2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER towing

CAUTION

Use the towing hook only, not other
parts of the vehicle. Otherwise, the
vehicle body will be damaged.

Use the towing hook only to free a
vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.
Never tow the vehicle for a long dis-
tance using only the towing hook.

The towing hook is under tremen-
dous force when used to free a stuckvehicle. Always pull the cable straight
out from the front of the vehicle.
Never pull on the hook at an angle.

Always pull the cable straight out
from the front of the vehicle. Never
pull on the vehicle at an angle.

Pulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the
suspension, steering, brake or cool-
ing systems.

Pulling devices such as ropes or can-
vas straps are not recommended for
use in vehicle towing or recovery.
SCE0138
In case of emergency
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9 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ................ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ...................................................... 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation.................... 9-6
Recommended SAE oil viscosity number.................. 9-7
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ............................................................. 9-7
Specifications.......................................................................... 9-9
Engine ................................................................................. 9-9
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 9-11
Dimensions and weights.............................................. 9-11
When traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country.................................................................................... 9-12
Vehicle identification ........................................................... 9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ................ 9-12
Vehicle identification number (Chassis
number) ............................................................................ 9-12
Engine serial number .................................................... 9-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ....................................... 9-13
Emission control information label ............................ 9-13
Tire and Loading Information label............................ 9-14
Air conditioner specification label ............................. 9-14Vehicle loading information ............................................... 9-14
Terms ................................................................................ 9-14
Vehicle load capacity.................................................... 9-15
Securing the load .......................................................... 9-16
Loading tips .................................................................... 9-17
Vehicle load capacity.................................................... 9-17
Measurement of weights ............................................. 9-17
Towing a trailer .................................................................... 9-18
Maximum load limits ...................................................... 9-18
Towing load/specification chart ................................. 9-20
Towing safety.................................................................. 9-20
Flat towing ....................................................................... 9-22
Uniform tire quality grading ......................................... 9-23
Emission control system warranty ................................... 9-24
Reporting safety defects (US only) ................................ 9-24
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ................................................................................ 9-25
Event data recorders ......................................................... 9-26
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information ... 9-27
In the event of a collision ............................................ 9-27


04.3.9/R50-D/V5


Change intervalsThe 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 engines 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 recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle. Operation under
the following conditions may require more fre-
quent oil and filter changes.
— repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,
— driving in dusty conditions,
— extensive idling,
— towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE OIL
VISCOSITY NUMBER
SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30,
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (−18°C).AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONSThe air conditioning system in this NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or the exact
equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerants or
lubricants will cause severe damage to
the air conditioning system and will re-
quire the replacement of all air condi-
tioning system components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle will not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect
the earth’s atmosphere, certain governmental
regulations require the recovery and recycling of
any refrigerant during automotive air condition-
TI1028-C
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(4) The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs. [1,400 − 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.]
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. For
safety, that weight must not exceed the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
SECURING THE LOADThere 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 22
lbs. (10 kg) to a single hook when securing
cargo.
SPA0408A
SPA0365
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CAUTION
Overloading can shorten the life of your
vehicle. Failures caused by overloading
are not covered by your warranty.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guide (US only)is
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 loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed thevalue specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. The total trailer load
equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
Towing loads greater than those specified or
using improper towing equipment could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling, braking and per-
formance. 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 slip-
pery boat ramps).
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILER
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WARNING
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures is not cov-
ered by NISSAN warranties. A NISSAN
Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only) contain-
ing information on trailer towing ability
and the special equipment required may
be obtained from an authorized NISSAN
dealer.Tongue loadKeep the tongue load between 9 to 11% of the
total trailer load within the maximum tongue load
limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specifications Chart. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weightThe 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 vehicle weight equals the com-
bined weight of the unloaded vehicle, passen-
gers, luggage, 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.
CA0036
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb(kg)
MODEL
WEIGHTPATHFINDER VQ35DE (6-Cyl.)
M/T A/T
MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT*1 3,500 (1,588) 5,000 (2,268)
MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD 350 (159) 500 (227)
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT
RATING8,000 (3,628) 9,500 (4,308)
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 hitchChoose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is avail-
able 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

Do not use axle-mounted hitches.

Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.

After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.

Regularly check all hitch mounting
bolts are securely mounted.

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
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struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.

Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Tire pressures
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading Information
label.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturers’
specifications.Safety chainsAlways use a suitable chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The 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 lightsTrailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations.When wiring vehicle for towing connection,
connect stop and tail light pickup into the
vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tips
Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has a non-standard nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.

Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.

Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.

Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.

Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.

Always 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 parking brake, and then move the trans-
mission selector lever into the P position. If
you move the selector lever to the P position
before blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.Technical and consumer information
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