automatic transmission NISSAN ARMADA 2010 Owners Manual

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


1. Warning/indicator lights
2. Tachometer
3. Engine coolant temperature gauge
4. Voltmeter
5. Fuel gauge
6. Speedometer7. Automatic transmission fluid tempera-
ture gauge
8. Odometer/Twin trip odometer/Vehicle
Information Display
9. Engine oil pressure gauge

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
This gauge indicates the temperature of the au-
tomatic transmission fluid. The automatic trans-
mission fluid temperature is in the normal range
1when the gauge needle points within the zone
shown in the illustration.

The vehicle information display1is located to
the left of the speedometer. It displays such items
as:
● automatic transmission position indicator
● cruise control system information
● Intelligent Key operation information (if so
equipped)
● some indicators and warnings
● other information
For details about the Intelligent Key, see
“NISSAN Intelligent Key™” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.HOW TO USE THE VEHICLE
INFORMATION DISPLAY
Press the vehicle information display INFO but-
ton
1located on the instrument panel to toggle
through the following modes.
MPG →Range →Warning
Rotate the INFO button
2to highlight the de-
sired menu option within the selected mode.
Press the INFO button
1to enter the high-
lighted menu. The icons at the bottom of the display screen
show the options available:

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.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The ignition lock is designed so the ignition
switch cannot be turned to 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 moved to
the LOCK position.To remove the key from the ignition switch:
1.
Shift the shift selector to the P (Park) position
with the ignition switch in the ON position.
2. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion.
3. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
If the shift selector is shifted to the P (Park)
position after the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position or when the ignition switch cannot
be turned to the LOCK position, proceed as
follows to remove the key. 1. Move the shift selector into the P (Park) position.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly toward the ON position.
3. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion.
4. Remove the key.
The shift selector is designed so it cannot moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear
positions if the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position or if the key is removed from the
switch.
The shift selector can be moved if the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed. There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
When the ignition switch is in the OFF
position, the steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
If the key will not turn from the LOCK posi-
tion, turn the steering wheel to the left or
right while turning the key to unlock the
key cylinder.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
OFF: (Not used) (1)
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.

WARNING
●Make sure the parking brake is securely
applied and the automatic transmission
is shifted into P (Park) .
● Never change tires when the vehicle is
on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This is
hazardous.
● Never change tires if oncoming traffic is
close to your vehicle. Wait for profes-
sional road assistance.
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocks1at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire
2to prevent the vehicle from moving when it is
jacked up.

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.