Nissan ALTIMA 2023 Push starting and Towing your vehicle 

The 2023 Nissan Altima skillfully blends useful hauling characteristics with contemporary ease. Altima makes driving easier with its keyless ignition feature that offers push-button start. Although its main purpose is to facilitate daily commutes and city living, it can also be configured to tow light loads, such as small trailers or recreational equipment. To ensure that this versatile sedan, with its unique features and adaptable design, fulfills your specific driving needs, whether they are for daily tasks or infrequent towing endeavors, it is important to refer to the owner’s manual for specific towing rules and constraints.

2023 Nissan Altima Specs, Price, Features, and Mileage (Brochure)

PUSH STARTING

CAUTION
Do not push start this vehicle. The three-way catalyst may be damaged. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) models cannot be push-started or tow-started. Attempting to do so may cause transmission damage.

IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an extremely high-temperature gauge reading), or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal noise, etc. take the following steps.

WARNING
Do not continue to drive if your vehicle overheats. Doing so could cause engine damage or a vehicle fire. To avoid the danger of being scalded, never remove the radiator or coolant reservoir cap while the engine is still hot. When the radiator or coolant reservoir cap is removed, pressurized hot water will spurt out, possibly causing serious injury. Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.

1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake, and move the shift lever to P (Park).
   Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air conditioner temperature control to maximum hot and fan control to high speed.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator before opening the hood. (If steam or coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not open the hood further until no steam or coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
   WARNING
   If steam or water is coming from the engine, stand clear to prevent getting burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also, check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should not leak water. If the coolant is leaking, the water pump belt is missing or loose, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the engine.
   WARNING
   Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewelry, or clothing to come into contact with, or get caught in, engine belts or the engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan can start at any time.
6. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the engine coolant reservoir tank if necessary. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

TOWING YOUR VEHICLE

When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in Canada) and local regulations for towing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are available from a NISSAN dealer. Local service operators are generally familiar with the applicable laws and procedures for towing. To assure proper towing and to prevent accidental damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a service operator tow your vehicle.

It is advisable to have the service operator carefully read the following precautions:

WARNING
Never ride in a vehicle that is being towed. Never get under your vehicle after it has been lifted by a tow truck.

CAUTION
When towing, make sure that the transmission, axles, steering system, and powertrain are in working condition. If any of these conditions apply, dollies or a flatbed tow truck must be used. Always attach safety chains before towing.

TOWING RECOMMENDED BY NISSAN
NISSAN recommends towing your vehicle based on the type of drivetrain. For additional information, refer to the diagrams in this section to ensure that your vehicle is properly towed.

All-wheel drive (AWD) models with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be used when towing your vehicle or place the vehicle on a flatbed truck as illustrated.

CAUTION
Never tow All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with any of the wheels on the ground as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the transfer case and transmission.

Two-wheel drive models with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed with the driving (front) wheels off the ground or place the vehicle on a flatbed truck as illustrated.

CAUTION

• Never tow Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) models with the front wheels on the ground or four wheels on the ground (forward or backward), as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the transmission. If it is necessary to tow the vehicle with the rear wheels raised always use towing dollies under the front wheels.
• When towing Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) models with the rear wheels on the ground or on towing dollies:
  • Place the ignition switch in the OFF position, and secure the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a rope or similar device. Never secure the steering wheel by
  • placing the ignition switch in the LOCK position. This may damage the steering lock mechanism (for models with a steering lock mechanism).

VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck vehicle)

WARNING
To avoid vehicle damage, serious personal injury, or death when recovering a stuck vehicle:

• Contact a professional towing service to recover the vehicle if you have any questions regarding the recovery procedure.
• Tow chains or cables must be attached only to the main structural members of the vehicle.
• • Do not use the vehicle tie-downs to tow or free a stuck vehicle.
  • Only use devices specifically designed for vehicle recovery and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Always pull the recovery device straight out from the front of the vehicle. Never pull at an angle.
  • Route recovery devices so they do not touch any part of the vehicle except the attachment point.

If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc., use a tow strap or other device designed specifically for vehicle recovery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recovery device.

Rocking a stuck vehicle

• 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.

If your vehicle is stuck in the sand, snow, mud, etc., use the following procedure:

1.  Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) 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 (Reverse) and D (Drive).
   • Do not spin the tires above 35 mph (55 km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing service to remove the vehicle.

FAQ