For additional information on starting your diesel
engine, refer to your “Titan Diesel Owner’s
Manual.”ENGINE PROTECTION MODE
The engine has an engine protection mode to
reduce the chance of damage if the coolant tem-
perature becomes too high (for example, when
climbing steep grades in high temperature with
heavy loads, such as when towing a trailer) .
When the engine temperature reaches a certain
level:● The engine coolant temperature gauge will
move toward the H position.
● Engine power may be reduced.
● The air conditioning cooling function may be
automatically turned OFF for a short time
(the blower will continue to operate) .
Engine power and, under some conditions, ve-
hicle speed will decrease. Vehicle speed can be
controlled with the accelerator pedal, but the
vehicle may not accelerate at the desired speed.
The transmission will downshift or upshift as it
reaches prescribed shift points. You can also
shift manually.
As driving conditions change and engine coolant
temperature is reduced, vehicle speed can be
increased using the accelerator pedal, and air
conditioning cooling function will automatically
be turned back ON. If:
1. The engine coolant temperature is not re- duced.
2. The air conditioning cooling function does not turn back ON.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may also
come ON. If onlyit remains on, you do not need
to have your vehicle towed, but have it inspected
soon. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for servicing. For additional information,
refer to “Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in the
“Instruments and controls ” section of this
manual.
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.
STARTING THE ENGINE (diesel only) DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-16Starting and driving
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, especially
in sharp turns and at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
harder to operate.The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
●
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
● If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-54Starting and driving
CAUTION
●Do not push start this vehicle. The
three-way catalyst or engine may be
damaged.
● Automatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. At-
tempting to do so may cause transmis-
sion damage.
● Three way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing since
the three way catalyst may be damaged.
● Never try to start the vehicle by towing
it; when the engine starts, the forward
surge could cause the vehicle to collide
with the tow vehicle.
WARNING
● Do not continue to drive if your vehicle
overheats. Doing so could cause engine
damage or a vehicle fire.
● To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap while the engine is still
hot. When the radiator or coolant reser-
voir cap is removed, pressurized hot
water will spurt out, possibly causing
serious injury.
● Do not open the hood if steam is com-
ing out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading and
the illumination of the engine oil pressure/engine
coolant temperature high indicator light) , or if you
feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc. take the following steps: 1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the shift lever to
P (Park) .
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed. 3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a
long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a fast
idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the tem-
perature gauge indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. If steam or coolant
is escaping, turn off the engine. Do not open
the hood further until no steam or coolant
can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency6-13
orange and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for that
region.
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 in your vehicle. U.S. government
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.
Fuel containing MMT
MMT, or methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tri-
carbonyl, is an octane boosting additive. NISSAN
does not recommend the use of fuel containing
MMT. Such fuel may adversely affect vehicle per-
formance, including the emissions control sys-
tem. Note that while some fuel pumps label MMT
content, not all do, so you may have to consult
your gasoline retailer for more details.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnishor deposit removal may contain active solvents 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 se-
vere, 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, it is recommended that you have a
NISSAN dealer correct the condition. Fail-
ure to correct the condition is misuse of the
vehicle, for which NISSAN is not respon-
sible.
Incorrect ignition timing may 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 en-
countered, have your vehicle checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
servicing.
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 thegreatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
10-6Technical and consumer information
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.
King pin load
When using a 5th wheel hitch, keep the tongue
load between 15 - 25% of the total trailer load
within the maximum king pin load limits shown in
the following “Towing Load/Specification” chart.
If the king pin load becomes excessive, rearrange
cargo to allow for proper king pin load.
WTI0160
Technical and consumer information10-35
●While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.
● If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
● Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h).
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified. For additional informa-
tion, refer to “Maintenance schedules” in the
“Maintenance and schedule” section of this
manual. ●
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 affect ve-
hicle handling.
Trailer Sway Assist:
To minimize trailer sway, your vehicle may apply
braking to individual wheels based on input from
your vehicle sensors and vehicle speed. Trailer
sway control is a function of the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system and is active when the
VDC function is enabled.
CAUTION
If the VDC-OFF switch is on (meaning VDC
system OFF) , the Trailer Sway Assist is
also disabled
When Trailer Sway Assist is in operation, the
VDC warning light blinks. When vehicle control is
regained, VDC warning light will turn OFF. For additional information about the VDC system,
refer to “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch” and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem” sections of this manual.
If Trailer Sway Assist activates, do the fol-
lowing:
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 ve-
hicle
CAUTION
Do not try to correct trailer sway by steer-
ing 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 bal- anced. For additional information, refer to
“Pre-towing tips” in this section.
Technical and consumer information10-55
To remove the diesel fuel-filler capA:
1. Turn the fuel-filler cap counterclockwise to remove.
To install the fuel-filler cap: 1. Insert the fuel-filler cap straight into the fuel- filler tube.
2. Turn the cap clockwise until a single click is heard.DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF) FILL
CAP
CAUTION
●Overfilling your DEF tank can cause
damage to the tank.
● DEF will freeze below 12°F (-11°C) ;
however, your vehicle is equipped with
an automatic preheating system, which
allows the DEF system to operate be-
low 12°F (-11°C) . When the vehicle is not
in operation for an extended period of
time with temperatures at or below 12°F (-11°C) , the DEF tank could freeze. In
this condition, adding DEF will not
change the gauge level and added DEF
will not reach the pump, because it will
sit on top of the frozen layer. Move the
vehicle to a warm location to thaw the
DEF completely for the gauge to read
accurately and allow new DEF to reach
the pump. If the tank is overfilled and
freezes, it could be damaged, therefore
do not overfill in sustained cold condi-
tions below 12°F (-11°C) .
LPD2386LPD2385LPD2473
DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID (DEF)
Fuel and Refueling4-3
FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Diesel engine
Commercially available diesel fuel is adjusted
seasonally for cold temperatures. NISSAN rec-
ommends the use of diesel fuel that has been
seasonally adjusted for temperatures below 32°F
(0°C)
Diesel fuel of above 42 cetane minimum above
32°F (0°C); 45 cetane minimum below 32°F
(0°C) and with less than 15 ppm of sulfur must be
used.
A cetane number below 42 can cause poor start-
ing, excessive white smoke, and poor idling. A
cetane number above 55 can increase smoke at
peak torque conditions.
If two types of diesel fuel are available, use sum-
mer or winter fuel properly according to the fol-
lowing temperature conditions.● Above 32°F (0°C)...Summer type diesel
fuel.
● Below 32°F (0°C)...Winter type diesel fuel.
If you are in any doubt, it is recommended that
you consult a NISSAN dealer.
CAUTION
● Do not use home heating oil, petroleum,
biodiesel (more than 10%) or other al-
ternate fuels in your diesel engine. The
use of those can cause engine damage.
● Do not use summer fuel at tempera-
tures below 20°F (- 7°C) . The cold tem-
peratures will cause wax to form in the
fuel. As a result, it may prevent the en-
gine from running smoothly.
B10 fuel
B10 fuel is a mixture of approximately 10% bio-
diesel and 90% petroleum diesel. Your vehicle
was designed to run on blends of biodiesel up to
B10 (B1-B10) . Operating your vehicle on higher
blends is not recommended. Your vehicle’s en-
gine, exhaust catalyst filter and particulate filter,
and fuel system components may be damaged if
any of these blends are used.
U.S. government regulations require that bio-
diesel blends between B6 and B10 are identified
at fuel dispensing pumps by a label with the
common abbreviation or the appropriate per-
centage for that region. B6 --B10 blends must
meet prescribed quality standards specified by
ASTM D7467.
B10 fuel storage
Biodiesel degrades more quickly than pure
petroleum-based diesel. When storing a vehicle
that runs on a biodiesel blend, it is important to
keep the following in mind:
● If storing a vehicle for longer than one month,
empty the fuel tank of biodiesel.
● To prepare a vehicle to run after prolonged
storage, fill the fuel tank with a pure
petroleum-based diesel fuel and run your
vehicle for at least half an hour.
● Fuel system seals, plastics and steel parts
can be damaged by degraded or oxidized
biodiesel.
During cold weather, biodiesel fuel may need to
be stored in a heated storage tank in order to
prevent it from gelling or solidifying.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
DEF is a solution composed of urea and de-
ionized water. In diesel vehicles, it is used as part
of the exhaust system to break down harmful NOx
emissions into nitrogen and water. It is important
to keep your vehicle’s DEF tank filled properly.
Capacities and Specifications8-3