4WD NISSAN ARMADA 2005 1.G User Guide

cMany hills are too steep for any vehicle.
If you drive up them, you may stall. If
you drive down them, you may not be
able to control your speed. If you drive
across them, you may roll over.
cDo not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
cStay alert when driving to the top of a
hill. At the top there could be a drop-off
or other hazard that could cause an
accident.
cIf your engine stalls or you cannot make
it to the top of a steep hill, never at-
tempt to turn around. Your vehicle
could tip or roll over. Always back
straight down in R (Reverse) gear and
apply brakes to control your speed.
cHeavy braking going down a hill could
cause your brakes to overheat and fade,
resulting in loss of control and an acci-
dent. Apply brakes lightly and use a low
gear to control your speed.
cUnsecured cargo can be thrown around
when driving over rough terrain. Prop-
erly secure all cargo so it will not be
thrown forward and cause injury to you
or your passengers.cTo avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated ca-
pacity of the roof rack and evenly distrib-
ute the load. Secure heavy loads in the
cargo area as far forward and as low as
possible. Do not equip the vehicle with
tires larger than specified in this manual.
This could cause your vehicle to roll over.
cDo not grip the inside or spokes of the
steering wheel when driving off-road.
The steering wheel could move sud-
denly and injure your hands. Instead
drive with your fingers and thumbs on
the outside of the rim.
cBefore operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers have
their seat belts fastened.
cLower your speed when encountering
strong crosswinds. With a higher center
of gravity, your NISSAN is more af-
fected by strong side winds. Slower
speeds ensure better vehicle control.
cDo not drive beyond the performance
capablity of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged.
cAccelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.cIf at all possible, avoid sharp turning
maneuvers, particularly at high speeds.
Your NISSAN four-wheel drive vehicle
has a higher center of gravity than a
two-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle is
not designed for cornering at the same
speeds as conventional two-wheel
drive vehicles. Failure to operate this
vehicle correctly could result in loss of
control and/or a rollover accident.
cAlways use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted,
or radial) , and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Install tire chains on the rear
wheels when driving on slippery roads
and drive carefully.
cBe sure to check the brakes immedi-
ately after driving in mud or water. See
“Brake system” later in this section for
“Wet brakes”.
cAvoid parking your vehicle on steep
hills. If you get out of the vehicle and it
rolls forward, backward or sideways,
you could be injured.
cWhenever you drive off-road through
sand, mud or water as deep as the
wheel hub, more frequent maintenance
may be required. See “Periodic mainte-
nance” in the “NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide.”
5-6Starting and driving
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cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
c
Use 4H or 4L position only when
necessary. Four-wheel drive operation low-
ers fuel economy.
CAUTION
cDo not drive the vehicle in the 4H or 4LO
position on dry hard surface roads. Driv-
ing on dry, hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise, tire wear
and increased fuel consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on when
you are driving on dry hard surface
roads:
cin the 4H position, shift the 4WD shift
switch to 2WD.
cin the 4LO position, stop the vehicle,
move the automatic transmission
shift selector lever to the N position
with the brake pedal depressed, and
shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
cIf the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
cThe transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking rapidly.
TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING
PROCEDURES
All mode 4WD system provides 4 positions
(AUTO, 2WD, 4H and 4LO) , so you can select
the desired drive mode according to the driving
conditions.
2WD or 4WD shift procedure:
USING FOUR WHEEL DRIVE
(4WD)
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4WD Shift
Switch
PositionWheels
DrivenIndicator Light
Use Conditions 4WD Shift Procedure
4WD shift Transfer
4LO posi-
tion
AUTORear
wheels or
4 wheels
For driving on paved or slippery roadsMove the 4WD switch.
2WD <—> AUTO <—> 4H
4WD shift indicator light will indicate transfer shift position engaged.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO MOVE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SELECT LEVER TO THE N POSITION IN THIS OPERATION. PER-
FORM THIS OPERATION WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT.
2WDRear
wheels
For driving on dry, paved roads
(Economy drive) or state dynamometer
I/M testing
4H4 wheels
For driving on rocky, sandy or snow-
covered roads
Neutral
*1
May blinkNeutral disengages the automatic trans-
mission mechanical parking lock, which
will allow the vehicle to roll. Do not leave
the transfer shift position in Neutral.*21. Stop the vehicle.
2. Move the automatic transmission selector lever to the N position.
3. Push the 4WD shift switch and move it to 4LO or 4H with the
brake pedal depressed.
YOU CANNOT MOVE THE TRANSFER 4WD SHIFT SWITCH BETWEEN
4H AND 4LO (OR 4LO TO 4H)UNLESS YOU HAVE FIRST STOPPED
THE VEHICLE, DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MOVED THE AU-
TOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER TO NEUTRAL. *3
4LO4 wheelsIlluminatedFor use when maximum power and trac-
tion is required (for example: on steep
grades or rocky, sandy, muddy roads)
*1: The transfer 4LO position indicator light may blink. Stop the vehicle. Be sure to shift the 4WD shift switch after the automatic transmission leverhas been shifted to the N position. If the
indicator light keeps blinking after the 4WD shift procedure in the previous page, drive slowly without abrupt maneuvers for a while. Then the light will turn on or off.
• Avoid making a turn or abrupt starts while shifting to 4LO. Otherwise gears may grind, damaging the drive system.
*2: While changing in and out of 4LO, the ignition key must be ON and the vehicle’s engine must be running for a shift to take place and for the indicator lights (4WD shift and 4LO position
indicator) to be operable. Otherwise, the shift will not take place and no indicator lights will be on or flashing.
*3: Make sure the transfer 4LO position indicator light turns on when you shift the 4WD shift switch to 4LO.
5-18Starting and driving
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The transfer case 4WD shift switch is used to
select either 2WD or 4WD depending on the
driving conditions. There are four types of drive
modes available, AUTO, 2WD, 4H and 4LO.
The 4WD shift switch electronically controls the
transfer case operation. Rotate the switch to
move between each mode, 2WD, AUTO, 4H and
4LO.
You must push the switch in to select 4LO,
and the vehicle MUST be stationary and the
automatic transmission selector lever in
the N position when changing into or out of
4LO.
WARNING
When parking, apply the parking brake
before stopping the engine and make sure
that the 4WD shift indicator light is on and
the ATP warning light goes off. Otherwise,
the vehicle could unexpectedly move even
if the automatic transmission is in the P
position.
CAUTION
cNever shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.cThe 4H position provides greater trac-
tion. Avoid excessive speed, as it will
cause increased fuel consumption and
higher oil temperatures, and could
damage drivetrain components.
Speeds over 62.5 MPH (100 km/h) in 4H
is not recommended.
cThe 4LO position provides maximum
power and traction. Avoid raising ve-
hicle speed excessively, as the maxi-
mum speed is approximately 31 MPH
(50 km/h) .
cWhen driving straight, shift the 4WD
shift switch to the 2WD, AUTO or 4H
position. Do not move the 4WD shift
switch when making a turn or reversing.
cDo not shift the 4WD shift switch (be-
tween 2WD, AUTO and 4H) while driving
on steep downhill grades. Use the en-
gine brake and low automatic transmis-
sion gears (D1 or D2) for engine
braking.
cDo not operate the 4WD shift switch
(between 2WD, AUTO and 4H) with the
rear wheels spinning.cDo not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. Driving on dry
hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO may cause
unnecessary noise and tire wear.
NISSAN recommends driving in the
2WD or AUTO position under these
conditions.
cThe 4WD transfer case may not be
shifted between 4H and 4LO at low am-
bient temperatures and the transfer
4LO position indicator light may blink
even when the 4WD shift switch is
shifted. After driving for a while you can
change the 4WD transfer case between
4H and 4LO.
When driving on rough roads,
cSet the 4WD shift switch to AUTO, 4H or
4LO.
cDrive carefully according to the road surface
conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck,
cPlace stones or wooden blocks under the
tires to free the vehicle.
cSet the 4WD shift switch to 4H or 4LO.
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cIf it is difficult to free the vehicle, repeat
forward and backward movement to in-
crease the movement.
cIf the vehicle is stuck deep in mud, tire chains
may be effective.
CAUTION
cDo not spin the tires excessively. Tires
will sink deep into the mud, making it
difficult to free the vehicle.
cAvoid shifting gears with the engine
running at high speeds as this may
cause malfunction.
4WD shift switch operationscShift the 4WD shift switch to either the
2WD, AUTO, 4H or 4LO position, depend-
ing on driving conditions.
cWith the switch set to the AUTO position,
distribution of torque to the front and rear
wheels changes automatically, depending
on road conditions encountered [ratio; 0 :
100 (2WD)!50 : 50 (4WD)]. This results
in improved driving stability.
cIf the 4WD shift switch is operated
while making a turn, accelerating or
decelerating or if the key switch is
turned off while in the AUTO, 4H or4LO, you may feel a jolt. This is not
abnormal.
cWhen the vehicle is stopped after mak-
ing a turn, you may feel a slight jolt
after the selector lever is shifted to N or
P. This occurs because the transfer
clutch is released and not because of a
malfunction.
CAUTION
cWhen driving straight, shift the 4WD
shift switch to the 2WD, AUTO or 4H
position. Do not move the 4WD shift
switch when making a turn or reversing.
cDo not shift the 4WD shift switch while
driving on steep downhill grades. Use
the engine brake and low automatic
transmission gears (D1 or D2) for en-
gine braking.
cDo not operate the 4WD shift switch
with the rear wheels spinning.
cBefore placing the 4WD shift switch in
the 4H position from 2WD or AUTO,
ensure the vehicle speed is less than
62.5 MPH (100 km/h) . Failure to do so
can damage the 4WD system.
cNever shift the 4WD shift switch be-
tween 4LO and 4H while driving.
LSD0093
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cEngine idling speed is high while warm-
ing up the engine. Be especially careful
when starting or driving on slippery sur-
faces with the 4WD shift switch set in
AUTO.
4WD shift indicator light
The 4WD shift indicator light is located in the
odometer display.
The light should turn off within 1 second after
turning the ignition switch to the ON position.
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indi-
cator light will illuminate the position selected by
the 4WD shift switch.
cThe 4WD shift indicator light may blink
while shifting from one drive mode to
the other. When the shifting is com-
pleted, the 4WD shift indicator light
will come on. If the indicator light does
not come on immediately, make sure
the area around the vehicle is safe, anddrive the vehicle straight, accelerate or
decelerate or move the vehicle in re-
verse, then shift the 4WD shift switch.
cIf the 4WD warning light comes on, the
4WD indicator light goes out.
CAUTION
cWhen the 4WD shift switch is turned to
the AUTO position at low ambient tem-
peratures, the 4WD shift indicator light
may show 4H. If this happens, all four
wheels are driven as torque distribution
is in the 4H position. Be careful as the
vehicle may become difficult to turn.
When the vehicle is driven, the 4WD
shift indicator light should change to
AUTO.
cIf the 4WD shift indicator light indica-
tion changes to 2WD when the 4WD
shift switch is shifted to the AUTO or 4H
position at low ambient temperatures,
the 2WD mode may be being engaged
due to malfunctioning drive system. If
the indicator does not return to normal
and the 4WD warning light comes on,
have the system checked by the nearest
NISSAN dealer.
LSD0094
Starting and driving5-21
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4WD warning light
Warning lightComes on or blinks
when:
Comes onThere is a malfunc-
tion in the 4–wheel
drive system
Blinks rapidlyThe transfer case
oil temperature is
abnormally high
Blinks slowlyThe difference in
wheel rotation is
large
The 4WD warning light is located in the meter.
The 4WD warning light comes on when the key
switch is turned to ON. It turns off soon after the
engine is started.
If any malfunction occurs in the 4WD system
when the key switch is ON, the warning light will
either remain illuminated or blink.
If the 4WD warning light comes on, the 4WD
shift indicator light goes out.High-temperature transfer case oil makes the
warning light blink rapidly (about twice per sec-
ond) . If the warning light blinks rapidly during
operation, stop the vehicle in a safe place imme-
diately. Then if the light goes off after a while, you
can continue driving.
A large difference between the diameters of front
and rear wheels will make the warning light blink
slowly (about once per two seconds) . Change
the 4WD shift switch into 2WD and do not drive
fast.
CAUTION
cIf the warning light comes on or blinks
slowly during operation or rapidly after
stopping the vehicle for a while, have
your vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
cShifting between 4H and 4LO is not
recommended when the 4WD warning
light turns on.
cWhen the warning light comes on, the
2WD mode may be engaged even if the
4WD shift switch is in AUTO or 4H. Be
especially careful when driving. If corre-
sponding parts are malfunctioning, the
4WD mode will not be engaged even if
the 4WD shift switch is shifted.cDo not drive the vehicle in the 4H or 4LO
position on dry hard surface roads. Driv-
ing on dry, hard surfaces in 4H or 4LO
may cause unnecessary noise, tire wear
and increased fuel consumption.
If the 4WD warning light turns on when
you are driving on dry hard surface
roads:
cin the AUTO or 4H position, shift the
4WD shift switch to 2WD.
cin the 4LO position, stop the vehicle,
move the automatic transmission
shift selector lever to the N position
with the brake pedal depressed, and
shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
cIf the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
cThe transfer case may be damaged if
you continue driving with the warning
light blinking rapidly.
5-22Starting and driving
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Four-wheel drive models
NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be
used when towing your vehicle or place the ve-
hicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
cNever tow 4WD models with any of the
wheels on the ground as this may cause
serious and expensive damage to the
transfer case and transmission.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
cDo not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
CAUTION
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structural members of
the vehicle or the towing hooks (if so
equipped) . Otherwise, the vehicle body
will be damaged.
cUse the towing hook (if so equipped)
only to free a vehicle stuck in sand,
snow, mud, etc. Never tow the vehicle
for a long distance using only the tow-
ing hook.
WSD0097LCE0083
6-12In case of emergency
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WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels
17 x 7.5J
18 x 8.0J
Tires
P285/70R17
P265/70R18
Spare tire Full size
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Overall length in (mm) 206.9(5,255)
Overall width in (mm) 78.8(2,001)
Overall height
2wd with roof rack in (mm) 77.8(1,977)
4wd with roof rack in (mm) 78.7(1,998)
2wd without roof rack in (mm) 75.7(1,922)
4wd without roof rack in (mm) 76.5(1,944)
Front tread
17 inch tire in (mm) 67.5(1,715)
18 inch tire in (mm) 67.9(1,725)
Rear tread
17 inch tire in (mm) 67.5(1,715)
18 inch tire in (mm) 67.9(1,725)
Wheelbase in (mm) 123.2(3,130)
Gross vehicle weight
ratinglb (kg)
See the “F.M.V.S.S.
certification label” on the
center pillar between the
driver’s side front and
side doors. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
9-8Technical and consumer information
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
CHART
US & CAN
2WD 4WD
Towing
Capacity*1w/o tow
package6,500 lb.
(2,948 kg)6,500 lb.
(2,948 kg)
with tow
package*29,100 lb.
(4,128 kg)9,100 lb.
(4,128 kg)
Tongue
Loadw/o tow
package650 lb.
(295 kg)650 lb.
(295 kg)
with tow
package*2910 lb.
(413 kg)910 lb.
(413 kg)
Gross
Combined
Weight
Ratingw/o tow
package12,800 lb.
(5,806 kg)13,000 lb.
(5,897 kg)
with tow
package*214,600 lb.
(6,622 kg)14,822 lb.
(6,722 kg)
*1: The towing capacity values are calculated
assuming a base vehicle with driver and any
options required to achieve the rating. Additional
passengers, cargo and/or optional equipment
will add weight to the vehicle and reduce your
vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
*2: Requires weight distribution hitch.
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
cTrailer hitch components have specific
weight ratings. Your vehicle may be ca-
pable of towing a trailer heavier than
the weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Never exceed the weight rating
of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:
cThe required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on the top of the ball.
cChoose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
cThe 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.
cThe 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.
Technical and consumer information9-17
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