backward.
Many hills are too steep for any ve-
hicle. If you drive up them, you may
stall. If you drive down them, you may
not be able to control your speed. If
you drive across them, you may roll
over.
Do not shift selector lever while driv-
ing on downhill grades as this could
cause loss of control of the vehicle.
Be sure to use the engine brake. The
foot brake performance may be re-
duced, resulting in a possible acci-
dent.
Stay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-
off or other hazard that could cause
an accident.
If your engine stalls or you cannot
make it to the top of a steep hill,
never attempt to turn around. Your
vehicle could tip or roll over. Always
back straight down in R (Reverse)
range. Never back down in N (Neu-tral), using only the brake, as this
could cause loss of control.
Heavy braking going down a hill
could cause your brakes to overheat
and fade, resulting in loss of control
and an accident. Apply brakes lightly
and use a low range to control your
speed.
Unsecured cargo can be thrown
around when driving over rough ter-
rain. Properly secure all cargo so it
will not be thrown forward and cause
injury to you or your passengers.
To avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack (if so
equipped) and evenly distribute the
load. Secure heavy loads in the cargo
area as far forward and as low as
possible. Do not equip the vehicle
with tires larger than specified in this
manual. This could cause your ve-
hicle to roll over.
Do not grip the inside or spokes ofthe steering wheel when driving off-
road. The steering wheel could move
suddenly and injure your hands. In-
stead drive with your fingers and
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers
have their seat belts fastened.
Always drive with the floor mats in
place as the floor may become hot.
Lower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher
center of gravity, your NISSAN is
more affected by strong side winds.
Slower speeds ensure better vehicle
control.
Do not drive beyond the performance
of the tires, even with AWD engaged.
Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
If at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high
5-6
Starting and driving
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
parked for 3 or more hours, or driven less than 1
mile (1.6 km) at moderate speeds. COLD tire
pressures are shown on the tire placard affixed
to the center pillar.Low tire pressure warning system (if
so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system displays
the tire pressure of all tires (except the spare tire)
on the display screen by sending a signal from a
sensor that is installed in each wheel. For more
details, refer to “Low tire pressure warning light”
in the “2. Instruments and controls” section,
“Low tire pressure warning system” in the “5.
Starting and driving” section, and “Flat tire” in
the “6. In case of emergency” section. If the tire
pressure displayed on the display screen is
lower than the COLD tire pressure shown on the
tire placard, check the pressure of all four tires
and adjust them to the COLD tire pressure as
indicated above. The low tire pressure warning
system will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 20 MPH (32 km/h).
WARNING
Improperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.The vehicle capacity weight is indi-
cated on the tire placard. Do not load
your vehicle beyond this capacity.
Overloading your vehicle may result
in reduced tire life, unsafe operating
conditions due to premature tire fail-
ure, or unfavorable handling charac-
teristics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle components.
Before taking a long trip, or when-
ever you have loaded your vehicle
heavily, use a tire pressure gauge to
ensure that the tire pressure is at the
specified level.
Do not drive your vehicle over 85
MPH (140 km/h) unless it is equipped
with high speed capability tires. Driv-
ing faster than 85 MPH (140 km/h)
may result in tire failure, loss of con-
trol and possible injury.
For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
TYPES OF TIRES
CAUTION
When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same
type (for example, summer, all sea-
son or snow) and construction. Your
NISSAN dealer may be able to help
you with information about tire type,
size, speed rating and availability.
Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
8-28
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulging,
or objects caught in the tread. If ex-
cessive wear, cracks, bulging, or
deep cuts are found, the tire should
be replaced.
The original tires have a built-in tread
wear indicator. When the wearindicator is visible, the tire should be
replaced.
Improper service for a spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the spare tire,
contact your NISSAN dealer.
For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Replacing wheels and tiresWhen replacing a tire, use the same size, speed
rating and load carrying capacity as originally
equipped. See “Specifications” in the “9. Tech-
nical and consumer information” section for rec-
ommended types and sizes of tires and wheels.
WARNING
The use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.
If the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad wear.
When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, the pressure of
that tire will not be indicated and not
be monitored by the low tire pressure
warning system. Contact your
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible
MDI0004
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-31
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
9 Technical and consumer informationCapacities 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 conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ............................................................. 9-6
Specifications.......................................................................... 9-7
Engine ................................................................................. 9-7
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 ............................ 9-11
Tire placard ..................................................................... 9-12
Air conditioner specification label ............................. 9-12Installing front license plate .............................................. 9-13
Vehicle loading information ............................................... 9-14
Terms ................................................................................ 9-14
Determining vehicle load capacity ............................ 9-14
Loading tips .................................................................... 9-15
Payload weight capacity .............................................. 9-15
Measurement of weights ............................................. 9-15
Towing a trailer .................................................................... 9-16
Maximum load limits ...................................................... 9-16
Towing load/specification chart ................................. 9-18
Towing safety.................................................................. 9-18
Uniform tire quality grading............................................... 9-21
Emission control system warranty ................................... 9-22
Reporting safety defects (US only) ................................ 9-22
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test (US
only) ........................................................................................ 9-22
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information .......................................................................... 9-24
In the event of a collision ............................................ 9-24
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
WARNING
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously in-
jured or killed
Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.TERMSIt is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:
CurbWeight (actual weight of your vehicle) -
vehicle weight including: standard and op-
tional equipment, fluids, emergency tools,
and spare tire assembly. This weightdoes
notinclude passengers and cargo.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curbweight
plus the combined weight of passengers and
cargo.GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total weight (load) limit specified for
the vehicle.
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the front
or rear axle.
DETERMINING VEHICLE LOAD
CAPACITYThe load capacity of this vehicle is determined
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 curbweight of your vehicle.
2. Compare the curbweight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to deter-
mine how much more weight your vehicle can
carry.
3. After loading (cargo and passengers), re-
weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is ex-ceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, remove cargo
as necessary. If either the front or rear GAWR
is exceeded, shift the load or remove cargo
as necessary.
VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION9-14
Technical and consumer information
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
LOADING TIPSThere 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.
The GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. certi-
fication label.
Do not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
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.
Do 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.
Overloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle. Failures caused by over-
loading are not covered by your war-
ranty.PAYLOAD WEIGHT CAPACITYThe payload weight capacity is the maximum
total weight of passengers, optional equipment
(air conditioning, trailer hitch, etc.) and cargo
that your vehicle is designed to carry.Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm that you
do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for your vehicle. See “Vehicle loading
information” earlier in this section for details.
Also check tires for proper inflation pressures.
See the tire placard affixed to the glove box lid.
Payload Weight Capacity Unit: lb(kg)
VQ35DE
2WD AWD
US 1,050 (475) 1,090 (495)
Canada — 1,070 (485)
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTSSecure loose items to prevent weight shifts that
could affect the balance of your vehicle. When
the vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale and weight
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.
STI0343
Technical and consumer information
9-15
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb(kg)
MODEL
WEIGHTVQ35DE
CVT
MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT*1 3,500 (1,588)
MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD 350 (159)
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING 8,100 (3,674)
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT*2 Sway Control Device (SCD)
*1: All 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.
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchCheck the towing capacity of your receiver type
frame mounted hitch. Choose a proper hitch for
your vehicle and trailer. A genuine NISSAN
trailer hitch is available from your NISSAN dealer
(US 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
Special hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg). Suitable
Genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
truck and sport utility vehicles are
available at a NISSAN dealer.
Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
9-18
Technical and consumer information
03.1.28/Z50-D/V5.0