2009 NISSAN ARMADA ABS

Warning
lightName Page
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light2-14
Automatic transmis-
sion check warning
light2-14
Automatic transmis-
sion park warning
light (
model)2-14
or
Brake warning light 2-14
Charge warning
light2-15
Check suspension
warning light (if so
equipped)2-15
Warning
lightName Page
Engine oil pressure
low/engine coolant
temperature high
warning light2-15
4WD warning light
(
model)2-16
Low fuel warning
light2-16
Low tire pressure
warning light2-16
Master warning light 2-17
Seat belt warning
light and chime2-18
Supplemental air
bag warning light2-18
Indicator
lightName Page
Front passenger air
bag status light2-18
High beam indicator
light (Blue)2-18
Malfunction indica-
tor light (MIL)2-19
Security indicator
light2-19
Slip indicator light 2-19
Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights2-20
Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off
indicator light2-20
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents0-9
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FRONT-SEAT ACTIVE HEAD
RESTRAINTS
WARNING
cAlways adjust the head restraints prop-
erly as specified in this section. Failure
to do so can reduce the effectiveness of
the Active Head Restraint.
cActive Head Restraints are designed to
supplement other safety systems. Al-
ways wear seat belts. No system can
prevent all injuries in any accident.cDo not attach anything to the head re-
straint stalks. Doing so could impair
Active Head Restraint function.
The Active Head Restraint moves forward utiliz-
ing the force that the seatback receives from the
occupant in a rear-end collision. The movement
of the head restraint helps support the occu-
pant’s head by reducing its backward movement
and helping absorb some of the forces that may
lead to whiplash-type injuries.
Active Head Restraints are effective for collisions
at low to medium speeds in which it is said that
whiplash injury occurs most.
Active Head Restraints operate only in certain
rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head
restraints return to their original positions.
Properly adjust the Active Head Restraints as
described earlier in this section.
ARMRESTS
To use the armrests, pull them down to the rest-
ing position.
sAStowed position
sBResting position
SPA1025WRS0368
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-9
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orAnti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light4WD warning light (model)High beam indicator light (Blue)
Automatic transmission check warning lightLow fuel warning lightMalfunction indicator light (MIL)
Automatic transmission park warning light
(model)Low tire pressure warning lightSecurity indicator light
orBrake warning lightMaster warning lightSlip indicator light
Charge warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Check suspension warning light (if so
equipped)Supplemental air bag warning lightVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator
light
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant tem-
perature high warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and turn the ignition key to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,or,,,,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
or,,,,,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
For additional information on warnings and indi-
cators, see “Vehicle information display” later in
this section.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-13
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orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light
illuminates and then turns off. This indicates the
ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
9Brake system9in the9Starting and driving9sec-
tion.
Automatic transmission check
warning light
When the ignition switch is turned ON, the light
comes on for about 2 seconds. If the light comes
on at any other time, it may indicate the automatic
transmission system is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Automatic transmission park
warning light (
model)
WARNING
cIf the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
case is in neutral.
cWhen parking, always make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator light illuminates
and the parking brake is set. Failure to
engage the transfer position in 2WD,
AUTO, 4H or 4LO could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, resulting
in serious personal injury or property
damage.cThe warning light may come on when
the ignition switch is ON and the auto-
matic transmission lever is shifted to
the P position while shifting the trans-
fer case between 4H and 4LO. Shift the
4WD shift switch to the 2WD, AUTO, 4H,
or 4LO position again to turn off the ATP
warning light when the warning light
comes on. (Before shifting the 4WD
switch into the 4LO position or out of
4LO in the 4H position, move the auto-
matic transmission selector lever into
the N position. Shift the selector lever
into the P position and make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator light is ON and
the ATP warning light is OFF.)
This light indicates that the automatic transmis-
sion parking function is not engaged. If the trans-
fer control is not secured in any drive position
while the automatic transmission selector lever is
in the P (Park) position, the transmission will
disengage and the drive wheels will not lock.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
2-14Instruments and controls
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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
Off-road recovery...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-7
Driving safety precautions.......................5-7
Ignition switch.....................................5-9
Intelligent Key System (if so equipped)............5-9
Ignition switch positions........................5-10
Automatic transmission.........................5-10
Key positions.................................5-11
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system...............5-11
Before starting the engine.........................5-12
Starting the engine...............................5-12
Driving the vehicle................................5-13
Engine protection mode........................5-13
Automatic transmission.........................5-14
Parking brake....................................5-17
Cruise control....................................5-18Precautions on cruise control...................5-18
Cruise control operations.......................5-18
Break-in schedule................................5-19
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-20
Using four wheel drive (4WD).............5-20
Transfer case shifting procedures...............5-21
Parking/parking on hills............................5-27
Power steering...................................5-28
Brake system....................................5-28
Brake precautions.............................5-28
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).................5-29
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system.............5-30
Rear sonar system................................5-31
Front sonar system (if so equipped).................5-32
Cold weather driving..............................5-33
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-33
Anti-freeze....................................5-33
Battery.......................................5-33
Draining of coolant water.......................5-34
Tire equipment................................5-34
Special winter equipment.......................5-34
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-34
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-35
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This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
cThe Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is respon-
sible for safety.
cTire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.– When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See “Tire and
Loading Information label” in the
“Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
– For detailed information, see
“Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above3-6MPH(5
- 10 km/h).
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the system electronically
controls the pressure applied to each brake.
This action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is oper-
ating. This is normal and indicates that the ABS is
operating properly. However, the pulsation may
indicate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine
and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear
a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
Starting and driving5-29
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pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.When accelerating or driving on slippery sur-
faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors detect
these movements and control the braking and
engine output to help improve vehicle stability.
cWhen the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system is operating, the slip indicator in the
instrument panel blinks.
cIf the slip indicator blinks, the road condi-
tions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. See
“Slip indicator light”, and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the “In-
struments and controls” section.
cIndicator light
– If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
SLIPand
indicator lights come on
in the instrument panel.
– If the 4WD transfer case is shifted into
4LO the
indicator light will come
on and the VDC system will be turned off.
See “Transfer case shifting procedures”
earlier in this section.
– As long as these indicator lights are on,
the traction control function is canceled.If the vehicle is operated with the Vehicle Dy-
namic Control system off using the VDC OFF
switch, most VDC functions will be turned off.
The VDC system will still try to transfer power
from a slipping drive wheel to one with more
traction when the VDC system switch is OFF. The
SLIPindicator light will flash if wheel spin is
detected. The ABS will still operate with the VDC
system off.
When the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from under the hood. This is normal and
indicates that the VDC system is working prop-
erly.
The computer has a built in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse
at a slow speed. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of a malfunction.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-30Starting and driving
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CAUTION
cSpecial hitches which include frame re-
inforcements are required for towing
above 2,000 lb (907 kg) . Suitable genu-
ine NISSAN hitches, ball mounts and
hitch balls for pickup trucks and sport
utility vehicles are available at a
NISSAN dealer.
cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
receiver when not in use.
cRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
cWhen towing with the hitch ball
mounted to the rear bumper, do not
make sharp turns. The trailer may con-
tact the bumper and cause damage to
the bumper or trailer.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the tire
placard.
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturer’s specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. The safety chains should
be crossed and should be attached to the hitch,
not to the vehicle bumper or axle. The safety
chains can be attached to the bumper if the hitch
ball is mounted to the bumper. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer. Vehicles equipped with the
optional trailer tow package are equipped with a
7-pin trailer harness connector. If your trailer is
equipped with a flat 4-pin connector, an adapter
will be needed to connect the trailer lights to the
vehicle. Adapters are available at NISSAN deal-
ers as well as auto parts stores and hitch retail-
ers.
Technical and consumer information9-23
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