trailer NISSAN PATHFINDER PLATINUM 2018 Owners Manual

Each time the engine is started, or when
the shif t lever is shif ted to any position
other than D (Drive), the overdrive OFF
mode will be automatically turned 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 and repaired, if
necessary. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

∙ 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 cargo area 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 vehicle traveling ahead.
Starting and driving5-53

CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance
and ensure the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may re-
sult in shortened engine life and re-
duced engine performance.∙ Avoid driving for long periods at con- stant speed, either fast or slow, and do
not run the engine over 4,000 RPM.
∙ Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
∙ Avoid quick starts.
∙ Avoid hard braking as much as pos- sible.
∙ Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (805 kilometers). Your engine, axle or
other parts could be damaged. Follow these easy-to-use Fuel Efficient
Driving Tips to help you achieve the most
fuel economy from your vehicle.
1. Use Smooth Accelerator and Brake
Pedal Application
∙ Avoid rapid starts and stops.
∙ Use smooth, gentle accelerator and brake application whenever possible.
∙ Maintain constant speed while com- muting and coast whenever pos-
sible.
2. Maintain Constant Speed
∙ Look ahead to try and anticipate and minimize stops.
∙ Synchronizing your speed with traffic lights allows you to reduce your num-
ber of stops.
∙ Maintaining a steady speed can mini- mize red light stops and improve fuel
efficiency.
3. Use Air Conditioning (A/C) at Higher
Vehicle Speeds
∙ Below 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more efficient to open windows to cool the
vehicle due to reduced engine load. ∙ Above 40 mph (64 km/h), it is more
efficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag.
∙ Recirculating the cool air in the cabin when the A/C is on reduces cooling
load.
4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-
tances
∙ Observing the speed limit and not exceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel effi-
ciency due to reduced aerodynamic
drag.
∙ Maintaining a safe following distance behind other vehicles reduces un-
necessary braking.
∙ Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate changes in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes.
∙ Select a gear range suitable to road conditions.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING TIPS
Starting and driving5-65

rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is
not covered by the NISSAN New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
Your engine was filled with a high-quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have
to change the oil before the first recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend upon how you
use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions
may require more frequent oil and filter
changes:∙ repeated short distance driving at cold outside temperatures
∙ driving in dusty conditions
∙ extensive idling
∙ towing a trailer
∙ stop and go commuting
For additional information, refer to the
“Maintenance and schedules” section of
this manual.AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your
NISSAN vehicle must be charged with the
refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) and
NISSAN A/C system oil Type S (DH-PS) or
the exact equivalents.

WARNING
∙ It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area inside a ve-
hicle. In a collision, people riding
in these areas are more likely to
be seriously injured or killed.
∙ Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is
not equipped with seats and
seat belts.
∙ Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt
properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself
with the following terms before
loading your vehicle:
∙ Curb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle) - vehicle weight in-
cluding: standard and optional
equipment, fluids, emergency
tools, and spare tire assembly.
This weight does notinclude
passengers and cargo. ∙ GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb
weight plus the combined weight
of passengers and cargo.
∙ GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat- ing) - maximum total combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle,
passengers, luggage, hitch, trailer
tongue load and any other op-
tional equipment. This informa-
tion is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label.
∙ GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maximum weight (load) limit
specified for the front or rear axle.
This information is located on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification
label.
∙ GCWR (Gross Combined Weight rating) - The maximum total
weight rating of the vehicle, pas-
sengers, cargo, and trailer. ∙ Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load
limit, Total load capacity - maxi-
mum total weight limit specified
of the load (passengers and
cargo) for the vehicle. This is the
maximum combined weight of
occupants and cargo that can be
loaded into the vehicle. If the ve-
hicle is used to tow a trailer, the
trailer tongue weight must be in-
cluded as part of the cargo load.
This information is located on the
Tire and Loading Information la-
bel.
∙ Cargo capacity - permissible weight of cargo, the subtracted
weight of occupants from the
load limit.
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
10-14Technical and consumer information

WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.

Temperature conditions can also affect
towing. For example, towing a heavy trailer
in high outside temperatures on graded
roads can affect engine performance and
cause overheating. The engine protection
mode, which helps reduce the chance of
engine damage, could activate and auto-
matically decrease engine power. Vehicle
speed may decrease under high load. Plan
your trip carefully to account for trailer and
vehicle load, weather and road conditions.

cargo in the trailer and vehicle may need to
be moved or removed to meet the speci-
fied ratings.
Example:∙ Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) as weighed on a scale - including passengers, cargo
and hitch - 6,350 lbs. (2,880 kg).
∙ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification la-
bel - 7,250 lbs. (3,289 kg).
∙ Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) from “Towing Load/Specification" chart
- 15,100 lbs. (6,849 kg).
∙ Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Towing Load/Specification" chart -
9,100 lbs. (4,128 kg).

WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than
the weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Never exceed the weight rating
of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:∙ The required hitch ball size is stamped on most trailer couplers. Most hitch
balls also have the size printed on the
top of the ball.
∙ Choose the proper class hitch ball based on the trailer weight.
∙ The diameter of the threaded shank of the hitch ball must be matched to the
ball mount hole diameter. The hitch ball
shank should be no more than 1/16”
smaller than the hole in the ball mount. ∙ The threaded shank of the hitch ball
must be long enough to be properly
secured to the ball mount. There should
be at least 2 threads showing beyond
the lock washer and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount
and the ball mount is inserted into the
hitch receiver. Choose a proper class ball
mount based on the trailer weight. Addi-
tionally, the ball mount should be chosen to
keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball
mount is one that is designed to carry the
whole amount of tongue weight and gross
weight directly on the ball mount and on
the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-
leveling” or “equalizing” hitch. A set of bars
attach to the ball mount and to the trailer
to distribute the tongue weight (hitch
weight) of your trailer. Many vehicles can’t
carry the full tongue weight of a given
trailer, and need some of the tongue weight transferred through the frame and
pushing down on the front wheels. This
gives stability to the tow vehicle.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class
IV) is recommended if you plan to tow trail-
ers with a maximum weight over 5,000 lbs.
(2,268 kg). Check with the trailer and towing
equipment manufacturers to determine if
they recommend the use of a weight-
distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may
affect the operation of trailer surge
brakes. If you are considering use of a
weight-distributing hitch system with a
surge brake-equipped trailer, check with
the surge brake, hitch or trailer manufac-
turer to determine if and how this can be
done.
Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the
weight-distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:
1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level sur- face. With the ignition on and the doors
closed, allow the vehicle to stand for
several minutes so that it can level.
Technical and consumer information10-23

2. Measure the height of a reference pointon the front and rear bumpers at the
center of the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and ad- just the hitch equalizers so that the
front bumper height is within 0 -
.5 inches (0 – 13 mm) of the reference
height measured in step 2. The rear
bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.