2009 NISSAN MURANO tow

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

Black plate (428,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
the wheels and applying the parking
brake, transmission damage could oc-
cur.
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
absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
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.
.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 over-
loading 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
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
.Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
.Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) .
.Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule in the NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide.
.When 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.
.Crosswinds 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 affectvehicle handling. If swaying does occur,
firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight
ahead, and immediately (but gradually)
reduce vehicle speed. This combination will
help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase
speed.
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
vehicle.
— 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
balanced as described earlier in this section.
.Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
can safely change lanes.
.Down shift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
9-22Technical and consumer information

Black plate (429,1)
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2
without applying the brakes.
.Avoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
.Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
.Do not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
.Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
.Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness
connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every
break.
.When stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
.When launching a boat, don’t allow the
water level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
.Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.When towing a trailer, the transmission
fluid should be changed more frequently.
For additional information, see the “8.
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
.Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.
.Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never back-
ward.
.DO NOT tow any continuously vari-
able transmission vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground (flat
towing) . Doing so WILL DAMAGE
internal transmission parts due to
lack of transmission lubrication.
.DO NOT tow an All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground. Doing somay cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
.For emergency towing procedures
refer to “TOWING RECOMMENDED
BY NISSAN” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section of this manual.
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models:
Do not tow an AWD vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models:
To tow a vehicle equipped with a Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) , an appropriate
vehicle dollyMUSTbe placed under the towed
vehicle’s driving wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly
manufacturer’s recommendations when using
their product.
Technical and consumer information9-23

Black plate (2,1)
10-2
Cigarette lighter and ashtray...................... 2-41
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ....................... 8-20
Cleaning exterior and interior................. 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................... 2-38
Coat hooks......................................... 2-49
Cold weather driving.............................. 5-28
Command (See Bluetooth
®Hands-Free
Phone System).................................... 4-100
Command (See NISSAN voice recognition
system)............................ 4-11, 4-114, 4-132
Compact Disc (CD) changer
(See audio system)................................ 4-41
CompactFlash (CF) player
(See audio system)................................ 4-49
Compass............................................. 2-7
Console box........................................ 2-44
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid................................................. 8-11
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/ lubricants ................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-8
Checking engine coolant level.................. 8-7
Corrosion protection................................. 7-5
Cover, Cargo cover................................ 2-46
Cruise control...................................... 5-18
Cup holders........................................ 2-41
CVT, Driving with CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission)............. 5-13
D
Daytime running light system..................... 2-35
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch............................ 2-31
Dimensions and weights............................ 9-8Display cleaning...................................... 4-5
Display controls
(See center multi-function control panel).......... 4-2
Dot matrix liquid crystal display................... 2-17
Drive belts.......................................... 8-15
Drive positioner.................................... 3-30
Driving
All-wheel drive (AWD)......................... 5-21
Cold weather driving.......................... 5-28
Driving with CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission)......... 5-13
On-pavement and off-road driving............. 5-5
Precautions when starting and driving......... 5-2
Safety precautions............................... 5-6
DVD player, NISSAN mobile entertainment...... 4-62
E
Economy, Fuel ..................................... 5-20
Elapsed time ....................................... 2-22
Emission control information label................ 9-10
Emission control system warranty................ 9-25
Engine
Before starting the engine.................... 5-12
Break-in schedule.............................. 5-20
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-8
Changing engine oil and filter................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level.................. 8-7
Checking engine oil level........................ 8-8
Coolant temperature gauge..................... 2-6
Engine block heater........................... 5-29
Engine compartment check locations.......... 8-6
Engine cooling system.......................... 8-7Engine oil......................................... 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation....... 9-5
Engine oil replacement indicator.............. 2-20
Engine oil viscosity .............................. 9-5
Engine serial number ............................ 9-9
Engine specifications............................ 9-7
If your vehicle overheats....................... 6-11
Starting the engine............................ 5-12
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive positioner . . . 3-30
Event Data Recorders (EDR)..................... 9-26
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).................... 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label............ 9-9
Filter
Air cleaner housing filter...................... 8-16
Changing engine oil and filter................... 8-8
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . . . 2-36
Flat tire................................................ 6-2
Flat towing.......................................... 9-23
Floor mat cleaning ................................... 7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid...................................... 8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................................... 9-2
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid............................................. 8-11
Engine coolant ................................... 8-7
Engine oil......................................... 8-8
Power steering fluid ........................... 8-11
Window washer fluid.......................... 8-12
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
changer............................................. 4-39
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2

Black plate (5,1)
Parking
Brake break-in.................................. 5-25
Parking brake operation....................... 5-17
Parking on hills................................. 5-24
Personal lights ..................................... 2-54
Phone
Bluetooth
®Hands-Free Phone System
(with navigation system for Canada)......... 4-85
Bluetooth
®Hands-Free Phone System
(with navigation system for U.S.)............. 4-75
Car phone or CB radio........................ 4-74
Power
Front seat adjustment........................... 1-4
Power door lock................................. 3-4
Power outlet.................................... 2-39
Power steering fluid........................... 8-11
Power steering system........................ 5-25
Power windows................................ 2-49
Precautions
Audio operation................................ 4-31
Braking precautions........................... 5-25
Child restraints................................. 1-22
Cruise control.................................. 5-18
Driving safety..................................... 5-6
Maintenance...................................... 8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving............. 5-5
Seat belt usage ................................ 1-10
Supplemental restraint system................ 1-41
When starting and driving....................... 5-2
Push starting....................................... 6-10
Push-button ignition switch......................... 5-8R
Radio ........................................ 4-31, 4-60
Car phone or CB radio........................ 4-74
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
changer.................................. 4-39, 4-44
Rain-sensing auto wiper system.................. 2-29
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test.................................................. 9-25
Rear center seat belt.............................. 1-18
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock........ 3-7
Rear power point.................................. 2-39
Rear seats............................................ 1-6
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch............................................... 2-31
Rear window wiper and washer switch.......... 2-30
Rearview monitor.................................. 4-19
Recorders, Event data............................. 9-26
Registering your vehicle in another country........ 9-8
Remote controller (DVD).......................... 4-72
Remote keyless entry system..................... 3-15
Reporting safety defects (US only)............... 9-25
Rollover............................................... 5-5
Roof, Roof rack.................................... 2-48
S
Safety
Child seat belts................................ 1-13
Reporting safety defects (US only)........... 9-25
Towing safety.................................. 9-19
Satellite radio operation........................... 4-45
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment................... 1-3
Front power seat adjustment................... 1-4Front seats ....................................... 1-3
Seat belt(s)
Child safety..................................... 1-13
Infants........................................... 1-13
Injured persons................................. 1-14
Larger children ................................. 1-13
Precautions on seat belt usage............... 1-10
Pregnant women............................... 1-14
Rear center seat belt.......................... 1-18
Seat belt cleaning............................... 7-5
Seat belt extenders............................ 1-21
Seat belt hooks................................ 1-17
Seat belt maintenance......................... 1-21
Seat belt warning light........................ 2-14
Seat belts...................................... 1-10
Seat belts with pretensioners................. 1-53
Shoulder belt height adjustment.............. 1-17
Small children.................................. 1-13
Three-point type ............................... 1-14
Seat(s)
Driver-side memory............................ 3-30
Heated seats................................... 2-37
Seats.............................................. 1-2
Security system
(NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System) ,
Engine start ........................................ 2-27
Security system, Vehicle security system........ 2-25
Selector lever, Shift lock release................. 5-16
Servicing air conditioner........................... 4-30
SETTING button................................... 4-12
Shift lock release, Transmission.................. 5-16
Shifting, CVT
(Continuously Variable Transmission)............. 5-13
Shoulder belt height adjustment.................. 1-17
Spare tire...................................... 8-39, 9-7
10-5
Model "Z51-D" EDITED: 2007/ 10/ 2