trailer NISSAN ARMADA 2005 1.G Owners Manual

Tow mode should be used when pulling a heavy
trailer or hauling a heavy load. Using tow mode at
other times may cause unnecessary transmission
shifting and reduced fuel economy.
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
key is turned OFF.
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 key is in the
ACC or ON position.
Open the cap to use a power outlet.
CAUTION
cThe outlet and plug may be hot during
or immediately after use.
cOnly certain power outlets are designed
for use with a cigarette lighter unit. Do
not use any other power outlet for an
accessory lighter. See your NISSAN
dealer for additional information.
cDo not use with accessories that ex-
ceed a 12 volt, 120W (10A) power draw.
Do not use double adapters or more
than one electrical accessory.
LIC0594
Front row
LIC0549
2nd row
LIC0550
TOW MODE SWITCH POWER OUTLET
Instruments and controls2-31
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

WARNING
cGasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop the engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or sparks
near the vehicle when refueling.
cFuel may be under pressure. Turn the
cap a third of a turn, and wait for any
“hissing” sound to stop to prevent fuel
from spraying out and possibly causing
personal injury. Then remove the cap.
cDo not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a fire.
cUse only an original equipment type
fuel filler cap as a replacement. It has a
built-in safety valve needed for proper
operation of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury. It could also cause the
malfunction indicator lamp to come on.
cNever pour fuel into the throttle body to
attempt to start your vehicle.cDo not fill a portable fuel container in
the vehicle or trailer. Static electricity
can cause an explosion of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or
trailer. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death when filling portable fuel
containers:
– Always place the container on the
ground when filling.
– Do not use electronic devices when
filling.
– Keep the pump nozzle in contact
with the container while you are fill-
ing it.
– Use only approved portable fuel con-
tainers for flammable liquid.
CAUTION
cIf fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid paint
damage.cTighten until the fuel filler cap clicks.
Failure to tighten the fuel filler cap
properly may cause the
mal-
function indicator lamp (MIL) to illumi-
nate. If the
lamp illuminates be-
cause the fuel filler cap is loose or
missing, tighten or install the cap and
continue to drive the vehicle.
The
lamp should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the
lamp
does not turn off after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information, see the
“Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)” in
the “Instruments and Controls” section
earlier in this manual.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-15
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

WARNING
cDo not leave children or adults who
would normally require the assistance
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should also not be left alone. They
could accidentally injure themselves or
others through inadvertent operation of
the vehicle. Also, on hot, sunny days,
temperatures in a closed vehicle could
quickly become high enough to cause
severe or possibly fatal injuries to
people or animals.
cProperly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than
the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or col-
lision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
cDo not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is danger-
ous. It can cause unconsciousness or
death.cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all win-
dows fully open, and have the vehicle
inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed spaces
such as a garage.
cDo not park the vehicle with the engine
running for any extended length of time.
cKeep the back door and rear vent win-
dows closed while driving, otherwise
exhaust gases could be drawn into the
passenger compartment. If you must
drive with the back door or rear vent
windows open, follow these
precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation but-
ton to off and the fan control dial to
high to circulate the air.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer through
the seal on the back door or the body,
follow the manufacturer’s recommen-
dation to prevent carbon monoxide en-
try into the vehicle.cThe exhaust system and body should be
inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound of
the exhaust system.
d. You have had an accident involving
damage to the exhaust system, un-
derbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the three-way catalyst are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, animals
or flammable materials away from the
exhaust system components.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Move the shift selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
key is turned to the OFF position or if
the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector lever is in any of the
driving positions.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.
cIf the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.cIf the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5-6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accel-
erator pedal. Crank the enginewith your
foot off the accelerator pedalby turn-
ing the ignition key to START. Release the
key when the engine starts. If the engine
starts, but fails to run, repeat the above
procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise
the starter could be damaged.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-
onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
In cold weather, keep the engine running for
a minimum of 2–3 minutes before shutting it
off. Starting and stopping the engine over a
short period of time may make the vehicle
more difficult to start.
ENGINE PROTECTION MODE
The engine has an engine protection mode to
reduce the chance of damage if the coolant tem-
perature becomes too high (for example, when
climbing steep grades in high temperature with
heavy loads, such as when towing a trailer) .
When the engine temperature reaches a certain
level:
cThe engine coolant temperature gauge will
move toward the H position.
cEngine power may be reduced.
cThe air conditioning cooling function may be
automatically turned OFF for a short time
(the blower will continue to operate) .
Engine power and, under some conditions, ve-
hicle speed will decrease. Vehicle speed can be
controlled with the accelerator pedal, but the
vehicle may not accelerate at the desired speed.
The transmission will downshift or upshift as it
reaches prescribed shift points. You can also
shift manually.
As driving conditions change and engine coolant
temperature is reduced, vehicle speed can be
increased using the accelerator pedal, and air
conditioning cooling function will automatically
be turned back ON.
STARTING THE ENGINE DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-9
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
12/02/04Ðdebbie
X

cPush and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re-
lease the switch when the vehicle slows to
the desired speed.
cPush and release the COAST/SET switch.
Each time you do this, the set speed de-
creases by about 1 MPH (1.6 km/h) .
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the ACCEL/RES switch. The vehicle re-
turns to the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h) .CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) ,
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and en-
sure the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle. Failure to follow these
recommendations may result in short-
ened engine life and reduced engine
performance.
cAvoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km) . Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed lowers fuel economy.
cAvoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.
cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure increases tire wear
and lowers fuel economy.
cKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment increases tire wear and
lowers fuel economy.
cAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
5-16Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
12/02/04Ðdebbie
X

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.........9-2
Fuel recommendation...........................9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation...........9-4
Recommended SAE viscosity number............9-5
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations......................9-6
Specifications.....................................9-7
Engine........................................9-7
Wheels and tires...............................9-8
Dimensions and weights........................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country...................................9-9
Vehicle identification...............................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate..........9-9
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number)...............................9-9
Engine serial number...........................9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label....................9-10
Emission control information label...............9-10
Tire and loading information label................9-11
Air conditioner specification label................9-11Installing front license plate........................9-11
Vehicle loading information........................9-12
Terms........................................9-12
Vehicle load capacity..........................9-12
Securing the load..............................9-14
Loading tips..................................9-14
Measurement of weights.......................9-15
Towing a trailer...................................9-15
Maximum load limits...........................9-15
Towing load/specification chart.................9-17
Towing safety.................................9-17
Flat towing....................................9-24
Snow plow......................................9-24
Uniform tire quality grading........................9-25
Emission control system warranty..................9-26
Reporting safety defects (US only).................9-26
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test.....9-26
Event data recorders..............................9-27
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-28
In the event of a collision.......................9-29
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been
previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. The chart “Rec-
ommended SAE viscosity number” shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the expected
ambient temperatures. Choosing an oil viscosity
other than that recommended could cause seri-
ous engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN 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. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle warranty.
Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:
crepeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
cdriving in dusty conditions
cextensive idling
ctowing a trailer
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE
10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (-18°C) .
ATI1028
Technical and consumer information9-5
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

WARNING
cIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside a vehicle. In a colli-
sion, people riding in these areas are
more likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
cDo not allow people to ride in any area
of your vehicle that is not equipped with
seats and seat belts.
cBe sure everyone in your vehicle is in a
seat and using a seat belt properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself with the fol-
lowing terms before loading your vehicle:
cCurb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle)
- vehicle weight including: standard and op-
tional equipment, fluids, emergency tools,
and spare tire assembly. This weightdoes
notinclude passengers and cargo.
cGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb weight
plus the combined weight of passengers
and cargo.cGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total combined weight of the un-
loaded vehicle, passengers, luggage, hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment. This information is located on
the F.M.V.S.S. label.
cGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the
front or rear axle. This information is located
on the F.M.V.S.S. label.
cGCWR (Gross Combined Weight rating) -
The maximum total weight rating of the ve-
hicle, passengers, cargo, and trailer.
cVehicle Capacity Weight, Load limit, Total
load capacity - maximum total weight limit
specified of the load (passengers and
cargo) for the vehicle. This is the maximum
combined weight of occupants and cargo
that can be loaded into the vehicle. If the
vehicle is used to tow a trailer, the trailer
tongue weight must be included as part of
the cargo load. This information is located on
the Tire and Loading Information label (if so
equipped) .
cCargo capacity - permissible weight of
cargo, the subtracted weight of occupants
from the load limit.
VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY
Do not exceed the load limit of your vehicle
shown as9The combined weight of occupants
and cargo9on the Tire and Loading Information
label. Do not exceed the number of occupants
shown as9Seating Capacity9on Tire and Loading
Information label.
To get9the combined weight of occupants and
cargo9, add the weight of all occupants, then add
the total luggage weight. Examples are shown
below.
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION
9-12Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

Steps for determining correct load
limit
1. Locate the statement “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never ex-
ceed XXX pounds” on your vehicle’s tire
placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX
pounds.4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the XXX amount equals 1400
lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 * 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm the you
do not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for your vehicle. See “Measurement of
Weights” later in this section.
Also check tires for proper inflation pressures.
See the Tire and Loading label.
WTI0091
Technical and consumer information9-13
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage could
occur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result in
loss of control and cause personal
injury.
cOverloading not only can shorten the
life of your vehicle and the tire, but can
also cause unsafe vehicle handling and
longer braking distances. This may
cause a premature tire failure which
could result in a serious accident and
personal injury. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by the ve-
hicle’s warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTS
Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts that
could affect the balance of your vehicle. When the
vehicle is loaded, drive to a scale and weigh the
front and the rear wheels separately to determine
axle loads. Individual axle loads should not exceed
either of the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) .
The total of the axle loads should not exceed the
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) . These rat-
ings are given on the vehicle certification label. If
weight ratings are exceeded, move or remove
items to bring all weights below the ratings.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo 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.
cFor 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 pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart found later in this sec-
tion. The total trailer load equals trailer weight
plus its cargo weight.
cWhen towing a trailer load of 1,000 lbs.
(454 kg) or more, trailers with a brake sys-
tem MUST be used.
The maximum GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating) should not exceed the value specified in
the following Towing Load/ Specification Chart.
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 adversely 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 appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced on very steep grades or in low traction
situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps) .
Temperature conditions can also affect towing.
For example, towing a heavy trailer in high outside
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information9-15
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2005 Armada(wzw)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
11/18/04Ðtbrooks
X