
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 switch in the ON posi-
tion and the doors closed, allow the ve-
hicle 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 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.
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).
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.
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
Technical and consumer information10-25

• When backing up, hold the bottom of thesteering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want
the trailer to go. Make small corrections
and back up slowly. If possible, have
someone guide you when you are back-
ing 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,
transmission 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. 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, see “If your vehicle
overheats” (P. 6-12).
• 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 in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule 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
Technical and consumer information10-27

– Do not correct trailer sway by steeringor 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 balanced as described in this section.
• Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember, the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
• Downshif t the transmission to a lower gear for engine braking when driving
down steep or long hills. This will help
slow the vehicle without applying the
brakes.
• Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
• Increase your following distance to allow for greater stopping distances while tow-
ing a trailer. Anticipate stops and brake
gradually.
• NISSAN recommends that the cruise control not be used while towing a trailer. • Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
• Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness connections, and trailer wheel lug nuts
af ter 50 miles (80 km) of travel and at
every break.
• When launching a boat, don't allow the water level to go over the exhaust tail
pipe or rear bumper.
• Make sure you disconnect the trailer lights before backing the trailer into the
water or the trailer lights may burn out.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see
“Do-it-yourself ” (P. 8-2).
FLAT TOWING FOR ALL–WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLE (if so equipped)
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when
towing a vehicle behind a recreational ve-
hicle, such as a motor home.
CAUTION
• Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission
damage.
• Never flat tow your All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) vehicle.
• DO NOT tow your All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) vehicle with any wheels on the
ground. Doing so may cause serious
and expensive damage to the
powertrain.
• For emergency towing procedures
see “Towing recommended by
NISSAN” (P. 6-13).
FLAT TOWING FOR FRONT WHEEL
DRIVE VEHICLE (if so equipped)
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground is sometimes called flat towing.
This method is sometimes used when
towing a vehicle behind a recreational ve-
hicle, such as a motor home.
10-28Technical and consumer information

11 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-49Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact air
bag system)
................1-57Air bag warning labels............1-70Air bag warning light..........1-70,2-11Air bag warning light,
supplemental..............1-70,2-11Air cleaner...................8-16Air cleaner housing filter..........8-16Air conditionerAir conditioner operation........4-29Air conditioner specification label. .10-13Air conditioner system refrigerant
recommendations............10-8Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations............10-8Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped)..............4-28Heater and air conditioner controls.4-29Servicing air conditioner.........4-31Alarm system (See vehicle security
system)................... .2-30All-Wheel Drive................5-114Anchor point locations...........1-32Antenna....................4-32Anti-lock brake warning light.....2-9, 2-11Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-119
Antifreeze...................5-127Armrests.................... .1-6Autolight switch...............2-36Automatic
Automatic power window switch. . .2-61Automatic anti-glare inside
mirror................. .3-34, 3-35Automatic door locks.............3-6Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). . .2-11Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with
Pedestrian Detection............5-87AWD......................5-114
B
Battery.................5- 127, 8-13Charge warning light...........2-10Battery replacement............8-23Key fob...................8-23NISSAN Intelligent Key®.........8-23Before starting the engine.........5-16Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15Blind Spot Warning (BSW).........5-38Booster seats.................1-45Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). . . .5-119Brake fluid..................8-11Brake light (See stop light).......8-25Brake system...............5-119Brake warning light............2-9
Brake wear indicators.......2-16,8-19Self-adjusting brakes...........8-19Brake Assist.................5-121Brake fluid...................8-11Brake system................5-119Brakes.....................8-19Break-in schedule..............5-113Brightness controlInstrument panel.............2-40Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9Bulb replacement..............8-25
C
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........10-12Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants................10-2Car phone or CB radio...........4-32Cargo (See vehicle loading
information)................ .10-15Cargo area storage bin...........2-57Check tire pressure.............2-26Child restraint with top tether strap. . .1-32Child restraints.......1-25,1-26,1-27,1-29LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System.............1-29Precautions on child
restraints...........1-34, 1-40, 1-45Top tether strap anchor point
locations................. .1-32

Remote Engine Start..........3-18,5-17Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .10-31Roof rack....................2-58
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock.........3-7Child seat belts.....1-27, 1-34, 1-40, 1-45Reporting safety defects (US only). . .10-31Seat
Memory seat................3-37Seat adjustmentFront manual seat adjustment......1-3Front power seat adjustment.......1-4Seat beltChild safety.................1-25Infants and small children.....1-25,1-26Injured person................1-16Larger children...............1-26Precautions on seat belt usage.....1-13Pregnant women..............1-16Rear center seat belt...........1-20Seat belt extenders............1-24Seat belt maintenance..........1-24Seat belts................1-13,7-6Shoulder belt height adjustment. . . .1-23Three-point type with retractor.....1-17Seat belt extenders..............1-24Seat belt warning light.........1-16,2-10Seatback pockets...............2-53SeatsAdjustment..................1-2
Armrests................... .1-6Front seats..................1-2Heated seats............2-42, 2-44Manual front seat adjustment......1-3Rear seat...................1-6Security indicator light............2-10Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), engine start..........2-31, 5-16Security systems
Vehicle security system.........2-30Self-adjusting brakes.............8-19Service manual order form........10-33Servicing air conditioner...........4-31Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-23Spark plug replacement...........8-15Spark plugs...................8-15Specifications................ .10-9Speedometer................. .2-4Spotlights (See map light)..........2-65SRS warning label...............1-70Standard maintenance............9-8Starting
Before starting the engine........5-16Jump starting............6-10,8-14Precautions when starting and
driving................. .5-4, 5-11Push starting................6-12Starting the engine............5-17Starting the engine..............5-17Startup display.................2-18Steering
Heated steering wheel..........2-46Power steering fluid............8-11Power steering system.........5-118
Steering wheel................ .3-31Stop light....................8-25Storage.................... .2-52Storage tray..................2-53Sun visors................... .3-33Sunglasses case...............2-55Sunglasses holder..............2-55Sunroof..................2-62, 7-5Sunroof (see Moonroof )...........2-62Supplemental air bag warning labels. . .1-70Supplemental air bag warning
light.....................1-70,2-11Supplemental front impact air bag
system..................... .1-57Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.....1-70Precautions on supplemental restraint
system................... .1-49Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).......1-49Switch
Autolight switch..............2-36Automatic power window switch. . . .2-61Fog light switch...............2-41Hazard warning flasher switch......6-2Headlight and turn signal switch. . . .2-35Headlight control switch.........2-35Instrument brightness control.....2-40Power door lock switch..........3-6Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch................... .2-34Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-33Turn signal switch.............2-41
11-6