battery NISSAN SENTRA 2010 B17 / 7.G Towing Guide

2010 Nissan Towing Guide 8 will allow the chains/cables to drag on the ground.
Do not use S-hooks for attaching, as they may become un-hooked and are illegal in many
states. To avoid damage to the bumper and chains/cables when making a sharp turn, do not
attach the chains/cables too close to the coupler. Consult your trailer manufacturer for the
proper location of the chain/cable attachment to the trailer.

REAR VIEW MIRRORS
In many cases, a trailer can block your rear vision when you are using only the standard
Nissan rear view mirrors. These mirrors were not designed for towing. “Extended” mirrors
specifically designed for trailer towing should be used when your rearward vision is
obstructed. Before using these mirrors, make certain that they comply with state and local
regulations. Telescoping Tow Mirrors are available as an accessory for Armada. Contact your
Nissan dealer for details.

BREAKAWAY SWITCH
On a trailer with electric brakes, a breakaway switch can automatically activate the trailer
brake system if the trailer becomes separated from the tow vehicle. Should the trailer become
detached, a breakaway switch may help prevent the trailer from wandering into another lane.
A breakaway switch relies on the power of a trailer battery, so make sure it is not
discharged. Never use the breakaway switch to “park” the trailer on a grade. The battery
would eventually discharge and release the brake, allowing the trailer to roll. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the tether on the breakaway switch to turn corners without binding. If you do
not, the electric trailer brakes will lock-up and not release. See your trailer manufacturer for
proper installation of a breakaway switch that is compatible with your trailer braking system.

TRAILER LIGHTS
Trailer lights should comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and should
be in proper working order at all times. A trailer’s taillights, stoplights, and turn signal lights
must be wired into the tow vehicle’s electrical system.*
Most trailers operate on a four-wire system in which the stoplights and turn signal lights
utilize the same wire. All Nissan vehicles have separate wires for the stoplights and turn signal
lights, therefore a device called a “converter” is needed.** Specifically, a “powered converter”

*Vehicles equipped with LED taillights require that wiring be connected at a specific location. For

assistance in hooking up trailer lights, contact your Nissan dealer or a professional supplier of towing

equipment.
**Armada, Frontier, and Pathfinder vehicles are pre-wired for trailer lighting and do not require a
converter.

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.