ECO mode NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE 2010 D32 / 4.G Towing Guide

2010 Nissan Towing Guide 19 the trailer to the right, move the wheel to the right. All movements of the wheel should be done
in small increments. Of course, backing up should be done only at very slow speeds. For large
trailers that obstruct your rearward vision, have someone outside the vehicle act as a “spotter”
to guide you along.

PARK SMART
A tow vehicle and trailer can be an unwieldy combination in a small area, so always try to park
where you will have a relatively easy time maneuvering. Once parked, always block the wheels
on both the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Parking on a slope is not recommended. If, however, you must park on a slope and your
vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, there are some precautions you should
take:
Š Have someone block the wheels once the tow vehicle and trailer are in position and being
held by the vehicle’s brake.
Š Next, apply the parking brake and only then move the gear lever into PARK. If you move the
lever into PARK before blocking the wheels and applying the parking brake, it may be
difficult to later shift out of PARK. Transmission damage may also occur.

HIGH-ALTITUDE PERFORMANCE
An engine will lose about 4% of its performance for every 1,000 feet above sea level that you
travel. If you will be towing in high altitudes, it is a good idea to allow more time than usual due
to the engine’s reduced performance.

TOW MODE (IF EQUIPPED)
Tow Mode is recommended when towing a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load, particularly in
stop-and-go traffic, rolling terrain, or a busy parking.
Driving the vehicle in Tow Mode may affect fuel economy and transmission/engine driving
characteristics. See your vehicle owner’s manual for additional information about Tow Mode.

HILLS – UPGRADES
As the incline increases, your vehicle — if equipped with an automatic transmission — is
designed to automatically select 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.

2010 Nissan Towing Guide 21 the hood. Never remove the radiator cap when the radiator is hot. If the cap is removed
under these conditions, hot water/coolant under high pressure may spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.

5. As soon as the engine has cooled to its normal operating temperature, visually inspect the
drive belts for damage or looseness. A loose belt reduces water pump efficiency. Be
careful to keep your hands, hair, jewelry, and clothing clear of the running drive belt and
other moving parts when inspecting the engine and radiator. Also check to see if the
cooling fan is running, and inspect the water pump, radiator, and radiator hoses for leaks.
Keep in mind, too, that if your vehicle is equipped with an electric fan motor, it may start
without warning any time the coolant temperature is high. If you find leaking coolant, a
loose or missing drive belt, or an inoperable fan, turn off the engine immediately.

6. If no leaks are apparent and all other components appear to be operating properly with
the engine cooled to its normal operating temperature, check the coolant level in the
reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if needed. At this
point, if repairs are required, go to the nearest Nissan dealer. See the IN CASE OF
EMERGENCY section of your vehicle owner’s manual for additional information on
overheating.
NOTE – All Nissan vehicles have an engine protection mode, which helps reduce the chance
of engine damage if the engine coolant reaches a specified temperature. See your vehicle
owner’s manual for details.


TOWING
GLOSSARY
5TH WHEEL
HITCH Located just forward of the rear axle centerline, this hitch uses a king pin to
serve as the pivot point for the trailer.

BALL MOUNT A bar that holds the hitch ball and is inserted into the hitch receiver. Also
commonly called a drawbar.

BREAKAWAY SWITCH A safety device using a trailer battery that automatically applies the trailer’s
brakes if it should accidentally become separated from the tow vehicle.
A breakaway switch may be used with both electric or surge trailer brake
systems.

BUMPER HITCH A reinforced bumper designed to accommodate a hitch ball.

2010 Nissan Towing Guide 25







































Passenger Vehicles – The towing capacity for Altima (Coupe, Hybrid, and Sedan), Maxima,
and Sentra vehicles is 1,000 lbs.; the maximum trailer tongue load is 100 lbs. DO NOT
tow a
trailer with 370Z (Coupe and Roadster), cube, GT-R, or Versa.
NOTE – For passenger vehicles, the trailer tongue load must be subtracted from the GVWR
as shown on the F.M.V.S.S. certification label located in the driver’s-side door area.

2010 XTERRA TOWING DATA
Engine Type 4.0L V6
Transmission A/T & M/T
Model(s) 2WD & 4WD
Maximum Trailer Weight1 (lbs.) 5,000
Maximum Trailer Tongue Load1 (lbs.) 500
Gross Combined Weight Rating (lbs.) 9,656
Maximum Trailer Frontal Area 60 sq. ft.
1 Maximum Trailer Weight values are calculated assuming a base vehicle with driver and
any options required to achieve the rating. Additional passengers, cargo and/or optional
equipment will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your vehicle’s maximum towing
capacity and trailer tongue load.

2 The Maximum Trailer Weight when using the Genuine Nissan step bumper in this
application as a ball mount is 3,500 lbs.; the Maximum Trailer Tongue Load is 350 lbs.

3 Use of a weight-distributing hitch system is recommended when towing over 5,000 lbs.

4 The vehicle tow package does not include a ball mount. Ball mount options are available
through your Nissan dealer:
Š Class III hitch ball mount for trailers with a Maximum Trailer Weight of 5,000 lbs.
or less.
NOTE – A hitch ball is not included with the Class III ball mount.
Š Class IV weight-distributing hitch ball mount for trailers with a Maximum Trailer
Weight greater than 5,000 lbs. This ball mount can also be used with trailers
under 5,000 lbs. Maximum Trailer Weight.
NOTE – The Class IV ball mount includes a 2
5/16” hitch ball rated for 10,000 lbs. NOTES:
Š Most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight
above a specific amount. Check local ordinances.
Š A/T – Automatic Transmission, CVT – Continuously Variable Transmission