2009 NISSAN ARMADA maintenance

3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
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.
cUse the Tow Mode or downshift the trans-
mission to a lower gear for engine braking
when driving down steep or long hills. This
will help slow the vehicle without applying
the brakes.
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.
cNISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. 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 launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake sure you disconnect the trailer lights
before backing the trailer into the water or
the trailer lights may burn out.
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
Using tow mode is recommended when pulling a
heavy trailer or hauling a heavy load. Press the
TOW MODE switch to activate tow mode. The
indicator light on the TOW MODE switch illumi-
nates when tow mode is selected. Press the
TOW MODE switch again to turn tow mode off.
Tow mode is automatically cancelled when the
ignition switch is turned OFF.
Tow mode includes the following features:cGrade logic — Adjusts transmission shifts
when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up a
grade.
cDownhill Speed Control (DSC) — automati-
cally downshifts when driving down a grade
with a trailer or heavy load to help control
vehicle speed.
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.
9-28Technical and consumer information
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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 Ve-
hicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-
327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go
to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information
about motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov.
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
“not ready”. If the MIL does not blink after 20 sec-
onds, the I/M test condition is “ready”. If the MIL
indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready” condition,
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
Technical and consumer information9-31
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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).....1-57
Front seats....................1-2
Front sonar system...............5-32
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-20
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-26
Fuses......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-24G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-59
Gascap.....................3-26
Gauge
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge.....................2-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-8
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...................3-26
Glove box....................2-43
Glove box lock.................2-43
H
Hands-free phone system,
BluetoothT...............4-92, 4-107
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). .4-79
Heated seats..................2-37Heated steering wheel.............2-37
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls. . . .4-36
Heater operation..............4-37
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-38
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-59
Hood release..................3-21
Hook
Luggage hook................2-49
Horn.......................2-36
I
Ignition switch..................5-9
Immobilizer system.........2-29, 3-3, 5-11
Important vehicle information label.......9-11
In-cabin microfilter...............8-17
Increasing fuel economy............5-20
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..............3-11
Key operating range............3-12
Key operation................3-13
Mechanical key................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation......3-16
Troubleshooting guide...........3-20
Warning signals...............3-20
Interior light...................2-56
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-29
10-3
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J
Jump starting...................6-8
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-25
Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)........3-16
Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-7
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
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate.....................9-10
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-64
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers
for CHildren) System..............1-29
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Lift gate.....................3-21
Lift gate release.................3-25Light
Air bag warning light.........1-64, 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.................2-56
Light bulbs..................8-28
Low tire pressure warning light......2-16
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-26
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-58
Personal lights...............2-58
Security indicator light...........2-19
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-13
Lights
Map lights..................2-58
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-7
Door locks..................3-4
Glove box lock...............2-43
Lift gate release...............3-25
Power door locks...............3-5
Vehicle speed sensing door lock
mechanism..................3-6
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..................2-49
Luggage rack (see roof rack).........2-50
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-13Luggage storage
(see vehicle loading information)........2-48
M
Maintenance
Changing the maintenance
interval.................4-7, 4-23
Displaying the maintenance notice
reminder................4-8, 4-24
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...........1-27
Setting.................4-7, 4-23
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-19
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual vent windows..............2-54
Map lights....................2-58
Map pocket...................2-44
Meters and gauges................2-4
Instrument brightness control.......2-35
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.....3-29
Outside mirror control...........3-31
Outside mirrors...............3-31
Vanity mirror.................3-29
Music Box hard-disk drive audio system . . .4-62
10-4
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N
NISSAN mobile entertainment system
(MES)......................4-75
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-29, 3-3, 5-11
NISSAN voice recognition system......4-118
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..............9-7
Outside mirror control.............3-31
Outside mirrors.................3-31
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-33
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-33P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Parking/parking on hills...........5-27
Pedal position adjustment...........3-28
Personal lights.................2-58
Phone, BluetoothThands-free system. . . .4-92,
4-107
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-40
Power rear windows............2-53
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-28
Power vent windows............2-54
Power windows...............2-52
Rear power windows............2-53
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-3
Precautions on child
restraints............1-27, 1-38, 1-44
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-16
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-49
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.........1-62
Programmable features..........4-9, 4-25
Push starting..................6-10R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-91
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-50
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer................4-47
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-55
Rear audio controls.............4-74
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-73
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-31
Rear audio controls...............4-74
Rear center seat belt..............1-23
Rear power windows..............2-53
Rear seat air conditioner............4-38
Rear sonar system...............5-31
Rear view monitor................4-32
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-32
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).............4-78
Remote keyless entry system..........3-7
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-31
Resetting the fuel economy........4-5, 4-21
Roof rack....................2-50
10-5
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S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-7
Child seat belts........1-27, 1-38, 1-44
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-31
Screen (See NISSAN mobile entertainment
system).....................4-78
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Second row bench seats..........1-6
Second row captain’s chair.........1-5
Third row power folding seats.......1-15
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-19
Infants and small children.........1-19
Injured Person................1-20
Larger children...............1-19
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-16
Pregnant women..............1-20
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-62
Rear center seat belt............1-23
Seat belt extenders.............1-26
Seat belt maintenance...........1-27
Seat belts..................1-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-26
Three-point type with retractor.......1-20
Seat belt warning light.............2-18
Seatback pockets................2-44
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Automatic drive positioner.........3-32
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-37Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Second row captain’s chair adjustment.....1-5
Security indicator light.............2-19
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-29, 3-3, 5-11
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-22
Service manual order form...........9-33
Servicing air conditioner............4-39
Setting button...............4-9, 4-25
Shift lock release................5-16
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-26
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-61
Sonar
Front system.................5-32
Rear system.................5-31
Spark plug replacement............8-16
Speedometer...................2-5
SRS warning label...............1-64
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-12
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-12
Startup screen.................4-19
Steering
Heated steering wheel...........2-37
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-28
Tilting steering wheel............3-28
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-73
Stop light....................8-30
Storage.....................2-41Overhead storage compartment......2-44
Storage bin................2-45, 2-48
Storage tray...................2-41
Sun visors....................3-28
Sunglasses case................2-43
Sunglasses holder...............2-43
Sunroof.....................2-55
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-64
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-64, 2-18
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-57
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-64
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-49
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-49
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-33
Automatic power window switch.....2-53
Fog light switch...............2-35
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-36
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-32
Headlight control switch..........2-32
Ignition switch................5-9
Power door lock switch...........3-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-32
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-31
Turn signal switch..............2-35
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch....................2-38
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-30
10-6
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T
Tachometer....................2-6
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-15
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-29, 3-3, 5-11
Third row power folding seats.........1-15
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-28
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire...................6-3
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-12
Tire chains..................8-41
Tire placard.................9-12
Tire pressure................8-34
Tire rotation.................8-41
Tires of 4-wheel drive............8-43
Types of tires................8-40
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-29
Wheels and tires..............8-34
Wheel/tire size................9-9
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-16
Tire pressure display...........4-6, 4-22
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Tire rotation maintenance reminder . . .4-6, 4-22
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-31
Tow mode switch................2-39
Towing
2-wheel drive models............6-12
4-wheel drive models............6-13Flat towing..................9-28
Tow truck towing..............6-11
Towing load/specification.........9-20
Trailer towing................9-17
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-59
Transmission
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-14
Selector lever lock release.........5-16
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country).....................9-10
Trip odometer...................2-5
Turn signal switch................2-35
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-29
V
Vanity mirror...................3-29
Vehicle
Speed sensing door lock mechanism. . . .3-6
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-9
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. . .2-38
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-30
Vehicle electronic system........4-13, 4-28
Vehicle identification..............9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number)................9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . . .9-10
Vehicle loading information...........9-13
Vehicle recovery.................6-14
Vehicle security system.............2-27Vehicle security system
(NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-29, 3-3, 5-11
Ventilators....................4-35
Visors......................3-28
Voice recognition system...........4-118
Voltmeter.....................2-8
W
Warning
4WD warning light.............2-16
Air bag warning light.........1-64, 2-18
Anti-lock brake warning light. . . .2-13, 2-14
Battery charge warning light........2-15
Brake warning light.............2-14
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-15
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-36
Low fuel warning light. . . .2-16, 2-17, 2-26
Low tire pressure warning light......2-16
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-26
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-58
Seat belt warning light...........2-18
Vehicle security system...........2-27
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-64
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-13
Warning lights..................2-13
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-31
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-30
Weights (See dimensions and weights). . . .9-9
Wheels and tires................8-34
10-7
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