NISSAN ARMADA 2019 Owner´s Manual
Page 391 of 536
Turn the wheels toward the side of
the road so the vehicle will move away
from the center of the road if it moves.
4. Push the ignition switch to the OFF position.
SIC4474
The 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. However,
fuel economy may be reduced, and the
transmission/engine driving characteris-
tics may feel unusual.
Push the TOW MODE switch to activate
TOW MODE. The indicator light on the
TOW MODE switch illuminates when the
TOW MODE is selected. Push the TOW
MODE switch again to turn the TOW
MODE OFF.
TOW MODE is automatically canceled
when the ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
Starting and driving5-131
TOW MODE
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5-132Starting and driving
SIC4454
For driving or starting the vehicle on
snowy roads or slippery areas, turn the
SNOW mode on.
To turn the SNOW mode on, push the
SNOW mode switch. The SNOW mode
indicator light on the meter panel will
illuminate. When the SNOW mode is
activated, engine output is controlled to
avoid wheel spin.
To turn the SNOW mode off, push the
switch and the indicator on the meter
panel will turn off. Turn the SNOW mode
off for normal driving and fuel economy.
SSD0622
WARNING
.The sonar system is a conveni-
ence but it is not a substitute for
proper parking. Always look
around and check that it is safe
to do so before parking. Always
move slowly.
. Read and understand the limita-
tions of the sonar system as
contained in this section. Incle-
ment weather may affect the
function of the sonar system; this
may include reduced perfor-
mance or a false activation. .
This system is not designed to
prevent contact with small or
moving objects.
. The system is designed as an aid
to the driver in detecting large
stationary objects to help avoid
damaging the vehicle. The sys-
tem will not detect small objects
below the bumper, and may not
detect objects that are too close
to the bumper or on the ground.
. If your vehicle sustains damage
to the bumper fascia, leaving it
misaligned or bent, the sensing
zone may be altered causing in-
SNOW MODE SONAR SYSTEM (if so equipped)
Page 393 of 536
accurate measurement of obsta-
cles or false alarms.
CAUTION
Keep the interior of the vehicle as
quiet as possible to hear the tone
clearly.
The sonar system sounds a tone to warn
the driver of obstacles near the bumper.
When the “Interrupt Display” is turned on
in the Sonar settings, the sonar indicator
will also appear in the center display. (See
“Sonar indicator” (P.5-134).) The system
detects front obstacles when the shift
lever is in the D (Drive) position or N
(Neutral) position. The system detects
both front and rear obstacles when the
shift lever is in the R (Reverse) position.
The system may not detect objects at
speeds above 6 MPH (10 km/h) and may
not detect certain angular or moving
objects.
The sonar system detects obstacles up to
3.9 ft (1.2 m) from the bumper with a
decreased coverage area at the outer
corners of the bumper. Refer to the
illustration for approximate zone cover-
age areas. As you move closer to the obstacle, the rate of the tone increases.
When the obstacle is less than 11.8 in (30
cm) away, the tone will sound continu-
ously.
Keep the corner/center sensors (located
on the bumper fascia) free from snow, ice
and large accumulations of dirt (do not
clean the sensors with sharp objects). If
the sensors are covered, it will affect the
accuracy of the sonar system.
The sensitivity level of the corner/center
sensors can be adjusted (higher or lower)
in the Sonar settings on the center dis-
play. (See “Sonar settings” (P.5-133).)
The intermittent tone will stop in 3
seconds when an obstacle is detected
by only the corner sensor and the dis-
tance does not change.
JVS1043X
SONAR SETTINGS
To set up the sonar function to your
preferred settings, push the SETTING
button
, select the “Camera/Sonar” key
and then select the “Sonar” key on the
center display.
Sonar:
When this item is turned on, the front and
rear sonar is activated. When this item is
turned off (indicator turns off), the front
and rear sonar is deactivated.
FR sensor only:
When this item is turned on, only the front
sonar is activated.
Starting and driving5-133
Page 394 of 536
5-134Starting and driving
Interrupt Display:
When this item is turned on, the sonar
display will interrupt the current view to
indicate that the obstacles are around
the vehicle.
Sonar Sensitivity:
Adjust the sensitivity level of the sonar.
Sonar Volume:
Adjust the tone volume of the sonar.
JVS1085X
Sonar displayCorner sensor indicatorCenter sensor indicatorRearView Monitor display
SONAR INDICATOR
With the “Interrupt Display” turned on in
the Sonar settings, when the corner/
center sensors detect obstacles near the
bumper, a tone will sound and the sonar
indicator will appear in the center display
. When the RearView Monitor is dis-
played, the sonar indicator will appear in
the upper corner of the display
.
The sonar indicators
andindicate the
position of the object and the distance to
the object with its color and rate of
blinking.
When an object is detected, the indicator
(green) appears and blinks (the tone
sounds intermittently). When the vehicle
moves closer to the object, the color of
the indicator turns yellow and the rate of
blinking increases (the rate of the tone
increases). When the bumper is very close
to the object, less than 11.8 in (30 cm)
away, the indicator stops blinking and
turns red (the tone sounds continuously).
When the RearView Monitor is dis-
played, the colors of the sonar indicator
and the distance guide lines in the rear
view indicate different distances to the
object.
When the
is touched, the sonar will
be turned off temporarily.
The sonar indicator can be turned off in
Page 395 of 536
the Sonar settings on the center display.
(See “Sonar settings” (P.5-133).) When the
sonar indicator is off, only a tone sounds
when the sonar detect obstacles.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the steering will not work.
Steering will be harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hy-
draulic pump, driven by the engine, to
assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt
breaks, you will still have control of the
vehicle. However, much greater steering
effort is needed, especially in sharp turns
and at low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
The brake system has two separate
hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunc-
tions, you will still have braking ability at
two wheels.
You may feel a small click and hear a
sound when the brake pedal is fully
depressed slowly. This is not a malfunc-
tion and indicates that the brake assist
mechanism is operating properly.
Hydraulically-assisted brakes
The hydraulically-assisted brake system is
designed to use a hydraulic pump driven
electrically, to assist braking. If the engine
stops, you can stop the vehicle by de-
pressing the foot brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the foot brake
pedal will be required to stop the vehicle.
The stopping distance will be longer.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet.
As a result, your braking distance will be
longer and the vehicle may pull to one
side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly tapping the brake
pedal to heat-up the brakes. Do this until
the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving
the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
Starting and driving5-135
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
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5-136Starting and driving
function correctly.
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-IN
Break in the parking brake shoes when-
ever the stopping effect of the parking
brake is weakened or whenever the
parking brake shoes and/or drums/ro-
tors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake
pedal while driving. This will cause over-
heating of the brakes, wearing out the
brake and pads faster and reduce gas
mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent
the brakes from overheating, reduce
speed and downshift to a lower gear
before going down a slope or long grade.
Overheated brakes may reduce braking
performance and could result in loss of
vehicle control.
WARNING
.While driving on a slippery sur-
face, be careful when braking,
accelerating or downshifting. Abrupt braking or accelerating
could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
. If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the
power assist for the brakes will
not work. Braking will be harder.
BRAKE ASSIST
When the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking
force than a conventional brake booster
even with light pedal force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to
assist braking operation and is not a
collision warning or avoidance de-
vice. It is the driver’s responsibility to
stay alert, drive safely and be in
control of the vehicle at all times.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) is a sophisticated device,
but it cannot prevent accidents
resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control dur-
ing braking on slippery surfaces.
Remember that stopping dis-
tances on slippery surfaces will
be longer than on normal sur-
BRAKE ASSIST
Page 397 of 536
faces even with ABS. Stopping
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire
chains. Always maintain a safe
distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is
responsible for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install
the specified size of tires on
all four wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper
size and type as specified on
the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label. See “Tire and load-
ing information label” (P.10-
12).
— For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” (P.8-30).
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) con-
trols the brakes so the wheels do not lock
during hard braking or when braking on
slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies
the brake fluid pressure to prevent each
wheel from locking and sliding. By pre-
venting each wheel from locking, the system helps the driver maintain steering
control and helps to minimize swerving
and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes.
The ABS will operate to prevent the
wheels from locking up. Steer the vehicle
to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing
so may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, elec-
tric pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a
computer. The computer has a built-in
diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move
the vehicle at a low speed in forward or
reverse. When the self-test occurs, you
may hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
normal and does not indicate a malfunc-
tion. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on the
instrument panel. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock
assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during
the self-test or while driving, have the
vehicle checked. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6
MPH (5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies
according to road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more
wheels are close to locking up, the
actuator rapidly applies and releases
hydraulic pressure. This action is similar
to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it
is operating. This is normal and indicates
that the ABS is operating properly. How-
ever, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care
is required while driving.
Starting and driving5-137
Page 398 of 536
5-138Starting and driving
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) sys-
tem uses various sensors to monitor
driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under
certain driving conditions, the VDC sys-
tem helps to perform the following func-
tions.
.Controls brake pressure to reduce
wheel slip on one slipping drive wheel
so power is transferred to a non
slipping drive wheel on the same axle.
. Controls brake pressure and engine
output to reduce drive wheel slip
based on vehicle speed (traction con-
trol function).
. Controls brake pressure at individual
wheels and engine output to help the
driver maintain control of the vehicle
in the following conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not
follow the steered path despite
increased steering input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving condi-
tions).
The VDC system can help the driver to
maintain control of the vehicle, but it
cannot prevent loss of vehicle control in
all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel
flashes so note the following: .
The road may be slippery or the
system may determine some action
is required to help keep the vehicle on
the steered path.
. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise or vibration
from under the hood. This is normal
and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the
road conditions.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
VDC warning light
illuminates in the
instrument panel. The VDC system auto-
matically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the
VDC system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates to indicate the VDC system is
off. When the VDC switch is used to turn
off the system, the VDC system still
operates to prevent one drive wheel from
slipping by transferring power to a non
slipping drive wheel. The VDC warning
light
flashes if this occurs. All other
VDC functions are off, and the VDC
warning light
will not flash. The VDC
system is automatically reset to on when
the ignition switch is placed in the OFF
position then back to the ON position.
When the 4L position is selected with the
4WD shift switch, the VDC system is
disabled and the VDC off indicator light illuminates (for 4WD models).
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warn-
ing light” (P.2-17) and “Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” (P.2-20).
The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle
forward or in reverse at a slow speed.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a
“clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and is not an
indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
.
The VDC system is designed to
help improve driving stability but
does not prevent accidents due
to abrupt steering operation at
high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques.
Reduce vehicle speed and be
especially careful when driving
and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s sus-
pension. If suspension parts such
as shock absorbers, struts,
springs, stabilizer bars, bushings
and wheels are not NISSAN re-
commended for your vehicle or
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM
Page 399 of 536
are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate
properly. This could adversely
affect vehicle handling perfor-
mance, and the VDC warning light
may illuminate.
. If brake related parts such as
brake pads, rotors and calipers
are not NISSAN recommended or
are extremely deteriorated, the
VDC system may not operate
properly and the VDC warning
light
may illuminate.
. If engine control related parts are
not NISSAN recommended or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
. When driving on extremely in-
clined surfaces such as higher
banked corners, the VDC system
may not operate properly and the
VDC warning light
may illumi-
nate. Do not drive on these types
of roads.
. When driving on an unstable sur-
face such as a turntable, ferry,
elevator or ramp, the VDC warn-
ing light
may illuminate. This
is not a malfunction. Restart the
engine after driving onto a stable
surface. .
If wheels or tires other than the
NISSAN recommended ones are
used, the VDC system may not
operate properly and the VDC
warning light
may illuminate.
. The VDC system is not a substi-
tute for winter tires or tire chains
on a snow covered road.
SIC4455
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
OFF SWITCH
The vehicle should be driven with the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ON
for most driving conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow,
the VDC system reduces the engine out-
put to reduce wheel spin. The engine
speed will be reduced even if the accel-
erator is depressed to the floor. If max-
imum engine power is needed to free a
stuck vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system, push the VDC OFF switch.
The VDC off indicator light
will
illuminate.
Starting and driving5-139
Page 400 of 536
5-140Starting and driving
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart
the engine to turn ON the system.FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing,
apply deicer through the key hole. If the
lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole or use the
Intelligent Key system.
ANTIFREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that
the outside temperature will drop below
32°F (0°C), check antifreeze to assure
proper winter protection. For additional
information, see “Engine cooling system”
(P.8-4).
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the
battery fluid may freeze and damage the
battery. To maintain maximum efficiency,
the battery should be checked regularly.
For additional information, see “Battery”
(P.8-11).
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
antifreeze, drain the cooling system, in-
cluding the engine block. Refill before
operating the vehicle. For details, see
“Engine cooling system” (P.8-4).
TIRE EQUIPMENT
SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced in
snowy and icy conditions. If you operate
your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels. It is recommended you consult a
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
For additional traction on icy roads,
studded tires may be used. However,
some U.S. states and Canadian provinces
prohibit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded
tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of
studded snow tires, on wet or dry
surfaces, may be poorer than that of
non-studded snow tires.
Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains” (P.8-37).
COLD WEATHER DRIVING