transmission NISSAN ARMADA 2012 1.G User Guide

Cruise main switch indicator
This indicator illuminates when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The indicator turns off
when the main switch is pushed again. When the
cruise main switch indicator illuminates, the
cruise control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator light
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ battery dis-
charge indicator (NISSAN Intelligent Key™
model)
This indicator illuminates when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator illuminates, replace the battery
with a new one. See “Battery replacement” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
Transfer 4LO position indicator (
model)
This indicator illuminates when the 4WD shift
switch is set in the 4LO position with the ignition
switch placed in the ON position.If the 4WD shift switch is set in the 4LO position
and the indicator blinks, stop the vehicle, drive
slowly forward and the indicator will turn on.
When you shift between 4H and 4LO, stop the
vehicle, move the shift selector to the N (Neutral)
position, then depress and turn the 4WD shift
switch to 4LO or 4H.
The transfer case may be damaged if you shift the
switch while driving.
You cannot move the transfer 4WD shift switch
between 4H and 4LO unless you have first
stopped the vehicle and moved the shift selector
to N (Neutral) . Make sure the transfer 4LO posi-
tion indicator illuminates when you shift the 4WD
shift switch to 4LO.
The indicator may blink while shifting from
one drive mode to the other.
4WD shift indicator (
model)
While the engine is running, the 4WD shift indi-
cator will illuminate the position selected by the
4WD shift switch.
The 4WD shift indicator may blink while
shifting from one drive mode to the other.
Automatic transmission position indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this indicator shows the shift selector position. See “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
Loose fuel cap warning
This warning appears when the fuel-filler cap is
not tightened correctly after the vehicle has been
refueled. See “Fuel-filler cap” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
Check tire pressure warning
This warning appears when the low tire pressure
warning light in the meter illuminates and low tire
pressure is detected. If this warning appears,
stop the vehicle and adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pressure shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label. See “Low
tire pressure warning light” earlier in this section
and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)”
in the “Starting and driving” section.
Instruments and controls2-25

WARNING
●The front sonar system is a convenience
but it is not a substitute for proper
driving.
● The rear sonar system is a convenience
but it is not a substitute for proper back-
ing. Always turn and check that it is safe
to do so before backing up. Always
back up slowly. The front sonar system:
● is active when the ignition is in the ON
position and the shift selector is in a forward
gear position.
● a beeping tone is emitted when the sensors
detect obstacles within 3 ft (1.0 m) of the
front bumper.
The rear sonar system: ● is active when the ignition is in the ON
position and the shift selector is in R (Re-
verse) .
● a beeping tone is emitted when the sensors
detect obstacles within 5.9 ft (1.8 m) of the
rear bumper.
The front and rear sonar system can be disabled
by pushing the OFF switch. When the system is
disabled, the indicator light on the switch will
illuminate. Push the switch again to enable the
system. The indicator light will go off.
The system will automatically reset the next time
the ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
See “Front sonar system” in the “Starting and
driving” section. 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. How-
ever, fuel economy may be reduced, and the
transmission/engine driving characteristics may
feel unusual.
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
ignition switch is placed in the OFF position.
LIC1182LIC0594
FRONT AND REAR SONAR SYSTEM
OFF SWITCH (if so equipped)
TOW MODE SWITCH
2-38Instruments and controls

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ..................5-2
Three-way catalyst ..............................5-2
On-pavement and off-road driving
precautions ....................................5-3
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ....................5-6
Off-road recovery ...............................5-6
Rapid air pressure loss ..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ................5-7
Driving safety precautions .......................5-7
Ignition switch .....................................5-9
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped) .........5-9
Ignition switch positions ........................ 5-11
Automatic transmission ......................... 5-11
Key positions ................................. 5-12
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system .............5-13
Before starting the engine ......................... 5-13
Starting the engine ............................... 5-13
Driving the vehicle ................................ 5-14
Engine protection mode ........................ 5-14
Automatic transmission ......................... 5-15
Parking brake .................................... 5-19
Cruise control .................................... 5-20Precautions on cruise control
...................5-20
Cruise control operations .......................5-20
Break-in schedule ................................ 5-21
Increasing fuel economy ........................... 5-22
Using four wheel drive (4WD) .............5-22
Transfer case shifting procedures ...............5-23
Parking/parking on hills ............................ 5-30
Power steering ................................... 5-31
Brake system .................................... 5-31
Brake precautions ............................. 5-31
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................5-32
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system .............5-33
Rear sonar system ................................ 5-35
Front sonar system (if so equipped) .................5-36
Cold weather driving .............................. 5-37
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................5-37
Anti-freeze .................................... 5-37
Battery ....................................... 5-37
Draining of coolant water .......................5-37
Tire equipment ................................ 5-37
Special winter equipment .......................5-38
Driving on snow or ice ......................... 5-38
Engine block heater (if so equipped) .............5-38

●Do not drive across steep slopes. In-
stead drive either straight up or straight
down the slopes. Off-road vehicles can
tip over sideways much more easily
than they can forward or backward.
● Many 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.
● Do not shift gears while driving on
downhill grades as this could cause
loss of control of the vehicle.
● Stay 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.
● If 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.
● Heavy 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. ●
Unsecured 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.
● To avoid raising the center of gravity
excessively, do not exceed the rated
capacity of the roof rack and evenly
distribute the load. Secure heavy loads
in the cargo area as far forward and as
low as possible. Do not equip the ve-
hicle with tires larger than specified in
this manual. This could cause your ve-
hicle to roll over.
● Do 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.
● Before operating the vehicle, ensure
that the driver and all passengers have
their seat belts fastened.
● Lower 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. ●
Do not drive beyond the performance
capability of the tires, even with 4WD
engaged.
● For 4WD equipped vehicles, do not at-
tempt to raise two wheels off the
ground and shift the transmission to
any drive or reverse position with the
engine running. Doing so may result in
drivetrain damage or unexpected ve-
hicle movement which could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal
injury.
● Do not attempt to test a 4WD equipped
vehicle on a 2-wheel dynamometer
(such as the dynamometers used by
some states for emissions testing) , or
similar equipment even if the other two
wheels are raised off the ground. Make
sure you inform test facility personnel
that your vehicle is equipped with 4WD
before it is placed on a dynamometer.
Using the wrong test equipment may
result in drivetrain damage or unex-
pected vehicle movement which could
result in serious vehicle damage or per-
sonal injury.
● Accelerating quickly, sharp steering
maneuvers or sudden braking may
cause loss of control.
5-8Starting and driving

The operating range of the engine start function
is inside of the vehicle
1.
● The luggage area is not included in the op-
erating range, but the Intelligent Key may
function.
● If the Intelligent Key is placed on the instru-
ment panel, inside the glove box, storage bin
or door pocket, the Intelligent Key may not
function.
● If the Intelligent Key is placed near the door
or window outside the vehicle, the Intelligent
Key may function.
IGNITION SWITCH POSITIONS
Push in the ignition switch to theBposition
when you turn it.
LOCK (Normal parking position)
A:
The ignition switch can only be locked in the
LOCK position.
The ignition switch will be unlocked when it is
pushed in, and turned to the ACC position
C
while carrying the Intelligent Key.
ACC (Accessories)
C:
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio, when the engine is not running. ON (Normal operating position)
D:
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START
E:
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the ignition switch
immediately. It will automatically return to the ON
position.
The ignition switch cannot be turned back to the
LOCK position unless the shift selector is in the P
(Park) position. (It can be turned only to the
B
position.)
CAUTION
Do not leave the vehicle with the ignition
switch in ACC or ON positions when the
engine is not running for an extended pe-
riod. This can discharge the battery.AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The ignition lock is designed so the ignition
switch cannot be placed in the LOCK position
and the key cannot be removed until the shift
selector is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition switch,
make sure the shift selector is in the P (Park)
position.
If the shift selector is not returned to P (Park)
position, the ignition switch cannot be placed in
the LOCK position.
WSD0041
Starting and driving5-11

●If 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 to 6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accel-
erator pedal. Crank the engine with your
foot off the accelerator pedal by 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: ● The engine coolant temperature gauge will
move toward the H position.
● Engine power may be reduced.
● The 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. If:
1. The engine coolant temperature is not re- duced.
2. The air conditioning cooling function does not turn back ON.
3. The engine oil pressure warning/engine coolant temperature high indicator
il-
luminates, this may indicate a malfunction.
Move the vehicle off the road in a safe area
and allow the engine to cool. If after check-
ing the oil and coolant, the
remains
on, do not continue to drive and call a
NISSAN dealer.
The check engine light may also come ON. If
only it remains on, you do not need to have your
vehicle towed, but have it inspected soon by a
NISSAN dealer. See “Check engine light” in the
“Instruments and controls ” section of this
manual.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-14Starting and driving

WARNING
Overheating can result in reduced engine
power and vehicle speed. The reduced
speed may be lower than other traffic,
which could increase the chance of a col-
lision. Be especially careful when driving.
If the vehicle cannot maintain a safe driv-
ing speed, pull to the side of the road in a
safe area. Allow the engine to cool and
return to normal operation. See “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WARNING
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , or L (Low) . Always
depress the brake pedal until shifting is
completed. Failure to do so could cause
you to lose control and have an
accident.
● Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
● Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.
● Except in an emergency, do not shift to
the N (Neutral) position while driving.
Doing so can cause a loss of engine
braking which may result in a collision,
serious personal injury or death. In ad-
dition, coasting with the transmission
in the N (Neutral) position may cause
serious damage to the transmission.
CAUTION
● When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
● Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the foot brake pedal before moving the shift
selector out of the P (Park) position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and move the shift selector into a driving gear.
3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
Starting and driving5-15

The automatic transmission is designed so
the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
The shift selector cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition switch is
placed in the LOCK or OFF position.To move the shift selector:
: Shift while depressing the brake pedal
: Shift without depressing brake pedal
Shifting
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and move the shift selector out of the P
(Park) position.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the shift selec-
tor is in any position while the engine is
not running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal injury
or property damage.
If the ignition switch is placed in the OFF or ACC
position for any reason while the vehicle is in N
(Neutral) , or any D (Drive) position, the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position.
Move the shift selector to the P (Park) position,
then the ignition switch can be turned to LOCK.
P (Park):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the P (Park) shift selector position when the
vehicle is parked or when starting the engine.
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped.
The brake pedal should be depressed to
move the shift selector from N (Neutral) or
any drive position to P (Park) . Apply the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply the
parking brake first, then move the shift selector
into the P (Park) position.
WSD0187
5-16Starting and driving

R (Reverse):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting the R (Reverse) position. The brake
pedal must be depressed to move the shift
selector from P (Park) , N (Neutral) or any
drive position to R (Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
4 (Fourth gear):
Use this position for driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking would be advanta-
geous.
Do not downshift into the 4 position at speeds
over the following and do not exceed the follow-
ing speeds in the 4 position. 4H:
62 MPH (100 km/h)
4LO: 31 MPH (50 km/h)
3 (Third gear):
Use this position for driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking would be advanta-
geous.
2 (Second gear):
Use this position for hill climbing or engine brak-
ing on downhill grades.
Do not downshift into the 2 position at speeds
over the following and do not exceed the follow-
ing speeds in the 2 position. 2WD and AUTO:71 MPH (115 km/h) w/o tow mode
62 MPH (100 km/h) w/tow mode
4H: 62 MPH (100 km/h) w/o tow mode
62 MPH (100 km/h) w/tow mode 4LO:
31 MPH (50 km/h) w/o tow mode
27 MPH (44 km/h) w/tow mode
1 (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or slow driving through deep snow, sand or mud,
or for maximum engine braking on steep downhill
grades.
Do not downshift into the 1 position at speeds
over the following and do not exceed the follow-
ing speeds in the 1 position. 2WD and AUTO:43 MPH (70 km/h) w/o tow mode
37 MPH (60 km/h) w/tow mode
4H: 43 MPH (70 km/h) w/o tow mode
37 MPH (60 km/h) w/tow mode
4LO: 19 MPH (30 km/h) w/o tow mode
16 MPH (27 km/h) w/tow mode
Starting and driving5-17

Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift selector may
not be moved from the P (Park) position even with
the brake pedal depressed.
To move the shift selector, release the shift lock.
The shift selector can be moved to N (Neutral) .
However, the steering wheel will be locked un-
less the ignition switch is placed in the ON posi-
tion (for models with a steering lock mechanism) .
This allows the vehicle to be moved if the battery
is discharged.To push the shift lock release, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3.
Remove the shift lock release cover as shown.
4. Use a protective cloth on the tip of a small screwdriver before inserting it in the shift
lock release slot and pushing down.
5. Move the shift selector to the N (Neutral) position while holding down the shift lock
release.
6. Place the ignition switch in the ON position to unlock the steering wheel (for models with
a steering lock mechanism) .
7. Now the vehicle may be moved to the de- sired location.
If the shift selector cannot be moved out of P
(Park) , have a NISSAN dealer check the auto-
matic transmission system as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the shift selector cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunction-
ing stop lights could cause an accident
injuring yourself and others.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, please note
that the transmission will be locked in any of the
forward gears according to the condition.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition
switch OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then
turn the ignition switch back to the ON
position. The vehicle should return to its
normal operating condition. If it does not
LSD0090
5-18Starting and driving