2012 NISSAN ARMADA automatic transmission

Cruise main switch indicator
This indicator illuminates when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The indicator turns off
when the main switch is pushed again. When the
cruise main switch indicator illuminates, the
cruise control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ battery dis-
charge indicator (NISSAN Intelligent Key™
model)
This indicator illuminates when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator illuminates, replace the battery
with a new one. See “Battery replacement” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
Transfer 4LO position indicator (
model)
This indicator illuminates when the 4WD shift
switch is set in the 4LO position with the ignition
switch placed in the ON position.If the 4WD shift switch is set in the 4LO position
and the indicator blinks, stop the vehicle, drive
slowly forward and the indicator will turn on.
When you shift between 4H and 4LO, stop the
vehicle, move the shift selector to the N (Neutral)
position, then depress and turn the 4WD shift
switch to 4LO or 4H.
The transfer case may be damaged if you shift the
switch while driving.
You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you have first
stopped the vehicle and moved the shift selector
to N (Neutral) . Make sure the transfer 4LO posi-
tion indicator illuminates when you shift the 4WD
shift switch to 4LO.
The indicator may blink while shifting from
one drive mode to the other.
4WD shift indicator (
model)
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indi-
cator will illuminate the position selected by the
4WD shift switch.
The 4WD shift indicator may blink while
shifting from one drive mode to the other.
Automatic transmission position indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this indicator shows the shift selector position. See “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
Loose fuel cap warning
This warning appears when the fuel-filler cap is
not tightened correctly after the vehicle has been
refueled. See “Fuel-filler cap” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
Check tire pressure warning
This warning appears when the low tire pressure
warning light in the meter illuminates and low tire
pressure is detected. If this warning appears,
stop the vehicle and adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pressure shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label. See “Low
tire pressure warning light” earlier in this section
and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)”
in the “Starting and driving” section.
Instruments and controls2-25

WARNING
●The front sonar system is a convenience
but it is not a substitute for proper
driving.
● The rear sonar system is a convenience
but it is not a substitute for proper back-
ing. Always turn and check that it is safe
to do so before backing up. Always
back up slowly. The front sonar system:
● is active when the ignition is in the ON
position and the shift selector is in a forward
gear position.
● a beeping tone is emitted when the sensors
detect obstacles within 3 ft (1.0 m) of the
front bumper.
The rear sonar system: ● is active when the ignition is in the ON
position and the shift selector is in R (Re-
verse) .
● a beeping tone is emitted when the sensors
detect obstacles within 5.9 ft (1.8 m) of the
rear bumper.
The front and rear sonar system can be disabled
by pushing the OFF switch. When the system is
disabled, the indicator light on the switch will
illuminate. Push the switch again to enable the
system. The indicator light will go off.
The system will automatically reset the next time
the ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
See “Front sonar system” in the “Starting and
driving” section. 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.
LIC1182LIC0594
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)
TOW MODE SWITCH
2-38Instruments and controls

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 ....................5-6
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
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped) .........5-9
Ignition switch positions ........................ 5-11
Automatic transmission ......................... 5-11
Key positions ................................. 5-12
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............5-13
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-13
Starting the engine ............................... 5-13
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-14
Engine protection mode ........................ 5-14
Automatic transmission ......................... 5-15
Parking brake .................................... 5-19
Cruise control .................................... 5-20Precautions on cruise control
...................5-20
Cruise control operations .......................5-20
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-21
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-22
Using four wheel drive (4WD) .............5-22
Transfer case shifting procedures ...............5-23
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-30
Power steering ................................... 5-31
Brake system .................................... 5-31
Brake precautions ............................. 5-31
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-32
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-33
Rear sonar system ................................ 5-35
Front sonar system (if so equipped) .................5-36
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-37
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................5-37
Anti-freeze .................................... 5-37
Battery ....................................... 5-37
Draining of coolant water .......................5-37
Tire equipment ................................ 5-37
Special winter equipment .......................5-38
Driving on snow or ice ......................... 5-38
Engine block heater (if so equipped) .............5-38

The operating range of the engine start function
is inside of the vehicle
1.
● The luggage area is not included in the op-
erating range, but the Intelligent Key may
function.
● If the Intelligent Key is placed on the instru-
ment panel, inside the glove box, storage bin
or door pocket, the Intelligent Key may not
function.
● If the Intelligent Key is placed near the door
or window outside the vehicle, the Intelligent
Key may function.
IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS
Push in the ignition switch to theBposition
when you turn it.
LOCK (Normal parking position)
A:
The ignition switch can only be locked in the
LOCK position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed in, and turned to the ACC position
C
while carrying the Intelligent Key.
ACC (Accessories)
C:
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the engine is not running. ON (Normal operating position)
D:
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START
E:
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the ignition switch
immediately. It will automatically return to the ON
position.
The ignition switch cannot be turned back to the
LOCK position unless the shift selector is in the P
(Park) position. (It can be turned only to the
B
position.)
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the ignition
switch in ACC or ON positions when the
engine is not running for an extended pe-
riod. This can discharge the battery.AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The ignition lock is designed so the ignition
switch cannot be placed in the LOCK position
and the key cannot be removed until the shift
selector is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition switch,
make sure the shift selector is in the P (Park)
position.
If the shift selector is not returned to P (Park)
position, the ignition switch cannot be placed in
the LOCK position.
WSD0041
Starting and driving5-11

●If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5 to 6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accel-
erator pedal. Crank the engine with your
foot off the accelerator pedal by turn-
ing the ignition key to START. Release the
key when the engine starts. If the engine
starts, but fails to run, repeat the above
procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise
the starter could be damaged.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec- onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
In cold weather, keep the engine running for
a minimum of 2–3 minutes before shutting it
off. Starting and stopping the engine over a
short period of time may make the vehicle
more difficult to start.
ENGINE PROTECTION MODE
The engine has an engine protection mode to
reduce the chance of damage if the coolant tem-
perature becomes too high (for example, when
climbing steep grades in high temperature with
heavy loads, such as when towing a trailer) .
When the engine temperature reaches a certain
level: ● The engine coolant temperature gauge will
move toward the H position.
● Engine power may be reduced.
● The air conditioning cooling function may be
automatically turned OFF for a short time
(the blower will continue to operate) .
Engine power and, under some conditions, ve-
hicle speed will decrease. Vehicle speed can be
controlled with the accelerator pedal, but the
vehicle may not accelerate at the desired speed.
The transmission will downshift or upshift as it
reaches prescribed shift points. You can also
shift manually.
As driving conditions change and engine coolant
temperature is reduced, vehicle speed can be
increased using the accelerator pedal, and air
conditioning cooling function will automatically
be turned back ON. If:
1. The engine coolant temperature is not re- duced.
2. The air conditioning cooling function does not turn back ON.
3. The engine oil pressure warning/engine coolant temperature high indicator
il-
luminates, this may indicate a malfunction.
Move the vehicle off the road in a safe area
and allow the engine to cool. If after check-
ing the oil and coolant, the
remains
on, do not continue to drive and call a
NISSAN dealer.
The check engine light may also come ON. If
only it remains on, you do not need to have your
vehicle towed, but have it inspected soon by a
NISSAN dealer. See “Check engine light” in the
“Instruments and controls ” section of this
manual.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-14Starting and driving

WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a col-
lision. Be especially careful when driving.
If the vehicle cannot maintain a safe driv-
ing speed, pull to the side of the road in a
safe area. Allow the engine to cool and
return to normal operation. See “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , or L (Low) . Always
depress the brake pedal until shifting is
completed. Failure to do so could cause
you to lose control and have an
accident.
● Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
● Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.
● Except in an emergency, do not shift to
the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Doing so can cause a loss of engine
braking which may result in a collision,
serious personal injury or death. In ad-
dition, coasting with the transmission
in the N (Neutral) position may cause
serious damage to the transmission.
CAUTION
● When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal before moving the shift
selector out of the P (Park) position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and move the shift selector into a driving gear.
3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
Starting and driving5-15

The automatic transmission is designed so
the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
The shift selector cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition switch is
placed in the LOCK or OFF position.To move the shift selector:
: Shift while depressing the brake pedal
: Shift without depressing brake pedal
Shifting
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and move the shift selector out of the P
(Park) position.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the shift selec-
tor is in any position while the engine is
not running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal injury
or property damage.
If the ignition switch is placed in the OFF or ACC
position for any reason while the vehicle is in N
(Neutral) , or any D (Drive) position, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position.
Move the shift selector to the P (Park) position,
then the ignition switch can be turned to LOCK.
P (Park):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the P (Park) shift selector position when the
vehicle is parked or when starting the engine.
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
The brake pedal should be depressed to
move the shift selector from N (Neutral) or
any drive position to P (Park) . Apply the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the
parking brake first, then move the shift selector
into the P (Park) position.
WSD0187
5-16Starting and driving

2WD or 4WD shift procedure:
4WD Shift
Switch Position Wheels Driven Indicator Light
Use Conditions 4WD Shift Procedure
4WD shift Transfer 4LO position
AUTO Rear wheels or 4
wheels
For driving on paved or slippery
roads Move the 4WD switch.
2WD <—> AUTO <—> 4H
4WD shift indicator light will indicate transfer
shift position engaged.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO MOVE THE SHIFT
SELECTOR TO THE N POSITION IN THIS OP-
ERATION. PERFORM THIS OPERATION WHEN
DRIVING STRAIGHT.
2WD
Rear wheels
For driving on dry, paved roads
(Economy drive)
4H4 wheels
For driving on rocky, sandy or snow-
covered roads
Neutral
*1
May blink Neutral disengages the automatic
transmission mechanical parking
lock, which will allow the vehicle to
roll. Do not leave the transfer shift
position in Neutral.*2 1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the shift selector to the N position.
3. Push the 4WD shift switch and move it to
4LO or 4H with the brake pedal depressed.
YOU CANNOT MOVE THE TRANSFER 4WD
SHIFT SWITCH BETWEEN 4H AND 4LO (OR
4LO TO 4H) UNLESS YOU HAVE FIRST
STOPPED THE VEHICLE, DEPRESSED THE
BRAKE PEDAL AND MOVED THE SHIFT SE-
LECTOR TO NEUTRAL. *3
4LO 4 wheelsIlluminated For use when maximum power and
traction is required (for example: on
steep grades or rocky, sandy, muddy
roads)
*1: The transfer 4LO position indicator light may blink. Stop the vehicle. Be sure to shift the 4WD shift switch after the shift selector has been moved to the
N position. If the indicator light keeps blinking after the 4WD shift procedure in the previous page, drive slowly without abrupt maneuvers for a while. Then
the light will turn on or off.
Avoid making a turn or abrupt starts while shifting to 4LO. Otherwise gears may grind, damaging the drive system.
5-24Starting and driving