Nissan Altima (L32) 2007-2012 Service Manual: Tow truck towing
Tow Truck Towing
CAUTION: • Never tow a CVT model with the rear wheels raised and the front wheels on the ground. This may cause serious and expensive damage to the transaxle. If it is necessary to tow the vehicle with the rear wheels raised, always use towing dollies under the front wheels.
• Never tow a CVT model from the rear (that is backward) with four wheels on the ground. This may cause serious and expensive damage to the transaxle.
NISSAN recommends that the vehicle be towed with the driving (front) wheels off the ground.
CAUTION: • Always release the parking brake when towing the vehicle with the front wheels raised with the rear wheels on the ground.
• When towing manual transaxle models with the front wheels on the ground (if a towing dolly is not used), turn the ignition key to the OFF position, and secure the steering wheel in the straight-ahead position with a rope or similar device. Never place the ignition key in the LOCK position. This will result in damage to the steering lock mechanism.
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position.
• When the battery of a vehicle equipped with the Intelligent Key system is discharged, the vehicle should be towed with the front wheels on towing dollies or place the vehicle on a flat bed truck.
Vehicle Recovery (Freeing a Stuck Vehicle)
FRONT
Securely install the vehicle recovery hook stored with jacking tools.
Make sure that the hook is properly secured in the storage place after use.
WARNING: • Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
• Do not spin your tires at high speed. This could cause them to explode and result in serious injury.
Parts of your vehicle could also overheat and be damaged.
CAUTION: • Tow chains or cables must be attached only to the vehicle recovery hooks or main structural members of the vehicle. Otherwise, the vehicle body will be damaged.
• Do not use the vehicle tie downs to free a vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc. Never tow the vehicle using the vehicle tie downs or recovery hooks.
• Always pull the cable straight out from the front of the vehicle. Never pull on the hook at an angle.
• Pulling devices should be routed so they do not touch any part of the suspension, steering, brake or cooling systems.
• Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas straps are not recommended for use in vehicle towing or recovery.
CVT
To tow a vehicle equipped with a CVT, an appropriate vehicle dolly MUST be placed under the towed vehicle's drive wheels. Always follow the dolly manufacture's recommendations when using their product.
If the vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc., use the following procedure: 1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control System.
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and backward.
Shift back and forth between R (reverse) and D (drive).
Apply the accelerator as little as possible to maintain the rocking motion.
Release the accelerator pedal before shifting between R and D.
Do not spin the tires above 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle can not be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing service to remove the vehicle.
Lifting point
Basic inspection