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
OA, 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 surface.
With the ignition on and the doors
closed, allow the vehicle to stand for sev-
eral 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 within0-.5inches (0 –
13 mm) of the reference height mea-
sured 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 unpre-
dictably which could cause a loss of ve-
hicle control and cause serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.
LTI0132
Technical and consumer information10-31
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 rating, but your
vehicle is only capable of towing the maxi-
mum trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart in this section.
CAUTION
• Special hitches which include frame
reinforcements 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 exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
• To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional 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.
Tire pressures
• When towing a trailer, inflate the
vehicle tires to the recommended
cold tire pressure indicated on the
Tire and Loading Information label.
• Trailer tire condition, size, load rat- ing and proper inflation pressure
should be in accordance with the
trailer and tire manufacturer's
specifications.
10-32
Technical and consumer information
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 turning 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 reputable 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
directly 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 available.
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.
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.
Technical and consumer information10-33
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 addi-
tional information, refer to “Automatic
transmission park warning light” in the
“Instruments and controls” section and
“Using 4-wheel drive (4WD)” in the “Start-
ing 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 overheat-
ing. Shif ting to a lower gear instead pro-
vides “engine braking” and reduces the
need to brake as frequently.
• If the engine coolant temperature rises to a high temperature, refer to “If your ve-
hicle overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” 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 additional
information, refer to “Maintenance
Schedules” in the “Maintenance and
schedules” 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 ad- versely affect vehicle/trailer handling,
possibly causing vehicle sway. When be-
ing passed by larger vehicles, be pre-
pared for possible changes in crosswinds
that could affect vehicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to
sway:
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 vehicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering 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.
Technical and consumer information10-35
Parking brake operation.........5-19Self-adjusting brakes...........8-20Brake fluid....................8-11Brake system.................5-32Brakes......................8-20Break-in schedule...............5-21Brightness control
Instrument panel.............2-33Brightness/contrast button......4-9, 4-15Bulb check/instrument panel........2-15Bulb replacement...............8-28
C
C.M.V.S.S. certification label.........10-12Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants................ .10-2Car phone or CB radio............4-79Cargo
(See vehicle loading information).....10-14Cargo lamp switch..............2-34CD care and cleaning.............4-70CD player (See audio system).......4-54Child restraint with top tether strap. . . .1-32Child restraints.......1-25,1-26,1-28, 1-30Precautions on child
restraints.........1-39, 1-42, 1-54, 1-65Top tether strap anchor point
locations.................. .1-33Child safety rear door lock..........3-7Cleaning exterior and interior......7-2,7-4Clock set/adjustment..........4-7,4-13
Clock setting
(models with Navigation System).....4-13Cold weather driving.............5-40Compact disc (CD) player..........4-54Compass....................2-11Compass and outside temperature
display......................2-10Compass display...............2-10Connect phone................4-72Console box..................2-45Control panel buttons.........4-5, 4-10Back button.................4-13Brightness/contrast button. . . .4-9, 4-15Enter button..............4-5, 4-10Setting button...............4-13With navigation system.......4-10,4-11Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel).....4-71Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-34Heater and air conditioner controls
(manual)...................4-22CoolantCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-5Checking engine coolant level......8-5Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-7Corrosion protection..............7-7Cruise control.................5-19Cup holders................. .2-46Curtain side-impact and rollover
air bag..................... .1-82
D
Daytime Running Lights (DRL) system. .2-32Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch
..............2-29Rear window defroster switch.....2-29Dimensions and weights..........10-10Dimmer switch for instrument panel. . .2-33Display controls (see control panel
buttons)................. .4-5, 4-10Door locks................... .3-4Door open warning light...........2-17Drive belt....................8-15Driving
Cold weather driving...........5-40Driving with automatic
transmission................5-14Precautions when starting and
driving.....................5-2Driving the vehicle...............5-14
E
Economy - fuel.................5-23Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system.....................5-29Electronic locking rear differential (E-Lock)
system switch................ .2-37Emergency engine shutoff.......5-12,6-3Emission control information label. . . .10-12Emission control system warranty. . . .10-38
11-2
Using 4-Wheel Drive (4WD)..........5-23
V
Vanity mirror..................3-17Variable voltage control system......8-15Vehicle dimensions and weights.....10-10Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF
switch......................2-36Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system. .5-35Vehicle identification.............10-11Vehicle identification number (VIN). . . .10-11Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate...................... .10-11Vehicle immobilizer system.....2-27,5-13Vehicle loading information........10-14Vehicle recovery................6-16Vehicle security system...........2-25Vehicle security system
(NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start
...............2-27,5-13Ventilators...................4-22Visors......................3-16Voice Prompt Interrupt........4-82, 4-99Voice recognition system.........4-106
W
Warning
4WD warning light.............2-15Air bag warning light........1-85, 2-20Anti-lock brake warning light......2-15Battery charge warning light......2-17
Brake warning light............2-16Door open warning light.........2-17Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-17Hazard warning flasher switch......6-2Loose fuel cap warning..........2-6Low fuel warning light...........2-18Low tire pressure warning light.....2-18Low windshield-washer fluid warning
light......................2-19Passenger air bag and status light. . .1-79Seat belt warning light.......1-18,2-20Supplemental air bag warning
light................. .1-85, 2-20TPMS..................... .2-4Vehicle security system.........2-25Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-85Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-21Warning lights.................2-21Warning lights, indicator lights and
audible reminders...............2-14Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders....................2-21Audible reminders.............2-21Indicator lights...............2-21Warning lights................2-21Weights
(See dimensions and weights)......10-10Wheel/tire size................10-10Wheels and tires............8-30, 10-10When traveling or registering in another
country.....................10-11Windows....................2-49Locking passengers' windows.....2-51
Manual windows..............2-49Power windows..............2-50Rear power windows...........2-51Rear sliding window............2-52Windshield wiper blades...........8-18Windshield-washer fluid...........8-12Wiper
Wiper blades................8-18Wiper and washer switch..........2-28
11-8