cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. when the
hitch is installed.
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 receiver when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger 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 (affixed
to the driver's door, center pillar).
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturer's specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. 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
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.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to Federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly 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 ifit has an abnormal nose-up or nose- down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
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 will be
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
10-16Technical and consumer information
ZX
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 repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle
may be reset to a ``not ready'' condition.
Before taking the I/M test, drive the vehicle
through the following pattern to set the ve-
hicle to the ready condition. If you cannot or
do not want to perform the driving pattern, a
NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe man-
ner according to traffic conditions and
obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C.
Allow the engine to idle until the gauge
needle points between the C and H (nor-
mal operating temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelera-
tor pedal completely and keep it released
for at least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for
a moment, then drive the vehicle at a
speed of 53 to 60 mph (86 to 96 km/h) for
at least 5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55
km/h) and maintain the speed for 20
seconds.
6. Repeat steps four through five at least 3
times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h) and maintain the speed for at least
3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
9. Repeat steps one through eight at least
one more time.
If step one through seven is interrupted,
repeat the preceding step. Any safe driving
mode is acceptable between steps. Do not
stop the engine until step seven is com-
pleted.
READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) TEST
10-20Technical and consumer information
ZX
