Page 455 of 650

WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in-
cludes electronic sensors, electric pumps,
hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low
speed in forward or reverse. When the self-
test occurs, you may hear a “clunk” noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and does not indicate a mal-
function. If the computer senses a mal-
function, it switches the ABS off and illumi-
nates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) oper-
ates at speeds above3-6mph(5-
10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the actuator
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure. This action is similar to pumping the
brakes very quickly. You may feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal and hear a noise
from under the hood or feel a vibration
from the actuator when it is operating. This
is normal and indicates that the ABS is op-
erating properly. However, the pulsation
may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while
driving.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the brake assist is
activated generating greater braking force
than a conventional brake booster even
with light pedal force.
WARNING
The brake assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times.
5-58Starting and driving
Page 619 of 650

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, stoplight 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 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 repu-
table trailer retailer. Vehicles equipped with
the optional trailer tow package are
equipped with a 7-pin trailer harness con-
nector. 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 retailers.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 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.
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.
WARNING
The Gross Combined Weight Rating
(GCWR) must never exceed the vehicle
manufacturers recommendation.
Several types of braking systems are avail-
able. Surge Brakes -
The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hy-
draulic 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 operation between the tow ve-
hicle and the trailer.
CAUTION
Your factory trailer brake control unit
will not activate surge-style trailer
brakes
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic sig-
nal sent from a trailer brake controller (spe-
cial brake-sensing module). If electric trailer
brakes are used, refer to “Electric trailer
brake controller" in this section.
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are
properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
10-52Technical and consumer information
Page 620 of 650
WARNING
The NISSAN trailer brake controller has
been verified to be compatible with
trailers having electric actuated drum
brakes (one to four axles) and electric-
over-hydraulic brakes. It will not acti-
vate hydraulic surge-style trailer brakes
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may
require the installation of an af termarket
trailer brake controller.
Your vehicle is equipped with a connector
and jumper harness that is specifically de-
signed to be used when installing an af ter-
market brake controller.To install the electric trailer brake controller
jumper harness, perform the following pro-
cedure:
1. Open the driver door. Move the seat to the rearmost position.
example
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4. Peel off the tape and connect thejumper harness to the connector
B.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Install the af termarket electric trailer brake controller according to the
manufacturer’s instructions. 1. Gain –
2. Gain +
3. Manual control lever
4. Boost
Trailer brake controller unit (if so
equipped)
The Trailer Brake Controller Unit (TBCU), lo-
cated on the lower instrument panel, is a
device that assists the vehicle in having
effective and smooth braking while towing
a trailer. Operating modes:
∙ Automatic mode: This is the normal
operation of the TBCU depending on
the gain and boost settings adjusted by
the customer. This mode will activate
when vehicle brake pedal is pressed.
∙ Manual mode: This mode is initiated by
adjusting the manual control lever from
resting position. This mode will provide
output power to trailer brakes without
applying the vehicle brake pedal.
To determine the output operation of the
system: ∙ Gain + and Gain - : Used to increase or
decrease the braking force supplied to
the trailer brakes. To adjust the gain,
press Gain + or Gain - to the desired
point (0-10). For example: gain setting
6.0 is a typical starting point for heavy
loads.
∙ Boost: Used to adjust the feel of the
automatic brake event that occurs
when the vehicle brake pedal is applied.
To set up boost, press Boost button
once to display for current boost set-
ting (display for 3 seconds). Keep press-
ing to increase boost level until the de-
sired level (0-3) is achieved.
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