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.
Bumper towing
The genuine NISSAN step bumper has provi-
sions to install a trailer hitch ball and is designed
to tow trailers of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb
(1,588 kg) .
To install a trailer hitch ball cut out the circle in the
center of the step bumper
sA, then remove it to
install the trailer hitch ball.
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.
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.
LTI0132
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Pre-towing tips
cBe 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
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
c
Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the
trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity low.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
cDetermine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.
Trailer towing tips
In 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.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
cWhen 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:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill
side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly
release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (AT) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. See9Automatic transmission
park warning light9in the9Instruments and
controls9section and9Using four wheel
drive9in the9Starting and driving9section.
7. Turn off the engine.
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To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
cWhen 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 over-
loading and/or overheating. However, for
long steep grades, do not stay in 1st gear
when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h) or
2nd gear when driving above 58 MPH (93
km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
- Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cDown shift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
9-32Technical and consumer information
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cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission
cAlways tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
cOn four-wheel drive vehicles, place the
transfer case in the 2H range. Failure to do
so will cause the powertrain to bind up.
cAfter towing 500 miles (805 km) , start and
idle the engine with the transmission in Neu-
tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing
may cause damage to internal transmission
parts.
Technical and consumer information9-33
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DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
The temperature grades are A (the highest) , B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat, and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces-
sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is es-
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei-
ther separately or in combination, can
cause heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
9-34Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-17
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system
(if so equipped).................5-32
Active Head Restraint..............1-6
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-49
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-56
Air bag warning labels.............1-64
Air bag warning light...........1-64, 2-19
Air cleaner housing filter............8-19
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant
and oil recommendations..........9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-23
Anchor point locations.............1-26
Antenna.....................4-26
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-15
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-31
Audible reminders................2-23Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-23
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-18
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-20
Radio....................4-10
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-26
Autolight switch.................2-28
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-48
Automatic transmission position
indicator light................2-19
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-12
Transmission selector lever
lock release.................5-14
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-13
AUX jack.....................4-25
B
Battery......................8-15
Charge warning light............2-16
Before starting the engine...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-18
Booster seats..................1-43
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-31
Brake fluid..................8-14
Brake light (See stop light).........8-29Brake system................5-30
Brake warning light.............2-16
Brake wear indicators........2-23, 8-23
Parking brake operation..........5-18
Self-adjusting brakes............8-23
Brakes......................8-23
Break-in schedule................5-20
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-30
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-15
Bulb replacement................8-29
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.....................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-27
Cargo light switch...............2-32
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-25
CD changer (See audio system)........4-23
CD player (See audio system).........4-18
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-24
Child restraints.......1-13, 1-14, 1-20, 1-22
Precautions on child
restraints............1-20, 1-31, 1-43
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-26
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-23
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock......................4-17
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Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch.....2-36
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Cold weather driving..............5-35
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-18
Compass display................2-11
Console box...................2-40
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-26
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-8
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-19
Cup holders...................2-43
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-61
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-29
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch...............2-27
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-30
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-16
Drive belt....................8-18Driving
Cold weather driving............5-35
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-12
Driving with manual transmission.....5-16
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-21
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system......................5-27
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch..................2-35
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-35
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-10
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-8
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-16
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine.............5-11Engine oil pressure gauge............2-9
Event data recorders..............9-36
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
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..................8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Window washer fluid............8-15
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-31
Front air bag system (See
supplemental restraint system).........1-56
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................9-2
Fuel economy................5-21
Fuel gauge..................2-9
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler cap................3-10
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-10
Fuel-filler lid.................3-10
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FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-20
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-26
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-35
Rear power windows..............2-48
Rear sliding window..............2-49
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch.................2-27
Recorders
Event data..................9-36
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system..........3-6
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-35
Roof rack....................2-45
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-20, 1-31, 1-43
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-35
Seat
Jump seat...................1-5
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-13
Infants and small children.........1-14
Injured Person................1-15
Larger children...............1-14
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-11
Pregnant women..............1-15Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-62
Seat belt extenders.............1-19
Seat belt maintenance...........1-20
Seat belts..................1-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-19
Three-point type with retractor.......1-15
Seat belt warning light.............2-18
Seatback pockets................2-43
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-33
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Security indicator light.............2-21
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-25, 3-2, 5-10
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-23
Service manual order form...........9-37
Servicing air conditioner.............4-9
Shift lock release................5-14
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-12
Manual transmission............5-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-19
Side air bag system (See supplemental
side air bag, curtain and rollover air bag
systems).....................1-61
Spark plug replacement............8-19
Speedometer...................2-5
SRS warning label...............1-64
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-11Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-13
Power steering system...........5-30
Tilting steering wheel............3-11
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-26
Stop light....................8-29
Storage.....................2-37
Storage tray...............2-37, 2-39
Sun visors....................3-12
Sunglasses case................2-41
Sunroof.....................2-49
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-64
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-64, 2-19
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-56
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-64
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-49
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-49
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-28
Automatic power window switch.....2-48
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch . . .2-36
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch................2-35
Fog light switch...............2-31
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-31
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-27
Headlight control switch..........2-27
Hill descent control switch.........2-34
Ignition switch................5-8
Overdrive switch..............5-15
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-27
10-5
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