
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found later in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake sys-
tem 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 appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced on very steep grades or in low traction
situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps) .Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside
temperatures on graded roads can affect engine
performance and cause overheating. The engine
protection mode, which helps reduce the chance
of engine damage, could activate and automati-
cally decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip carefully
to account for trailer and vehicle load, weather
and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a col-
lision. Be especially careful when driving.
Pull to the side of the road to a safe area.
Allow the engine to cool and return to
normal operation. See “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
NISSAN warranties.
TOWING A TRAILER
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Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight distrib-
uting hitch, keep the tongue load between 10 -
15 percent of the total trailer load within the
maximum tongue load limits shown in the follow-
ing Towing Load/Specification Chart. If the
tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo
to allow 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 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.
Trailer frontal area
CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum trailer frontal
area specification may exceed the towing
capacity of the vehicle. This may affect the
towing performance and lead to vehicle
damage.
The trailer frontal area affects the towing load of a
trailer. The frontal area is the total area of the
vehicle and trailer that is affected by air resis-
tance while towing. Do not exceed the maximum
trailer frontal area specification shown in the
9Towing load/specification chart.9The frontal
area can be determined by multiplying the width
of the trailer by the height of the trailer. For
example, a trailer that is 8 feet wide by 6 feet tall
has a trailer frontal area of 48 square feet.
CA0009ATI1025
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
US & CAN
2WD 4WD
Towing Capac-
ity*16,000 lb.
(2721 kg)6,000 lb.
(2721 kg)
Tongue Load600 lb.
(272 kg)600 lb.
(272 kg)
Gross Com-
bined Weight
Rating11,133 lb.
(5,049 kg)11,133 lb.
(5,049 kg)
Maximum trailer
frontal area60 sq ft (5.52 sq meters)
*1: The towing capacity values are calculated
assuming a base vehicle with driver and any
options required to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment
will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your
vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional
trailer tow package. The trailer tow package in-
cludes a receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This
hitch is rated for the maximum towing capacity ofthis vehicle when the proper towing equipment is
used. Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genuine
Nissan ball mounts and hitch balls are available
from your NISSAN dealer.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, 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 available 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.
WARNING
cTrailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than
the weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Never exceed the weight rating
of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:cThe required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
cChoose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
cThe diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.
cThe threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver.
Choose a proper class ball mount based on the
trailer weight. Additionally, the ball mount should
be chosen to keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or9dead weight9ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount of
tongue weight and gross weight directly on the
ball mount and on the receiver.
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Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling” or
“equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the ball
mount and to the trailer to distribute the tongue
weight (hitch weight) of your trailer. Many ve-
hicles can’t carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue weight
transferred through the frame and pushing down
on the front wheels. This gives stability to the tow
vehicle.
Another reason to have a weight distributing ball
mount is to comply with the rating on your re-
ceiver. Most receivers have a weight carrying
rating of 5,000 lbs. gross weight, 500 lbs. tongue
weight and a weight distribution rating of 10,000
lbs. gross weight, 1,000 lbs. tongue weight. This
means that without using a weight distributing
ballmount, the receiver is only designed to carry
5,000 lbs.
When hooking up a trailer using a weight distrib-
uting hitch, always refer to the hitch manufactur-
er’s instructions.
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface.
With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.2. Measure the height of a reference point on
the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Sway control device
Sway control devices are used to help control the
effects of sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and
buffeting caused by other vehicles. Make sure the
sway control device is compatible with the trail-
er’s brake system.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg) .
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,510 kg) .
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
The genuine NISSAN step bumper is considered
a Class III ball mount.
Class IV hitch
Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 10,000 lb (4,545 kg) . A
weight distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,272 kg) .
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb
(4,545 kg) maximum weight rating, but your ve-
hicle is only capable of towing the maximum
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trailer weights shown in the Towing
Load/Specification Chart earlier in this section.
CAUTION
cSpecial hitches which include frame re-
inforcements are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Suitable genu-
ine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts and
hitch balls for pickup trucks and sport
utility vehicles are available at a
NISSAN dealer.
cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of additional
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 passenger
compartment.cRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
cWhen towing with the hitch ball
mounted to the rear bumper, do not
make sharp turns. The trailer may con-
tact the bumper and cause damage to
the bumper or trailer.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
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 safety 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. The safety
chains can be attached to the bumper if the hitch
ball is mounted to the bumper. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer. Vehicles equipped with the
optional trailer tow package are equipped with a
7-pin trailer harness connector. If your trailer is
equipped with a flat 4-pin connector, an adapter
will be needed to connect the trailer lights to the
vehicle. Adapters are available at auto parts
stores and hitch retailers.
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Chimes, audible reminders...........2-21
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-32, 4-42
(models with navigation system)......4-10
Clock set
Control panel buttons...........4-10
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-33
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-34
Compass display.................2-9
Console box...................2-38
Control panel buttons..............4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-46
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-13, 4-21
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-24
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-15
Cup holders...................2-40
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-55
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-29
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-26
Digital video disc DVD.............4-47Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-29
Display controls
(see control panel buttons)...........4-2
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-15
Drive belts....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-17
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-33
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-17
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-25
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-15
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7Starting the engine..............5-9
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
English/Metric button..............4-10
Control panel buttons...........4-10
ENTER button..................4-2
Enter button
Control panel buttons............4-2
Event data recorders..............9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-38
F
First aid kit....................6-2
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-31
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-30
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-50
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Fuel economy................5-17
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Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-57
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-58, 2-17
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-50
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-57
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-43
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-43
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-27
Automatic power window switch.....2-48
Fog light switch...............2-30
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-31
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-26
Headlight control switch..........2-26
Hill descent control (HDC) switch.....2-33
Ignition switch................5-7
Overdrive switch..............5-13
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-26
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-25
Turn signal switch..............2-30
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch.2-33
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-24
T
Tachometer....................2-6
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start..............2-23, 3-2, 5-8Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-12
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire...................6-4
Tire chains..................8-37
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-30
Tire rotation.................8-37
Tires of 4-wheel drive............8-39
Types of tires................8-36
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-24
Wheels and tires..............8-30
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-16
Tire pressure display...............4-6
Tire pressure monitoring system........5-3
Tire rotation maintenance reminder.......4-6
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-33
Towing
2-wheel drive models............6-12
4-wheel drive models............6-13
Flat towing..................9-23
Tow truck towing..............6-11
Towing load/specification.........9-19
Trailer towing................9-17
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-53
Transmission
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-10
Selector lever lock release.........5-12
Travel (See registering your vehicle
in another country)................9-9
TRIP button....................4-4Trip button
Control panel buttons............4-4
Trip computer...................2-5
Trip odometer...................2-4
Turn signal switch................2-30
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-24
V
Vanity mirror...................3-13
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-8
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. . .2-33
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-30
Vehicle electronic system............4-8
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) (Chassis num-
ber)........................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery..............6-13, 7-2
Vehicle security system.............2-22
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle immobi-
lizer system) , engine start......2-23, 3-2, 5-8
Ventilators....................4-12
Visors......................3-13
Voltmeter.....................2-8
10-6
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W
Warning
4WD warning light.............2-16
Air bag warning light.........1-58, 2-17
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-14
Battery charge warning light........2-15
Brake warning light.............2-14
Door open warning light..........2-15
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-15
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-31
Low fuel warning light...........2-16
Low tire pressure warning light......2-16
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-17
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-52
Seat belt warning light...........2-16
Vehicle security system...........2-22
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-57
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-13
Warning lights..................2-13
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-24
Weights (See dimensions and weights). . . .9-8
Wheels and tires................8-30
Wheel/tire size..................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country................9-9
Window washer fluid..............8-12
Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-48
Power rear windows............2-48
Power windows...............2-47Rear power windows............2-48
Windshield wiper and washer switch.....2-24
Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-24
Wiper blades...............8-18
10-7
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