Nissan Pathfinder (2022 year). Manual in english — page 39

WARNING

Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely af-
fect vehicle handling, braking and per-
formance 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 ve-
hicle wear in at the heavier loads.

Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer places ad-
ditional loads on your vehicle's engine,
drive train, steering, braking 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 capability 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 following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found in this sec-
tion. 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 Gross Combined Weight
Rating (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 ad-
versely 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 appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced for low
traction situations (for example, on slippery
boat ramps).

LTI2553

TOWING A TRAILER

10-20

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 auto-
matically 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 en-
gine power and vehicle speed. The re-
duced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance
of a collision. Be especially careful
when driving. If the vehicle cannot
maintain a safe driving speed, pull to
the side of the road in a safe area. Allow
the engine to cool and return to normal
operation. For additional information,
see “If your vehicle overheats” (P. 6-13).

CAUTION

Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures is not cov-
ered by NISSAN warranties.

Tongue load

When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load be-
tween 10 - 15% 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 in 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 ex-
ceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label.

WTI0160

LTI2554

Technical and consumer information

10-21

Towing capacities are calculated assum-
ing a base vehicle with driver and any op-
tions required to achieve the rating. Addi-
tional 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 mea-
sured using platform type scales com-
monly found at truck stops, highway weigh
stations, building supply centers or salvage
yards.

To determine the available payload capac-
ity for tongue/king pin load, use the follow-
ing 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
available maximum tongue/king pin
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
available maximum towing capacity.

To determine the Gross Trailer Weight,
weigh your trailer on a scale with all equip-
ment 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 ratings.

Example:
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed

on a scale - including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg).

• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from

F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
7,250 lbs. (3,289 kg).

• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

from “Towing Load/Specification" chart -
15,100 lbs. (6,849 kg).

• Maximum Trailer towing capacity from

“Towing Load/Specification" chart - 9,100
lbs. (4,128 kg).

7,250 lbs. (3,289 kg)

GVWR

– 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg)

GVW

= 900 lbs. (409 kg)

Available for

tongue weight

15,100 lbs. (6,849 kg)

GCWR

– 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg)

GVW

= 9,123 lbs. (4,138 kg) Capacity available

for towing

900 lbs. (409 kg)

Available tongue

weight

/ 8,750 lbs. (3,969 kg) Available capacity

=

10 % tongue

weight

10-22

Technical and consumer information

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

Remember to keep trailer tongue weight
between 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or
within the trailer tongue load specification
recommended by the trailer manufacturer.
If the tongue load becomes excessive, re-
arrange the cargo to obtain 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.

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION

WARNING

The towing capacities provided in this
manual are for general reference only.
The safe towing capacity of your ve-
hicle is affected by dealer and factory
installed options and passenger and
cargo loads. You must weigh the ve-
hicle and trailer as described in this
manual to determine the actual vehicle
towing capacity. Do not exceed the
published maximum towing capacity
or the GCWR or the GVWR shown on the
FMVSS/CMVSS label. Doing so can re-
sult in an accident causing serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART

With Tow Package*1

Without Tow Package

Maximum Towing Capacity*2

6,000 lbs. (2,722 kg)

3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg)

Maximum Tongue Load

600 lbs. (272 kg)

350 lbs. (158 kg)

Maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating

10,912 lbs. (4,949 kg)

8,293 lbs. (3,761 kg)

*1 Vehicles equipped with the towing package include additional powertrain cooling capacity that is specifically designed to handle the higher towing weight.
*2 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.

Technical and consumer information

10-23

TOWING SAFETY

Trailer hitch

Your vehicle may be equipped with an op-
tional trailer tow package. The trailer tow
package includes 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 a NISSAN
dealer.

If your vehicle is not equipped with the op-
tional trailer tow package, check the tow-
ing 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 a 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 pass-
ing trucks.

WARNING

Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than
the weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Never exceed the weight rating
of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or prop-
erty 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. Addi-
tionally, 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 vehicles 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.

10-24

Technical and consumer information

A weight-distributing hitch system (Class
IV) is recommended if you plan to tow trail-
ers 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
affect 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 manufac-
turer to determine if and how this can be
done.

Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer 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 switch in the ON posi-
tion and the doors closed, allow the ve-
hicle 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 ad-

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

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 unpre-
dictably which could cause a loss of ve-
hicle control and cause serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.

Sway control device

Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buf-
feting caused by other vehicles can affect
trailer handling. 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 system.

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 lbs.
(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
lbs. (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
lbs. (2,268 kg).

Class IV hitch

Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver,
ball mount and hitch ball) can be used to
tow trailers of a maximum weight of 10,000
lbs. (4,535 kg). A weight distributing hitch
should be used to tow trailers that weigh
over 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg).

Technical and consumer information

10-25

Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000
lbs. (4,535 kg) maximum weight rating, but
your vehicle is only capable of towing the
maximum trailer weights shown in the
“Towing Load/Specification” chart in this
section.

CAUTION

•

Special hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lbs. (907 kg). Suitable
Genuine 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.

WARNING

•

Do not use axle-mounted hitches.

•

Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.

•

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the receiver when not in use.

•

Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting

bolts

are

securely

mounted.

Tire pressures

• When towing a trailer, inflate the

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

• Trailer tire condition, size, load rat-

ing and proper inflation pressure
should be in accordance with the
trailer

and

tire

manufacturer's

specifications.

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. The safety chains can be
attached to the bumper if the hitch ball is

mounted to the bumper. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turn-
ing 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 bat-
tery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stop light and turn signal circuits
as

a

signal

source.

The

module/

converter must draw no more than 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 retailer
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, it is recommended
that you contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer retailer. Vehicles equipped with
the optional trailer tow package are

10-26

Technical and consumer information

equipped with a 7-pin trailer harness con-
nector. If your trailer is equipped with a flat
4-pin connector, 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 regu-
lations 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 hy-
draulic 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 operation between the tow ve-
hicle and the trailer.

Electric Trailer Brakes -

Electric braking

systems are activated by an electronic sig-
nal sent from a trailer brake controller (spe-
cial brake-sensing module). For additional
information, see “Electric trailer brake con-
troller” (P. 10-27).

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

WARNING

Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.

Electric trailer brake controller
(if so equipped)

Trailers equipped with electric brakes may
require the installation of an aftermarket
trailer brake controller.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a con-
nector and jumper harness that is specifi-
cally designed to be used when installing
an aftermarket brake controller.
To install the electric trailer brake controller
jumper harness, perform the following
procedure:
1. Open the driver door. Move the seat to

the rearmost position.

LTI0117

Jumper Harness

Technical and consumer information

10-27

2. Locate the jumper harness connector

under the lower portion of the instru-
ment panel. The connector is taped to
the wiring harness

O

1

as indicated.

• The connector is marked with a white tag

with “elec brake conn”.

If you have trouble locating the wiring har-
ness, it is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for assistance.

Wire color designation for electric trailer
brake controller jumper harness.

WIRE COLOR

NOTE

WHITE

Vehicle stop lamp
switch to trailer brake
controller.

BLACK

Brake controller ground
(-).

WHITE

Trailer brake controller
switched output.

RED/BLUE

Not used

GREEN

Fused trailer brake con-
troller battery feed (B+).

3. Peel off the tape and connect the

jumper harness to the connector.

4. Release the parking brake.

5. Install the aftermarket electric trailer

brake controller according to the manu-
facturer's instructions.

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 pre-

vent load shift while driving.

LTI2555

Connector Location

LTI2046

Connector

10-28

Technical and consumer information

• 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% of

the trailer load is in the front half and 40%
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 ve-

hicle 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 prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering sta-
bility and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal
driving conditions.
• Always secure items in the trailer to pre-

vent 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 back-
ing 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 push the park button to engage
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 absorb the vehicle load.

4. Apply the parking brake.

5. Push the park button to engage the P

(Park) position.

6. Turn off the engine.

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.

Technical and consumer information

10-29

• While going downhill, the weight of the

trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce your
speed and shift to a lower gear. Avoid
long or repeated use of the brakes when
descending a hill, as this reduces their
effectiveness and could cause overheat-
ing. Shifting to a lower gear instead pro-
vides “engine braking” and reduces the
need to brake as frequently.

• If the engine coolant temperature rises to

a high temperature, see “If your vehicle
overheats” (P. 6-13).

• 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 recom-
mended maintenance schedule in the
“Maintenance and schedules” section of
this manual.

• 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 ad-

versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When be-
ing passed by larger vehicles, be pre-
pared for possible changes in crosswinds
that could affect vehicle 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 vehicle.

– 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

balanced. For additional information,
see “Pre-towing tips” (P. 10-28).

• Be careful when passing other vehicles.

Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. 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 re-
duced braking efficiency.

• Increase your following distance to allow

for greater stopping distances while tow-
ing a trailer. Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.

• NISSAN recommends that the cruise

control not be used while towing a trailer.

• 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

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

10-30

Technical and consumer information

• When launching a boat, don't allow the

water 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, differential gear
oil, transfer fluid and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see
the “Maintenance and schedules” sec-
tion of this manual.

Tow mode

Using tow mode is recommended when
pulling a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy
load. Push or turn the Drive Mode Selector
switch to activate tow mode. Push or turn
the Drive Mode Selector switch again to
turn tow mode off. Tow mode is automati-
cally canceled when the ignition switch is
turned off.

Tow mode disables the Idling Stop System.

Driving the vehicle in the tow mode with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will
not cause any damage. However, fuel
economy

may

be

reduced

and

the

transmission/engine driving characteris-
tics may feel unusual.

When towing a trailer, differential gear
oil, transfer fluid and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see
the “Maintenance and schedules” sec-
tion of this manual.

FLAT TOWING FOR 4–WHEEL DRIVE
VEHICLE (if so equipped)

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 ve-
hicle, such as a motor home.

CAUTION

•

Failure to follow these guidelines can
result

in

severe

transmission

damage.

•

Never flat tow your 4-wheel drive
(4WD) vehicle.

•

DO NOT tow your 4-wheel drive (4WD)
vehicle with any wheels on the
ground. Doing so may cause serious
and

expensive

damage

to

the

powertrain.

•

For emergency towing procedures,
see

“Towing

recommended

by

NISSAN” (P. 6-15).

FLAT TOWING FOR FRONT WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLE (if so equipped)

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 ve-
hicle, 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 backward.

•

Never tow your front wheel drive ve-
hicle with the front tires on the
ground. Doing so may cause serious
and

expensive

damage

to

the

powertrain.

•

DO NOT tow your front wheel drive
automatic transmission vehicle with
all four wheels on the ground (flat
towing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE inter-
nal transmission parts due to lack of
transmission lubrication.

•

For emergency towing procedures,
see

“Towing

recommended

by

NISSAN” (P. 6-15).

Technical and consumer information

10-31

Automatic transmission

To tow a vehicle equipped with an auto-
matic transmission, an appropriate vehicle
dolly

MUST

be placed under the towed ve-

hicle's drive wheels.

Always

follow the dolly

manufacturer's recommendations when
using their product.

NOTE:

If the battery is completely drained the
transmission will not manually shift to
other positions.

DOT (Department of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.

Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable 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 rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, 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 measured under controlled

conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. 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 ac-
celeration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.

Temperature A, B and C

The temperature grades are A (the high-
est), B, and C, representing the tire’s resis-
tance 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 tem-
perature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and ex-
cessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the Federal Mo-
tor Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the mini-
mum required by law.

UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

10-32

Technical and consumer information

WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure.

Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the fol-
lowing 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 replacement 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 replacement by writing
to:
• Nissan Canada Inc.

5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5

For USA

If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the Na-
tional Highway Traffic Safety Admin-
istration (NHTSA) in addition to noti-
fying 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 re-
call and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you,
your dealer, or NISSAN.

To contact NHTSA, you may call the
Vehicle 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.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS

Technical and consumer information

10-33

20590. You can also obtain other in-
formation about motor vehicle safety
from http://www.safercar.gov.

You may notify NISSAN by contact-
ing our Consumer Affairs Depart-
ment, toll-free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1.

For Canada

If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform Trans-
port Canada in addition to notifying
NISSAN.

If Transport Canada receives com-
plaints, it may open an investigation,
and if it finds that a safety defect exists
in a group of vehicles, it may request
that NISSAN conduct a recall cam-
paign. However, Transport Canada
cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer, or
NISSAN.

You may contact Transport Canada's
Defect Investigations and Recalls
Division toll free at 1-800-333-0510.
You may also report safety defects
online at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/
motorvehiclesafety/menu.htm (Eng-
lish speakers) or http://www.tc.gc.ca/
fra/securiteautomobile/menu.htm
(French speakers)

Or contact Transport Canada by
mail at:
Transport Canada Motor Vehicle
Safety Investigations Laboratory
80 Noel Street Gatineau, QC J8Z0A1

Additional

information

concerning

motor vehicle safety may be obtained
from Transport Canada's Road Safety
Information 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 con-
cerns please contact our Consumer
Information

Centre

toll

free

at

1-800-387-0122.

10-34

Technical and consumer information

WARNING

A vehicle equipped with Four-Wheel
Drive (4WD) should never be tested us-
ing a two wheel dynamometer (such as
the dynamometers used by some
states for emissions 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 result in transmis-
sion damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in seri-
ous vehicle damage or personal injury.

Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in what is called the
“ready

condition”

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 re-
paired or the battery is disconnected, the
vehicle may be reset to a “not ready” condi-
tion. 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 condi-
tion is “ready”. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer to set the “ready con-
dition” 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 ve-
hicle's systems performed. The EDR is de-
signed to record data related to vehicle dy-
namics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to re-
cord 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 depress-

ing the accelerator and/or brake pedal;
and,

• How fast the vehicle was traveling.
• Sounds are not recorded.

READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST

EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR)

Technical and consumer information

10-35