automatic transmission NISSAN ARMADA 2009 Owner's Guide

3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
cBe 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.
cUse 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.
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.
cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
cNISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
cMake 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:cGrade logic — Adjusts transmission shifts
when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up a
grade.
cDownhill 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
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CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
cDO 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.
cFor 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 dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
WARNING
Do not use this vehicle for snowplowing.
Installing a snowplow may affect vehicle
handling. This may cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle and could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal injury.DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
SNOW PLOW UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information9-29
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10 Index
4WD warning light...............2-16
A
Active Head Restraint..............1-9
Adjusting pedal position............3-28
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-49
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-57
Air bag warning labels.............1-64
Air bag warning light...........1-64, 2-18
Air cleaner housing filter............8-17
Air conditioner
Air conditioner service...........4-39
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls. . . .4-36
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-38
Servicing air conditioner..........4-39
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-27
Anchor point locations.............1-32
Antenna.....................4-75
Anti-lock brake warning light......2-13, 2-14
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-29
Audible reminders................2-20
Audio system..................4-39
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-50Compact disc (CD) player.........4-58
Audio System
CompactFlash (CF) player.........4-60
Audio system
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer................4-47
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-55
Audio System
Music Box hard-disk drive audio
system....................4-62
Audio system
Radio....................4-39
Rear audio controls.............4-74
Audio System
Settings................4-47, 4-55
Audio system
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-73
Autolight switch.................2-33
Automatic
Automatic drive positioner.........3-32
Automatic power window switch.....2-53
Automatic transmission position indicator
light.....................2-27
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-14
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-16
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror.......3-29
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge.......................2-9
AUX jack.................4-53, 4-60B
Battery......................8-13
Charge warning light............2-15
Before starting the engine...........5-12
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-15
Block heater
Engine....................5-35
BluetoothThands-free phone
system..................4-92, 4-107
Booster seats..................1-44
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-29
Brake fluid..................8-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-30
Brake system................5-28
Brake warning light.............2-14
Brake wear indicators........2-20, 8-22
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Self-adjusting brakes............8-22
Brakes......................8-22
Break-in schedule................5-19
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-35
Brightness/contrast button.......4-16, 4-32
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-13
Bulb replacement................8-30
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C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Captain’s chair adjustment (2nd row)......1-5
Car phone or CB radio.............4-91
Cargo light...................2-58
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-13
CD care and cleaning.............4-71
CD changer (See audio system)........4-50
CD player (See audio system).........4-58
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-31
Child restraints..........1-19, 1-27, 1-29
Precautions on child
restraints............1-27, 1-38, 1-44
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-32
Child safety rear door lock............3-7
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-20
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock...................4-48, 4-56
(models with navigation system) . .4-11, 4-27
Clock set.................4-11, 4-27
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Cold weather driving..............5-33
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-58
CompactFlash (CF) player...........4-60
Console box...............2-41, 2-47
Control panel buttons
Brightness/contrast button.....4-16, 4-32
Enter button..............4-2, 4-16
Setting button.............4-9, 4-25
Startup screen...............4-19
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-73Heater and air conditioner controls. . . .4-36
Rear audio controls.............4-74
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-38
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-18
Cup holders...................2-45
Curtain side-impact and rollover air bag . . .1-61
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-34
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-32
Digital video disc DVD.............4-75
Dimensions and weights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-35
Display controls
(see control panel buttons)........4-2, 4-16
Distance to empty.............4-5, 4-21
Door locks....................3-4
Drive belt....................8-15
Drive positioner, Automatic...........3-32
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-33
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-14
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2E
Economy - fuel.................5-20
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-30
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-12
Block heater.................5-35
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-8
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-7
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-6
Engine oil viscosity..............9-7
Engine serial number............9-11
Engine specifications.............9-8
Starting the engine.............5-12
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-8
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-15
Enter button................4-2, 4-16
Event data recorders..............9-32
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-43
10-2
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F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-36
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Engine coolant................8-7
Engine oil...................8-8
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Window washer fluid............8-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Fog light switch.................2-35
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-57
Front seats....................1-2
Front sonar system...............5-32
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-20
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-26
Fuses......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-24G
Garage door opener, HomeLinkTUniversal
Transceiver...................2-59
Gascap.....................3-26
Gauge
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge.....................2-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-8
Fuel gauge..................2-7
Odometer...................2-5
Speedometer.................2-5
Tachometer..................2-6
Trip odometer.................2-5
Voltmeter...................2-8
General maintenance..............8-2
Glass hatch...................3-26
Glove box....................2-43
Glove box lock.................2-43
H
Hands-free phone system,
BluetoothT...............4-92, 4-107
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-36
Head restraints..................1-8
Active Head Restraint............1-9
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-32
Headlight control switch............2-32
Headlights....................8-28
Headphones
(See NISSAN mobile entertainment system). .4-79
Heated seats..................2-37Heated steering wheel.............2-37
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls. . . .4-36
Heater operation..............4-37
Rear seat air conditioner..........4-38
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.......2-59
Hood release..................3-21
Hook
Luggage hook................2-49
Horn.......................2-36
I
Ignition switch..................5-9
Immobilizer system.........2-29, 3-3, 5-11
Important vehicle information label.......9-11
In-cabin microfilter...............8-17
Increasing fuel economy............5-20
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders)....................2-13
Inside automatic anti-glare mirror.......3-29
Instrument brightness control.........2-35
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-35
Intelligent Key system..............3-11
Key operating range............3-12
Key operation................3-13
Mechanical key................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation......3-16
Troubleshooting guide...........3-20
Warning signals...............3-20
Interior light...................2-56
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-29
10-3
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S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-7
Child seat belts........1-27, 1-38, 1-44
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-31
Screen (See NISSAN mobile entertainment
system).....................4-78
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Front power seat adjustment........1-4
Second row bench seats..........1-6
Second row captain’s chair.........1-5
Third row power folding seats.......1-15
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-19
Infants and small children.........1-19
Injured Person................1-20
Larger children...............1-19
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-16
Pregnant women..............1-20
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.......1-62
Rear center seat belt............1-23
Seat belt extenders.............1-26
Seat belt maintenance...........1-27
Seat belts..................1-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-26
Three-point type with retractor.......1-20
Seat belt warning light.............2-18
Seatback pockets................2-44
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Automatic drive positioner.........3-32
Front seats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-37Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Second row captain’s chair adjustment.....1-5
Security indicator light.............2-19
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-29, 3-3, 5-11
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-22
Service manual order form...........9-33
Servicing air conditioner............4-39
Setting button...............4-9, 4-25
Shift lock release................5-16
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-14
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-26
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air
bag, curtain and rollover air bag systems). . .1-61
Sonar
Front system.................5-32
Rear system.................5-31
Spark plug replacement............8-16
Speedometer...................2-5
SRS warning label...............1-64
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-12
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-12
Startup screen.................4-19
Steering
Heated steering wheel...........2-37
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-28
Tilting steering wheel............3-28
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-73
Stop light....................8-30
Storage.....................2-41Overhead storage compartment......2-44
Storage bin................2-45, 2-48
Storage tray...................2-41
Sun visors....................3-28
Sunglasses case................2-43
Sunglasses holder...............2-43
Sunroof.....................2-55
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-64
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-64, 2-18
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-57
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-64
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-49
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-49
Switch
Autolight switch...............2-33
Automatic power window switch.....2-53
Fog light switch...............2-35
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-36
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-32
Headlight control switch..........2-32
Ignition switch................5-9
Power door lock switch...........3-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-32
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-31
Turn signal switch..............2-35
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch....................2-38
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-30
10-6
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T
Tachometer....................2-6
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-15
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-29, 3-3, 5-11
Third row power folding seats.........1-15
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-28
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire...................6-3
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-12
Tire chains..................8-41
Tire placard.................9-12
Tire pressure................8-34
Tire rotation.................8-41
Tires of 4-wheel drive............8-43
Types of tires................8-40
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-29
Wheels and tires..............8-34
Wheel/tire size................9-9
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-16
Tire pressure display...........4-6, 4-22
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Tire rotation maintenance reminder . . .4-6, 4-22
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-31
Tow mode switch................2-39
Towing
2-wheel drive models............6-12
4-wheel drive models............6-13Flat towing..................9-28
Tow truck towing..............6-11
Towing load/specification.........9-20
Trailer towing................9-17
Transceiver
HomeLinkTUniversal Transceiver.....2-59
Transmission
Driving with automatic transmission. . . .5-14
Selector lever lock release.........5-16
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country).....................9-10
Trip odometer...................2-5
Turn signal switch................2-35
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-29
V
Vanity mirror...................3-29
Vehicle
Speed sensing door lock mechanism. . . .3-6
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-9
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch. . .2-38
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system. . . .5-30
Vehicle electronic system........4-13, 4-28
Vehicle identification..............9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number)................9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . . .9-10
Vehicle loading information...........9-13
Vehicle recovery.................6-14
Vehicle security system.............2-27Vehicle security system
(NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-29, 3-3, 5-11
Ventilators....................4-35
Visors......................3-28
Voice recognition system...........4-118
Voltmeter.....................2-8
W
Warning
4WD warning light.............2-16
Air bag warning light.........1-64, 2-18
Anti-lock brake warning light. . . .2-13, 2-14
Battery charge warning light........2-15
Brake warning light.............2-14
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-15
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-36
Low fuel warning light. . . .2-16, 2-17, 2-26
Low tire pressure warning light......2-16
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-26
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-58
Seat belt warning light...........2-18
Vehicle security system...........2-27
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-64
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders..................2-13
Warning lights..................2-13
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer
switches...................2-31
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-30
Weights (See dimensions and weights). . . .9-9
Wheels and tires................8-34
10-7
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