant temperature rises to a

high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.

● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal

circumstances.

● Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first

500 miles (805 km).

● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do

tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h).

● Have your vehicle serviced more often than

at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.

● When making a turn, your trailer wheels will

be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.

● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely

affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.

Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:

1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to

allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle

– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or

applying the brakes.

2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the

brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.

3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-

anced as described earlier in this section.

● Be careful when passing other vehicles.

Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.

● Downshift the transmission to a lower gear

for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.

● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long

or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.

● Increase your following distance to allow for

greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

● NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-

trol not be used while towing a trailer.

Technical and consumer information

9-27

● Some states or provinces have specific

regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.

● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-

nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.

● When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-

ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.

● Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights

before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.

When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should

be

replaced

and

transmission

oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, refer to
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
in this manual.

FLAT TOWING

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, al-

ways tow forward, never backward.

● DO NOT tow any automatic transmis-

sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing). Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.

● For emergency towing procedures refer

to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.

Manual Transmission (if so equipped)

● Always tow with the manual transmission in

Neutral.

● On 4-wheel drive vehicles, place the transfer

case in the 2H range. Failure to do so will
cause the powertrain to bind up.

● After towing 500 miles (805 km), start and

idle the engine with the transmission in Neu-
tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing
may cause damage to internal transmission
parts.

Automatic Transmission (if so
equipped)

To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly MUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels. Always follow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.

9-28

Technical and consumer information

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 gov-
ernment 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 the 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 characteristics 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 mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.

WARNING

The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.

Temperature A, B and C

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat, and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces-
sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.

WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is es-
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei-
ther separately or in combination, can
cause heat build-up and possible tire
failure.

UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

Technical and consumer information

9-29

Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties:

For USA

1. Emission Defects Warranty

2. Emissions Performance Warranty

Details of this warranty may be found with other
vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle.
If you did not receive a Warranty Information
Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace-
ment by writing to:

● Nissan North America, Inc.

Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003

For Canada

Emission Control System Warranty

Details of this warranty may be found with other
vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle.
If you did not receive a Warranty Information
Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace-
ment by writing to:

● Nissan Canada Inc.

5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5

For USA

If you believe that your vehicle has a de-
fect which could cause a collision or
could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in
addition to notifying NISSAN.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.

To contact NHTSA, you may call the Ve-
hicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-
327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go
to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information
about

motor

vehicle

safety

from

http://www.safercar.gov.

You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-877-NIS-NCV1 (1-877-647-6281).

For Canada

If you believe that your vehicle has a de-
fect which could cause a collision or
could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform Transport Canada in
addition to notifying NISSAN.

If Transport Canada receives complaints,
it may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may request that NISSAN con-
duct a recall campaign. However, Trans-
port Canada cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your
dealer, or NISSAN.

You may contact Transport Canada’s De-
fect Investigations and Recalls Division
toll-free at 1-800-333-0510. You may
also report safety defects online at:
https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/
7/PCDB-BDPP/fc-cp.aspx?lang=eng

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS

9-30

Technical and consumer information

Additional information concerning motor
vehicle safety may be obtained from
Transport Canada’s Road Safety Informa-
tion Centre at 1-800-333-0371 or online
at

www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety

(English

speakers) or
www.tc.gc.ca/securiteroutiere

(French

speakers).

To notify NISSAN of any safety concerns
please contact our Consumer Information
Centre toll-free at 1-800-387-0122.

WARNING

A vehicle equipped with Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) should never be tested using a two
wheel dynamometer (such as the dyna-
mometers used by some states for emis-
sions testing), or similar equipment. Make
sure you inform the test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may re-
sult in transmission damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could re-
sult in serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.

Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission 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 condi-
tion. Place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the engine. If the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20 sec-
onds 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.

READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST

Technical and consumer information

9-31

This vehicle is equipped with an EDR. The main
purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain colli-
sion or near collision-like situations, such as an
air bag deployment or hitting a road obstacle,
data that will assist in understanding how a vehi-
cle’s systems performed. 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 understand-
ing of the circumstances in which collisions and
injuries occur. NOTE: EDR data are recorded by
your vehicle only if a nontrivial collision situation
occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under
normal driving conditions and no personal data
(e.g. name, gender, age and collision location)
are recorded. However, other parties, such as
law enforcement, could combine the EDR data
with the type of personally identifying data rou-
tinely acquired during a collision investigation.

To read data recorded by an EDR, special equip-
ment is required and access to the vehicle or the
EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manu-
facturer and NISSAN dealer, other parties, such
as law enforcement, that have the special equip-
ment, can read the information if they have ac-
cess 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 per-
mitted by law.

Genuine NISSAN Service Manuals for this model
year and prior can be purchased. A genuine
NISSAN Service Manual is the best source of
service and repair information for your vehicle.
This manual is the same one used by the factory-
trained technicians working at NISSAN dealer-
ships. Genuine NISSAN Owner’s Manuals can
also be purchased.

For USA

For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manuals, contact:

1-800-450-9491
www.nissan-techinfo.com

For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Owner’s Manuals, contact:

1-800-247-5321

For Canada

To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN Ser-
vice Manual or Owner’s Manual, for this model
year and prior, please contact your nearest
NISSAN dealer. For the phone number and loca-
tion of a NISSAN dealer in your area, call the
NISSAN Information Center at 1-800-387-0122
and a bilingual NISSAN representative will assist
you.

EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR)

OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION

9-32

Technical and consumer information