towing NISSAN ALTIMA 2018 Owner´s Manual
Page 273 of 467
Shif t lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the shif t lever may not be moved from the
P (Park) position even with the brake pedal
depressed and the shif t lever button
pressed.
It will be necessary to jump start or have
your battery charged. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Jump starting” in the “In
case of emergency” section of this manual.
Contact a NISSAN dealer or a professional
towing service.To move the shif t lever, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Using a protective cloth on the tip of a 3 mm screwdriver, remove the shif t
lock release cover.
∙ If available, a plastic trim tool can also be used.
4. Insert the small screwdriver in the shif t lock release slot and push down.
5. Move the shif t lever to the N (Neutral) position while holding down the shif t
lock release.
If the shif t lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have the transmission checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
WARNING
If the shif t lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and
others.
LSD2087
Starting and driving5-19
Page 274 of 467
Overdrive (O/D) OFF mode switch
(if so equipped)
When the O/D OFF mode switch is pushed
with the shif t lever in the D (Drive) position,
the
light in the instrument panel illu-
minates. For additional information, refer
to “Overdrive OFF indicator light” in the “In-
struments and controls” section of this
manual.
Use the overdrive OFF mode when you
need improved engine braking. To turn off the overdrive OFF mode, push
the O/D OFF mode switch again. The
indicator light will turn off.
Each time the engine is started, or when
the shif t lever is shif ted to any position
other than D (Drive) and Ds (Drive Sport), the
overdrive OFF mode will automatically turn
off.
Accelerator downshif t
— in D (Drive) position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shif ts
the transmission down into a lower gear,
depending on the vehicle speed.
High fluid temperature protection
mode
This transmission has a high fluid tem-
perature protection mode. If the fluid tem-
perature becomes too high (for example,
when climbing steep grades in high tem-
peratures with heavy loads, such as when
towing a trailer), engine power and, under
some conditions, vehicle speed will be de-
creased automatically to reduce the
chance of transmission damage. Vehicle
speed can be controlled with the accelera-
tor pedal, but the engine and vehicle speed
may be limited.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel
spinning and subsequent hard braking,
the fail-safe system may be activated.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may come on to indicate the fail-safe
mode is activated. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL)” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section of this manual. This will oc-
cur even if all electrical circuits are func-
tioning properly. In this case, place the
ignition switch in the OFF position and
wait for 10 seconds. Then push the
switch back to the ON position. The ve-
hicle should return to its normal operat-
ing condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have the
transmission checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
Overdrive OFF mode
LSD2090
5-20Starting and driving
Page 307 of 467
∙ The system may not detect the ve-hicle in front of you in certain road or
weather conditions. To avoid acci-
dents, never use the ICC system under
the following conditions:
– On roads where the traffic is heavy or there are sharp curves
– On slippery road surfaces such as on ice or snow, etc.
– During bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.)
– When rain, snow or dirt adhere to the bumper around the distance
sensor
– On steep downhill roads (the ve- hicle may go beyond the set ve-
hicle speed and frequent braking
may result in overheating the
brakes)
– On repeated uphill and downhill roads
– When traffic conditions make it dif- ficult to keep a proper distance be-
tween vehicles because of fre-
quent acceleration or deceleration – Interference by other radar
sources.
∙ Do not use the ICC system if you are towing a trailer. The system may not
detect a vehicle ahead.
∙ In some road or traffic conditions, a vehicle or object can unexpectedly
come into the sensor detection zone
and cause automatic braking. Always
stay alert and avoid using the ICC sys-
tem where not recommended in this
warning section.
The radar sensor will not detect the follow-
ing objects: ∙ Stationary and slow moving vehicles
∙ Pedestrians or objects in the roadway
∙ Oncoming vehicles in the same lane
∙ Motorcycles traveling offset in the travel lane
The following are some conditions in which
the sensor cannot properly detect a ve-
hicle ahead and the system may not oper-
ate properly: ∙ When snow or road spray from traveling vehicles reduces the sensor’s detection. ∙ When excessively heavy baggage is
loaded in the rear seat or the trunk of
your vehicle.
The ICC system is designed to automati-
cally check the sensor’s operation within
the limitations of the system.
The detection zone of the ICC sensor is
limited. A vehicle ahead must be in the de-
tection zone for the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance detection mode to maintain the se-
lected distance from the vehicle ahead.
A vehicle ahead may move outside of the
detection zone due to its position within
the same lane of travel. Motorcycles may
not be detected in the same lane ahead if
they are traveling offset from the centerline
of the lane. A vehicle that is entering the
lane ahead may not be detected until the
vehicle has completely moved into the
lane.
If this occurs, the ICC system may warn
you by blinking the system indicator and
sounding the chime. The driver may
have to manually control the proper dis-
tance away from the vehicle traveling
ahead.
Starting and driving5-53
Page 349 of 467
6 In case of emergency
Hazard warning flasher switch..................6-2
First aid kit (if so equipped) ......................6-2
Emergency engine shut off ......................6-3
Flat tire ..........................................6-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)........................................6-3
Changing a flat tire ...........................6-4 Jump starting
.................................. 6-10
Push starting ................................... 6-12
If your vehicle overheats ........................6-12
Towing your vehicle ............................ 6-13
Towing recommended by NISSAN ...........6-13
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck
vehicle) ...................................... 6-14
Page 361 of 467
6. Af ter the engine cools down, check thecoolant level in the engine coolant res-
ervoir tank with the engine running.
Add coolant to the engine coolant res-
ervoir tank if necessary. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service. When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle.
Towing instructions are available from a
NISSAN dealer. Local service operators are
generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental
damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recom-
mends having a service operator tow your
vehicle. It is advisable to have the service
operator carefully read the following pre-
cautions:
WARNING
∙ Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
∙ Never get under your vehicle af ter it has been lif ted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
∙ When towing, make sure that thetransmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working condi-
tion. If any of these conditions apply,
dollies or a flatbed tow truck must be
used.
∙ Always attach safety chains before towing.
For additional information, refer to “Flat
towing” in the “Technical and consumer in-
formation” section of this manual.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
NISSAN recommends towing your vehicle
based upon the type of drivetrain. For addi-
tional information, refer to the diagrams in
this section to ensure that your vehicle is
properly towed.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-13
Page 362 of 467
2WD models with Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT)
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flatbed
truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
∙ Never tow CVT models with the frontwheels on the ground or four wheels
on the ground (forward or backward),
as this may cause serious and expen-
sive damage to the transmission. If it
is necessary to tow the vehicle with
the rear wheels raised always use
towing dollies under the front wheels.
∙ When towing CVT models with the rear wheels on the ground or on tow-
ing dollies: – Place the ignition switch in the OFF
position, and secure the steering
wheel in a straight-ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
secure the steering wheel by plac-
ing the ignition switch in the LOCK
position. This may damage the
steering lock mechanism (for
models with a steering lock
mechanism).
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)
WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious per-
sonal injury or death when recovering a
stuck vehicle:
∙ Contact a professional towing serviceto recover the vehicle if you have any
questions regarding the recovery
procedure.
∙ Tow chains or cables must be at- tached only to main structural mem-
bers of the vehicle.
∙ Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to tow or free a stuck vehicle.
LCE2369
6-14In case of emergency
Page 363 of 467
∙ Only use devices specifically designedfor vehicle recovery and follow the
manufacturer’s instructions.
∙ Always pull the recovery device straight out from the front of the ve-
hicle. Never pull at an angle.
∙ Route recovery devices so they do not touch any part of the vehicle except
the attachment point.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use a tow strap or other device de-
signed specifically for vehicle recovery. Al-
ways follow the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions for the recovery device.
Rocking a stuck vehicle
WARNING
∙ Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
∙ Do not spin your tires at high speed. This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged. If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud,
etc., use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and lef t to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and backward.
∙ Shif t back and forth between R (Re- verse) and D (Drive).
∙ Apply the accelerator as little as pos- sible to maintain the rocking motion.
∙ Release the accelerator pedal before shif ting between R (Reverse) and D
(Drive).
∙ Do not spin the tires above 35 mph (55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed af ter a few tries, contact a professional towing
service to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-15
Page 433 of 467
10 Technical and consumer information
Recommended fluids/lubricants and
capacities...................................... 10-2
Fuel recommendation ....................... 10-3
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendations .......................... 10-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations ....................... 10-7
Specifications .................................. 10-8
Engine ...................................... 10-8
Wheels and tires ............................. 10-9
Dimensions and weights ....................10-9
When traveling or registering in another
country ........................................ 10-10
Vehicle identification .......................... 10-10
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
plate ....................................... 10-10
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ........................... 10-10
Engine serial number ........................ 10-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .........10-11 Emission control information label
.........10-12
Tire and Loading Information label .........10-12
Air conditioner specification label ...........10-12
Installing front license plate ....................10-13
Vehicle loading information ...................10-13
Terms ...................................... 10-13
Vehicle load capacity ....................... 10-14
Loading tips ................................ 10-16
Measurement of weights ...................10-16
Towing a trailer ................................ 10-17
Flat towing ................................. 10-17
Uniform tire quality grading ....................10-17
Emission control system warranty .............10-18
Reporting safety defects ......................10-19
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M)
test ............................................ 10-20
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ....................10-20
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ................................... 10-21
Page 449 of 467
Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
FLAT TOWING
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 canresult in severe transmission damage.
∙ Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al- ways 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 any continuously variable transmission vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground (flat towing).
Doing so WILL DAMAGE internal trans-
mission parts due to lack of transmis-
sion lubrication. ∙ For emergency towing procedures re-
fer to “Towing recommended by
NISSAN” in the “In case of emergency ”
section of this manual.
Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)
To tow a vehicle equipped with a CVT, an
appropriate vehicle dolly MUSTbe placed
under the towed vehicle’s drive wheels. Al-
ways follow the dolly manufacturer’s rec-
ommendations when using their product. DOT (Department of Transportation) Qual-
ity Grades: All passenger car tires must
conform to federal safety requirements in
addition to these grades.
Quality grades can be found where appli-
cable on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature
A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rat-
ing based on the wear rate of the tire when
tested under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course. For ex-
ample, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
TOWING A TRAILER
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information10-17
Page 460 of 467
Armrests ...................1-7
Frontseats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment ......1-3
Rearseat.................. .1-6
Security indicator light ............2-17
Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), engine start ..........2-32,5-12
Security systems Vehicle security system ..........2-31
Self-adjustingbrakes.............8-21
Service manual order form .........10-21
Servicing air conditioner ...........4-24
Shif ting Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) .....................5-16
Shiftleverlockrelease............5-19
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-19
Siri® Eyes-Free .................4-50
Spark plug replacement ...........8-17
Spark plugs ...................8-17
Specifications .................10-8
Speedometer ..................2-4
Speedometer and odometer ........2-4
Spotlights(Seemaplight)..........2-55
SRS warning label ...............1-61
Stability control ................5-83
Standard maintenance ............9-7
Starting Before starting the engine ........5-12
Jumpstarting............6-10,8-15
Precautions when starting and
driving .....................5-2
Push starting ................6-12
Starting the engine ............5-13
Starting the engine ..............5-13 Steering
Powersteeringfluid............8-11
Powersteeringsystem .........5-80
Steering wheel .................3-28
Stoplight....................8-28
Storage.....................2-45
Sunglasses case ................2-47
Sunglasses holder ...............2-47
Sunroof (see Moonroof ) ...........2-52
Sunvisors....................3-29
Supplemental air bag warning
light.................... .1-62, 2-15
Supplemental front impact air bag
system ..................... .1-51
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .....1-61
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ................... .1-44
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .......1-44
Switch Autolightswitch..............2-36
Automatic power window switch . . .2-51
Foglightswitch..............2-40
Hazard warning flasher switch ......6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch ....2-35
Headlightcontrolswitch.........2-35
Instrument brightness control .....2-39
Power door lock switch ........3-5,3-6
Rear window and outside mirror
defrosterswitch..............2-35
Turn signal switch .............2-39 T
Tachometer ...................2-5
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge . .2-5
Thef t (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start ...............2-32,5-12
Three-waycatalyst...............5-2
Tilt Telescopicsteering............3-29
Tire F
lattire..................6-3,6-4
Spare tire ................6-5,8-43
Tire and Loading Information label . .10-12
Tire chains .................8-39
Tire pressure ................8-31
Tirerotation ................8-40
Types of tires ................8-38
Uniform tire quality grading .......10-17
Wheels and tires ..............8-31
Wheel/tire size ...............10-9
Tire pressure Low tire pressure warning light .....2-12
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)....................5-3,6-3
Towing 4-wheel drive models ...........6-14
Flattowing.................10-17
Trailertowing ...............10-17
Towingatrailer................10-17
Towingyourvehicle..............6-13
Transceiver HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver ..........2-56,2-58,2-59
11-6