maintenance NISSAN ARMADA 2012 1.G Manual PDF

7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown if the tire has
radial structure.
8Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is shown.
Other Tire-related Terminology
In addition to the many terms that are
defined throughout this section, Intended
Outboard Sidewall is (1) the sidewall that
contains a whitewall, bears white lettering
or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same molding on the
other sidewall of the tire, or (2) the out-
ward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical
tire that has a particular side that must
always face outward when mounted on a
vehicle.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
● When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same type
(i.e., Summer, All Season or Snow) and
construction. A NISSAN dealer may be
able to help you with information about
tire type, size, speed rating and
availability.
● Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory equipped
tires, and may not match the potential
maximum vehicle speed. Never exceed
the maximum speed rating of the tire.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the low tire pres-
sure warning system.
● For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
All season tires
NISSAN specifies All Season tires on some mod-
els to provide good performance all year, includ- ing snowy and icy road conditions. All Season
tires are identified by ALL SEASON and/or M&S
on the tire sidewall. Snow tires have better snow
traction than All Season tires and may be more
appropriate in some areas.
Summer tires
NISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance is substantially re-
duced in snow and ice. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating “M&S” on the tire sidewall.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
SNOW tires or ALL SEASON tires on all four
wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed ratings
than factory equipped tires and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never ex-
ceed the maximum speed rating of the tire.
8-42Maintenance and do-it-yourself

If you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some U.S. states and
Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before installing
studded tires. Skid and traction capabilities of
studded snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
CAUTION
Tire chains/cables should not be installed
on P275/60R20 size tires. Installation of
the tire chains/cables on P275/60R20 size
tires will cause damage to the vehicle. If
you plan to use tire chains/cables, you
should install P265/70R18 size tires on
your vehicle.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure
they are the proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions. Use only SAE
class “S” chains. Class “S” chains are used on
vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains are de- signed to meet the minimum clearances between
the tire and the closest vehicle suspension or
body component required to accommodate the
use of a winter traction device (tire chains or
cables) . The minimum clearances are determined
using the factory equipped tire size. Other types
may damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners
when recommended by the tire chain manufac-
turer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the
tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent
the possibility of whipping action damage to the
fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully load-
ing your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your
vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with
chains in such conditions can cause damage to
the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress.
Use only the 2WD range when driving on clear
paved roads.CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
NISSAN recommends rotating the tires
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
See “Flat tire” in the “In case of emer-
gency” section in this manual for tire re-
placing procedures.
As soon as possible, tighten the
wheel nuts to the specified torque
with a torque wrench.
WDI0258
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-43

Wheel nut tightening torque:98 ft-lb (133 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tight-
ened to specifications at all times. It
is recommended that wheel nuts be
tightened to specification at each
tire rotation interval.
WARNING
● After rotating the tires, check and
adjust the tire pressure.
● Retighten the wheel nuts when
the vehicle has been driven for
600 miles (1,000 km) (also in
cases of a flat tire, etc.) .
● Do not include the spare tire in
the tire rotation.
● For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
1. Wear indicator
2. Location mark
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
● Tires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulg-
ing or objects caught in the tread.
If excessive wear, cracks, bulging
or deep cuts are found, the tire(s)
should be replaced. ●
The original tires have built-in
tread wear indicators. When the
wear indicators are visible, the
tire(s) should be replaced.
● Tires degrade with age and use.
Have tires, including the spare,
over 6 years old checked by a
qualified technician because
some tire damage may not be ob-
vious. Replace the tires as neces-
sary to prevent tire failure and
possible personal injury.
● Improper service of the spare tire
may result in serious personal in-
jury. If it is necessary to repair the
spare tire, contact a NISSAN
dealer.
● For additional information re-
garding tires, refer to “Important
Tire Safety Information” (US) or
“Tire Safety Information”
(Canada) in the Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet.
WDI0259
8-44Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Replacing wheels and tires
When replacing a tire, use the same size, tread
design, speed rating and load carrying capacity
as originally equipped. Recommended types and
sizes are shown in “Wheels and tires” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
WARNING
●The use of tires other than those recom-
mended or the mixed use of tires of
different brands, construction (bias,
bias-belted or radial) , or tread patterns
can adversely affect the ride, braking,
handling, VDC system, ground clear-
ance, body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to acci-
dents and could result in serious per-
sonal injury.
● If your vehicle was originally equipped
with 4 tires that were the same size and
you are only replacing 2 of the 4 tires,
install the new tires on the rear axle.
Placing new tires on the front axle may
cause loss of vehicle control in some
driving conditions and cause an acci-
dent and personal injury. ●
If the wheels are changed for any rea-
son, always replace with wheels which
have the same off-set dimension.
Wheels of a different off-set could
cause premature tire wear, degrade ve-
hicle handling characteristics, affect
the VDC system and/or interference
with the brake discs/drums. Such inter-
ference can lead to decreased braking
efficiency and/or early brake pad/shoe
wear. Refer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual for wheel off-set
dimensions.
● When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, tire pressure will not be
indicated, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
● Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS. ●
Do not install a damaged or deformed
wheel or tire even if it has been re-
paired. Such wheels or tires could have
structural damage and could fail with-
out warning.
● The use of retread tires is not
recommended.
● For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety In-
formation” (US) or “Tire Safety Informa-
tion” (Canada) in the Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet.
Four-wheel drive models
CAUTION
Always use tires of the same type, size,
brand, construction (bias, bias-belted or
radial) , and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Failure to do so may result in a
circumference difference between tires
on the front and rear axles which will
cause excessive tire wear and may dam-
age the transmission, transfer case and
differential gears.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-45

If excessive tire wear is found, it is recommended
that all four tires be replaced with tires of the
same size, brand, construction and tread pattern.
The tire pressure and wheel alignment should
also be checked and corrected as necessary.
Contact a NISSAN dealer.
Wheel balance
Unbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can get
out of balance. Therefore, they should be bal-
anced as required.
Wheel balance service should be per-
formed with the wheels off the vehicle.
Spin balancing the wheels on the vehicle
could lead to mechanical damage.● For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety Infor-
mation” (Canada) in the Warranty In-
formation Booklet.
Care of wheels
● Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
● Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed. ●
Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
● Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
● NISSAN recommends waxing the road
wheels to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.
8-46Maintenance and do-it-yourself

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.........9-2
Fuel recommendation
(without Flexible Fuel Vehicle option). .............9-4
Flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) fuel
recommendation (if so equipped) .................9-5
Engine oil and oil filter recommendations ..........9-7
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations ..............................9-8
Specifications .....................................9-9
Engine ........................................9-9
Wheels and tires .............................. 9-10
Dimensions and weights .......................9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country .................................. 9-11
Vehicle identification .............................. 9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate .........9-11
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) .............................. 9-11
Engine serial number ........................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-12
Emission control information label ...............9-12Tire and loading information label
................9-13
Air conditioner specification label ................9-13
Installing front license plate ........................9-13
Vehicle loading information ........................9-14
Terms ........................................ 9-14
Vehicle load capacity .......................... 9-15
Securing the load .............................. 9-17
Loading tips . . . ............................... 9-18
Measurement of weights .......................9-18
Towing a trailer ................................... 9-19
Maximum load limits ........................... 9-19
Towing load/specification .......................9-22
Towing safety ................................. 9-23
Flat towing .................................... 9-31
Snow plow ...................................... 9-31
Uniform tire quality grading ........................9-32
Emission control system warranty ..................9-33
Reporting safety defects .......................... 9-33
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test .....9-34
Event

Data Recorders (EDR) ....................... 9-34
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-35

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 28 gal23-1/4 gal 105.8 See “ Fuel recommendations” later in this section.*1
Engine oil *8 Drain and RefillWith oil filter change 6-7/8 qt 5-3/4 qt 6.5 Engine oil with API Certification Mark *2
Viscosity SAE 5W-30
Without oil filter change 6-1/2 qt 5-1/2 qt 6.2
Cooling system With reservoir 3-3/4 gal 3-1/8 gal 14.4 Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or equivalent
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section. Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF *3
Power steering fluid (PSF) Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*4
Brake fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid *5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease ———NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — ——HFC-134a (R-134a) *6
Air conditioning system oil ———Genuine NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *6
Transfer fluid 3-1/8 qt 2-5/8 qt 3.0 Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF recommended *7
Front differential gear oil 3-3/8 pt 2-7/8 pt 1.6 Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5, Vis-
cosity SAE 80W-90 *9
Rear differential gear oil 3-3/4 pt 3-1/8 pt 1.75 API GL-5 synthetic gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90*10
Windshield-washer fluid (shared between
front and rear wipers) 1-1/4 gal 1 gal
4.5Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or
equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation” in this section.
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations” in this section.
*3: If Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF is not available, Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF may also be used. Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF or Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information

*4: DEXTRON™ VI type ATF may also be used.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label” in this section.
*7: Using fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic D ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and transfer case durability, and may damage the transfer case, which is not covered bythe NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*8: For further details, see “Changing engine oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
*9: For hot climates, viscosity SAE 80W-90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 0° C (32° F) .
*10: See a NISSAN dealer for service for synthetic oil.
Technical and consumer information9-3

General information
This information is for Flexible Fuel vehicles (FFV)
only. FFV vehicles can be identified by the fuel
filler door label that states Ethanol (E-85) or
Unleaded Gasoline Only. This section only cov-
ers those subjects that are unique to Flexible Fuel
vehicles.
CAUTION
Only 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.
Ethanol Fuel (E-85)
E-85 is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel etha-
nol and 15% unleaded gasoline.
WARNING
●Ethanol vapors are extremely flam-
mable and could cause serious per-
sonal injury.
● Never have any smoking materials lit in
or near the vehicle when removing the
fuel filler cap or filling the tank.
● Do not use E-85 as a cleaning agent and
never use it near an open flame. Fuel requirements
Your vehicle will operate on both unleaded regular
gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI
(Anti-Knock Index) number (Research octane num-
ber 91) , or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of these two.
For the best starting and vehicle driveability re-
sults, do not continually switch between E-85
and unleaded regular gasoline. If you must switch
fuels, NISSAN recommends the following:
● do not switch when the fuel gauge indicates
less than 1/4 full
● add more than 5 gallons of fuel
● operate the vehicle immediately after refuel-
ing for a period of at least 5 minutes
NOTE:
When the ambient temperature is above
90°F (32°C) , you may experience hard start-
ing and rough idle following start up even if
the above recommendations are followed.
Starting
The characteristics of E-85 fuel make it unsuit-
able for use when ambient temperatures fall be-
low 0°F (-18°C) . In the range of 0°F (-18°C) to
32°F (0°C) , you may experience an increase in
the time it takes for you engine to start, and a
deterioration in drivability (sags and/or hesita-
tions) until the engine is fully warmed up. Fuel consumption
Because E-85 fuel contains less energy per gal-
lon than gasoline, you will experience an increase
in fuel consumption. You can expect your fuel
mileage to decrease by about 30% compared to
gasoline operation.
Replacement parts
Many components in your Flexible Fuel Vehicle
(FFV) are designed to be compatible with etha-
nol. Always be sure that your vehicle is serviced
with correct ethanol compatible parts.
CAUTION
Replacing fuel system components with
non-ethanol compatible components can
damage your vehicle and may also affect
the warranty coverage.
Maintenance
If you operate your vehicle using E-85 fuel, follow
the correct maintenance log shown in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide”.
CAUTION
Do not use ethanol mixture greater than
85% in your vehicle. It will cause difficulty
in cold starting and may affect drivability.
9-6Technical and consumer information

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality
and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. See “Capacities
and recommended fuel/lubricants” earlier in this
section. NISSAN recommends the use of an
energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel
economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and ApprovalCommittee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label should not
be used as they could cause engine damage.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. 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.
WTI0183
Technical and consumer information9-7