2001 NISSAN XTERRA ECU

OGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) þ
maximum total weight (load) limit speci-
fied for the vehicle.
OGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) þ
maximum weight (load) limit specified for
the front or rear axle.
DETERMINING VEHICLE LOAD
CAPACITY
The load capacity of this vehicle is deter-
mined by weight, not by available cargo
space. For example, a roof rack, bike car-
rier, 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 ve-
hicle.
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 and passengers),reweigh your vehicle to determine if ei-
ther 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.
SECURING THE LOAD
There are tie down hooks located in the
cargo area. 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 33
lbs. (15 kg) to a single hook when secur-
ing cargo.
AIC1106
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WARNING
OProperly secure all cargo with ropes
or straps to help prevent it from
sliding or shifting. Do not place
cargo higher than the seat backs. In
a sudden stop or collision, unse-
cured cargo could cause personal
injury.
ODo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum
front and rear GAWR's. 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.
LOADING TIPS
OThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the FMVSS Cer-
tification Label located on the driver's
door jamb pillar.
ODo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the
GVWR.
OLoads should be spread out, and cargo
should be properly secured. Large orheavy objects should be placed toward
the front of the trunk box to help prevent
sliding or shifting.
CAUTION
Overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle. Failures caused by overloading
are not covered by your warranty.
AIC1107
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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
separately to determine axle loads. Indi-
vidual axle loads should not exceed either
of the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR).
The total of the axle loads should not ex-
ceed 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 Guide (U.S. only)
is available from an authorized NISSAN
dealer. This guide includes information on
trailer towing ability and the special equip-
ment 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.
OWhen 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
example, on slippery boat ramps).
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILER
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TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Check the towing 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 avail-
able from your 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 passing
trucks.
CAUTION
OSpecial hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
trucks and sport utility vehicles are
available at an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
OThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
ODo not use axle-mounted hitches.ODo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install
a trailer hitch.
OTo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.
OAfter the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
ORegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely
mounted.
Tire pressures
OWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (affixed
to the inside of the glove box lid).
OTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in
accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturers' 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 or
axle. 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. For assistance in
hooking up trailer lights, contact an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
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4) Connect the tow harness connector
(SAE J1239) to your trailer.
5) Confirm proper vehicle and trailer
stop/turn lamp operation.
6) 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.
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
OBe 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.
OAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
OBe certain your outside 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.
OAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
O
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
OAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
OAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
OAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and 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 park-
ing brake, and then move the transmis-
sion 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.
OWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear 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.
However, for long steep grades, do not
stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h).
OIf 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-
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