2012 NISSAN ARMADA warning

TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Your vehicle may be equipped with an optional
trailer tow package. The trailer tow package in-
cludes a receiver-type frame mounted hitch. This
hitch is rated for the maximum towing capacity of
this vehicle when the proper towing equipment is
used. Choose a proper ball mount and hitch ball
that is rated for the trailer to be towed. Genuine
NISSAN ball mounts and hitch balls are available
from your NISSAN dealer.
If your vehicle is not equipped with the optional
trailer tow package, check the towing capacity of
your bumper hitch or receiver-type frame
mounted hitch. Choose a proper hitch for your
vehicle and trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer
hitch is available from your NISSAN dealer. Make
sure the trailer hitch is securely attached to the
vehicle to help avoid personal injury or property
damage due to sway caused by crosswinds,
rough road surfaces or passing trucks.
WARNING
Trailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than the
weight rating of the hitch components.
Never exceed the weight rating of the
hitch components. Doing so can cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:● The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
● Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
● The diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16” smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.
● The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver.
Choose a proper class ball mount based on the
trailer weight. Additionally, the ball mount should
be chosen to keep the trailer tongue level with the
ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount of
tongue weight and gross weight directly on the
ball mount and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling” or
“equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the ball
mount and to the trailer to distribute the tongue
weight (hitch weight) of your trailer. Many vehicles
can’t carry the full tongue weight of a given trailer,
and need some of the tongue weight transferred
through the frame and pushing down on the front
wheels. This gives stability to the tow vehicle.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) .
Check with the trailer and towing equipment
manufacturers to determine if they recommend
the use of a weight-distributing hitch system.
Technical and consumer information9-23

NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle.
3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. If you choose to use one,
contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to make
sure the sway control device will work with the
vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake sys-
tem. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (907 kg) .
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,587 kg) .
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) .
Class IV hitch
Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 10,000 lb (4,535 kg) . A
weight distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) .
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb
(4,535 kg) maximum weight rating, but your ve-
hicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart earlier in this section.
9-24Technical and consumer information

Trailer brakes
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.However, most states
require a separate braking system on trailers with
a loaded weight above a specific amount. Make
sure the trailer meets the local regulations and
the regulations where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are available.
Surge Brakes - The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic line
running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes are
activated by the trailer pushing against the hitch
ball when the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic
surge brakes are common on rental trailers and
some boat trailers. In this type of system, there is
no hydraulic or electric connection for brake op-
eration between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-
sensing module) . If electric trailer brakes are
used, see “Electric trailer brake controller” in this
section.
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
Your vehicle is equipped with a connector and
jumper harness that is specifically designed to be
used when installing an aftermarket brake con-
troller.
example
LTI0117
9-26Technical and consumer information

Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.● Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
● Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadver-
tently becoming unlatched.
● Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
● Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
● Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
● When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift selector to the P
(Park) position before blocking the
wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (A/T) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. See “Automatic transmission
park warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section and “Using four wheel
drive (4WD)” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
7. Turn off the engine. To drive away:
1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks. ● While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently.
● If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
Technical and consumer information9-29

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

DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
The temperature grades are A (the highest) , B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat, and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces-
sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is es-
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei-
ther separately or in combination, can
cause heat build-up and possible tire
failure.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
9-32Technical and consumer information

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