Black plate (410,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
E-85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) . Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square,
orange and black label with the common
abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel
injector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve
deposit removers, etc.) which are sold commer-
cially. Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain active
solvent or similar ingredients that can be harmful
to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock”. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If
severe, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark knock
even when using gasoline of the stated
octane rating, or if you hear steady spark
knock while holding a steady speed on
level roads, have a NISSAN dealer correctthe condition. Failure to correct the condi-
tion is misuse of the vehicle, for which
NISSAN is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are
encountered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
9-4Technical and consumer information
Black plate (411,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
STI0505
1. API certification mark
2. API service symbol
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance, see
“CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS” earlier in this section. NISSAN
recommends the use of an energy conserving oil
in order to improve fuel economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-tional Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API
certification mark on the front of the container.
Oils which do not have the specified quality
label should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change. Choosing
an oil viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals”.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using an engine oil and
filter other than the specified quality, or exceed-
ing recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of
incorrect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is
not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
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
Technical and consumer information9-5
Black plate (412,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes.
.repeated short distance driving at cold
outside temperatures
.driving in dusty conditions
.extensive idling
.towing a trailer
.stop and go commuting
Refer to the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM RE-
FRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT RE-
COMMENDATIONS
The air conditioning system in your
NISSAN vehicle must be charged with the
refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil,
NISSAN A/C system oil Type R or the exact
equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil
will cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and will require
the replacement of all air conditionersystem 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-
ing system service. A NISSAN dealer has the
trained technicians and equipment needed to
recover and recycle your air conditioning system
refrigerant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your
air conditioning system.
9-6Technical and consumer information
Black plate (423,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
STI0542
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load between
10 to 15% of the total trailer load within the
maximum tongue load limits shown in the
following “Towing Load/Specification” chart. If
the tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange
cargo to allow for proper tongue load.
TI1012M
MAXIMUM GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT
(GVW)/MAXIMUM GROSS AXLE
WEIGHT (GAW)
The GVW of the towing vehicle must not exceed
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label. The GVW equals the combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment. In addition, front or rear GAW must
not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.
certification label.
Towing capacities are calculated assuming a
base vehicle with driver and any optionsrequired to achieve the rating. Additional pas-
sengers, cargo and/or optional equipment, such
as the trailer hitch, will add weight to the vehicle
and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing
capacity and trailer tongue load.
The vehicle and trailer need to be weighed to
confirm the vehicle is within the GVWR, Front
GAWR, Rear GAWR, Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) and Towing capacity.
All vehicle and trailer weights can be measured
using platform type scales commonly found at
truck stops, highway weigh stations, building
supply centers or salvage yards.
To determine the available payload capacity for
tongue load, use the following procedure.
1. Locate the GVWR on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.
S.S. certification label.
2. Weigh your vehicle on the scale with all of
the passengers and cargo that are normally
in the vehicle when towing a trailer.
3. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the
GVWR. The remaining amount is the avail-
able maximum tongue load.
To determine the available towing capacity, use
the following procedure.
1. Find the GCWR for your vehicle on the
“Towing Load/Specification” chart found
Technical and consumer information9-17
Black plate (424,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
later in this section.
2. Subtract the actual vehicle weight from the
GCWR. The remaining amount is the avail-
able maximum towing capacity.
To determine the Gross Trailer Weight, weigh
your trailer on a scale with all equipment and
cargo, that are normally in the trailer when it is
towed. Make sure the Gross trailer weight is not
more than the Gross Trailer Weight Rating
shown on the trailer and is not more than the
calculated available maximum towing capacity.
Also weigh the front and rear axles on the scale
to make sure the Front Gross Axle Weight and
Rear Gross Axle Weight are not more than Front
Gross Axle Weight and Rear Gross Axle Weight
on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label.
The cargo in the trailer and vehicle may need to
be moved or removed to meet the specified
ratings.Example:
.Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed
on a scale - including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 4,926 lb. (2,234 kg) .
.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label -
5,263 lb. (2,387 kg) .
.Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
from “Towing Load/Specification” chart -
8,300 lb. (3,765 kg) .
.Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Tow-
ing Load/Specification” chart - 3,500 lb.
(1,588 kg) .
5,263 lb. (2,387 kg) GVWR
−4,926 lb. (2,234 kg) GVW
= 337 lb. (152 kg)Available for tongue
weight
8,300 lb. (3,765 kg) GCWR
−4,926 lb. (2,234 kg) GVW
= 3,374 lb. (1,530 kg)Capacity available for
towing
337 lb. (152 kg) / Available tongue weight
3,374 lb. (1,530 kg) Available capacity
= 10 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the
passenger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 to 15% of the trailer weight. If the
tongue load becomes excessive, rearrange the
cargo to obtain the proper tongue load. Do not
exceed the 10 to 15% tongue weight specifica-
tion even if the calculated available tongue
weight is greater than 15%. If the calculated
tongue weight is less than 10%, reduce the total
trailer weight to match the available tongue
weight.
Always verify that available capacities are within
the required ratings.
9-18Technical and consumer information
Black plate (425,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb (kg)
MODELVQ35DE
WEIGHT CVT
MAXIMUM TRAILER WEIGHT*1 3,500 (1,588)
MAXIMUM TONGUE LOAD 350 (159)
GROSS COMBINED WEIGHT RATING 8,300 (3,765)
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 hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is
available from a 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
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be
capable 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:
.The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on top of the ball.
.Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
Technical and consumer information9-19
Black plate (426,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
.The 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.
.The 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.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer
handling. Sway control devices may be used to
help control these affects. If you choose to use
one, contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to
make sure the sway control device will work with
the vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake
system. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.
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 (907 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 (1,588 kg) .
CAUTION
.Special hitches which include frame
reinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Suitable
genuine NISSAN hitches for pickup
trucks and sport utility vehicles are
available at a NISSAN dealer.
.The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the im-
pact-absorbing bumper.
.Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
.Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install
a trailer hitch.
.To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practi-
cal, remove the hitch and/or recei-
ver when not in use. After the hitch
is removed, seal the bolt holes to
prevent exhaust fumes, water or
dust from entering the passenger
compartment.
.Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely
mounted.
Tire pressures
.When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
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 chains
Always use a suitable chain 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
9-20Technical and consumer information
Black plate (427,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/con-
verter 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 obtain
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
reputable trailer dealer.
Trailer brakes
If 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 or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has anabnormal 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 shift while driving.
.Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
.Load 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.
.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 rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
.Determine 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 freefrom traffic. Steering stability, and braking
performance will be somewhat different than
under normal driving conditions.
.Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
.Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
.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
specific 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:CAUTION
If you move the shift selector lever to
the P (Park) position before blocking
Technical and consumer information9-21