Tow Mode Auto Cancel Drove Me Crazy!!!

Masa · 10-16-2004, 08:19 PM

Folks,

I hauled a trailer for the first time today. Nothing big or heavy. It was a 16' utility trailer that I rented for hauling shrubs I removed from my backyard. When I picked up the trailer, I pressed down the tow mode switch. Later in the day, I noticed that the tow mode switch was not lit... Obviously, I didn't reread my owner's manual. I just assumed once I turn it on, the transmission would stay in tow mode until I cancelled it. Is it just me who thinks this is a ridiculous design??? What if I was hauling a camper trailer and traveling around the country for 3 months (I wish!). Every single day, every single time I shut off the motor and restart it, I need to remember to hit the "Tow Mode" switch on???? Well, I suppose after a while, it might just become a habit... Anyway, what was Nissan thinking??? Am I being ridiculous?

Masa

keiffers · 10-16-2004, 08:21 PM

Who knows, but I think if you end up towing a trailer quite regularly or across country, its something you get used to hitting (albeit would be a little tedious to keep doing)

SUBTITAN · 10-16-2004, 08:31 PM

I would rather have it turn off with the truck. Most people don't tow every day and I know I would forget to turn it off.

adjmcloon · 10-16-2004, 09:09 PM

I'm with you subtitan. Mostly a preference thing.

rrumaner · 10-16-2004, 09:12 PM

If you think that is anoying, I assume you don't have the Nav System. Every time you start the truck you have to press the damn joystick to acknowledge the warning screen. Talk about a PITA.

Masa · 10-16-2004, 09:17 PM

True. They can't please everybody. What bothered me today was that because I don't tow often, I kept forgetting to push that tow mode switch every time I started driving even after I realized that was what I had to do... Oh, well. Oterwise, Titan towed just fine!

ragedogg69 · 10-17-2004, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrumaner

If you think that is anoying, I assume you don't have the Nav System. Every time you start the truck you have to press the damn joystick to acknowledge the warning screen. Talk about a PITA.

The only time i have ever test drove a car and hated a feature so much that I refused to get a vehicle the dealer had because of that same feature was when i test drove a Titan with the Nav option. What a half assed POS option that is. Im sure it was the first time in history a "Luxury" option had ruined a sale.

As for the tow mode turning off. Yes it is annoying, but my dads GMC Sierra does the same exact thing. And the diesel on that truck uses High rev slowdown to help braking and if you dont realize Tow mode is not on, then your in for a scary surprise. believe me, i know, and i learned to get the habit of flipping the tow mode on very quickly.

Masa · 10-17-2004, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrumaner

If you think that is anoying, I assume you don't have the Nav System. Every time you start the truck you have to press the damn joystick to acknowledge the warning screen. Talk about a PITA.

I sure don't! I can't imagine having to push tow mode switch AND pressing the nav joystick every time I start my truck when towing... I would love to hear from folks who have both Big Tow and vanigation system and tow regularly...

CyBwRBill · 10-17-2004, 10:46 PM

an issue for me.

TriKKy · 10-18-2004, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragedogg69

The only time i have ever test drove a car and hated a feature so much that I refused to get a vehicle the dealer had because of that same feature was when i test drove a Titan with the Nav option. What a half assed POS option that is. Im sure it was the first time in history a "Luxury" option had ruined a sale.

As for the tow mode turning off. Yes it is annoying, but my dads GMC Sierra does the same exact thing. And the diesel on that truck uses High rev slowdown to help braking and if you dont realize Tow mode is not on, then your in for a scary surprise. believe me, i know, and i learned to get the habit of flipping the tow mode on very quickly.

As far as the Nav goes....every single vehicle with nav has a screen you have to hit "OK" on. If you think waiting for it is bad on the Nissan, go drive a Honda, over 15 seconds before you get the option. Nav is still worth it, I guess everyone is different.

As for the tow mode...if you really hate it I would suggest getting the "VDC Memory" module and installing it on the tow mode switch instead of the VDC switch. Will run you $40 @ http://www.kptechnologies.net/

Masa · 10-18-2004, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TriKKy

As for the tow mode...if you really hate it I would suggest getting the "VDC Memory" module and installing it on the tow mode switch instead of the VDC switch. Will run you $40 @ http://www.kptechnologies.net/

Dear TriKKy:

Thank you for the information!! I will definitely install it on my tow mode switch.

pciley · 10-18-2004, 05:36 PM

The majority of aftermarket navs don't do this. When you switch to the NAV option it is enabled. I believe the first time you turn on some systems you have to acknowledge a liability disclaimer/warning about not letting it distract you while driving, but that is just after you install it (or probably every time the battery is disconnected) and not every time the car is started.

TriKKy · 10-19-2004, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pciley

The majority of aftermarket navs don't do this. When you switch to the NAV option it is enabled. I believe the first time you turn on some systems you have to acknowledge a liability disclaimer/warning about not letting it distract you while driving, but that is just after you install it (or probably every time the battery is disconnected) and not every time the car is started.

OK well, Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus and Nissan/Infinity all have it EVERY time you start up. In fact, I'm willing to bet that any OEM NAV is like this.

ragedogg69 · 10-19-2004, 08:16 AM

So does Benz and an aftermarket Eclipse.