2012 NISSAN ARMADA oil change

Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:● repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
● driving in dusty conditions
● extensive idling
● towing a trailer
● stop and go commuting
Refer to the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and NISSAN A/C
system oil Type S or the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replace-
ment of all air conditioner system
components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the
earth’s atmosphere, certain government regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
9-8Technical and consumer information

●Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
● When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway: 1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or applying the brakes. 2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
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.
9-30Technical and consumer information

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.
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.
WARNING
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
Installing a snowplow may affect vehicle
handling. This may cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle and could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal injury.
SNOW PLOW
Technical and consumer information9-31

10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-16
A
Adjusting pedal position ............3-30
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-57
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-64
Air bag warning labels .............1-71
Air bag warning light ...........1-72, 2-18
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-17
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-39
Air conditioner specification label .....9-13
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-8
Heater and air conditioner controls . . . .4-36
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-38
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-39
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-26
Anchor point locations .............1-42
Antenna .....................4-77
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-32
Audible reminders ...............2-20
Audio system ..................4-40
Compact Disc (CD) changer .......4-51
Compact disc (CD) player .........4-59Audio System
CompactFlash (CF) player .........4-61
Audio system FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ...................4-48
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-56
Audio System Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system ....................4-63
Audio system Radio ....................4-40
Rear audio controls .............4-76
Audio System Settings ...............4-48, 4-56
Audio system Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-74
Autolight switch ................ .2-31
Automatic Automatic

drive positioner .........3-36
Automatic power window switch .....2-53
Automatic transmission position
indicator light ................2-25
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-15
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-32
Automatic door locks ..............3-6
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge .......................2-8
AUX jack .................4-54, 4-61 B
Battery ......................8-14
Charge warning light ............2-15
Before starting the engine ...........5-13
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-16
Block heater Engine ....................5-38
Bluetooth hands-free phone system . . . .4-92,
4-107
Booster seats ..................1-54
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-32
Brake fluid ..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light) .........8-32
Brake system ................5-31
Brake warning light .............2-14
Brake wear indicators ........2-20, 8-23
Parking brake operation ..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-23
Brakes ......................8-23
Break-in schedule ...............5-21
Brightness/contrast button .......4-16, 4-32
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-33
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-13
Bulb replacement ................8-32

C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants . .9-2
Captain’s chair adjustment (2nd row) ......1-5
Cargo light ....................2-58
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . . .9-14
Car phone or CB radio .............4-91
CD care and cleaning ..............4-72
CD changer (See audio system) ........4-51
CD player (See audio system) .........4-59
Check tire pressure ...............2-25
Child restraints .......1-35, 1-35, 1-36, 1-38
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-36, 1-44, 1-49, 1-54
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-42
Child restraint with top tether strap .......1-41
Child safety rear door lock ............3-7
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-20
Cleaning exterior and interior ...........7-2
Clock ...................4-49, 4-57
(models with navigation system) . . .4-11, 4-27
Clock set .................4-11, 4-27
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-12
Cold weather driving ..............5-37
Compact disc (CD) player ...........4-59
CompactFlash (CF) player ...........4-61
Console box ................2-41, 2-47
Control panel buttons ..............4-16
Brightness/contrast button ......4-16, 4-32
Enter button ...............4-2, 4-16
Setting button .............4-9, 4-25
Startup screen ................4-19
Without navigation system ..........4-2
Controls Audio controls (steering wheel) .......4-74Heater and air conditioner controls
.....4-36
Rear audio controls .............4-76
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-38
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Checking

engine coolant level ........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Corrosion protection ...............7-5
Cruise control ..................5-20
Cup holders ...................2-44
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . . .1-69
D
Daytime running light system (Canada only) . .2-32
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-30
Digital video disc DVD ..............4-77
Dimensions and weights ............9-10
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-33
Display controls
(see control panel buttons) ........4-2, 4-16
Distance to empty .............4-5, 4-21
Door locks .....................3-5
Drive belt .....................8-16
Drive positioner, Automatic ...........3-36
Driving Cold weather driving ............5-37
Driving with automatic transmission . . . .5-15
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2 E
Economy - fuel ..................5-22
Emission control information label .......9-12
Emission control system warranty .......9-33
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-13
Block heater .................5-38
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Changing engine oil .............8-10
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-11
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engine compartment check locations . . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-6
Engine cooling system ............8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
Engine

oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-7
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-7
Engine serial number ............9-12
Engine specifications .............9-9
Starting the engine .............5-13
Engine oil pressure gauge ............2-7
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light .........2-15
Enter button .................4-2, 4-16
Event data recorders ..............9-34
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Extended storage switch ............8-26
Eyeglass case ..................2-42
10-2

N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ ..........3-2, 3-12
NISSAN mobile entertainment system
(MES) .......................4-77
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system . . .2-27, 3-4, 5-13
NISSAN voice recognition system ......4-118
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ......9-5
Odometer .....................2-5
Oil Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changing engine oil .............8-10
Changing engine oil filter ..........8-11
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engine oil ...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-7
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light .......2-15
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-7
Outside mirror control ..............3-34
Outside mirrors .................3-34
Overheat If your vehicle overheats ...........6-10
Owner’s manual order form ...........9-35
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information ....................9-35 P
Parking Parking brake operation ...........5-19
Parking/parking on hills ...........5-30
Pedal position adjustment ............3-30
Personal lights ..................2-58
Phone, Bluetooth hands-free
system ..................4-92, 4-107
Power Power door locks ...............3-6
Power outlet .................2-39
Power rear windows .............2-53
Power steering fluid .............8-12
Power steering system ...........5-31
Power vent windows .............2-54
Power windows ...............2-51
Rear power windows ............2-53
Precautions Maintenance

precautions ...........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ..................5-3
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-36, 1-44,
1-49, 1-54
Precautions on seat belt usage .......1-25
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-57
Precautions when starting and driving . . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .........1-70
Programmable features ..........4-9, 4-25
Push starting ...................6-10 R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-91
Compact Disc (CD) changer ........4-51
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer ....................4-48
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player .....................4-56
Rear audio controls .............4-76
Steering wheel audio control switch . . . .4-74
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test ........................9-34
Rear audio controls ...............4-76
Rear center seat belt ..............1-31
Rear power windows ..............2-53
Rear seat air conditioner ............4-38
Rear sonar system ................5-35
Rear sonar system off switch ..........2-37
RearView Monitor ................4-33
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .......................2-30
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-29
Recorders Event data ..................9-34
Refrigerant recommendation ...........9-8
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-11
Remote controller (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system) ..............4-79
Remote keyless entry system ...........3-7
Reporting safety defects (US only) .......9-33
Resetting the fuel economy ........4-5, 4-21
Roof rack .....................2-50
10-5