oil NISSAN ARMADA 2009 Owner's Guide

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. Choosing an oil
viscosity other than that recommended could
cause serious 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 limited war-
ranty.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
cstop and go commuting
Refer to the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil, NISSAN
A/C system oil Type S or the exact equiva-
lents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replace-
ment of all air conditioner system
components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the
earth’s atmosphere, certain government regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
Technical and consumer information9-7
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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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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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N
NISSAN mobile entertainment system
(MES)......................4-75
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-29, 3-3, 5-11
NISSAN voice recognition system......4-118
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-5
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil.............8-9
Changing engine oil filter..........8-10
Checking engine oil level..........8-8
Engine oil...................8-8
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-6
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-15
Engine oil viscosity..............9-7
Outside mirror control.............3-31
Outside mirrors.................3-31
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-33
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-33P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Parking/parking on hills...........5-27
Pedal position adjustment...........3-28
Personal lights.................2-58
Phone, BluetoothThands-free system. . . .4-92,
4-107
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-40
Power rear windows............2-53
Power steering fluid.............8-11
Power steering system...........5-28
Power vent windows............2-54
Power windows...............2-52
Rear power windows............2-53
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions..................5-3
Precautions on child
restraints............1-27, 1-38, 1-44
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-16
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-49
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system.........1-62
Programmable features..........4-9, 4-25
Push starting..................6-10R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-91
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-50
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer................4-47
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-55
Rear audio controls.............4-74
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-73
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-31
Rear audio controls...............4-74
Rear center seat belt..............1-23
Rear power windows..............2-53
Rear seat air conditioner............4-38
Rear sonar system...............5-31
Rear view monitor................4-32
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-32
Rear window wiper and washer switches . . .2-31
Recorders
Event data..................9-32
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Remote controller (See NISSAN mobile
entertainment system).............4-78
Remote keyless entry system..........3-7
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-31
Resetting the fuel economy........4-5, 4-21
Roof rack....................2-50
10-5
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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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RECOMMENDED FUEL (without
Flexible Fuel Vehicle option):
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
CAUTION
cOnly vehicles with the E-85 filler door
label can operate on E-85. Fuel system
or other damage can occur if E-85 is
used in vehicles that are not designed
to run on E-85.
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect the
warranty coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
cDo not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle.
Your vehicle is not designed to run on
E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel can damage
the fuel system components and is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle lim-
ited warranty.For additional information, see “Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants in the “Technical
and consumer information” section.
FLEXIBLE FUEL VEHICLE (FFV)
FUEL RECOMMENDATION (if so
equipped):
If your vehicle is equipped as a Flexible Fuel
vehicle (FFV) your vehicle is designed to use
(E-85) Fuel Ethanol, “Regular” unleaded regular
gasoline or any percentage of the two fuels com-
bined.
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect the
warranty coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
For additional information, see “Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants in the “Technical
and consumer information” section.
RECOMMENDED ENGINE OIL:
cEngine oil with API Certification Mark
cViscosity SAE 5W-30
See “Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” in
the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.
COLD TIRE PRESSURE:
See Tire and Loading Information label.
The label is typically located on the driver side
center pillar or on the driver’s door. For additional
information, see “Wheels and tires” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.
RECOMMENDED NEW VEHICLE
BREAK-IN PROCEDURE:
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of vehicle
use, follow the recommendations outlined in the
“BREAK-IN SCHEDULE” information found in
the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Follow these recommendations for the future re-
liability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure
to follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
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