Community Forums

ownedafew · 01-30-2023, 07:34 PM

I am looking at buying a 2019 Nissan Frontier, 5 speed manual transmission. Per the manual, all I need to do is place transmission in neutral, drive 60 MPH, and start engine after 500 miles. What I don't see is whether I should place ignition key in the unlocked position to allow my tires to track the motorhomes movement? I have got a call out to a local Nissan dealership. Any thoughts or experience with towing the Nissan Frontier? Thanks in advance.

carybosse · 01-30-2023, 08:33 PM

No experience but I would not trust dealer unless they were willing to give those instructions in writing on their letterhead.

saddlesore · 01-30-2023, 08:53 PM

IIRC....Yes..IF it has the steering wheel "locked Up" You will need to have the key in the accessory position to "Free up" the steering to follow the motorcoach during turns..

theroc · 01-30-2023, 09:06 PM

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, as has been said, the steering wheel must be unlocked and free to turn. You'll want to put the ignition key in the first position that allows the steering wheel to be unlocked. Nissan will have a first position I believe they label "off" or "0" and that is the first position on the ignition switch. Try using that position and see if the steering wheel is free. If so, use that position. You shouldn't have to go to the "Acc" position as that will keep the steering wheel unlocked BUT will also provide power to the accessories so that position you'll want to avoid using.

The diagram of your ignition switch is pictured below (from page 5-12 of the 2019 Frontier owner's manual).

It appears there is a "0" position and a "1" position before the "Acc" position. I'd try using either position "0" or "1" and then make sure that the steering wheel is completely free to turn.

The key will obviously have to be left in the ignition switch. On some toads I've had, I've used a spare door key that would allow the ignition switch to turn but not start the engine (assuming you have an immobilizer key). With my Subarus, I could still lock the doors if I wanted to either manually or by using the interior driver's door lock.

Let's see if somebody who has a Nissan can confirm those ignition positions. If not, experiment to make sure that the ignition switch is in a position where the steering wheel is completely unlocked.

.

ownedafew · 02-01-2023, 09:20 PM

Thank you...understand comment and caution.

ownedafew · 02-01-2023, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ownedafew

I am looking at buying a 2019 Nissan Frontier, 5 speed manual transmission. Per the manual, all I need to do is place transmission in neutral, drive 60 MPH, and start engine after 500 miles. What I don't see is whether I should place ignition key in the unlocked position to allow my tires to track the motorhomes movement? I have got a call out to a local Nissan dealership. Any thoughts or experience with towing the Nissan Frontier? Thanks in advance.

Thank you all for input on towing frontier and whether I should put key in position to allow front wheels to turn. Your responses confirmed for me what I knew to be true even though the vehicles owners manual in the flat tow section was lacking. Unfortunately deal on truck fell through so will do some light maintenance on my HHR tow vehicle which has served me well these past 12 years. Thanks again!

Onyrlef · 02-02-2023, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ownedafew

Thank you all for input on towing frontier and whether I should put key in position to allow front wheels to turn. Your responses confirmed for me what I knew to be true even though the vehicles owners manual in the flat tow section was lacking. Unfortunately deal on truck fell through so will do some light maintenance on my HHR tow vehicle which has served me well these past 12 years. Thanks again!

That's too bad, the Frontier is a solid truck. For future reference, it doesn't matter what type of vehicle you're towing if it's being flat towed the steering has to be unlocked or you'll be dragging the front end on sharp turns.( LT and car tires don't have the sidewalls for turning stresses), if dollying on a fixed pan it should be unlocked, if dollying on a pivot pan, locked, if dollied with rear wheels up ( front end rearward), locked, ( although rearward towing on a dolly is not recommended by tow dolly manufacturers, though I've read where some have done it for years with no issues).