Af termarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any af termarket fuel additives (for ex-
ample, fuel injector cleaner, octane
booster, intake valve deposit removers,
etc.) which are sold commercially. Many of
these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active sol-
vents 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 severe, 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 recom-
mended that you have a NISSAN dealer
correct the condition. Failure to correct
the condition is misuse of the vehicle, for
which NISSAN is not responsible.Incorrect ignition timing may result in
spark knock, af ter-run and/or overheating,
which may cause excessive fuel consump-
tion or engine damage. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked. It is recommended 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 the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
10-6Technical and consumer information
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
maximum 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.
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 reputable 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
10-26Technical and consumer information
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
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 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). For additional
information, see “Electric trailer brake con-
troller” (P. 10-27).
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes are
properly installed and demonstrate proper
brake function testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
(if so equipped)
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may
require the installation of an af termarket
trailer brake controller.
Your vehicle may be equipped with a con-
nector and jumper harness that is specifi-
cally designed to be used when installing
an af termarket brake controller.
To install the electric trailer brake controller
jumper harness, perform the following
procedure:
1. Open the driver door. Move the seat to the rearmost position.
LTI0117
Jumper Harness
Technical and consumer information10-27
• Keep the cargo load as low as possible inthe trailer to keep the trailer center of
gravity low.
• Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the trailer load is in the front half and 40%
is in the back half. Also make sure the load
is balanced side to side.
• Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve- hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation,
and trailer wheel lug nuts every time you
attach a trailer to the vehicle.
• Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
• Determine the overall height of the ve- hicle and trailer so the required clearance
is known.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering sta-
bility and braking performance will be
somewhat different than under normal
driving conditions.
• Always secure items in the trailer to pre-vent load shif t while driving. • Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
• Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
• Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
• Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.
• 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 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 push the park button to engage
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. Push the park button to engage the P (Park) position.
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.
Technical and consumer information10-29
• When launching a boat, don't allow thewater 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, differential gear
oil, transfer fluid and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see
the “Maintenance and schedules” sec-
tion of this manual.
Tow mode
Using tow mode is recommended when
pulling a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy
load. Push or turn the Drive Mode Selector
switch to activate tow mode. Push or turn
the Drive Mode Selector switch again to
turn tow mode off. Tow mode is automati-
cally canceled when the ignition switch is
turned off.
Tow mode disables the Idling Stop System.
Driving the vehicle in the tow mode with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will
not cause any damage. However, fuel
economy may be reduced and the
transmission/engine driving characteris-
tics may feel unusual. When towing a trailer, differential gear
oil, transfer fluid and transmission oil/
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see
the “Maintenance and schedules” sec-
tion of this manual.
FLAT TOWING FOR 4–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 4-wheel drive
(4WD) vehicle.
• DO NOT tow your 4-wheel drive (4WD)
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. 6-15).
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.
CAUTION
• Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission
damage.
• Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never backward.
• Never tow your front wheel drive ve-
hicle with the front tires on the
ground. Doing so may cause serious
and expensive damage to the
powertrain.
• DO NOT tow your front wheel drive
automatic transmission vehicle with
all four wheels on the ground (flat
towing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE inter-
nal transmission parts due to lack of
transmission lubrication.
• For emergency towing procedures,
see “Towing recommended by
NISSAN” (P. 6-15).
Technical and consumer information10-31
WARNING
A vehicle equipped with Four-Wheel
Drive (4WD) should never be tested us-
ing a two wheel dynamometer (such as
the dynamometers used by some
states for emissions testing), or similar
equipment. Make sure you inform the
test facility personnel that your vehicle
is equipped with 4WD before it is placed
on a dynamometer. Using the wrong
test equipment may result in transmis-
sion damage or unexpected vehicle
movement which could result in seri-
ous vehicle damage or personal injury.
Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in what is called the
“ready condition” for an Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) test of the emission
control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition”
when it is driven through certain driving
patterns. Usually, the ready condition can
be obtained by ordinary usage of the
vehicle. If a powertrain system component is re-
paired or the battery is disconnected, the
vehicle may be reset to a “not ready” condi-
tion. Before taking the I/M test, check the
vehicle's inspection/maintenance test
readiness condition. Place the ignition
switch in the ON position without starting
the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds
and then blinks for 10 seconds, the I/M test
condition is “not ready”. If the MIL does not
blink af ter 20 seconds, the I/M test condi-
tion is “ready”. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer to set the “ready con-
dition” or to prepare the vehicle for testing.
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data
Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an
EDR is to record, in certain crash or near
crash-like situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data
that will assist in understanding how a ve-
hicle's systems performed. The EDR is de-
signed to record data related to vehicle dy-
namics and safety systems for a short
period of time, typically 30 seconds or less.
The EDR in this vehicle is designed to re-
cord such data as:
• How various systems in your vehicle were
operating;
• Whether or not the driver and passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened;
• How far (if at all) the driver was depress- ing the accelerator and/or brake pedal;
and,
• How fast the vehicle was traveling.
• Sounds are not recorded.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR)
Technical and consumer information10-35
11 Index
2
2nd row bench seat adjustment......1-9
A
Active Ride Control.............5-181Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-61Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)
..............1-68Air bag warning labels............1-81Air bag warning light.........1-81, 2-16Air bag warning light,
supplemental..............1-81, 2-16Air cleaner...................8-18Air cleaner housing filter..........8-18Air conditionerAir conditioner operation........4-33Air conditioner specification label. .10-13Air conditioner system refrigerant
recommendations............10-8Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations..........10-8Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-33Servicing air conditioner........4-39Alarm system (See vehicle security
system).....................2-71Anchor point locations...........1-42
Antenna................... .4-39Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).....5-175Antifreeze...................5-194Armrests.................... .1-9Autolight switch...............2-78Automatic
Automatic power window switch. .2-112Driving with automatic
transmission................5-18Automatic anti-glare inside mirror. . . .3-33Automatic brake hold............5-25Automatic door locks.............3-6Automatic Emergency Braking
(AEB)...................2-16, 2-67Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with
Pedestrian Detection............5-136
B
Battery.................5-194, 8-14Charge warning light...........2-14Battery replacement............8-25Key fob...................8-25NISSAN Intelligent Key®.........8-25Before starting the engine.........5-16Belt (See drive belt)..............8-16Blind Spot Warning (BSW).........5-49Booster seats.................1-57Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). . . .5-175
Brake fluid.................8-12Brake light (See stop light).......8-27Brake system...............5-175Brake warning light............2-13Brake wear indicators.......2-22,8-21Parking brake operation.........5-23Self-adjusting brakes...........8-21Brake Assist.................5-177Brake fluid...................8-12Brake system................5-175Brakes.....................8-21Break-in schedule.............5-169Brightness controlInstrument panel.............2-83Bulb check/instrument panel.......2-13Bulb replacement..............8-27
C
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........10-12Camera Aiding Sonar
(parking sensor)...............4-22Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants................10-2Car phone or CB radio...........4-40Cargo (See vehicle loading
information)................ .10-15Cargo area storage bin..........2-108Cargo light..................2-118Chassis control...............5-180
Intelligent Trace Control (I-TC).....5-180Check tire pressure..........2-41, 2-66Child restraint with top tether strap. . . .1-41Child restraints.......1-32, 1-33, 1-34, 1-36LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System..............1-36Precautions on child
restraints............1-44, 1-51, 1-57Top tether strap anchor point
locations...................1-42Child safety rear door lock..........3-7Cleaning exterior and interior......7-2,7-4Climate-controlled seat switches.....2-85Cold weather driving............5-194Console box..................2-104Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls. .4-33CoolantCapacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants
...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-6Checking engine coolant level......8-6Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-9Corrosion protection..............7-7Cruise control................ .5-85Cup holders..................2-106
D
Daytime Running Light System......2-82Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch
.....................2-77
Dimensions and weights..........10-10Dimmer switch for instrument panel. . .2-83Door locks................... .3-5Drive belt....................8-16Driving
Cold weather driving...........5-194Driving with automatic
transmission................5-18Precautions when starting and
driving.................... .5-4Driving the vehicle...............5-18Dual panel moonroof............2-114
E
Economy - fuel................5-171Emergency call (SOS) button........2-93Emergency engine shutoff.......5-15,6-2Emission control information label. . . .10-12Emission control system warranty. . . .10-33Engine
Before starting the engine........5-16Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Changing engine coolant.........8-6Changing engine oil.............8-7Changing engine oil filter.........8-7Checking engine coolant level......8-6Checking engine oil level..........8-7Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-9Engine cooling system...........8-5Engine oil...................8-7
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.............10-7Engine oil pressure warning light. . . .2-15Engine oil viscosity.............10-7Engine serial number..........10-12Engine specifications...........10-9Starting the engine............5-16Engine Block Heater.............5-195Engine coolant temperature gauge. . . .2-9Event Data recorders........10-35, 10-36Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)......5-4Explanation of maintenance items.....9-2Explanation of scheduled maintenance
items...................... .9-5Extended storage switch..........2-100Eyeglass case.................2-105
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label.........10-12Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch)......................6-2Flat tire...................6-3, 6-4Floor mat positioning aid...........7-6Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...............10-2Engine coolant................8-5Engine oil...................8-7Windshield-washer fluid.........8-12Fog light switch................2-84
11-2