Infiniti QX56 (2012 year). Manual — part 33

9-12

Technical and consumer information

STI0709

ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER

The number is stamped on the engine as
shown.

STI0448

F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICA-
TION LABEL

The Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.) certifica-
tion label is affixed as shown. This label
contains valuable vehicle information, such
as: Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR),
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), month
and year of manufacture, Vehicle Identifi-
cation Number (VIN), etc. Review it care-
fully.

STI0738

EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION
LABEL

The emission control information label is
attached as shown.

STI0494

TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION
LABEL

The cold tire pressure is shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label affixed to
the pillar as illustrated.

STI0739

AIR CONDITIONER SPECIFICATION
LABEL

The air conditioner specification label is
attached as shown.

To install the front license plate bracket to
your vehicle, contact an INFINITI retailer.

Technical and consumer information

9-13

INSTALLING FRONT LICENSE PLATE

9-14

Technical and consumer information

WARNING

.

It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area inside the vehicle.
In a collision, people riding in
these areas are more likely to be
seriously injured or killed.

.

Do not allow people to ride in any
area of 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 includ-
ing: standard and optional equip-
ment, fluids, emergency tools,
and spare tire assembly. This

weight

does not include passen-

gers 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,
passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer
tongue load and any other op-
tional equipment. This informa-
tion is located on the F.M.V.S.S./
C.M.V.S.S. label.

. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -

maximum weight (load) limit spe-
cified for the front or rear axle.
This information is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label.

. GCWR (Gross Combined Weight

Rating) - The maximum total
weight rating of the vehicle, pas-
sengers, cargo, and trailer.

. Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load

limit, Total load capacity - max-
imum total weight limit specified

of the load (passengers and car-
go) for the vehicle. 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
included as part of the cargo load.
This information is located on the
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.

. Cargo capacity - permissible

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

VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION

STI0445

VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY

Do not exceed the load limit of your
vehicle 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 Capa-

city

” on the Tire and Loading In-

formation label.

To get

“the combined weight of

occupants and cargo

”, add the

weight of all occupants, then add
the total luggage weight. Examples
are shown in the illustration.

Steps for determining correct load
limit

1. Locate the statement

“The com-

bined 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.

Technical and consumer information

9-15

9-16

Technical and consumer information

3. Subtract the combined weight of

the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.

4. The resulting figure equals the

available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For exam-
ple, if the XXX amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb. passengers in your vehi-
cle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650
lbs. (1400

− 750 (5 x 150) = 650

lbs) or (640

− 340 (5 x 70) = 300

kg.)

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 transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available

cargo and luggage 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

“Mea-

surement of weights

” later in this

section.)

Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. See the Tire and Loading
Information label.

SIC4446

SECURING THE LOAD

There are tie down hooks located in the
cargo area as shown. The tie down hooks
can be used to secure cargo with ropes or
other types of straps.

Do not apply a total load of more than 22
lb (10 kg) to a single hook

*

A

or 7 lb (3 kg)

to a single hook

*

B

when securing cargo.

WARNING

. Properly secure all cargo with ropes or

straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than

the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or
collision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.

. The child restraint top tether strap may

be damaged by contact with items in the
cargo area. Secure any items in the
cargo area. Your child could be seriously
injured or killed in a collision if the top
tether strap is damaged.

. 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 personal injury.

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 to help

prevent it from sliding or shifting.
Do not place cargo higher than the
seatbacks. In a sudden stop or
collision, 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 personal
injury.

. Overloading not only can shorten

the life of your vehicle and the
tire, but can cause unsafe vehicle
handling and long braking dis-
tance. This may cause a premature
tire failure, which could result in a
serious accident and personal in-

jury. Failures caused by overload-
ing 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 sepa-
rately to determine axle loads. In-
dividual axle loads should not
exceed either of the gross axle
weight ratings (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

9-17

9-18

Technical and consumer information

WARNING

Overloading or improper loading of a trailer
and its cargo can adversely affect vehicle
handling, braking and performance 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
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer places
additional loads on your vehicle

’s engine,

drivetrain, steering, braking and other
systems.

An INFINITI Towing Guide (U.S. only) is
available on the website at

www.InfinitiUSA.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

“Towing load/

specification

” later 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 Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) should not exceed the value
specified in the following

“Towing Load/

Specification

” chart.

STI0541

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 on very
steep grades or for low traction situations
(for example, on slippery boat ramps).

Temperature conditions can also affect

TOWING A TRAILER

towing. For example, towing a heavy trailer
in high outside temperatures on graded
roads can affect engine performance and
cause overheating. The transmission high
fluid temperature and engine protection
mode, which helps reduce the chance of
transmission and engine damage, could
activate and automatically decrease engine
power. Vehicle speed may decrease under
high load. Plan your trip carefully to
account for trailer and vehicle load, weath-
er 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 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. See

“If your vehicle over-

heats

” in the “6. In case of emergency”

section of this manual.

CAUTION

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

STI0542

Tongue load

When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load
between 10 to 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 becomes excessive, rearrange cargo
to allow for proper tongue load.

Technical and consumer information

9-19

9-20

Technical and consumer information

TI1012M

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.

Towing capacities are calculated assuming
a base vehicle with driver and any options
required to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equip-
ment, 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 com-
monly found at truck stops, highway weigh
stations, building supply centers or sal-
vage yards.

To determine the available payload capa-
city for tongue/king pin 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

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 later 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
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 ca-
pacity.

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 - 6,450 lb. (2,926 kg).

. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label - 7,300 lb. (3,311 kg).

. Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

from

“Towing Load/Specification” chart

- 14,300 lb. (6,486 kg).

. Maximum Trailer towing capacity from

“Towing Load/Specification” chart -
8,500 lb. (3,856 kg).

7,300 lb. (3,311 kg)

GVWR

− 6,450 lb. (2,926 kg)

GVW

= 850 lb. (385 kg)

Available for tongue

weight

14,300 lb. (6,486 kg)

GCWR

− 6,450 lb. (2,926 kg)

GVW

= 7,850 lb. (3,560 kg)

Capacity available for

towing

850 lb. (385 kg) /

Available tongue weight

7,850 lb. (3,560 kg)

Available capacity

= 11 % tongue weight

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,
rearrange 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.

Technical and consumer information

9-21

9-22

Technical and consumer information

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION

TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART

Unit: lb (kg)

US

Canada

Two-Wheel Drive (2WD)

model

Four-Wheel Drive

(4WD) model

Four-Wheel Drive

(4WD) model

MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY*1, *2

8,500 (3,856)

8,500 (3,856)

MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD

850 (385)

850 (385)

GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING

14,300 (6,486)

14,480 (6,568)

14,480 (6,568)

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
(2,267 kg).

TOWING SAFETY

Trailer hitch

Your vehicle is equipped with a 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
INFINITI ball mounts and hitch balls are
available from an INFINITI retailer.

STI0804

To access the trailer hitch

*

A

, remove the

trailer hitch cover located on the lower part
of the rear bumper.

To remove the trailer hitch cover:

1. Remove the 2 clips.

2. Pull the bottom of the cover straight

backward to remove the inner side and
upper clips.

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
exceed the weight rating of the hitch
components. 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 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
cannot carry the full tongue weight of a
given trailer, and need some of the tongue

Technical and consumer information

9-23

9-24

Technical and consumer information

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 (2,267 kg). Check with the trailer and
towing equipment manufacturers to deter-
mine 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 manufacturer
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 sur-

face. With the ignition switch in the ON
position 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.

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 buffet-
ing 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
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 (1,588 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 (2,267 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 lb (4,545 kg). A weight distributing
hitch should be used to tow trailers that
weigh over 5,000 lb (2,267 kg).

Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000
lb (4,545 kg) maximum weight rating, but
your vehicle is only capable of towing the
maximum trailer weights shown in the
“Towing Load/Specification” chart earlier
in this section.

CAUTION

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

system, brake system, etc.

. Do not attach any additional hitches to

your vehicle because a hitch is already
mounted to your vehicle frame.

Tire pressures

. When towing a trailer, inflate the

vehicle tires to the recommended
cold tire pressure indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.

. Trailer tire condition, size, load

rating and proper inflation pres-
sure should be in accordance with
the trailer and tire manufacturers

’

specifications.

Safety chains

Always use a suitable chain 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.

STI0745

Trailer lights

Your vehicle is equipped with a towing
package, which also includes the 7-pin
trailer harness connector located under the
trailer hitch cover on the rear bumper.

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

Technical and consumer information

9-25

9-26

Technical and consumer information

using the vehicle tail light, stoplight 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.

. Do not connect electrical devices that

draw more than 40 amps to the vehicle.
The fusible link may melt.

Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/or local regulations. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an
INFINITI retailer or reputable trailer retailer.

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 regula-
tions 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 operation between the tow
vehicle and the trailer.

Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic
signal sent from a trailer brake controller
(special brake sensing module).

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.

Pre-towing tips

. Be certain your vehicle maintains a level

position when a loaded 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%

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,

vehicle tire pressure, trailer light opera-
tion, and trailer wheel lug nuts every
time you attach a trailer to the vehicle.

. Be certain your rearview mirrors con-

form 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
inadvertently becoming unlatched.

. Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or

stops.

. Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
. Always drive your vehicle at a moderate

speed. Some states or provinces have
specific speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.

. 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 selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, transmis-
sion 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. Shift the transmission into P (Park).

6.

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models:

Make sure that the 4WD shift switch is
engaged in the AUTO, 4HI or 4LO
position and the Automatic Transmis-
sion (AT) park warning light is turned

off.

7. Turn off the engine.

To drive away:

1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine.

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
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
overheating. Shifting to a lower gear
instead provides

“engine braking” and

reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.

. If the engine coolant temperature rises

to a high temperature, see

“If your

vehicle overheats

” in the “6. In case of

Technical and consumer information

9-27