2002 NISSAN ALTIMA towing

6 In case of emergency
Flat tire ...................................................................6-2
Changing a flat tire ............................................6-2
Jump starting ..........................................................6-6
Push starting ..........................................................6-8
If your vehicle overheats ........................................6-8Towing your vehicle ...............................................6-9
Towing recommended by Nissan ....................6-10
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck
vehicle) ............................................................6-11
ZX

WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or
the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling fan motor can start at any time
when the coolant temperature is high.
6. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the res-
ervoir tank if necessary. Have your ve-
hicle repaired at an authorized NISSAN
dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for tow-
ing must be followed. Incorrect towing equip-
ment could damage your vehicle. Towing
instructions are available from an authorized
NISSAN dealer. Local service operators will
generally be familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to
your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a
service operator tow your vehicle. It is advis-
able to have the service operator carefully
read the following precautions:
WARNING
cNever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
cNever get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working con-
dition. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.
cAlways attach safety chains before
towing.
ACE0511
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-9
ZX

TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed
truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
cNever tow automatic transmission
models with the front wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward), as this may
cause serious and expensive dam-
age to the transmission. If it is nec-
essary to tow the vehicle with the
rear wheels raised, always use tow-
ing dollies under the front wheels.
cWhen towing automatic transmis-
sion models with the front wheels ontowing dollies, or when towing
manual transmission models with
the front wheels on the ground:
cTurn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device.
Never place the ignition key in the
LOCK position. This will result in
damage to the steering lock
mechanism.
cMove the gearshift lever to the N
(Neutral) position.
cWhen towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the rear
wheels on the ground (if you do not
use towing dollies): Always release
the parking brake.
ACE1001
6-10In case of emergency
ZX

VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle)
Front
cUse the towing hook only, not other
parts of the vehicle. Otherwise, the ve-
hicle body will be damaged.
cUse the towing hook only to free a
vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.
Never tow the vehicle for a long distance
using only the towing hook.
cThe towing hook is under tremendous
force when used to free a stuck vehicle.Always pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull
on the hook at an angle.
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
Rear
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structural members of
the vehicle.
cPulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull
on the vehicle at an angle.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
WARNING
Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
WCE0023
In case of emergency6-11
ZX

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ........9-2
Fuel recommendation ........................................9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ...........9-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number ..............9-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ...............................9-7
Specifications .........................................................9-8
Engine ...............................................................9-8
Wheels and tires................................................9-9
Dimensions and weights ...................................9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ....................................................9-10
Vehicle identification ............................................9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................................9-10
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) .............................................9-10
Engine serial number ......................................9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........................9-11
Emission control information label ..................9-12Tire placard......................................................9-12
Air conditioner specification label ....................9-12
Installing front license plate..................................9-13
Vehicle loading information ..................................9-13
Terms...............................................................9-13
Determining vehicle load capacity...................9-14
Loading tips .....................................................9-14
Towing a trailer.....................................................9-15
Maximum load limits ........................................9-15
Towing load/specification chart .......................9-16
Towing safety ..................................................9-16
Uniform tire quality grading ..................................9-18
Emission control system warranty .......................9-19
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......................9-19
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test (US only) .......................................................9-20
Owner's manual/service manual order
information .......................................................9-21
In the event of a collision ................................9-22
ZX

Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with
a high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter.
When replacing, use a genuine NISSAN oil
filter or its equivalent for the reason de-
scribed in ``Change intervals''.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other
than the specified quality, or oil and filter
change intervals longer than recommended
could reduce engine life. Damage to the
engine caused by improper maintenance or
use of incorrect oil and filter quality and/or
viscosity is not covered by the new NISSAN
vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have
to change the oil before the first recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend upon how you use
your vehicle. Operation under the following
conditions may require more frequent oil
and filter changes:
Ð repeated short distance driving at cold
outside temperatures,Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,
Ð towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE
VISCOSITY NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred
for all temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if
TI1028
9-6Technical and consumer information
ZX

Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place addi-
tional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
A Nissan Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only)
containing information on trailer towing ability
and the special equipment required may be
obtained from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads:
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
1,000 lb (454 kg). The total trailer load
equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
Towing loads greater than 1,000 lb (454 kg)
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).
WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures are not covered by NISSAN warran-
ties. A NISSAN Trailer Towing Guide (U.S.
only) containing information on trailer
towing ability and the special equipment
required may be obtained from an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
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,
TI1011MTI1012M
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information9-15
ZX

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 LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD100 (45)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is
available from your NISSAN dealer
(Canada only). 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
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. to install
a trailer hitch.
cTo 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.
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 (located
under the center console lid).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.
9-16Technical and consumer information
ZX