1997 NISSAN QUEST trailer

WARNING
cIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these ar-
eas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
cDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
c
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:
cCurb Weight (actual weight of your ve-
hicle) - vehicle weight including: standard
and optional equipment, fluids, emer-
gency tools, and spare tire assembly.
This weightdoes notinclude passen-
gers and cargo.
cGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb
weight plus the combined weight of pas-
sengers and cargo.
cGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -maximum total weight (load) limit speci-
fied for the vehicle.
cGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -
maximum weight (load) limit specified for
the front or rear axle.
cGross combined weight - GVW plus the
total weight of the trailer and all its cargo.
Determining Vehicle Load Capacity
The load capacity of this vehicle is deter-
mined by weight, not by available cargo
space. For example, a luggage rack, bike
carrier, cartop carrier or similar equipment
does not increase load carrying capacity of
your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using
a commercial-grade scale, found at places
such as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain
elevator, or a scrap metal recycling facility.
1)
Determine the curb weight of your vehicle.
2) Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to de-
termine how much more weight your
vehicle can carry.
3) After loading (cargo & passengers), re-weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is
exceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, re-
move cargo as necessary. If either the
front or rear GAWR is exceeded, shift
the load or remove cargo as necessary.
Loading Tips
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR specified on the F.M.V.S.S. Cer-
tification Label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
c
Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum
front and rear GAWRs. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it
can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of
control and cause personal injury.
VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION
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cOverloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by your
warranty.
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.
Information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required should be ob-
tained from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
He can obtain aNISSAN Towing Guidefor
you.
Do not tow a trailer if your vehicle is a cargo
van model.Maximum load limits
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
3,500 lbs (1,588 kg). The total trailer load
equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
Towing loads greater than 3,500 lbs (1,588
kg) or using improper towing equipment
could adversely affect vehicle handling,
braking and performance.
cAll towing above 1,000 lbs (454 kg) re-
quires the use of trailer brakes.
cNISSAN recommends the use of a tan-
dem axle trailer whenever towing above
3,000 lbs (1,361 kg).
cA sway control device is recommended
for all towing above 2,000 lbs (907 kg).
Sway control devices are not offered by
NISSAN. See a professional trailer/hitch
outlet for a properly designed sway con-
trol device for your trailer.
The Gross Combined Weight should not
exceed 8,000 lbs (3,628 kg). The Gross
Combined Weight is the total weight of the
tow vehicle with all occupants, cargo and
fuel tanks, PLUS the total weight of the
trailer and all its cargo. This weight should
TI1011M
TRAILER TOWING
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be properly distributed. For more informa-
tion regarding vehicle and trailer loading,
refer to The NISSAN Towing Guide, avail-
able from an authorized Nissan dealer.
WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures is not covered by NISSAN war-
ranties. Information on trailer towing
and required towing equipment should
be obtained from dealers who special-
ize in providing trailers or other towing
equipment.
Tongue load:
Keep the tongue load between 9 and 11%
of the total trailer load. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to al-
low for proper tongue load.Maximum gross vehicle weight/maximum
gross axle weight
The gross vehicle weight of the towing
vehicle must not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label. The gross ve-
hicle weight equals the combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on
the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
UNIT: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD3,500 (1,588)
(See below)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD350 (159)
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle to help avoid per-
sonal injury or property damage due to
sway caused by crosswinds, rough road
surfaces or passing trucks.
CAUTION
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. when the
hitch is installed.
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cTo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical
remove the hitch when not in use.
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.
cRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (located
on the inside of the glove box lid).
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturer's specifications.
Safety chain
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached
to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper oraxle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chain to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with Federal
and/or local regulations. When wiring the
vehicle for towing, connect the stop and tail
light pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit.
Class I Trailer Tow electrical wiring provides
two circuits (right and left hand) to operate
trailer stop/turn tail lamps. Each individual
stop/turn circuit will operate only one com-
bination stop/turn light bulb (#1157, 3157,
2357, or 3357) on the trailer. Never add
more than one trailer light bulb to one
circuit.
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Trailer Tow Harness and Module
(if so equipped)
The trailer tow module on your vehicle al-
lows turn/stop lamp control of a trailer being
towed by your NISSAN.The trailer tow module includes:
ctrailer tow module which draws power
from the vehicle stop lamp fuse
cone subharness containing a SAE J1239
specified connectorTo use the tow harness:
1) Remove the connector cap from the
vehicle harness, located behind the rear
bumper. Store the connector cap in ve-
hicle glove box for reinstallation.
2) Connect the tow harness to the vehicle
harness located behind the rear bumper.
3) Connect the tow harness connector
(SAE J1239) to your trailer.
4) Confirm proper vehicle and trailer
stop/turn lamp operation.
5) When towing is completed, disconnect
the tow harness from the trailer and the
vehicle. Store the tow harness in the
glove box. Reinstall the connector cap to
the vehicle harness.
If you need further assistance in wiring
a trailer to your NISSAN, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
Always confirm proper vehicle and
trailer stop/turn lamp operation every
time the trailer light circuits are con-
nected for use.
ATI0555
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Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to Federal
and/or local regulations and it is properly
installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe 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 condi-
tion.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cBe certain your rear view mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
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,
stability, and braking performance are
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, first block the wheels
and apply the parking brake, and then
move the transmission shift selector le-
ver into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park)
position before blocking the wheels and
applying the parking brake, transmission
damage could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lowergear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and
reduce speed to reduce chances of en-
gine overloading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn the air
conditioner off. Coolant heat can be ad-
ditionally vented by opening the win-
dows, switching the fan control dial to
high and setting the temperature control
dial to the WARM position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for the first 500
miles (800 km) of the vehicle's life.
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen 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.
cCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
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affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and immedi-
ately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe 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.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change fluid in the
transmission more frequently. For addi-
tional information see the ``Mainte-
nance'' section earlier in this manual.Department of Transportation (DOT) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly, 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 repre-
sent the tire's ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled condi-
tions, on specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked with
C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your
vehicle tire's is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering, hy-
droplaning, or peak traction character-
istics.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C. They represent a tire's resistance to
heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause tire material to degenerate, reducing
tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to
sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to
a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A
and B represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on laboratory test wheels than the
minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
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Seats
Five passenger seating ........................ 2-18
Five passenger seating with cargo
room...................................................... 2-18
Flexible seating..................................... 2-32
Integrated child safety seats ................ 2-71
Manual front seat adjustment ............... 2-26
Power support front seat ...................... 2-28
Seat positions ....................................... 2-21
Second row bench seat........................ 2-21
Second row bucket seats ..................... 2-24
Seven passenger seating ..................... 2-17
Sliding three-passenger seat................ 2-38
Three-passenger bench seat in fully
forward position .................................... 2-19
Three-passenger bench seat in storage
position ................................................. 2-17
Seats/floor mats ......................................... 2-15
Self-adjusting brakes ................................. 7-16
Service manual order form ........................ 9-21
Seven passenger seating .......................... 2-17
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 4-6
Sliding three-passenger seat ..................... 2-38
Spark plug replacement............................. 7-12
Speedometer ............................................... 1-4
Spotlights ................................................... 1-25
SRS warning label ..................................... 2-47
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Jump starting................................. 5-8, 7-12
Precautions when starting anddriving ..................................................... 4-2
Push starting......................................... 5-10
Starting the engine ................................. 4-8
Steering
Power steering fluid ........................ 7-9, 9-2
Tilting steering wheel............................ 2-78
Stop light .................................................... 7-21
Storage
Coin tray ............................................... 1-17
Compact disc storage........................... 1-18
Under seat storage tray........................ 2-31
Sun shade.................................................. 1-21
Sunroof ...................................................... 1-21
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels ............ 2-47
Switch
Autolamp switch ................................... 1-13
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-20
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-15
Headlight control switch ....................... 1-13
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 4-7
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-12
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ................................................ 1-12
Turn signal switch................................. 1-14
Windshield wiper and washer
switch .................................................... 1-11
T
Tabletop seats ........................................... 2-31Tachometer .................................................. 1-4
Theft warning ............................................. 1-10
Three way catalyst....................................... 4-2
Three-passenger bench seat..................... 2-57
Three-passenger bench seat in fully
forward position ......................................... 2-19
Three-passenger bench seat in storage
position....................................................... 2-17
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 2-78
Timing belt ................................................... 9-7
Timing chain ................................................ 9-7
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 5-2
Spare tire .............................................. 7-29
Tire chains ............................................ 7-26
Tire placard........................................... 9-11
Tire pressure ........................................ 7-25
Tire rotation .......................................... 7-27
Tool kit .................................................... 5-2
Types of tires ........................................ 7-26
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-18
Wheels and tires ........................... 7-25, 9-8
Wheel/tire size ........................................ 9-8
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 5-12
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-14
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-13
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........ 7-8
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-5
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)........................................... 9-9
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