NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE 2011 D32 / 4.G Towing Guide

2011 NISSAN Towing Guide 20 (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
While going downhill, the weight of the trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may decrease
overall stability. 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
Do not use cruise control while towing a trailer.

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, or 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.

2. Turn off the air conditioning and, after opening all the windows, turn the heater on to
maximum hot and the fan to its highest speed. The heater core in your vehicle is just like a
miniature engine radiator and will provide an extra cooling surface to help reduce engine
temperature.

3. If the temperature does not drop or continues to increase, stop the engine immediately.

4. Being cautious of traffic, step out of the vehicle and, from a safe distance, look for steam
underneath the engine. If you see steam or leaking coolant, stand clear to avoid being
burned and shut off your engine immediately and allow it to cool. If there is no steam, open

* See your vehicle owner’s manual for additional indications that your vehicle may be overheating.

2011 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.

NOTES – 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.

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

3 The Maximum Trailer Weight and Gross Combined Weight ratings for 5th wheel and
gooseneck trailer towing are the same as specified for conventional trailer towing.

4 Most states require a separate braking system on trailers with a loaded weight above a
specific amount. Check local ordinances. 7-pin connector trailer wire harnesses are
required for use with trailer brakes (available separately).

Other Recommendations and Information – Towing performance and speed are affected by
vehicle payload, tow weight, road grades, and weather conditions, including high
temperatures. See your vehicle owner’s manual for details.

2011 NISSAN Towing Guide 22


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.

ELECTRIC TRAILER
BRAKES When the brakes on a tow vehicle are applied, an electric current is sent to
an actuator which applies the trailer’s brakes.
ELECTRIC TRAILER
BRAKE CONTROLLER A device that controls the electric trailer brakes.

GOOSENECK HITCH Located just forward of the rear axle centerline, this hitch uses a ball to serve
as the pivot point for the trailer.
GROSS AXLE
WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) The maximum amount of weight each vehicle axle (front and rear) is
designed to safely carry.
GROSS COMBINED
WEIGHT RATING (GCWR) The maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle and trailer,
including passengers and all cargo.
GROSS VEHICLE
WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo,
fuel, hitch, trailer tongue load, and any optional equipment.
KING PIN
LOAD The amount of trailer (5th wheel or gooseneck) weight pressing down on the
tow vehicle hitch.

2011 NISSAN Towing Guide 23

HITCH BALL
A ball that connects the trailer to the tow vehicle hitch and provides the
means by which the trailer pivots during cornering. Available in a number
of sizes and weight capacities, it must correspond to the trailer coupler
size, and have a sufficient capacity rating for the trailer being pulled.

RECEIVER HITCH A frame- or structure-mounted hitch with a receiver that allows removal of
the ball mount.

SAFETY CHAINS/CABLES Provides an emergency connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer,
should the trailer become disengaged for any reason.

SURGE BRAKES
Hydraulic-type braking system activated by inertia. As the tow vehicle
begins to brake, the trailer pushes against the hitch ball, consequently
activating the trailer brakes.

TRAILER TONGUE/COUPLER The part of the trailer that extends forward to meet the tow vehicle, and also
carries the coupler assembly.

TRAILER TONGUE
LOAD The amount of trailer (conventional) weight pressing down on the tow
vehicle hitch.

WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING
HITCH SYSTEM Type of hitch system that helps shift the trailer tongue weight to all trailer
tires and the tow vehicle front tires. Strongly recommended when towing
trailers with a Maximum Trailer Weight greater than 5,000 lbs.

WIRING HARNESS
Provides an electrical connection linking the tow vehicle’s electrical system
to the trailer’s system.

2011 NISSAN Towing Guide 24

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 2011 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.

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.


* For complete warranty details, read the NISSAN Warranty Information Booklet or see your nearest
NISSAN dealer.

2011 NISSAN Towing Guide 25

CONCERN FOR YOUR SAFETY
NISSAN urges you to always use your seat belt whenever you drive. Also, 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.

2011 NISSAN Towing Guide 26










All illustrations, and specifications in this document are based on the latest
product information available at the time of publication. Some vehicles are shown
with optional equipment. See the actual vehicle for complete accuracy. Availability
and delivery time for particular models and equipment may vary. NISSAN North
America, Inc. reserves the right to make changes at any time, without prior notice,
in prices, colors, materials, equipment, specifications, and models, and to
discontinue models or equipment. Specifications, options, and accessories may
differ in Hawaii, U.S. territories, and other countries. For information on availability,
options or accessories, contact your NISSAN dealer.

NISSAN, the NISSAN Brand Symbol, “SHIFT_” and NISSAN Model Name(s) are
NISSAN trademarks.







Printing: February 2010 ©2010 NISSAN North America, Inc.