5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions....................................5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-6
Driving safety precautions.......................5-6
Ignition switch.....................................5-8
Intelligent Key System (if so equipped)............5-8
Ignition switch positions.........................5-9
Automatic transmission.........................5-10
Key positions.................................5-10
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system...............5-11
Before starting the engine.........................5-11
Starting the engine...............................5-11
Driving the vehicle................................5-12
Engine protection mode........................5-12
Automatic transmission.........................5-13
Parking brake....................................5-16
Cruise control....................................5-17
Precautions on cruise control...................5-17Cruise control operations.......................5-18
Break-in schedule................................5-19
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-19
Using four wheel drive (4WD).............5-20
Transfer case shifting procedures...............5-20
Parking/parking on hills............................5-26
Power steering...................................5-27
Brake system....................................5-27
Brake precautions.............................5-27
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-28
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system..............5-29
Rear sonar system (if so equipped).................5-30
Front sonar system (if so equipped).................5-31
Cold weather driving..............................5-32
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-32
Anti-freeze....................................5-32
Battery.......................................5-32
Draining of coolant water.......................5-33
Tire equipment................................5-33
Special winter equipment.......................5-33
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-33
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-34
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/05/07Ðarosenma
X
CAUTION
cDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously re-
duce the three-way catalyst’s ability to
help reduce exhaust pollutants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if notice-
able loss of performance or other un-
usual operating conditions are
detected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly by a NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warming it
up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
ON-PAVEMENT AND OFF-ROAD
DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
They have higher ground clearance than passen-
ger cars to make them capable of performing in a
variety of on-pavement and off-road applications.
This gives them a higher center of gravity than
ordinary cars. An advantage of higher ground
clearance is a better view of the road, allowing
you to anticipate problems. However, they are not
designed for cornering at the same speeds as
conventional two-wheel drive vehicles any more
than low-slung sports cars are designed to per-
form satisfactorily under off-road conditions. If at
all possible, avoid sharp turns at high speeds. As
with other vehicles of this type, failure to operate
this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control
or vehicle rollover. In a rollover crash, an unbelted
person is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt.
Be sure to read the driving safety precautions
later in this section.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided) ,
should be checked monthly when cold and in-
flated to the inflation pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
Starting and driving5-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/05/07Ðarosenma
X
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) ,
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and en-
sure the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these
recommendations may result in short-
ened engine life and reduced engine
performance.
cAvoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) . Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
cAvoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.
cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
cKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
cAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
c
Use 4H or 4L position only when
necessary. Four-wheel drive operation low-
ers fuel economy.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving5-19
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/06/07Ðcathy
X
When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. Move the shift selector
lever to P (Park) .
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
c
Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if the
ignition key is in the OFF position and the
engine is not running. To avoid injury,
always disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced by
a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/05/07Ðarosenma
X
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Captain’s chair adjustment (2nd row)......1-5
Car phone or CB radio.............4-93
Cargo light...................2-60
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD care and cleaning.............4-73
CD changer (See audio system)........4-52
CD player (See audio system).........4-60
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-31
Child restraints.......1-18, 1-19, 1-26, 1-28
Precautions on child
restraints............1-26, 1-37, 1-43
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-31
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-20
Cigarette lighter.................2-41
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-50, 4-58
(models with navigation system) . .4-11, 4-28
Clock set.................4-11, 4-28
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Cold weather driving..............5-32
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-60
CompactFlash (CF) player...........4-62
Compass display.................2-9
Console box...............2-42, 2-49
Control panel buttons
Brightness/contrast
button.............4-16, 4-17, 4-34
Enter button..............4-2, 4-17
Setting button.............4-9, 4-26
Startup screen...............4-20Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-75
Heater and air conditioner controls. . . .4-38
Rear audio controls.............4-77
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-40
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-17
Cup holders...................2-46
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-60
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-34
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-31
Digital video disc DVD.............4-78
Dimensions and weights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-35
Display controls
(see control panel buttons)........4-2, 4-17
Distance to empty.............4-5, 4-21
Door locks....................3-4
Drive belt....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-31
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-32Driving with automatic
transmission.............5-12, 5-13
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-19
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-30
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-11
Block heater.................5-34
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. . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation...............9-6
Engine oil viscosity..............9-6
Engine serial number............9-11
Engine specifications.............9-8
Starting the engine.............5-11
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-7
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-15
Enter button................4-2, 4-17
Event data recorders..............9-32
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
10-2
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/05/07Ðarosenma
X
Eyeglass case..................2-44
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-36
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
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..........9-11
Fog light switch.................2-35
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-55
Front seats....................1-2
Front sonar system............2-39, 5-31
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-19
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-25
Fuses......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-24G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-60
Gascap.....................3-25
Gauge
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge.....................2-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-7
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Odometer...................2-5
Speedometer.................2-5
Tachometer..................2-6
Trip odometer.................2-5
Voltmeter...................2-8
General maintenance..............8-2
Glass hatch...................3-25
Glove box....................2-44
Glove box lock.................2-44
H
Hands-free phone system,
BluetoothT...............4-94, 4-108
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-36
Head restraints..................1-8
Active Head Restraint............1-9
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-32
Headlight control switch............2-32
Headlights....................8-28
Headphones (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system).............4-81
Heated seats..................2-37Heated steering wheel.............2-37
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls. . . .4-38
Heater operation..............4-39
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-40
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-60
Hood release..................3-20
Hook
Luggage hook................2-50
Horn.......................2-36
I
Ignition switch..................5-8
Immobilizer system.........2-29, 3-3, 5-11
Important vehicle information label.......9-11
In-cabin microfilter...............8-17
Increasing fuel economy............5-19
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-13
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror.......3-29
Instrument brightness control.........2-35
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-35
Intelligent Key system..............3-10
Key operating range............3-12
Key operation................3-13
Mechanical key................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation......3-16
Troubleshooting guide...........3-18
Warning signals...............3-18
Interior light...................2-58
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-28
10-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/05/07Ðarosenma
X
J
Jump starting...................6-8
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-26
Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)........3-16
Keyless entry system (See remote keyless
entry system)...................3-6
Keys, For Intelligent Key system.........3-2
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-11
Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number............9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate.....................9-10
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-63
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System................1-28
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Lift gate.....................3-20
Lift gate release.................3-23Light
Air bag warning light.........1-63, 2-18
Brake light (See stop light).........8-30
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-13
Bulb replacement..............8-30
Charge warning light............2-15
Fog light switch...............2-35
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-32
Headlight control switch..........2-32
Headlights..................8-28
Interior light.................2-58
Light bulbs..................8-28
Low tire pressure warning light......2-16
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-26
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-57
Personal lights...............2-59
Security indicator light...........2-19
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-13
Lights
Map lights..................2-59
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Door locks..................3-4
Glove box lock...............2-44
Lift gate release...............3-23
Power door locks...............3-5
Low fuel warning light......2-16, 2-17, 2-26
Low tire pressure warning light........2-16
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-26
Luggage hook..................2-50
Luggage rack (see roof rack).........2-52
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-13
Luggage storage
(see vehicle loading information)........2-50M
Maintenance
Changing the maintenance
interval.................4-7, 4-24
Displaying the maintenance notice
reminder................4-8, 4-25
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Resetting the maintenance interval . .4-8, 4-24
Seat belt maintenance...........1-26
Setting.................4-7, 4-24
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-18
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual vent windows..............2-56
Map lights....................2-59
Map pocket...................2-45
Meters and gauges................2-4
Instrument brightness control.......2-35
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-29
Outside mirror control...........3-29
Outside mirrors...............3-29
Vanity mirror.................3-28
Music Box hard-disk drive audio system . . .4-64
N
NISSAN mobile entertainment system
(MES)......................4-78
10-4
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/05/07Ðarosenma
X
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-29, 3-3, 5-11
NISSAN voice recognition system......4-117
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-5
Oil
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 . .9-6
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-15
Engine oil viscosity..............9-6
Outside mirror control.............3-29
Outside mirrors.................3-29
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-33
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-33
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-16
Parking/parking on hills...........5-26
Pedal position adjustment...........3-27
Personal lights.................2-59Phone, BluetoothThands-free
system..................4-94, 4-108
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-40
Power rear windows............2-54
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-27
Power vent windows............2-55
Power windows...............2-53
Rear power windows............2-54
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-3
Precautions on child
restraints............1-26, 1-37, 1-43
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-16
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-48
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.........1-62
Programmable features..........4-9, 4-26
Push starting..................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-93
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-52
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-49
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-57
Rear audio controls.............4-77Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-75
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-31
Rear audio controls...............4-77
Rear center seat belt..............1-22
Rear power windows..............2-54
Rear seat air conditioner............4-40
Rear sonar system...............5-30
Rear sonar system off switch.........2-38
Rear view monitor................4-34
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-31
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-31
Recorders
Event data..................9-32
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Remote controller (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system).............4-80
Remote keyless entry system..........3-6
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-31
Resetting the fuel economy........4-5, 4-22
Roof rack....................2-52
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-26, 1-37, 1-43
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-31
Screen (See NISSAN mobile entertainment
system).....................4-80
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
10-5
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
03/05/07Ðarosenma
X