When planning to drive your NISSAN ve-
hicle in another country,you should first
find out if the fuel available is suitable for
your vehicle's engine.
Using fuel with an octane rating that is too
low may cause engine damage. All gaso-
line vehicles must be operated with un-
leaded gasoline. Therefore, avoid taking
your vehicle to areas where appropriate
fuel is not available.
When transferring the registration of
your vehicle to another country, state,
province or district, it may be necessary
to modif y the vehicle to meet local laws
and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle
emission control and safety standards
vary according to the country, state, prov-
ince or district; therefore, vehicle specifica-
tions may differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into an-
other country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, trans-
portation and registration are the re-
sponsibility of the user. NISSAN is not re-
sponsible for any inconvenience that
may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATE
The VIN plate is located as shown. This
number is the identification for your vehicle
and is used in the vehicle registration.
The VIN number is also available through
the center display screen. For additional
information, refer to the separate
NissanConnect® Owner's Manual.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)
LTI2050LTI2557
Type A (if so equipped)
WHEN TRAVELING OR REGISTERING
IN ANOTHER COUNTRY VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Technical and consumer information10-11
The vehicle identification number is lo-
cated as shown.ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The number is stamped on the engine as
shown.
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION
LABEL
The Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard (F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.) certifi-
cation label is affixed as shown. This label
contains valuable vehicle information, such
as: (GVWR), (GAWR), month and year of
manufacture, (VIN), etc. Review it carefully.
LTI2682
Type B (if so equipped)
LTI2255WTI0172
10-12Technical and consumer information
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent
weight shif ts that could affect the
balance of your vehicle. When the ve-
hicle is loaded, drive to a scale and
weigh the front and the rear wheels
separately to determine axle loads.
Individual axle loads should not ex-
ceed either of the Gross Axle Weight
Ratings (GAWR). The total of the axle
loads should not exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). These
ratings are given on the vehicle cer-
tification label. If weight ratings are
exceeded, move or remove items to
bring all weights below the ratings.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely af-
fect vehicle handling, braking and per-
formance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
• Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy
load for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Your engine, axle or other parts could
be damaged.
• For the first 500 miles (805 km) that
you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50
mph (80 km/h) and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of your ve-
hicle wear in at the heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer places ad-
ditional loads on your vehicle's engine,
drive train, steering, braking and other
systems. A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is
available on the website at
www.nissanusa.com.
This guide includes
information on trailer towing capability and
the special equipment required for proper
towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
the value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer
weight plus its cargo weight.
• When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) should not exceed the value
specified in the following Towing Load/
Specification Chart.
TOWING A TRAILER
10-20Technical and consumer information
The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load. Tow-
ing loads greater than these or using im-
proper towing equipment could adversely
affect vehicle handling, braking and
performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced for low
traction situations (for example, on slippery
boat ramps).Temperature conditions can also affect
towing. For example, towing a heavy trailer
in high outside temperatures on graded
roads can affect engine performance and
cause overheating. The engine protection
mode, which helps reduce the chance of
engine damage, could activate and auto-
matically decrease engine power. Vehicle
speed may decrease under high load. Plan
your trip carefully to account for trailer and
vehicle load, weather and road conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced en-
gine power and vehicle speed. The re-
duced speed may be lower than other
traffic, which could increase the chance
of a collision. Be especially careful
when driving. If the vehicle cannot
maintain a safe driving speed, pull to
the side of the road in a safe area. Allow
the engine to cool and return to normal
operation. For additional information,
see “If your vehicle overheats” (P. 6-13).
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures is not cov-
ered by NISSAN warranties.
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load be-
tween 10 - 15% of the total trailer load or use
the trailer tongue load specified by the
trailer manufacturer. The tongue load
must be within the maximum tongue load
limits shown in the following “Towing Load/
Specification” chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow
for proper tongue load.
LTI2553WTI0160
Technical and consumer information10-21
• Always secure items in the trailer to pre-vent load shif t while driving.
• Keep the cargo load as low as possible in the 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.
10-30Technical and consumer information
• While going downhill, the weight of thetrailer 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. 6-13).
• 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.
– 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.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is balanced. For additional information,
see “Pre-towing tips” (P. 10-29). • 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.
Technical and consumer information10-31
• 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
to activate TOW mode. Push or turn the
Drive Mode Selector again to turn TOW
mode off. TOW mode is automatically can-
celed when the ignition switch is turned off.
The Idling Stop System is disabled when
the vehicle is in TOW mode.
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).
10-32Technical and consumer information
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)
10-36Technical and consumer information