ECU NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE 2009 D32 / 4.G Towing Guide

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 4 Š Installing an aftermarket hitch may affect the rear crash performance of your vehicle.
Š Be sure that the hitch does not interfere in any way with the vehicle’s impact-absorbing
bumper.
Š Regularly check to see that all hitch-mounting bolts are securely fastened.
Š For receiver-type hitches using a ball mount, the ball mount should be removed when not
towing.
Š If you install a hitch yourself, remember that it must be securely attached to the frame or
underbody, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Never attach a hitch or towing
device to the vehicle axle housing. This may damage the housing, wheel bearings,
wheels, or tires.


Hitch Types


Bumper Hitch – This is a special reinforced
bumper designed to accommodate a hitch
ball.








Receiver Hitch – A receiver hitch is bolted
directly to the vehicle structure for added
strength and durability. Nissan bolt-on
receiver hitches are designed specifically
for Nissan vehicles and include the
necessary reinforcements, with ample
clearance around bumpers, frame members,
etc. These hitches allow for the removal of
the ball mount when not towing.

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 6 5th Wheel or Gooseneck Hitch –
Mounted in the bed of a pick-up and
designed for heavy-duty applications,
these types of hitches are not available
from Nissan but can be purchased from a
professional supplier of towing
equipment.*
A 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch is
usually installed and adjusted to meet the
requirements of a particular trailer, but two
basic rules hold true in every case. First,
the hitch should be mounted a minimum
2 inches forward of the rear axle
centerline. Second, it should be securely
attached directly to the truck frame. This
installation should be done by
professionals only, as it is very important
to mount the hitch correctly to distribute
the king pin load for the proper load
carrying and sway control performance.

BALL MOUNT
A ball mount (also known as a drawbar) is a bar that holds a hitch ball and is inserted into a
receiver-type hitch. Ball mounts come in a number of weight capacities (3,500 lbs., 5,000
lbs., etc.) and sizes (1
1/4”, 2”, etc.), and can be
weight-distributing or non-weight-distributing.

HITCH BALL
A hitch ball is bolted through a ball mount or
a hitch hole in the tow vehicle’s rear bumper.
The coupler on the trailer tongue attaches
over the hitch ball.


*At this time, Titan is the only Nissan vehicle approved for 5th wheel and gooseneck trailer

towing. See your vehicle owner’s manual for details.

5th Wheel Hitch


Gooseneck Hitch
Hitch
Mount BallBall

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 16 The trailer load should be balanced equally from
side-to-side. Unequal side-to-side loading can
negatively affect handling and braking. Once in
place, all cargo should be firmly secured to
prevent shifting. If the load should shift abruptly
during braking or cornering, it could quickly affect
the handling of your vehicle and cause a very
unsafe situation.
Finally, do not carry flammable materials, such
as gasoline, in your trailer. In the event of an accident, an explosion or fire could occur.

ENSURING VEHICLE/TRAILER STABILITY
Improper loading, excessive or insufficient trailer tongue/king pin load, overloading, excessive
trailer weight, poorly designed trailer suspensions, crosswinds, and poor maintenance are all
things that can affect the stability of your vehicle and trailer combination.
If swaying does occur, check the cargo load for proper balance and distribution to ensure
proper trailer tongue/king pin load. In addition, check the condition of the suspension and
shocks, as well as the tires, tire pressures, and wheel bearings on both the tow vehicle and
the trailer. If swaying occurs because of high winds or poor weather conditions, wait until
these conditions improve before resuming your trip.
If the swaying continues and you feel your trailer is suitably balanced and within the towing
capacity limits of your vehicle, discontinue towing and consult your Nissan dealer or trailer
manufacturer to determine the problem. Most important, do not tow until the problem is
corrected.


VEHICLE SPEED
Some states have specific regulations and speed limits for vehicles that are towing trailers.
Always obey these ordinances.
Remember to reduce your speed in unsafe or less-than-ideal road conditions or weather.
When towing a trailer, braking distances increase while handling agility decreases. Always
leave yourself an extra margin of distance to respond to emergency situations.

PASSENGERS
Never allow passengers to ride inside a trailer while it is being towed. Not only is this
unlawful in most areas, passengers could be seriously injured during sudden trailer movement
or in an accident. In addition, trailers may allow fumes from the tow vehicle to leak inside. This
could result in carbon monoxide poisoning from the engine exhaust.

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 17 VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
Vehicle modifications — beyond those required for proper hitch installation, wiring hook-up,
and necessary cooling system upgrading — are not recommended for any Nissan vehicle
being used for towing purposes. Changes to the drivetrain, suspension, exhaust systems,
frame structure/unibody, or other vehicle components are not necessary for towing within the
limits described in this guide. These changes may diminish the reliability and longevity of your
vehicle and possibly void warranty coverage.

TOOL KIT
It is always a good idea to travel with a special tool kit when towing. In addition to tools, it
should contain flares, a flashlight, emergency reflectors, jumper cables, extra fuses, extra
radiator coolant, oil, and easily replaced spare parts such as taillight bulbs. You should also
carry spare tires for your tow vehicle and trailer, as well as a jack suitable for use on the trailer.
Be aware that not all automotive jacks can be used safely on a trailer.

BEFORE STARTING OUT
Before starting out on a trip, make one last inspection of the tow vehicle and the trailer. Are
the tire pressures correct? Are the safety chains/cables securely in place? Is the cargo tied
down securely? Do all the lights work? Is the coupler properly attached over the hitch ball and
secured using a locking pin? Is the breakaway switch hooked up and functioning properly?
Are vehicle and electric trailer brakes working properly?
Make a checklist of key items to be inspected, and do not forget the basics. When towing,
vehicle engine oil, transmission oil, and coolant should always be checked before starting out.
Finding a potential problem while in your driveway is better than discovering it miles from
home.


TOWING
TIPS

If you have never towed a trailer before, be aware that it does take getting used to. To begin
with, towing noticeably affects your vehicle’s performance:
Š It will not accelerate as quickly — an important point to keep in mind when merging onto a
highway.
Š It will not stop as quickly. Leave more room than usual between you and the traffic ahead,
and brake sooner when coming to a stop.

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 29 TOW VEHICLE WIRING HARNESSES



PROTECTION

At Nissan, we back everything we build. So we are proud that every Nissan is protected by
some of the best New Vehicle Limited Warranties, including 3-year/36,000-mile basic
coverage. All 2009 models also feature 5-year/60,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty.**
And, Nissan warranties are completely transferable if you should sell your Nissan.
If you want additional peace of mind, we proudly offer the Nissan Security+Plus
® Vehicle
Protection Plan. This plan offers quality mechanical protection long after your New Vehicle
Limited Warranty expires. The Security+Plus Vehicle Protection Plan is backed by Nissan and
designed exclusively for Nissan owners. From a variety of plans available, you can choose the
one that best fits your driving needs (up to 7 years/100,000 miles!). For the maximum
coverage, you will want to opt for Security+Plus Gold® Preferred.

*
Available only for SL models equipped with Manual Shift Mode.
**For complete warranty details, read the Nissan Warranty Information Booklet or see your nearest
Nissan dealer.
Harness Type Trailer Lighting Electric Trailer Brakes
Armada 7-pin connector wiring harness Pre-wired
Receiver hitch: 7-pin connector wiring harness
Pre-wired with 7-pin harness. Requires an electric trailer brake controller (supplied by customer), and an electric trailer brake controller wiring harness (included with vehicle or available from Nissan dealer). Frontier
4-pin connector wiring harness
Tow harness kit available
Murano 4-pin connector wiring harness Tow harness kit with converter available
Standard equipment: 4-pin connector wiring harness
N/A
Pathfinder
7-pin connector wiring harness
Tow harness kit available
Pre-wired with 7-pin harness. Requires an electric trailer brake controller (supplied by customer), and an electric trailer brake controller wiring harness (included with vehicle or available from Nissan dealer).
Rogue 4-pin connector wiring harness SL: Tow harness kit available* N/A
Titan 7-pin connector wiring harness Pre-wired
Xterra Receiver hitch: 7-pin connector wiring harness Tow harness kit available
Pre-wired with 7-pin harness. Requires an electric trailer brake controller (supplied by customer), and an electric trailer brake controller wiring harness (included with vehicle or available from Nissan dealer).

2009 Nissan Towing Guide 30 Whichever plan you choose, coverage is available throughout the United States. Repair work
will be done at authorized Nissan dealers by Nissan-trained technicians utilizing Genuine
Nissan Parts. For more information about Security+Plus Vehicle Protection Plans, contact
your participating Nissan dealer.
The quality of Genuine Nissan Parts and Accessories is backed by the integrity of a
Genuine Nissan Replacement Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty. If purchased within
the basic coverage period of 3 years/36,000 miles, Genuine Nissan Parts and Accessories
are covered by the remaining period of the warranty. If the remaining period is less than
1 year/12,000 miles (or if the vehicle warranty has expired), then Genuine Nissan Accessories
are covered by their own 1-year/12,000-mile Limited Warranty. See your Nissan Warranty
Information Booklet or ask your Nissan dealer for specific details.



CONCERN FOR YOUR SAFETY
Nissan urges you to always use your seat belt whenever you drive. And please make sure all
passengers are buckled up. Keep in mind that air bags are a supplemental restraint system
and must always be used in conjunction with a seat belt.
In addition, a rear-facing child restraint must never be used in the front passenger seat if
the vehicle is equipped with a front passenger air bag. Children 12 and under should ride in
the rear seat properly secured in child restraints, booster seats, or seat belts, according to
their size. See your vehicle owner's manual for more details.



COMMITMENT

At Nissan, our commitment to your satisfaction extends well beyond building a full line of
quality products. It begins with people dedicated to designing vehicles to satisfy your needs.
Then, building them to standards that are beyond your expectations. Our nationwide network
of nearly 1,100 dealers will help you select the Nissan that is right for you.
For further assistance, search our Web site at www.NissanUSA.com. For Nissan dealer
locations or for more information on this and other Nissan products, call 1-800-239-8810.
Or call 1-800-NISSAN-1 for answers to product-related issues and solutions to your
transportation needs.