Nissan Pathfinder: In case of emergency - Towing your vehicle

Basic information

When towing your vehicle, all jurisdictional 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.

  Use dollies or flatbed if any of the listed systems are not working.

• Always attach safety chains before towing.

Towing recommended by NISSAN

Basic information

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

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models with automatic transmission

NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be used when towing your vehicle or place the vehicle on a flatbed truck as illustrated.

CAUTION Never tow 4WD models equipped with an automatic transmission with any of the wheels on the ground as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the powertrain.

NOTE: If the battery is completely drained the transmission will not manually shift to other positions.

Two-Wheel Drive models with automatic transmission

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 automatic transmission 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 automatic transmission 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).

NOTE: If the battery is completely drained the transmission will not manually shift to other positions.

Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle)

Basic information

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 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

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.

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

1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system or place the Drive Mode Selector in MUD/RUT (4WD models) or SAND (4WD models) mode.

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.

If your vehicle overheatsNissan Pathfinder (R53) 2022-2025 Service Manual