TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an op-
tional trailer tow package. The trailer tow
package includes 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 op-
tional trailer tow package, check the tow-
ing 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 pass-
ing 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 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 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. Addi-
tionally, the ball mount should be chosen to
keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
10-36Technical and consumer information
Bumper towing
The Genuine NISSAN step bumper has pro-
visions to install a trailer hitch ball and is
designed to tow trailers of a maximum
weight of 3,500 lbs. (1,588 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 vehicles 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 trail-
ers 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
affect 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 manufac-
turer to determine if and how this can be
done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level sur- face. 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 ad- just the hitch equalizers so that the
front bumper height is within 0 -
.5 inches (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.
LTI0132
Technical and consumer information10-37
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 mea-
sured reference height when loaded,
the vehicle may handle unpredictably
which could cause a loss of vehicle con-
trol and cause serious personal injury or
property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buf-
feting 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 lbs.
(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 lbs. (1,587 kg).
The Genuine NISSAN step bumper is con-
sidered a Class II ball mount.
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 lbs. (2,268 kg).
Class IV hitch
Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver,
ball mount and hitch ball) can be used to
tow trailers of a maximum weight of
10,000 lbs. (4,535 kg). A weight distributing
hitch should be used to tow trailers that
weigh over 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg).
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a
10,000 lbs. (4,535 kg) maximum weight rat-
ing, but your vehicle is only capable of tow-
ing the maximum trailer weights shown in
the “Towing Load/Specification” chart in
this section.
CAUTION
∙ Special hitches which include framereinforcements are required for tow-
ing above 2,000 lbs. (907 kg). Suitable
Genuine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts
and hitch balls 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 impact-
absorbing bumper.
WARNING
∙ Do not use axle-mounted hitches.
∙ Do not modif y the vehicle exhaustsystem, 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.
10-38Technical and consumer information
Tire pressures
∙ When towing a trailer, inflate thevehicle tires to the recom-
mended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading In-
formation label.
∙ Trailer tire condition, size, load rat- ing and proper inflation pressure
should be in accordance with the
trailer and tire manufacturer’s
specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains 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 turn-
ing 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 bat-
tery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stop light and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The
module/converter 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 repu-
table 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, it is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer or reputable
trailer dealer. Vehicles equipped with the
optional trailer tow package are equipped
with a 7-pin trailer harness connector. A flat
4–pin harness is available from your dealer
for vehicles without a tow package. If your
trailer is equipped with a flat 4-pin connec- tor, an adapter will be needed to connect
the trailer lights to the vehicle. Adapters are
available at auto parts stores and hitch re-
tailers.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 prop-
erly installed.
Vehicles equipped with a 7–pin trailer har-
ness connector are pre-wired for a trailer
brake controller. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for a trailer brake
adapter harness.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
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 regu-
lations where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are avail-
able.
Technical and consumer information10-39
∙ Always drive your vehicle at a moderatespeed.
∙ 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 cor-
rections 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 shif t lever to the P (Park)
position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, trans-
mission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer
wheels.
3. Af ter the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the
blocks absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake. 5. Shif t the transmission into P (Park).
6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is
in 4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is
off. If the
indicator light is flashing,
or the ATP light is ON, make sure the
transmission is in P (Park) (A/T) and
turn the 4WD switch to 2WD or 4H. For
additional information, refer to “Auto-
matic transmission park warning light”
in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion and “Using 4-wheel drive (4WD)” in
the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shif t 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. ∙ While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce your
speed and shif t to a lower gear. Avoid
long or repeated use of the brakes
when descending a hill, as this reduces
their effectiveness and could cause
overheating. Shif ting to a lower gear in-
stead provides “engine braking” and re-
duces the need to brake as frequently.
∙ 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 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 of ten than at intervals specified. For addi-
tional information, refer to “Mainte-
nance Schedules” in the “Maintenance
and schedules” section of this manual.
Technical and consumer information10-41
Brightness/contrast button.........4-9
Brightness control Instrument panel .............2-32
Bulb check/instrument panel ........2-15
Bulb replacement ...............8-29
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants....................10-2
Cargolightswitch...............2-34
Cargo
(See vehicle loading information) .....10-20
Car phone or CB radio ............4-79
CDcareandcleaning.............4-71
CD player (See audio system) .4-44, 4-50, 4-57
Childrestraints........1-25, 1-26, 1-28, 1-31 LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren)System..............1-31
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-28, 1-41, 1-56, 1-68
Top tether strap anchor point
locations.................. .1-34
Child restraint with top tether strap . . . .1-33
Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Chimes, audible reminders .........2-24
Cleaningexteriorandinterior......7-2,7-4
Clock set/adjustment .............4-7
Clock setting (models with Navigation
System)......................4-7
Clock setting (models without Navigation
System) ...........4-41,4-43,4-47,4-49
Clutch Clutchfluid.................8-12
Clutch interlock (clutch start) switch . . .2-38 C.M.V.S.S. certification label
.........10-17
Cold weather driving .............5-43
Compact disc (CD) player . . .4-44, 4-50, 4-57
Compass display ................2-11
Connect phone ................4-74
Console box ..................2-45
Control panel buttons .............4-4
Back button .................4-7
Brightness/contrast button .......4-9
Enterbutton.................4-4
Settingbutton................4-7
Withnavigationsystem .......4-4,4-5
Controls Audio controls (steering wheel) .....4-72
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-17,4-29
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-6
Checking engine coolant level ......8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge . .2-6
Corrosionprotection..............7-7
Cruisecontrol .................5-22
Cupholders ..................2-46
Curtain side-impact and rollover air
bag....................... .1-87
D
Daytime Running Light System .......2-32
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror
defrosterswitch..............2-28
Rearwindowdefrosterswitch.....2-28 Dimensions and weights
..........10-15
Dimmer switch for instrument panel . . .2-32
Display controls
(see control panel buttons) ..........4-4
Door locks ....................3-3
Door open warning light ...........2-17
Drivebelt ....................8-16
Driving Coldweatherdriving...........5-43
Driving with automatic transmission .5-14
Driving with manual transmission . . .5-18
Precautions when starting and driving .5-2
Driving the vehicle ...............5-14
E
Economy - fuel .................5-25
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system......................5-33
Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
systemswitch.................2-37
Emission control information label . . . .10-18
Emission control system warranty . . . .10-45
Engine Before starting the engine ........5-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2
Changing engine coolant .........8-6
Changing engine oil ............8-8
Changing engine oil filter .........8-10
Checking engine coolant level ......8-6
Checking engine oil level .........8-7
Engine
compartment check
locations...................8-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge . .2-6
11-2
Power door lock switch..........3-4
Rear sonar system OFF switch .....2-39
Rear window and outside mirror
defrosterswitch..............2-28
Rearwindowdefrosterswitch.....2-28
Turn signal switch .............2-32
T
Tachometer ...................2-6
Tailgate ..................3-18, 3-18
Tailgatelatch...............3-22,3-23
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge . .2-6
Thef t (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start ...............2-26,5-12
Three-waycatalyst...............5-3
Tie down hooks ................3-23
Tilting steering wheel .............3-14
Tire Flattire..................6-3,6-4
Spare tire ...............6-5,8-42
Tire and Loading Information label . .10-18
Tire chains .................8-38
Tire pressure .............8-31,8-31
Tirerotation ................8-39
Tires of 4-wheel drive ...........8-41
Types of tires ................8-37
Uniform tire quality grading ......10-44
Wheels and tires ..........8-31,10-14
Wheel/tire size ...............10-14
Tire pressure Low tire pressure warning light .....2-18
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . .5-3
Toptetherstrapchildrestraint.......1-33 Towing
2-wheel drive models ...........6-19
4-wheel drive models ........6-17,6-18
Flattowing.................10-43
Towing load/specification .......10-34
Towtrucktowing .............6-15
Trailertowing...............10-30
Towingatrailer................10-30
Transceiver HomeLink® Universal Transceiver . . .2-55,
2-56, 2-57, 2-58, 2-58, 2-59
Transmission Driving with automatic
transmission ................5-14
Driving with manual transmission . . .5-18
Travel (See registering a vehicle in another
country) .....................10-16
Trip computer ..................2-9
Trip odometer ..................2-4
Troubleshooting guide (NISSAN voice
recognition system) .............4-105
Truckbox.................3-18,3-18
Truck - camper loading ...........10-29
Turn signal switch ...............2-32
U
Uniform tire quality grading ........10-44
USB interface Audio file operation ........4-60,4-62
Using four wheel drive (4WD) ........5-26 V
Vanitymirror..................3-15
Variablevoltagecontrolsystem......8-16
Vehicle dimensions and weights .....10-15
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch......................2-35
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system . .5-38
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system . .5-38
Vehicle identification .............10-16
Vehicle identification number (VIN) . . . .10-16
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate.......................10-16
Vehicle immobilizer system ......2-26,5-12
Vehicle loading information ........10-20
Vehiclerecovery................6-19
Vehicle security system ...........2-25
Vehicle security system (NISSAN Vehicle
Immobilizer System), engine start . .2-26, 5-12
Ventilators ....................4-17
Visors.......................3-14
Voice Prompt Interrupt ........4-83,4-94
Voice recognition system ..........4-101
Voltmeter.................... .2-8
W
Warning 4WDwarninglight.............2-15
A
irbagwarninglight........1-90, 2-20
Anti-lock brake warning light ......2-15
Battery charge warning light ......2-17
Brakewarninglight............2-16
Door open warning light .........2-17
Engine oil pressure warning light . . . .2-17
11-7
Hazard warning flasher switch......6-2
Loose fuel cap warning .......2-5,3-11
Lowfuelwarninglight ..........2-18
Low tire pressure warning light .....2-18
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light......................2-20
Passenger air bag and status light. . .1-83
Seatbeltwarninglight.......1-18, 2-20
Supplemental air bag warning
light ..................1-90, 2-20
Vehicle security system .........2-25
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ..................2-20
Warning labels (for SRS) .........1-89
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ....................2-20
Audible reminders .............2-20
Indicatorlights...............2-20
Warninglights...............2-20
Warninglights.................2-20
Warning lights, indicator lights and audible
reminders ....................2-14
Weights
(See dimensions and weights) .......10-15
Wheels and tires ............8-31,10-14
Wheel/tire size .................10-14
When traveling or registering in another
country .....................10-16
Windows ....................2-49 Locking passengers' windows .....2-51
Manual windows .............2-49
Powerwindows..............2-50
Rearpowerwindows...........2-51
Rearslidingwindow............2-52
Windshield-washer fluid ...........8-13
Windshield wiper blades ...........8-20Wiper
Wiper blades ................8-20
Wiper and washer switch ..........2-28
11-8