The maintenance intervals shown on the preced-
ing pages are for normal operating conditions. If
the vehicle is mainly operated under severe driv-
ing conditions as shown below, more frequent
maintenance must be performed on the following
items as shown in the table.
SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS
●Repeated short trips of less than 5 miles
(8 km) .
● Repeated short trips of less than 10 miles
(16 km) with outside temperatures remain-
ing below freezing. ●
Operating in hot weather in stop-and-go
“rush hour” traffic.
● Extensive idling and/or low speed driving for
long distance, such as police, taxi or door-
to-door delivery use.
● Driving in dusty conditions.
● Driving on rough, muddy or salt spread
roads.
● Towing a trailer, using a camper or a car-top
carrier.
OIL CHANGE MONITOR
This vehicle is equipped with oil change monitor.
It calculates engine oil and filter change interval
base on driving conditions. Driving in severe con-
ditions will shorten the engine oil and filter
change interval. When the Engine Oil – Service
Due Now warning appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display, the engine oil and filter need to be
replaced.
Maintenance operation: Inspect = Inspect and correct or replace as necessary.
Maintenance item Maintenance operation Maintenance interval
Brake fluid ReplaceEvery 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months
Brake pads and rotors InspectEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Steering gear and linkage, axle and suspension parts InspectEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Propeller shaft & drive shaft boots (4WD models) InspectEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Exhaust system InspectEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Engine oil and filter ReplaceEvery 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or when the Engine Oil –
Service Due Now warning appears in the vehicle informa-
tion display
DIESEL MAINTENANCE UNDER
SEVERE OPERATING CONDITIONS
Maintenance and schedules9-17
Fluid typeCapacity (approximate) Recommended Fluids/Lubricants
Metric
Measure US
Measure Imperial
Measure
Brake fluid ———• Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *2 or equivalent DOT 3.
*2 Available in mainland USA through a NISSAN dealer.
Multi-purpose grease ——— • NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant ———• HFC-134a (R-134a)
• For additional information, refer to “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations” in this section.
Air conditioning system oil ———• Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S (DH-PS) or equivalent
• For additional information, refer to “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations” in this section.
Windshield-washer fluid 4.5 L 1-1/4 gal 1 gal• Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
fluid or equivalent.
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Gas engine only
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
CAUTION
●
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect the
warranty coverage. ●
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
● Do not use E-15 or E-85 fuel in your
vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed to
run on E-15 or E-85 fuel. Using E-15 or
E-85 fuel in a vehicle not specifically
designed for E-15 or E-85 fuel can ad-
versely affect the emission control de-
vices and systems of the vehicle. Dam-
age caused by such fuel is not covered
by the NISSAN New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. ●
Do not use fuel that contains the octane
booster methylcyclopentadienyl man-
ganese tricarbonyl (MMT) . Using fuel
containing MMT may adversely affect
vehicle performance and vehicle emis-
sions. Not all fuel dispensers are la-
beled to indicate MMT content, so you
may have to consult your gasoline re-
tailer for more details. Note that Fed-
eral and California laws prohibit the use
of MMT in reformulated gasoline.
10-4Technical and consumer information
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
●Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (805 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier load.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing ca-
pability and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart found in this section.
The total trailer load equals trailer weight plus its
cargo weight. ● When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR should not exceed the
value specified in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. The GCWR equals the combined weight of the
towing vehicle (including passengers and cargo)
plus the total trailer load. Towing loads greater
than these or using improper towing equipment
could adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also
the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced for low traction situations (for example,
on slippery boat ramps) .
LTI0161
TOWING A TRAILER
10-34Technical and consumer information
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 5,000 lb
(2,268 kg).
NOTE:
The tailer hitch ball can not be installed on
the step bumper if the receiver-type frame
mounted hitch is installed on the vehicle.
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.
LTI2227
10-42Technical and consumer information
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.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. 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 sys-
tem. 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 (1,587 kg).
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg).
Class IV hitch
Class IV hitches are weight carrying (WC) and
weight distributing (WD) hitches depending on
the vehicle and hitch specifications. Not all Class
IV hitches are rated to be both. See the specific
hitch for that information. Class IV trailer hitch
equipment (receiver, ball mount and hitch ball)
used as weight carrying are rated up to 10,000 lb
(4,535 kg) gross trailer weight (GTW) with a
maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 1000 lb
(453 kg) . Class IV hitches used for weight dis-
tributing are rated up to 14,000 lb (6,350 kg)
gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer
tongue weight (TW) of 1400 lb (635 kg) . A Class
IV hitch usually has a 2square receiver opening.
A higher class drawbar does not increase the
towing capacity of the hitch. To use this class of
hitch for weight distribution requires a weight
distribution system. Class IV hitches attach to the vehicle frame only. A weight distributing hitch
should be used to tow trailers that weigh over
5,000 lb (2,268 kg).
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
weigh distributing trailer hitch that has a
14,000 lb (6,350 kg) maximum weight rating, but
your vehicle is only capable of towing the maxi-
mum trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart in this section.
5th wheel/gooseneck
A 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer can be towed by
installing a 5th wheel or gooseneck trailer hitch.
These types of hitches are mounted in the bed of
the pick-up. A professional trailer equipment sup-
plier should install these hitches as it is very
important to mount the hitch correctly to distrib-
ute the king pin weight for the proper load carry-
ing and sway control performance.
The king pin weight should be 15% of the fully
loaded trailer. Make sure the king pin weight does
not cause the gross vehicle weight to exceed the
Gross Maximum Weight Rating or the rear axle
weight to exceed the Rear Gross Axle Weight
rating. For additional information, refer to “Maxi-
mum load limits” in this section.
Technical and consumer information10-43
The weight of the trailer should not exceed the
maximum towing capacity for the vehicle. For
additional information, refer to “Towing
Load/Specification” chart in this section.
Make sure the trailer design allows for the correct
vehicle to trailer clearances before purchasing a
5th wheel trailer.
WARNING
●The hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
● Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
● Do not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
● To reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
receiver when not in use.
● Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
● When towing with the hitch ball
mounted to the rear bumper, do not
make sharp turns. The trailer may con-
tact the bumper and cause damage to
the bumper or trailer. ●
When towing a 5th wheel trailer, do not
make sharp turns while driving or back-
ing. The trailer may contact the vehicle
and cause damage to both the trailer
and vehicle.
CAUTION
● A 5th wheel hitch adapter is necessary
to use an aftermarket 5th wheel hitch. A
Genuine NISSAN 5th wheel hitch
adapter (as shown) may be available at
a NISSAN dealer.
● Ensure kit components are properly
stored when not in use. Improperly
stowed components could result in se-
rious personal injury during a collision
or sudden stop.
LTI2204
10-44Technical and consumer information
Gooseneck hitch ball and safety chain an-
chor attachment installation1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Remove the gooseneck hitch ball and safety chain anchor attachments from the storage
pouch.
3. Remove the center and both of the rear capsfrom the puck plugs.
● Once removed, place the pucks in the
storage pouch for future use. 4. Lift the handle from the center of the hitch
ball and rotate 90° from the resting position.
LTI2209LTI2160
Technical and consumer information10-45
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 trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more that
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 retailer 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, it is recommended that you contact a
NISSAN dealer or reputable trailer retailer. Ve-
hicles equipped with the optional trailer tow
package are equipped with a 7-pin trailer har-
ness 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 auto parts stores and hitch retail-
ers.
Trailer brakes (if so equipped)
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.
Vehicles equipped with a 7–pin trailer harness
connector are pre-wired for a trailer brake con-
troller. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for a trailer brake adapter harness.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 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.
WARNING
The Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) must never exceed the vehicle
manufacturers recommendation.
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.
CAUTION
Your factory trailer brake control unit will
not activate surge-style trailer brakes
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-
sensing module) . If electric trailer brakes are
used, 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
The NISSAN trailer brake controller has
been verified to be compatible with trail-
ers having electric actuated drum brakes
(one to four axles) and electric-over-
hydraulic brakes. It will not activate hy-
draulic surge-style trailer brakes
10-48Technical and consumer information