2010 NISSAN ARMADA manual transmission

2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges ................................2-4
Speedometer and odometer .....................2-5
Tachometer ....................................2-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge ...............2-6
Fuel gauge . . ..................................2-7
Engine oil pressure gauge .......................2-8
Voltmeter ......................................2-8
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge .........................................2-9
Compass display (if so equipped) ...................2-9
Compass display .............................. 2-10
Zone variation change procedure ................2-11
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ......2-13
Checking bulbs ............................... 2-13
Warning lights ................................ 2-14
Indicator lights ................................ 2-18
Audible reminders ............................. 2-20
Vehicle Information Display ........................2-21
How to use the Vehicle Information Display .......2-21
Security systems ................................. 2-25
Vehicle security system ......................... 2-25
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............2-27Windshield wiper and washer switch
...............2-28
Switch operation .............................. 2-28
Rear window wiper and washer switch ..............2-29
Rear window and outside mirror defroster switch .....2-30
Headlight and turn signal switch ....................2-30
Headlight control switch ........................ 2-30
Daytime running light system (Canada only) ......2-32
Instrument brightness control ...................2-33
Turn signal switch ............................. 2-33
Fog light switch (if so equipped) ................2-33
Hazard warning flasher switch .....................2-34
Horn ............................................ 2-34
Heated seat (if so equipped) .......................2-35
Heated steering wheel (if so equipped) .............2-35
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF switch .........2-36
Rear sonar system

off switch (if so equipped) ........2-36
Front and rear sonar system off switch
(if so equipped) .................................. 2-37
Tow mode switch ................................. 2-38
Power outlet ..................................... 2-38
Storage ......................................... 2-40
Instrument panel storage trays ..................2-40
Console box .................................. 2-40
REVIEW COPY—2010 Armada(wzw)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
03/09/09—tbrooks


Tow mode should be used when pulling a heavy
trailer or hauling a heavy load. Driving the vehicle
in the tow mode with no trailer/load or light
trailer/light load will not cause any damage. How-
ever, fuel economy may be reduced, and the
transmission/engine driving characteristics may
feel unusual.
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 canceled when the
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.For additional information, refer to “Tow mode” in
the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion later in this manual.
The power outlets are for powering electrical
accessories such as cellular telephones.
The power outlets located on the driver’s side of
the instrument panel and in the luggage area are
powered directly by the vehicle’s battery.
The power outlets located on the passenger’s
side of the instrument panel and in the 2nd row
are powered only when the ignition switch is in
the ACC or ON position.
Open the cap to use a power outlet.

●Many hills are too steep for any vehicle.
If you drive up them, you may stall. If
you drive down them, you may not be
able to control your speed. If you drive
across them, you may roll over.
● Do not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
● Stay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-off
or other hazard that could cause an
accident.
● If your engine stalls or you cannot make
it to the top of a steep hill, never at-
tempt to turn around. Your vehicle
could tip or roll over. Always back
straight down in R (Reverse) gear and
apply brakes to control your speed.
● Heavy braking going down a hill could
cause your brakes to overheat and fade,
resulting in loss of control and an acci-
dent. Apply brakes lightly and use a low
gear to control your speed.
● Unsecured cargo can be thrown around
when driving over rough terrain. Prop-
erly secure all cargo so it will not be
thrown forward and cause injury to you
or your passengers. ●
To avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack and evenly
distribute the load. Secure heavy loads
in the cargo area as far forward and as
low as possible. Do not equip the ve-
hicle with tires larger than specified in
this manual. This could cause your ve-
hicle to roll over.
● Do not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel when driving off-road.
The steering wheel could move sud-
denly and injure your hands. Instead
drive with your fingers and thumbs on
the outside of the rim.
● Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers have
their seat belts fastened.
● Lower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher center
of gravity, your NISSAN is more af-
fected by strong side winds. Slower
speeds ensure better vehicle control.
● Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged. ●
For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected ve-
hicle movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
● Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer
(such as the dynamometers used by
some states for emissions testing) , or
similar equipment even if the other two
wheels are raised off the ground. Make
sure you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
● Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
5-8Starting and driving
REVIEW COPY—2010 Armada (wzw)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/17/09—debbie


When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)* When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation* Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Tires* Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
● For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades* Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal. Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism
On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the shift selector in
the P (Park) position without applying any brakes.
Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brakes Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Parking brake Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see a NISSAN dealer.
Seats Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched positions.
Seat belts Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
REVIEW COPY—2010 Armada (wzw)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/18/09—debbie


3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-anced as described earlier in this section.
● Be 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.
● Use 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.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
● Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
● Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits. ●
Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
● When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make 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: ●
Grade logic — Adjusts transmission shifts
when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up a
grade.
● Downhill 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
REVIEW COPY—2010 Armada (wzw)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
02/18/09—debbie


CAUTION
●Failure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
● Whenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
● DO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
● For emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dolly MUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels. Always follow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.

Car phone or CB radio.............4-92
Cargo light ...................2-57
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD care and cleaning .............4-71
CD changer (See audio system) ........4-50
CD player (See audio system) .........4-58
Child restraint with top tether strap ......1-37
Child restraints .......1-31, 1-31, 1-32, 1-34
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-32, 1-40, 1-45, 1-50
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-37
Child safety rear door lock ............3-7
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-20
Cleaning exterior and interior ..........7-2
Clock ...................4-48, 4-56
(models with navigation system) . .4-11, 4-27
Clock set .................4-11, 4-27
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Cold weather driving ..............5-33
Compact disc (CD) player ...........4-58
CompactFlash (CF) player ...........4-60
Console box ...............2-40, 2-46
Control panel buttons .............4-17
Brightness/contrast button .....4-16, 4-32
Enter button ..............4-2, 4-17
Setting button .............4-9, 4-26
Startup screen ...............4-20
Without navigation system ..........4-2
Controls Audio controls (steering wheel) ......4-73
Heater and air conditioner controls . . . .4-36
Rear audio controls .............4-75
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-38
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 ..................5-18
Cup holders ...................2-44
Curtain

side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-65
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ..................2-32
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ....................2-30
Digital video disc DVD .............4-76
Dimensions and weights .............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-33
Display controls
(see control panel buttons) ........4-2, 4-17
Distance to empty .............4-5, 4-21
Door locks ....................3-5
Drive belt ....................8-16
Drive positioner, Automatic ...........3-36
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-33
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-14
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel .................5-20
Emission control information label .......9-11
Emission control system warranty .......9-30Engine
Before starting the engine .........5-12
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 ............ .5-12
Engine oil pressure

gauge ............2-8
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
Eyeglass case ..................2-41
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch) ......2-34
Flat tire ......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-12
10-2
REVIEW COPY—2010 Armada (wzw)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
03/09/09—tbrooks


Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Engine coolant ................8-7
Engine oil ...................8-8
Power steering fluid .............8-11
Window washer fluid ............8-13
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-11
Fog light switch .................2-33
Front air bag system (See supplemental
restraint system) ................1-61
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 ...........3-28
Fuses ......................8-22
Fusible links ...................8-24
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink Universal
Transceiver ...................2-58
Gascap.....................3-28
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 ...................3-28
Glove box ....................2-41
Glove box lock ................

.2-41
H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth . . . .4-92,
4-107
Hazard warning flasher switch .........2-34
Headlight and turn signal switch ........2-30
Headlight control switch ............2-30
Headlights ....................8-28
Headphones (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system) .............4-80
Heated seats ..................2-35
Heated steering wheel .............2-35
Heater Heater and air conditioner controls . . . .4-36
Heater operation ..............4-37
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-38
HomeLink Universal Transceiver .......2-58
Hood release ..................3-23
Hook Luggage hook ................2-47
Horn .......................2-34
I
Ignition switch ..................5-9 Immobilizer system
.........2-27, 3-4, 5-12
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 .......3-32
Inside mirror ...................3-32
Instrument brightness control .........2-33
Instrument panel ..............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch ........2-33
Intelligent Key system Key operating range ............3-14
Key operation ................3-15
Mechanical key ................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation ......3-17
Troubleshooting guide ...........3-22
Warning signals..............

.3-22
Interior light ...................2-55
ISOFIX child restraints .............1-34
J
Jump starting ...................6-8
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement ..........8-25
Keyless entry With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system) ........3-17
10-3
REVIEW COPY—2010 Armada(wzw)
Owners Manual (owners)—USA_English (nna)
03/09/09—tbrooks