2004 NISSAN ARMADA fuel

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect the
warranty coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing reformu-
lated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSAN
supports efforts towards cleaner air and sug-
gests that you use reformulated gasoline when
available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing oxy-
genates such as ethanol, MTBE and methanol
with or without advertising their presence.
NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel com-patibility for your NISSAN cannot be readily de-
termined. If in doubt, ask your service station
manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take
the following precautions as the usage of such
fuels may cause vehicle performance problems
and/or fuel system damage.
cThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.
cIf an oxygenate-blend other than
methanol blend is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
cIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol) . It
should also contain a suitable amount
of appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors, such methanol
blends may cause fuel system damage
and/or vehicle performance problems.
At this time, sufficient data is not avail-
able to ensure that all methanol blends
are suitable for use in NISSAN ve-
hicles.If any driveability problems such as engine stall-
ing and difficult hot-starting are experienced after
using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately
change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a
low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number. How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number in high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft
(1,219 m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New
Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada,
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southern Idaho, western South Dakota, western
Nebraska, and the part of Texas which is directly
south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock.” (“Spark
knock” is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose engine oil with the cor-
rect quality and viscosity to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. NISSAN recom-
mends the use of a low friction oil (energy con-
serving oil) in order to improve fuel economy and
conserve energy. Oils which do not have the
specified quality label should not be used as they
could cause engine damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Petro-
leum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION MARK onthe front of the container should be used. This
type of oil supersedes the existing API SG, SH, or
SJ and Energy Conserving II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the API CERTI-
FICATION MARK, use API grade SL Energy
Conserving oil. An oil with a single designation
SL, or in combination with other categories (for
example, SL/CF) may also be used if one with the
API CERTIFICATION MARK cannot be found. An
ILSAC grade GF-III oil can also be used.
NISSAN recommends mineral based oils. These
oils must, however, meet the API quality and SAE
viscosity ratings specified for your vehicle.
WTI0082
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When planning to drive your NISSAN ve-
hicle in another country,you should first find
out if the fuel available is suitable for your vehi-
cle’s engine.
Using fuel with an octane rating that is too low
may cause engine damage. All gasoline vehicles
must be operated with unleaded gasoline. There-
fore, avoid taking your vehicle to areas where
appropriate fuel is not available.
When transferring the registration of your
vehicle to another country, state, province
or district,it may be necessary to modify the
vehicle to meet local laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle emis-
sion control and safety standards vary according
to the country, state, province or district; there-
fore, vehicle specifications may differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into an-
other country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, transpor-
tation, and registration are the responsibil-
ity of the user. NISSAN is not responsible
for any inconvenience that may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATE
The vehicle identification number (VIN) plate is
attached as shown. This number is the identifica-
tion for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle
registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)
The vehicle identification number is located as
shown.
LTI0085LTI0086
WHEN TRAVELING OR REGISTERING
YOUR VEHICLE IN ANOTHER
COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
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cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is
not recommended; however, if you must do
so, first block the wheels and apply the park-
ing brake, and then move the transmission
shift selector lever into the P (Park) position.
If you move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, transmission
damage could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower gear
and use the engine braking effect. When go-
ing up a long grade, downshift the transmis-
sion to a lower gear and reduce speed to
reduce chances of engine overloading and/or
overheating. However, for long steep grades,
do not stay in 1st gear when driving above 35
MPH (56 km/h) or 2nd gear when driving
above 58 MPH (93 km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented byopening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
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cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually
cDo not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
speed limits for vehicles that are towing trail-
ers. Obey the local speed limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
Tow mode
Tow mode should be used when pulling a heavy
trailer or hauling a heavy load. Press the tow button
to activate the tow mode. The tow indicator in the
instrument panel illuminates when the tow mode is
selected. Press the Tow button again to turn the
tow mode OFF. The Tow mode is automatically
cancelled when the key is turned OFF.
The Tow mode does the following:
cReduces transmissions shifts when pulling a
trailer or hauling a load.
cProvides similar shift feel to driver when the
vehicle is towing.
The Tow mode should be used when the vehicle
and trailer weight is at least 75% of the vehicle’s
GCWR. Tow mode is most useful in the following
driving conditions when towing a heavy trailer or
hauling a heavy load:
cRolling terrain.
cStop and go traffic.
cBusy parking lots.Driving the vehicle in the Tow mode with no
trailer/load or light trailer/light load will not cause
any damage. However, fuel economy may be
reduced and the transmission/engine driving
characteristics may feel unusual.
When towing a trailer, final drive gear oil
should be replaced and transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a vehicle
behind a recreational vehicle, such as a motor
home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-15
A
Adjusting pedal position............3-17
Air bag
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-14
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-22
Air bag warning labels.............1-30
Air bag warning light...........1-30, 2-16
Air cleaner housing filter............8-16
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation..........4-15
Air conditioner service...........4-24
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-12, 4-21
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-23
Servicing air conditioner..........4-24
Air flow charts..................4-16
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-20
Anchor point locations.............1-59
Antenna.....................4-41
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-25
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-13
Audible reminders................2-19Audio system..................4-24
AM-FM-SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-32
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-35
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-30
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-27
Radio....................4-24
Rear audio controls.............4-40
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-38
Autolight switch.................2-25
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-20
Automatic power window switch.....2-48
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-17
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-9
Transmission selector lever lock release .5-13
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-18
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge.......................2-7
AUX jack.....................4-37
B
Back door....................3-10
Back door release...............3-14
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-14
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system). . . .3-9, 8-24Before starting the engine............5-8
Belts (See drive belts).............8-14
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-25
Brake booster................8-22
Brake fluid..................8-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-26
Brake pedal.................8-21
Brake system................5-24
Brake warning light.............2-13
Brake wear indicators........2-19, 8-21
Parking brake check............8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-14
Self-adjusting brakes............8-21
Break-in schedule................5-16
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-27
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-12
Bulb replacement................8-26
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants .9-2
Captain’s chair adjustment (2nd row)......1-5
Car phone or CB radio.............4-50
Cargo light...................2-53
Cargo net....................2-44
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-38
CD changer (See audio system)........4-35
CD player (See audio system).........4-30
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Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator lamp).......2-17
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-59
Child restraints.......1-34, 1-35, 1-41, 1-57
Precautions on child restraints.......1-41
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-59
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-19
Cigarette lighter.................2-33
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-28, 4-33
(models with navigation system)......4-9
Cold weather driving..............5-28
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-30
Compass display.................2-8
Console box...............2-34, 2-41
Control panel buttons..............4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-38
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-12, 4-21
Rear audio controls.............4-40
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-23
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-14
Cup holders...................2-38
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-27D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-27
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-24
Digital video disc DVD.............4-41
Dimensions and weights.............9-8
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-14
Drive belts....................8-14
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-20
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-28
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-9
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-16
Emission control information label.......9-10
Emission control system warranty.......9-25
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-8
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-4
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-6
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-36
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-28
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-11
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-28
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-22
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-16
Fuel filler cap................3-15
10-2
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Fuel filler lid.................3-15
Fuel filler lid and cap............3-15
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-3
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-53
Gascap.....................3-15
Gauge
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge.....................2-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-6
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
Voltmeter...................2-7
General maintenance..............8-2
Glass hatch...................3-15
Glove box....................2-36
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-28
Head restraints..................1-8
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-25Headphones (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system).............4-44
Heated seats..................2-29
Heater
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-12, 4-21
Heater operation...........4-13, 4-22
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-23
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-53
Hood release..................3-10
Hook
Luggage hook................2-42
Horn.......................2-29
I
Ignition switch..................5-7
Immobilizer system..........2-21, 3-2, 5-8
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-16
Increasing fuel economy............5-16
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-12
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror.......3-18
Instrument brightness control.........2-27
Instrument panel.................2-2
Interior light...................2-51
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-57
J
Jump starting...................6-7K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Emission control information label.....9-10
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-30
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-57
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-11
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-30, 2-16
Brake light (See stop light).........8-26
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-12
Bulb replacement..............8-26
Charge warning light............2-14
Fog light switch...............2-28
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-25
Interior light.................2-51
Light bulbs..................8-25
Low tire pressure warning light......2-15
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-16
Passenger air bag and status light .1-24, 2-18
Personal lights...............2-52
Security indicator light........1-24, 2-18
10-3
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