
Measurement of weights
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts
that could affect the balance of your vehicle.
When the truck camper is loaded, drive to a
scale and weigh the front and the rear
wheels separately to determine axle loads.
Individual 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 that is located on
the driver's door lock pillar. If weight ratings
are exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer will place
additional loads on your vehicle's engine,
drive train, steering, braking and other sys-
tems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guideis available
from an authorized NISSAN dealer. This
guide includes information on trailer towing
ability 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. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo
weight.
IWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined
Weight Rating) 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 appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced on very
steep grades or in low traction situations (for
CA0009
TRAILER TOWING
Technical and consumer information10-21
ZX

Unit: lbs (kg)
MODEL
WEIGHT2WD 4WD
M/T (4cyl) A/T (4cyl) M/T (V6) A/T (V6) M/T (4cyl) M/T (V6) A/T (V6)
MAXIMUM
TRAILER
WEIGHT*13,500 (1,588) 2,000 (907) 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268) 3,500 (1,588) 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE
LOAD350 (159) 200 (91) 350 (159) 500 (227) 350 (159) 350 (159) 500 (227)
GROSS
COMBINED
WEIGHT
RATING7,000 (3,175) 6,000 (2,721) 8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,309) 7,700 (3,492) 8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,309)
RECOMMENDED
EQUIPMENT*2Sway Control
DeviceÐSway Control
DeviceSway Control
DeviceSway Control
DeviceSway Control
DeviceSway Control
Device
*1: ll towing above 1,000 lb (454 kg) requires the use of trailer brakes. NISSAN recommends the use of a tandem axle trailer whenever towing above 3,000
lb (1,361 kg).
*2: A sway control device is recommended for all towing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Sway control devices are not offered by NISSAN. See a professional
trailer/hitch outlet for a properly designed sway control device for your trailer.
M/T = Manual Transmission
A/T = Automatic Transmission
2WD = 2-wheel drive
4WD = 4-wheel drive
TOWING LOAD/
SPECIFICATION CHART
Technical and consumer information10-23
ZX

tongue load, overload, worn suspension
or other possible causes of either con-
dition.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
IBe certain your outside mirrors conform
to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for tow-
ing 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.
IAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
I
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
IAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
IAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
IAlways block the wheels on both vehicleand trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the
parking brake, and then move the trans-
mission shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position. If you move the shift
lever to the P (Park) position before
blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
IWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, down-
shift the transmission to a lower gear
and reduce speed to reduce chances of
engine overloading and/or overheating.
However, for long steep grades, do not
stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h).
IIf the engine coolant rises to an ex-
tremely high temperature when the air
conditioning system is on, turn off the air
conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the
HOT position.ITrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
IAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's
first 500 miles (805 km).
IHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
IWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn
than your vehicle wheels. To compen-
sate for this, make a larger than normal
turning radius during the turn.
ICrosswinds and rough roads adversely
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 imme-
diately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
IBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
Technical and consumer information
10-25
ZX

trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
ITo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
or overdrive (automatic transmission).
IAvoid 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 oil in the
transmission more frequently. For addi-
tional information see the ``Maintenance''
section earlier in this manual.DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must con-
form 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
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, rela-
tive 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 C
may have poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.
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
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
10-26Technical and consumer information
ZX

Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in 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 ve-
hicle.
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, drive the
vehicle through the following pattern to set
the vehicle to the ready condition.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner 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 (85 to 97 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 least three
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 interrupted, repeat
the preceding step. Any safe driving mode is
acceptable between steps. Do not stop the
engine until step seven is completed. If you
cannot or do not want to perform the drivingpattern, an authorized NISSAN dealer can
conduct it for you.
Dynamometer testing for Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) test (US only)
Due to legal requirements in some
states/areas, your vehicle may be tested for
emissions on a dynamometer. The transfer
control lever (if so equipped) MUST be in
the 2H position for I/M testing on a two
wheel dynamometer.
WARNING
IIf the transfer control lever is not in
the 2H position during the dyna-
mometer I/M testing, the vehicle
could come off the dynamometer
and cause serious personal injury
and/or body damage to the vehicle.
ISerious damage will occur to the
4WD system if the transfer control
lever is not in the 2H position
READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) TEST (US only)
10-28Technical and consumer information
ZX

Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-7
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-15
Outside mirrors .......................................... 3-16
Overdrive switch ........................................ 5-13
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual order form ..................... 10-29
P
Pantograph type jack ................................... 6-5
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-23
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-16
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-27
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light .......................................... 1-15
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Power steering system ......................... 5-28
Power windows..................................... 2-24
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
On-pavement and off-road drivingprecautions ............................................. 5-3
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-20
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting ................................................ 6-9
R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
FM-AM radio with compact disc
player ................................................... 4-15
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 4-21
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test ........................................................... 10-28
Rear sliding window................................... 2-25
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-12
Remote keyless entry system (See
multi-remote control system) ....................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-27
Roof rack ..................................................... 3-9
S
Safety
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-27
Seat
Jump seat ............................................... 1-9
Seat belt
2-point type without retractor................ 1-26
3-point type with retractor..................... 1-24Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-20
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-29
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-30
Seat belts.............................................. 1-20
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-9
Seats
Adjustment .............................................. 1-2
Bench seat.............................................. 1-7
Separate seats ....................................... 1-2
Service manual order form ...................... 10-29
Shifting
Automatic transmission ................. 5-9, 5-11
Manual transmission............................. 5-15
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-19
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-23
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-18
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-8
Jump starting .......................................... 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting........................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................... 5-16
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-14
Power steering system ......................... 5-28
Tilting steering wheel ............................ 3-15
Step rail (if so equipped) ........................... 3-11
Stop light .................................................... 8-30
Sun shade.................................................. 2-26
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-26
11-4
ZX

Supplemental restraint system (Supplemental
air bag system) .......................................... 1-10
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-25
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-16
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ................................... 5-13
Passenger supplemental air bag ON/OFF
switch and light ..................................... 1-15
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-17
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-5
Tailgate latch .............................................. 3-13
Theft warning ............................................. 2-14
Three way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tie down hooks.......................................... 3-14
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-15
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire .............................................. 8-37
Tire chains ............................................ 8-34
Tire placard ......................................... 10-14
Tire pressure......................................... 8-33
Tire rotation........................................... 8-35
Tires of 4-wheel drive ........................... 8-36
Types of tires ........................................ 8-33
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-27
Wheels and tires................................... 8-33
Wheel/tire size .................................... 10-10Towing
2-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
4-wheel drive models ........................... 6-12
Tow truck towing ................................... 6-11
Towing load/specification chart ........... 10-23
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-21
Transfer case ............................................. 5-21
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)....... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-8
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-14
Selector lever lock release ................... 5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country) .................................................... 10-12
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-4
Truck - camper loading ............................ 10-17
Turn signal switch (See headlight and turn
signal switch) ............................................. 2-16
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-26
V
Vanity mirror............................................... 3-17
Vehicle dimensions and weights.............. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) (chassis
number).................................................... 10-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-12
Vehicle loading information...................... 10-15Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-13
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light............................. 1-18
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-19
Theft warning ........................................ 2-14
Warning labels (for SRS)...................... 1-18
Warning/indicator lights and chimes....... 2-8
Weights (See dimensions and weights) .. 10-11
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-31
Wheel/tire size ......................................... 10-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ........................................ 10-12
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-15
Windows
Manual windows ................................... 2-23
Power windows..................................... 2-24
Rear sliding window ............................. 2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-17
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-17
Wiper blades......................................... 8-22
11-5
ZX