Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside
temperatures on graded roads can affect engine
performance and cause overheating. The engine
protection mode, which helps reduce the chance
of engine damage, could activate and automati-
cally decrease engine power. Vehicle speed may
decrease under high load. Plan your trip carefully
to account for trailer and vehicle load, weather
and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a col-
lision. Be especially careful when driving.
If the vehicle cannot maintain a safe driv-
ing speed, pull to the side of the road in a
safe area. Allow the engine to cool and
return to normal operation. For additional
information, refer to “If your vehicle over-
heats” in the “In case of emergency” sec-
tion of this manual.
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
NISSAN warranties.
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight distrib-
uting hitch, keep the tongue load between 10 -
15% of the total trailer load or use the trailer
tongue load specified by the trailer manufacturer.
The tongue load must be within the maximum
tongue load limits shown in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
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.
WTI0160LTI2026
9-18Technical and consumer information
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional
trailer tow package. The trailer tow package in-
cludes a receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This
hitch is rated for the maximum towing capacity of
this vehicle when the proper towing equipment is
used. Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genuine
NISSAN ball mounts and hitch balls are available
from a NISSAN dealer.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, check the towing capacity of
your bumper hitch or receiver-type frame
mounted 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 ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than the
weight rating of the hitch components.
Never exceed the weight rating of the
hitch components. Doing so can cause
serious personal injury or property
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 the top of the ball.
● Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
● 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.
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.
Technical and consumer information9-21
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 2,000 lb
(907 kg) .
To install a trailer hitch ball cut out the circle in the
center of the step bumper
A, then remove it to
install the trailer hitch ball.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball 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.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).
Check with the trailer and towing equipment
manufacturers to determine if they recommend
the use of a weight-distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system. General set-up instructions are as follows:
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.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
LTI2007
9-22Technical and consumer information
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. Vehicles equipped with the
optional trailer tow package are equipped with a
7-pin trailer harness connector. If your trailer is
equipped with a flat 4-pin connector, an adapter
will be needed to connect the trailer lights to the
vehicle. Adapters are available at NISSAN deal-
ers, auto parts stores and hitch retailers.
Trailer brakes
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.However, most states
require a separate braking system on trailers with
a loaded weight above a specific amount. Make
sure the trailer meets the local regulations and
the regulations where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are available.
Surge Brakes - The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic line
running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes are
activated by the trailer pushing against the hitch
ball when the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic
surge brakes are common on rental trailers and
some boat trailers. In this type of system, there is
no hydraulic or electric connection for brake op-
eration between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Electric Trailer Brakes -
Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-
sensing module) . For additional information, refer
to “Electric trailer brake controller” in this section.
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
Your vehicle is equipped with a connector and
jumper harness (if so equipped) that is specifi-
cally designed to be used when installing an
aftermarket brake controller.
To install the electric trailer brake controller jumper
harness, perform the following procedure:
1. Open the driver door. Move the seat to the rearmost position.
example
LTI0117
9-24Technical and consumer information
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. Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties:
For USA
1. Emission Defects Warranty
2. Emissions Performance Warranty
Details of this warranty may be found with other
vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle.
If you did not receive a Warranty Information
Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace-
ment by writing to: ● Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of this warranty may be found with other
vehicle warranties in your Warranty Information
Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle.
If you did not receive a Warranty Information
Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a replace-
ment by writing to: ● Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTY
Technical and consumer information9-29
10 Index
A
Active brake limited slip (ABLS) system . . .5-24
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-51
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-58
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-62
Airbagwarninglight...........1-62,2-15
Air bag warning light, supplemental . .1-62, 2-15
AirCleaner ...................8-21
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-21
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-21
Air conditioner service ...........4-29
Air conditioner specification label .....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-7
Air conditioner system refrigerant
recommendations ..............9-7
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-18,4-26
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-28
Servicing air conditioner .......4-22,4-29
Alarm system (See vehicle security system). .2-23
Anchor point locations .............1-34
Antenna .....................4-59
Antifreeze ....................5-30
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-12
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-23
Apps .......................4-60 Audible reminders
...............2-18
Audio system ..................4-29
AM-FM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-37,4-41
AMradioreception.............4-30
Bluetooth®audio..............4-56
Bluetooth® streaming audio ........4-56
Compact disc (CD) player . .4-39, 4-43, 4-50
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-37,4-41
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-45
FMradioreception.............4-30
iPod® Player ................4-53
iPod® player operation ...........4-53
Radio ....................4-29
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-58
USB interface ................4-51
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Connection
Port .....................4-51
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-47
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-16
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-12
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-17
Automatic door locks ..............3-8
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge.......................2-7
AUXjack..............4-40,4-44,4-51 B
Back button ....................4-7
Back door .....................3-7
Battery ..................5-30, 8-17
Charge warning light ............2-13
Battery replacement Keyfob................8-27,8-28
Before starting the engine ...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-19
Block heater Engine ....................5-31
Bluetooth® audio ................4-56
Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System with
Navigation System ...............4-75
Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System without
Navigation System ...............4-61
Bluetooth® streaming audio with Navigation
System .....................4-56
Boosterseats..................1-48
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-23
Brake fluid ..................8-16
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-31
Brake system ................5-22
Brakewarninglight.............2-12
Brakewearindicators........2-18,8-23
Parking brake operation ..........5-17
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-23
Brake fluid ....................8-16
Brakes ......................8-23
Brake system ..................5-22
Break-in schedule................5-19
Brightness/contrastbutton............4-9
Brightness control Instrument panel ...............2-29
Bulb replacement ................8-31
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants . .9-2
Cargo(Seevehicleloadinginformation)....9-13
Car phone or CB radio .............4-61
CD care and cleaning ..............4-58
CD player (See audio system) . .4-39, 4-43, 4-50
Check engine indicator light
(Seemalfunctionindicatorlamp)........2-16
Checkingbulbs .................2-11
Check tire pressure ...............2-22
Child restraints .......1-27,1-27,1-29,1-31
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System ..............1-31
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-30,1-37,1-44,1-49
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-34
Child restraint with top tether strap .......1-34
Child safety sliding door lock ...........3-8
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-18
Cleaningexteriorandinterior........7-2,7-4
Clock ...................4-38,4-42
Clock set/adjustment ...........4-7,4-38
Clock setting (models with Navigation System)..4-7
Clock setting
(models without Navigation System) . .4-38, 4-42
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Cold weather driving ...............5-30
Compact disc (CD) player ....4-39,4-43,4-50Compass
......................2-8
Compass display .................2-8
Connect phone .................4-60
Console box ...................2-42
Control panel buttons ...............4-4
Back button ..................4-7
Brightness/contrast button ..........4-9
Enterbutton..................4-4
Setting button .................4-7
With navigation system .........4-4,4-5
Controls Audio controls (steering wheel) .......4-58
Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-18, 4-26
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-28
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changingenginecoolant..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level .......8-10
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Corrosion protection ...............7-6
Cruisecontrol ...........5-17,5-17,5-18
Cupholders...................2-40
Curtainside-impactandrolloverairbag....1-59
D
Daytime light system ...............2-28
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch.....................2-26
Dimensionsandweights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-29
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-4
Door open warning light .............2-13 Doors
........................3-3
Drive belt .....................8-19
Driving Cold weather driving .............5-30
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-12
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Driving the vehicle ................5-11
E
Economy-fuel..................5-21
Emission control information label .......9-12
Emission control system warranty .......9-29
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-10
Blockheater.................5-31
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant ..........8-10
Changingengineoil.............8-12
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-14
Checking engine coolant level .......8-10
Checking engine oil level ..........8-11
Engine compartment check locations ....8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine cooling system ............8-9
Engineoil...................8-11
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engineoilpressuregauge..........2-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-13
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-7
Engine serial number ............9-11
Engine specifications .............9-8
Starting the engine .............5-10
Engine coolant temperature gauge .......2-5
10-2
Engineoilpressuregauge............2-6
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-12
Enterbutton....................4-4
Event data recorders ..............9-31
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Explanation of maintenance items ........8-2
Extendedstorageswitch ............8-27
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . .6-2
Flat tire .......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-16
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Engine coolant .................8-9
Engine oil ...................8-11
Power steering fluid .............8-15
Windshield-washerfluid...........8-16
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-11
Foglightswitch .................2-29
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-58
Front and rear sonar system ..........5-28
Front power seat adjustment ...........1-4
Frontseats.....................1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-21
Fuel-filler door and cap ...........3-13
Fuel gauge ...................2-6 Fuel octane rating
...............9-5
Fuel recommendation .............9-4
Loose fuel cap warning ...........2-22
Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) System Tirepressure.................8-33
Fuel-filler door ..................3-13
Fuelgauge.....................2-6
Fuses.......................8-24
Fusiblelinks ...................8-25
G
Gascap .....................3-13
Gauge Automatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge .....................2-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-5
Engine oil pressure gauge ..........2-6
Fuel gauge ...................2-6
Odometer ...................2-4
Speedometer .................2-4
Tachometer ..................2-5
Trip odometer .................2-4
Voltmeter....................2-7
General maintenance ...............8-2
Glovebox.....................2-41
Grocery hooks ..................2-45
H
Hazard warning flasher switch ..........6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch ........2-27
Headlight control switch ............2-27
Headlights ....................8-29 Head restraints
..................1-15
Heated seats ...................2-30
Heater Heater and air conditioner
controls ................4-18,4-26
Heater operation ...........4-20,4-27
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-28
Hood.......................3-12
Horn .......................2-30
I
Ignition switch ...................5-8
Immobilizer
system .............2-24,5-9
Important vehicle information label .......9-11
In-cabin microfilter ................8-21
Increasing fuel economy .............5-21
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).............2-11,2-12,2-16
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror ........3-17
Instrument brightness control ..........2-29
Instrumentpanel...............0-6,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch ........2-29
Interior light ....................2-48
iPod®Player...................4-53
ISOFIX child restraints .............1-31
J
Jump starting ................6-9,8-19
10-3