Class I hitchClass I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 909 kg (2,000 lb).
You may add Class I trailer hitch equipment to
the vehicle that has a 909 kg (2,000 lb) maxi-
mum weight rating, but your vehicle is only
capable of towing the maximum trailer weights
shown in the Towing Load/Specification Chart
earlier in this section.
CAUTION
Special hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 907 kg (2,000 lb). Suitable
genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
trucks and sport utility vehicles are
available at a NISSAN dealer.
Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact
absorbing bumper.
Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install atrailer 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 trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely
mounted.
To 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.
Tire pressuresWhen towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
Trailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturers’ specifications.
Safety chainAlways 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 chain 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 bat-
tery 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 than 15
milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer dealer to obtainTechnical and consumer information
9-19
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
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.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 tipsBe 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 con-
dition; check for improper tongue load, over-
load, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.
Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, vehicle
tire pressure, trailer light operation, and trailer
wheel lug nuts every time you attach a trailer
to the vehicle.
Be certain your rear view 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 per-
formance 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. Some states or provinces have spe-cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and back
up slowly. If possible, have someone guide
you when you are backing up.
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 selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the selector lever to the P (Park) position
before blocking the wheels and applying the
parking brake, transmission damage could
occur.
When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.
If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
9-20
Technical and consumer information
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a not “ready condition”. Before taking
the I/M test, check the vehicle’s inspection/
maintenance test readiness condition. Turn the
ignition switch ON without starting the engine. If
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) comes on
steady for 20 seconds and then blinks for 10
seconds, the I/M test condition is “not ready”. If
the MIL does not blink after 20 seconds, the I/M
test condition is “ready”.
If the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready”
condition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition.
If you cannot or do not want to perform the
driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it
for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions, and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle until
the engine coolant temperature gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal operat-
ing temperature).
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 88 km/h (55 MPH),then quickly release the accelerator pedal
completely and keep it released for at least
10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
86 to 96 km/h (53 to 60 MPH) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle. Leave the engine running.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 km/h (35 MPH)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 88 km/h (55 MPH)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission se-
lector lever in the “P” or “N” position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the engine
until step 7 is completed.Your vehicle is equipped with a variety of com-
puters that monitor and control a number of
systems to optimize performance and help ser-
vice technicians with diagnosis and repair. De-
pending on the equipment on your vehicle, some
of the computers monitor emission control sys-
tems, braking systems, engine systems, trans-
mission systems, tire pressure systems, and air
bag systems, just to name a few. Some data
about vehicle operation may be stored in the
computers for use during servicing. Other data
may be stored if a crash event occurs. For
example, air bag readiness, air bag performance,
and seat belt use by the driver or passenger may
be recorded, depending on vehicle equipment.
These types of systems are sometimes called
Event Data Recorders.
Special equipment can be used to access the
electronic data that may be stored in the vehi-
cle’s computers (sounds are not recorded).
NISSAN and NISSAN dealers have equipment
to access some of this data; others may also
have this equipment. The data may be retrieved
during routine vehicle servicing or for special
research. It might also be accessed with the
consent of the vehicle owner or lessee, in re-
sponse to a request by law enforcement, or as
otherwise required or permitted by law.
EVENT DATA RECORDERS
9-24
Technical and consumer information
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
Seat belt cleaning ................................................. 7-5
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-19
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-19
Seat belts ............................................................. 1-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment..................... 1-18
Three-point type with retractor ....................... 1-15
Seat(s)
Heated seats........................................................ 2-22
Seats ........................................................................ 1-2
Security system, Vehicle security system ........... 2-13
Security systems (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ............................................... 2-14
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ......................................................................... 2-13
Servicing air conditioner .......................................... 4-14
Shift lock release ....................................................... 5-12
Shifting
Automatic transmission ............................ 5-6, 5-10
Manual transmission ................................. 5-7, 5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment, For front
seats ............................................................................. 1-18
SNOW mode switch ................................................ 2-23
Spark plugs................................................................. 8-18
Speedometer ................................................................ 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-9
Jump starting .......................................................... 6-7
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting .......................................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-9
Steering
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-14
Power steering system ...................................... 5-24
Tilting steering wheel......................................... 3-10Storage ........................................................................ 2-26
Sun shade ................................................................... 2-38
Sunroof ........................................................................ 2-38
Supplemental air bag warning labels................... 1-47
Supplemental air bag warning light............. 1-47, 2-9
Supplemental restraint system............................... 1-37
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.................................................................... 1-37
Switch
Fog light switch................................................... 2-20
Hazard warning flasher switch ........................ 2-21
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-18
Ignition switch ........................................................ 5-6
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models .......................................................... 5-6, 5-10
Ignition switch manual transmission
models .......................................................... 5-7, 5-14
Overdrive switch ................................................. 5-13
Power door lock switch....................................... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch..................................................................... 2-17
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-20
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ... 2-23
T
Tachometer.................................................................... 2-5
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................................................... 2-5
Theft (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start................................................................. 2-14
Three way catalyst ....................................................... 5-3
Tilting steering wheel ............................................... 3-10Tire
Flat tire ..................................................................... 6-2
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-22
Tires
Tire and loading information label ...... 8-35, 9-11
Tire chains ............................................................ 8-40
Tire pressure ........................................................ 8-34
Tire rotation .......................................................... 8-41
Types of tires ....................................................... 8-39
Wheel/tire size ....................................................... 9-8
Wheels and tires ................................................ 8-34
Tonneau cover ........................................................... 2-34
Top tether strap child restraints ............................ 1-28
Towing
Tow truck towing ................................................ 6-10
Towing a trailer.................................................... 9-15
Towing load/specification chart ...................... 9-15
Towing safety....................................................... 9-18
Trailer towing .............................................................. 9-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-6, 5-10
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 5-14
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Transmitter (See remote keyless entry system) ... 3-5
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ............................................................................ 9-9
Turn signal switch ..................................................... 2-20
U
Underbody cleaning .................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading .................................... 9-22
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0
10-5
FUEL RECOMMENDATION:Use unleaded regular gasoline with an oc-
tane rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock
Index) number (Research octane number
91).
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control systems, and may also affect
warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this
will damage the three way catalyst.
Do not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle.
Your vehicle is not designed to run
on E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel can
damage the fuel system components
and is not covered by the NISSAN
vehicle limited warranty.
For additional information, see “Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Techni-
cal and consumer information” section.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION:API Certification Mark
API grade SG, Energy Conserving II or API
grade SH, SJ or SL, Energy Conserving
ILSAC grade GF-II & GF-III
SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30,
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used for ambi-
ent temperatures above −18°C (0°F).
See “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” section for engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.COLD TIRE PRESSURES:See Tire and Loading Information label affixed to
the inside of the driver side center pillar.NEW VEHICLE BREAK-IN
PROCEDURES
RECOMMENDATION:During the first 2,000 km (1,200 miles) of ve-
hicle use, follow the recommendations outlined
in the “Break-in schedule” Information found in
the “5. Starting and driving” section of this
Owner’s Manual.
GAS STATIONINFORMATION
06.4.14/T30-J/V5.0