2023 NISSAN PATHFINDER tow bar

CAUTION
Never drive on dry, hard surface roads
in the SNOW mode, as this will overload
the powertrain and may cause a seri-
ous malfunction. Additionally, this will
cause premature tire wear and reduced
fuel economy.
When the SNOW mode is selected, small
vibration in cornering may occur. This is not
a malfunction.
TOW MODE
The TOW mode controls the shif ting points
to facilitate the acceleration or decelera-
tion while towing.
Regardless of the availability of the tow bar,
TOW mode is equipped.
The Idling Stop System is disabled when
the vehicle is in TOW mode.
MUD/RUT MODE (4WD models)
This mode allows for easier driving or start-
ing on a bumpy road surface such as an
uneven dirt road or a steep uphill slope.
CAUTION
Never drive on dry, hard surface roads
in the MUD/RUT mode, as this will over-
load the powertrain and may cause a
serious malfunction. Additionally, this
will cause premature tire wear and re-
duced fuel economy.
NOTE:
When the MUD/RUT mode is selected,
small tight-corner braking phenomenon
or small vibration in cornering may oc-
cur. This is not a malfunction
SAND MODE (4WD models)
This mode allows for easier driving or start-
ing on sand.
CAUTION
Never drive on dry, hard surface roads
in the SAND mode, as this will overload
the powertrain and may cause a seri-
ous malfunction. Additionally, this will
cause premature tire wear and reduced
fuel economy.
NOTE:
When the SAND mode is selected, small
tight-corner braking phenomenon or
small vibration in cornering may occur.
This is not a malfunction
ECO MODE
Assists the driver’s ECO-driving. The engine
points are adjusted for improved fuel
economy, providing such driving features
as smooth starting or constant cruising.
NOTE:
Selecting the ECO mode will not neces-
sarily improve fuel economy as many
driving factors influence its
effectiveness.
Operation
Select the ECO mode using the Drive Mode
Selector. The ECO indicator illuminates.
When the accelerator pedal is depressed
within the range of economy drive, the ECO
drive indicator illuminates in green. When
the accelerator pedal is depressed above
the range of economy drive, the ECO drive
indicator turns off.
Starting and driving5-33

Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.
•For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
Care of wheels
• Wash the wheels when washing the ve- hicle to maintain their appearance.
• Clean the inner side of the wheels when the wheel is changed or the underside of
the vehicle is washed.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing the wheels.
• Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or corrosion. Such damage may cause loss
of pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
• NISSAN recommends waxing the road wheels to protect against road salt in ar-
eas where it is used during winter.
Spare tire (TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire)
When using a wheel without the TPMS such
as the spare tire, the TPMS will not function.
Observe the following precautions if the
TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare tire must be
used. Otherwise, your vehicle could be
damaged or involved in an accident:
WARNING
• The spare tire should be used for
emergency use only. It should be re-
placed with the standard tire at the
first opportunity to avoid possible
tire or differential damage.
• Drive carefully while the TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire is installed. Avoid
sharp turns and abrupt braking while
driving.
• Periodically check spare tire inflation
pressure. Always keep the pressure
of the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare
tire at 420 kPa, 4.2 bar (60 psi).
• With the TEMPORARY USE ONLY spare
tire installed do not drive the vehicle
at speeds faster than 50 mph (80
km/h). •
When driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire should be used on the
rear wheels and the original tire used
on the front wheels (drive wheels).
• Tire tread of the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire will wear at a faster
rate than the standard tire. Replace
the spare tire as soon as the tread
wear indicators appear.
• Do not use the spare tire on other
vehicles.
• Do not use more than one spare tire
at the same time.
• Do not tow a trailer when the TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire is installed.
CAUTION
• Do not use tire chains on a TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire. Tire chains
will not fit properly and may cause
damage to the vehicle.
•
Because the TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire is smaller than the original
tire, ground clearance is reduced. To
avoid damage to the vehicle, do not
drive over obstacles. Also, do not drive
the vehicle through an automatic car
wash since it may get caught.
8-42Do-it-yourself

TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an op-
tional trailer tow package. The trailer tow
package includes a receiver-type frame
mounted hitch. This hitch is rated for the
maximum towing capacity of this vehicle
when the proper towing equipment is
used. Choose a proper ball mount and
hitch ball that is rated for the trailer to be
towed. Genuine NISSAN ball mounts and
hitch balls are available from a NISSAN
dealer.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the op-
tional trailer tow package, check the tow-
ing capacity of your bumper hitch or
receiver-type frame mounted hitch.
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A Genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is
available from a NISSAN dealer. Make sure
the trailer hitch is securely attached to the
vehicle to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by
crosswinds, rough road surfaces or pass-
ing trucks.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than
the weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Never exceed the weight rating
of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:
• The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls
also have the size printed on the top of
the ball.
• Choose the proper class hitch ball based on the trailer weight.
• The diameter of the threaded shank of the hitch ball must be matched to the ball
mount hole diameter. The hitch ball
shank should be no more than 1/16”
smaller than the hole in the ball mount.
• The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be long enough to be properly secured to
the ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount
and the ball mount is inserted into the
hitch receiver. Choose a proper class ball
mount based on the trailer weight. Addi-
tionally, the ball mount should be chosen to
keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
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.
Technical and consumer information10-25