2006 NISSAN ARMADA maintenance

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 28 gal 23-1/4 gal 105.8 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change 6-1/2 qt 5-1/2 qt 6.2 • API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SG, Energy Conserving II or API grade SH, SJ or SL*2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-II or GF-III*2 *3 Without oil filter change 6-1/4 qt 5-1/4 qt 5.9
Cooling system
With reservoir 3-3/4 gal 3-1/8 gal 14.4 50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF *4
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*8
Brake fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system oil — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S (DH-PS) or equivalent*6
Transfer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada
NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid*8, *10
Front final drive oil — — — API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90*9, *10
Rear final drive oil — — — API GL-5 Viscosity SAE 80W-90*9, *10
Windshield washer fluid (shared between
front and rear wipers)1-1/4 gal 1 gal 4.5 Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze fluid
or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: For further details, see “Recommended SAE viscosity number.”
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the auto-
matic transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ III/MERCON™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
*9: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0° C (32° F) .
*10: See your NISSAN dealer for service.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
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Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle warranty.
Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:
crepeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
cdriving in dusty conditions
cextensive idling
ctowing a trailer
cstop and go commuting
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE
10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (-18°C) .
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil, NISSAN
A/C system oil DH-PS or the exact equiva-
lents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replace-
ment of all air conditioner system
components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the
earth’s atmosphere, certain government regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
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Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
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 up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
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.
c
When 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 by
opening 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.
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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.
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 indica-
tor 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.
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If you believe that your vehicle has a de-
fect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immedi-
ately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addi-
tion to notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Auto
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-
4236. You may also write to: NHTSA,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor ve-
hicle safety from the Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-800-NISSAN-1.Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the
I/M test, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Turn the ignition switch ON without starting
the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and then
blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test condition is
9not ready9. If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is9ready.9If the
MIL indicates the vehicle is in a9not ready9con-
dition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
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Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-17
Fuel gauge..................2-6
Fuel octane rating..............9-3
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-14
FUEL ECON button...............4-4
Fuel Econ button
Control panel buttons............4-4
Fuses......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-51
Gascap.....................3-14
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...................3-14
Glove box....................2-35H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-28
Head restraints..................1-8
Active head restraint.............1-9
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-24
Headlight control switch............2-24
Headphones (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system).............4-37
Heated seats..................2-29
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls .4-15, 4-15
Heater operation..............4-16
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-17
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-51
Hood release...................3-9
Hook
Luggage hook................2-41
Horn.......................2-28
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............5-17
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..............0-6, 2-2
Interior light...................2-49ISOFIX child restraints.............1-43
J
Jump starting...................6-8
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-25
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
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)..........1-71
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-43
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-11
Lift gate......................3-9
Lift gate release.................3-13
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-72, 2-16
Brake light (See stop light).........8-27
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-12
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Bulb replacement..............8-27
Charge warning light............2-14
Fog light switch...............2-27
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-24
Headlight control switch..........2-24
Interior light.................2-49
Light bulbs..................8-26
Low tire pressure warning light......2-15
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-16
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-66
Personal lights...............2-50
Security indicator light...........2-18
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-12
Lights
Map lights..................2-50
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Lift gate release...............3-13
Power door locks...............3-4
Low fuel warning light.............2-15
Low tire pressure warning light........2-15
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-16
Luggage hook..................2-41
Luggage rack (see roof rack).........2-43
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
Luggage storage
(see vehicle loading information)........2-41
M
Maint (maintenance) button
Control panel buttons............4-4Maint (Maintenance) button, control
panel display...................4-4
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-25
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-18
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual vent windows..............2-47
Map lights....................2-50
Map pocket...................2-36
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-27
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-18
Outside mirror control...........3-18
Outside mirrors...............3-18
Vanity mirror.................3-17
N
NISSAN mobile entertainment system
(MES)......................4-34
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-21, 3-2, 5-8
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-3
Odometer.....................2-4Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-14
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control.............3-18
Outside mirrors.................3-18
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-28
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-28
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-14
Parking/parking on hills...........5-24
Pedal position adjustment...........3-16
Personal lights.................2-50
Power
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-31
Power rear windows............2-45
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-25
Power vent windows............2-46
Power windows...............2-44
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Rear power windows............2-45
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-3
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-25, 1-51
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-15
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-57
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.........1-70
PREV button...................4-3
Prev button
Control panel buttons............4-3
Programmable features...........4-3, 4-6
Push starting..................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-43
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-28
Rear audio controls.............4-33
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-31
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-27
Rear audio controls...............4-33
Rear center seat belt..............1-21
Rear power windows..............2-45
Rear seat air conditioner............4-17
Rear sonar system off switch.........2-30
Rear view monitor................4-12
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-24
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-23Recorders
Event data..................9-28
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote controller (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system).............4-36
Remote keyless entry system..........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-27
Roof rack....................2-43
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Child seat belts...........1-25, 1-51
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-27
Screen (See NISSAN mobile entertainment
system).....................4-36
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Second row bench seats..........1-7
Second row captain’s chair.........1-5
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-17
Infants and small children.........1-18
Injured Person................1-19
Larger children...............1-18
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-15
Pregnant women..............1-19
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-70
Rear center seat belt............1-21
Seat belt extenders.............1-25
Seat belt maintenance...........1-25
Seat belts..................1-15Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-24
Three-point type with retractor.......1-19
Seat belt warning light.............2-16
Seatback pockets................2-36
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Automatic drive positioner.........3-20
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-29
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Second row captain’s chair adjustment.....1-5
Security indicator light.............2-18
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-21, 3-2, 5-8
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-21
Service manual order form...........9-28
Servicing air conditioner............4-18
Setting button
SETTING button...............4-6
Shift lock release................5-13
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-12
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-24
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-69
Spark plug replacement............8-15
Speedometer...................2-4
SRS warning label...............1-71
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine..............5-9
Startup Screen
Control panel buttons............4-3
10-5
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