2008 Nissan Towing Guide 20 automatic transmission fluid temperature gauge (if equipped) very carefully. At the first sign of
overheating, pull to the side of the road. See IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS later in this
section for more information.
HILLS – DOWNGRADES
While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may decrease
overall stability. Therefore, to maintain adequate control, reduce your speed and shift to a
lower gear.
Avoid long or repeated use of the brakes when descending a hill, as this reduces their
effectiveness and could cause overheating. Shifting to a lower gear instead provides “engine
braking” and reduces the need to brake as frequently.
AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL
Do not use cruise control while towing a trailer.
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS
A moderate increase in engine operating temperature is normal when towing a trailer. If,
however, the coolant temperature gauge reading is abnormally high, or if you are experiencing
a significant loss of power, or if you hear unusual engine noises,* the engine may be
overheating and you should immediately take the following steps:
1. Pull your vehicle safely over to the side of the road, out of traffic. Apply the parking brake
and move the gearshift lever to NEUTRAL (manual) or PARK (automatic). DO NOT STOP
THE ENGINE.
2. Turn off the air conditioning and, after opening all the windows, turn the heater on to
maximum hot and the fan to its highest speed. The heater core in your vehicle is just like a
miniature engine radiator and will provide an extra cooling surface to help reduce engine
temperature.
3. Run the engine at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the temperature gauge returns
to a normal reading. If the temperature does not drop or continues to increase, stop this
step immediately.
4. Being cautious of traffic, step out of the vehicle and, from a safe distance, look for steam
underneath the engine. If you see steam or leaking coolant, stand clear to avoid being
burned and shut off your engine immediately and allow it to cool. If there is no steam, open
the hood. Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is removed
under these conditions, hot water under high pressure may spurt out, possibly causing
*See your vehicle owner’s manual for additional indications that your vehicle may be overheating.
