engine NISSAN ARMADA 2018 Owner´s Manual
Page 493 of 532
10-6Technical and consumer information
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, it is recommended you have a
NISSAN dealer correct the condition.
Failure to correct the condition is mis-
use of the vehicle, for which NISSAN is
not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in
knocking, after-run or overheating. This
in turn may cause excessive fuel con-
sumption or damage to the engine. If any
of the above symptoms are encountered,
have your vehicle checked. It is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer for
servicing.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
JVT0342X
API certification mark
API service symbol
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance,
see “Capacities and recommended fluids/
lubricants” (P.10-2). NISSAN recommends
the use of an energy conserving oil in
order to improve fuel economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the
American Petroleum Institute (API) certifi-
cation or International Lubricant Standar-dization and Approval Committee (ILSAC)
certification and SAE viscosity standard.
These oils have the API certification mark
on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
oil additives. The use of an oil additive is
not necessary when the proper oil type is
used and maintenance intervals are fol-
lowed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or
has been previously used should not be
used.
Page 494 of 532
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness
changes with temperature. Because of
this, it is important that the engine oil
viscosity be selected based on the tem-
peratures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change.
Choosing an oil viscosity other than that
recommended could cause serious en-
gine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use the genuine oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in
change intervals.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for
your engine are based on the use of the
specified quality oils and filters. Oil and
filter other than the specified quality, or
oil and filter change intervals longer than
recommended could reduce engine life.
Damage to engines caused by improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil and
filter quality and/or viscosity is not cov-
ered by the new NISSAN vehicle limited
warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do nothave to change the oil before the first
recommended change interval. Oil and
filter change intervals depend upon how
you use your vehicle.
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM RE-
FRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT RE-
COMMENDATIONS
The air conditioning system in your
NISSAN vehicle must be charged with
the refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) and
the lubricant, NISSAN A/C system oil
Type S or the exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or
lubricant may cause severe damage
to the air conditioning system and
may require the replacement of all
air conditioner system components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle will not harm the earth’s
ozone layer. Although this refrigerant
does not affect the earth’s atmosphere,
certain governmental regulations require
the recovery and recycling of any refrig-
erant during automotive air conditioning
system service. Your NISSAN dealer has
the trained technicians and equipment
needed to recover and recycle your air conditioning system refrigerant.
It is recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer when servicing your air condition-
ing system.
Technical and consumer information10-7
Page 495 of 532
10-8Technical and consumer information
ENGINE
ModelVK56VD
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 8-cylinder, V-slanted at 90°
Bore × Stroke in (mm)3.858 × 3.622 (98 × 92)
Displacement cu in (cm
3)338.78 (5,552)
Firing order 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2
Idle speed rpm
See the emission control information
label on the underside of the hood.
Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.) degree/rpm
Spark plug StandardDILKAR7B11
Spark plug gap (Normal) in (mm)0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain
This spark ignition system complies with the Canadian standard ICES-002.STI0397B
SPECIFICATIONS
Page 498 of 532
If you plan to travel in another country,
you should first find out if the fuel
available is suitable for your vehicle’s
engine.
Using fuel with too low an octane rating
may cause engine damage. All gasoline
vehicles must be operated with unleaded
gasoline. Therefore, avoid taking your
vehicle to areas where appropriate fuel
is not available.
When transferring the registration of
your vehicle to another country, state,
province or district,it may be necessary
to modify the vehicle to meet local laws
and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor
vehicle emission control and safety stan-
dards vary according to the country,
state, province or district; therefore, vehi-
cle specifications may differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into
another country, state, province or dis-
trict and registered, its modifications,
transportation, and registration are the
responsibility of the user. NISSAN is not
responsible for any inconvenience that
may result.
STI0431
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATE
The vehicle identification number plate is
attached as shown. This number is the
identification for your vehicle and is used
in the vehicle registration.
STI0708
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)
The number is stamped as shown.
Technical and consumer information10-11
WHEN TRAVELING OR REGISTERING
IN ANOTHER COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
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10-12Technical and consumer information
STI0709
ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The number is stamped on the engine as
shown.
STI0448
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION
LABEL
The Federal/Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards (F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S.)
certification label is affixed as shown. This
label contains valuable vehicle informa-
tion, such as: Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ings (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR), month and year of manufacture,
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), etc.
Review it carefully.
STI0738
EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION
LABEL
The emission control information label is
attached as shown.
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10-18Technical and consumer information
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely
affect vehicle handling, braking and
performance and may lead to acci-
dents.
CAUTION
.Do not tow a trailer or haul a
heavy load for the first 500 miles
(800 km). Your engine, axle or
other parts could be damaged.
. For the first 500 miles (800 km)
that you tow a trailer, do not drive
over 50 MPH (80 km/h) and do
not make starts at full throttle.
This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be
used primarily to carry passengers and
cargo. Remember that towing a trailer
places additional loads on your vehicle’s
engine, drivetrain, steering, braking and
other systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available on the website at
www.nissanusa.com. This guide includes
information on trailer towing capability
and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to
exceed the value specified in the “Towing
load/specification” (P.10-22). The total
trailer load equals trailer weight plus its
cargo weight.
.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500
lbs (1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a
brake system MUST be used.
The maximum Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR) should not exceed the
value specified in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart.
STI0541
The GCWR equals the combined weight of
the towing vehicle (including passengers
and cargo) plus the total trailer load.
Towing loads greater than these or using
improper towing equipment could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer
is not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level high-
way driving may have to be reduced on
very steep grades or for low traction
situations (for example, on slippery boat
ramps).
Temperature conditions can also affect
TOWING A TRAILER
Page 506 of 532
towing. For example, towing a heavy
trailer in high outside temperatures on
graded roads can affect engine perfor-
mance and cause overheating. The trans-
mission high fluid temperature and
engine protection mode, which helps
reduce the chance of transmission and
engine damage, could activate and auto-
matically decrease engine power. Vehicle
speed may decrease under high load.
Plan your trip carefully to account for
trailer and vehicle load, weather and road
conditions.
WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced
engine power and vehicle speed.
The reduced speed may be lower
than other traffic, which could in-
crease the chance of a collision. 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” (P.6-
14).
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures is not
covered by NISSAN warranties.
STI0542
Tongue load
When using a weight carrying or a weight
distributing hitch, keep the tongue load
between 10 to 15% of the total trailer load
or use the trailer tongue load specified by
the trailer manufacturer. The tongue load
must be within the maximum tongue
load limits shown in the following “Towing
Load/Specification” chart. If the tongue
load becomes excessive, rearrange cargo
to allow for proper tongue load.
Technical and consumer information10-19
Page 515 of 532
10-28Technical and consumer information
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understand-
ing 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
inadvertently becoming unlatched.
. Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or
stops.
. Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
. Always drive your vehicle at a moder-
ate speed. Some states or provinces
have specific speed limits for vehicles
that are towing trailers. Obey the local
speed limits.
. 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 lever 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 absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park).
6. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models:
Make sure that the 4WD shift switch is
engaged in the AUTO, 4HI or 4LO
position and the Automatic Transmis-
sion (AT) park warning light is turned
off.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal. 2. Start the engine.
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
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce
your speed and shift to a lower gear.
Avoid long or repeated use of the
brakes when descending a hill, as this
reduces their effectiveness and could
cause overheating. Shifting to a lower
gear instead provides “engine braking”
and reduces the need to brake as
frequently.
. If the engine coolant temperature
rises to a high temperature, see “If
your vehicle overheats” (P.6-14).
. Trailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
. Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s
first 500 miles (800 km).
. Have your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the
recommended maintenance schedule
shown in the "9. Maintenance and
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10-30Technical and consumer information
TOW mode
Using TOW mode is recommended when
pulling a heavy trailer or hauling a heavy
load. Push the TOW MODE switch to
activate tow mode. The TOW MODE
indicator light in the meter illuminates
when TOW mode is selected. Push the
TOW MODE switch again to turn TOW
mode off. TOW mode is automatically
cancelled when the ignition switch is
placed in the OFF position.
TOW mode includes the following fea-
tures:
.Grade logic — Adjusts transmission
shifts when pulling a trailer or hauling
a load up a grade.
. Downhill Speed Control (DSC) — auto-
matically 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 trans-
mission/engine driving characteristics
may feel unusual.
When towing a trailer, the transmission
fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information,
see the "9. Maintenance and schedules"
section.
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 recrea-
tional vehicle, such as a motor home.
CAUTION
. Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.
. Whenever flat towing your vehi-
cle, always tow forward, never
backward.
. DO NOT tow any automatic trans-
mission vehicle with all four
wheels on the ground (flat tow-
ing). Doing so WILL DAMAGE inter-
nal transmission parts due to lack
of transmission lubrication.
. DO NOT tow a Four-Wheel Drive
(4WD) vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground. Doing so
may cause serious and expensive
damage to the powertrain.
. For emergency towing proce-
dures refer to “Towing recom-
mended by NISSAN” (P.6-17).
Automatic Transmission
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models:
Do not tow a 4WD vehicle with any of the
wheels on the ground.
Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) models:
To tow a vehicle equipped with an auto-
matic transmission, an appropriate vehi-
cle dolly MUSTbe placed under the towed
vehicle’s drive wheels. Alwaysfollow the
dolly manufacturer’s recommendations
when using their product.
Page 521 of 532
10-34Technical and consumer information
the vehicle may be reset to a “not ready
condition”. Before taking the I/M test,
check the vehicle’s inspection/mainte-
nance test readiness condition. Place the
ignition switch in the ON position without
starting the engine. If the Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL) comes on steady for
20 seconds and then blinks for 10 sec-
onds, the I/M test condition is “not ready”.
If the MIL does not blink after 20 seconds,
the I/M test condition is “ready”.
It is recommended you visit a NISSAN
dealer to set “ready condition” or to
prepare the vehicle for testing.This vehicle is equipped with an Event
Data Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of
an EDR is to record, in certain crash or
near crash-like situations, such as an air
bag deployment or hitting a road obsta-
cle, data that will assist in understanding
how a vehicle’s systems performed. The
EDR is designed to record data related to
vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a
short period of time, typically 30 seconds
or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed
to record such data as:
.How various systems in your vehicle
were operating;
. Whether or not the driver and passen-
ger safety belts were buckled/fas-
tened;
. How far (if at all) the driver was
depressing the accelerator and/or
brake pedal; and,
. How fast the vehicle was traveling.
. Sounds are not recorded.
These data can help provide a better
understanding of the circumstances in
which crashes and injuries occur.
NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your
vehicle only if a nontrivial crash situation
occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR
under normal driving conditions and no
personal data (e.g. name, gender, age and
crash location) are recorded. However,
other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type
of personally identifying data routinely
acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special
equipment is required and access to the
vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition
to the vehicle manufacturer and NISSAN
dealer, other parties, such as law enforce-
ment, that have the special equipment,
can read the information if they have
access to the vehicle or the EDR. EDR data
will only be accessed with the consent of
the vehicle owner or lessee or as other-
wise required or permitted by law.
EVENT DATA RECORDERS (EDR)