sensor NISSAN FRONTIER 2015 D23 / 3.G Towing Guide
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 2015 NISSAN Towing Guide    20
economy and transmission/engine driving characteristics. See your vehicle owner’s manual for 
additional information about Tow Mode.  
 
HILLS – UPGRADES 
As the incline increases, if your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission — it is 
designed to select automatically the correct gear for the best towing comfort and 
performance. To maintain speed or avoid up and down shifts, manually shift to a lower gear as 
needed.  
 
The added weight of a trailer places an increased load on the engine and cooling system, so 
monitor your coolant temperature gauge and automatic transmission fluid temperature gauge 
(if equipped) carefully. At the first sign of overheating, pull to the side of the road. See IF 
YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS later in this section for more information. 
 
HILLS – DOWNGRADES 
 WARNING - While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle 
may decrease overall stability, and may deteriorate overall handling characteristics, which 
could result in an accident, property damage, or serious injury. Therefore, to maintain 
adequate control, reduce your speed and shift to a lower gear. If your vehicle is equipped with 
Tow Mode, see your vehicle owner’s manual for information about the use of this function. 
Avoid long or repeated use of the brakes when descending a hill, as this reduces their 
effectiveness, and could cause overheating. Shifting to a lower gear instead provides “engine 
braking” and reduces the need to brake as frequently. 
 
AUTOMATIC CRUISE CONTROL 
 WARNING – In order to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle ahead to avoid the 
possibility of accidents, property damage or serious injury, never use the Intelligent Cruise 
control (ICC) system while towing a trailer or other vehicle.  If the ICC sensor cannot detect 
the reflector on the vehicle ahead, the system may not function properly. 
 
IF YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS 
“A moderate increase in engine operating temperature is normal when towing a trailer.” If, 
however, the coolant temperature gauge reading is abnormally high, if you are experiencing a 
significant loss of power, or if you hear unusual engine noises,* the engine may be overheating 
and you should immediately take the following steps: 
 
1.  Pull your vehicle safely over to the side of the road, out of traffic. Apply the parking brake 
and move the gearshift lever to NEUTRAL (manual) or PARK (automatic). DO NOT STOP 
THE ENGINE.