4WD NISSAN ARMADA 2012 1.G Owners Manual

16. Climate controls (P. 4-36)
17. Power outlet (P. 2-39)
18. Heated seat switch (if so equipped)(P. 2-35)
19. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
switch (P. 2-37)
20. Tow mode switch (P. 2-38)
21. Shift selector (P. 5-14)
22. Heated steering wheel (if so equipped)
(P. 2-36)
23. Center stack storage (P. 2-40)
24. Power outlet (P. 2-39)
25. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-66)
26. Auxiliary jack (P. 4-54)
27. 4WD shift switch (if so equipped)
(P. 5-22)
28. Tilt steering wheel control (P. 3-30)
29. Rear or front and rear sonar system off
switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-38)
30. Pedal position adjustment switch
(P. 3-30)
31. Power vent window (if so equipped)
(P. 2-54)
32. Lift gate open/close switch
(if so equipped) (P. 3-23)*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual (if so equipped) .
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
Illustrated table of contents0-7

Warninglight Name
Page
or
Anti-lock Braking Sys-
tem (ABS) warning
light 2-14
Automatic transmission
check warning light
2-14
Automatic transmission
park warning light
(
model)2-14
or
Brake warning light 2-14
Charge warning light 2-15
Check suspension
warning light (if so
equipped) 2-15
Warning
light Name
Page
Engine oil pressure
low/engine coolant
temperature high
warning light 2-15
4WD warning light
(
model)
2-16
Low fuel warning light 2-16
Low tire pressure
warning light 2-16
Master warning light 2-18
Seat belt warning light
and chime2-18
Supplemental air bag
warning light2-18
Indicator
light Name Page
Front passenger air
bag status light 2-19
High beam indicator
light (Blue)2-19
Malfunction indica-
tor light (MIL)2-19
Security indicator
light2-20
Slip indicator light 2-20
Turn signal/hazard
indicator lights2-20
Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off
indicator light2-20
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents0-9

16. Climate controls (P. 4-36)
17. Power outlet (P. 2-39)
18. Heated seat switch (if so equipped)(P. 2-35)
19. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off
switch (P. 2-37)
20. Tow mode switch (P. 2-38)
21. Shift selector (P. 5-14)
22. Heated steering wheel (if so equipped)
(P. 2-36)
23. Center stack storage (P. 2-40)
24. Power outlet (P. 2-39)
25. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-66)
26. Auxiliary jack (P. 4-54)
27. 4WD shift switch (if so equipped)
(P. 5-22)
28. Tilt steering wheel control (P. 3-30)
29. Rear or front and rear sonar system off
switch (if so equipped) (P. 2-38)
30. Pedal position adjustment switch
(P. 3-30)
31. Power vent window (if so equipped)
(P. 2-54)
32. Lift gate open/close switch
(if so equipped) (P. 3-23)*: Refer to the separate Navigation System Own-
er’s Manual (if so equipped) .
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
Instruments and controls2-3

orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light4WD warning light (model)High beam indicator light (Blue)
Automatic Transmission check warning lightLow fuel warning lightMalfunction indicator light (MIL)
Automatic transmission park warning light
(model)Low tire pressure warning lightSecurity indicator light
orBrake warning lightMaster warning lightSlip indicator light
Charge warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeTurn signal/hazard indicator lights
Check suspension warning light
(if so equipped)Supplemental air bag warning lightVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) OFF indicator
light
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning lightFront passenger air bag status light
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on (if so equipped):
,or,,,,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off (if so equipped):
or,,,,,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-13

WARNING LIGHTS
For additional information on warnings and indi-
cators, see “Vehicle information display” later in
this section.
orAnti-lock BrakingSystem (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light illuminates and then turns off. This
indicates the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
“Brake system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion.
Automatic Transmission checkwarning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on for about 2 seconds.
If the light comes on at any other time, it may
indicate the automatic transmission system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
Automatic transmission parkwarning light (
model)
WARNING
● If the ATP light is ON, this indicates that
the automatic transmission P (Park) po-
sition will not function and the transfer
case is in neutral.
● When parking, always make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator light illuminates
and the parking brake is set. Failure to
engage the transfer position in 2WD,
AUTO, 4H or 4LO could result in the
vehicle moving unexpectedly, resulting
in serious personal injury or property
damage. ●
The warning light may come on when
the ignition switch is ON and the shift
selector is placed in the P position
while shifting the transfer case be-
tween 4H and 4LO. Shift the 4WD shift
switch to the 2WD, AUTO, 4H, or 4LO
position again to turn off the ATP warn-
ing light when the warning light comes
on. Before shifting the 4WD switch into
the 4LO position or out of 4LO in the 4H
position, move the shift selector into
the N position. Shift the shift selector
into the P position and make sure that
the 4WD shift indicator light is ON and
the ATP warning light is OFF.
This light indicates that the automatic transmis-
sion parking function is not engaged. If the trans-
fer control is not secured in any drive position
while the shift selector is in the P (Park) position,
the transmission will disengage and the drive
wheels will not lock.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
2-14Instruments and controls

If the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the
engine and allow it to cool. If the light remains on
after checking the oil and coolant, stop the en-
gineimmediately and call a NISSAN dealer or
other authorized repair shop.
This light is not designed to indicate a low
oil or low coolant level. Check the oil level
with the dipstick and check the coolant level on
the reservoir. See “Engine oil” and “Checking
engine coolant level” in the “Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual. Also 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
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so. ●
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature over the normal range,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely pos-
sible. If the engine is overheated, con-
tinued operation of the vehicle may se-
riously damage the engine. See “If your
vehicle overheats” in the “In case of
emergency” section for immediate ac-
tion required.
4WD warning light (
model)
The 4WD warning light comes on when the igni-
tion switch is placed in the ON position. It turns
off soon after the engine is started.
If the engine or vehicle is not functioning properly,
the warning light will either remain illuminated or
blink. See “4WD warning light” in the “Starting
and driving” section.
CAUTION
● If the warning light comes on or blinks
during operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible. ●
Do not drive on dry hard surface roads
in the 4H or 4LO position. If the 4WD
warning light turns on when you are
driving on dry hard surface roads:
– in the AUTO or 4H position, shift the 4WD shift switch to 2WD.
– in the 4LO position, stop the vehicle, move the shift selector to the N posi-
tion and shift the 4WD shift switch to
2WD.
● If the warning light is still on after the
above operation, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the fuel
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is conve-
nient, preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty) . There will be a small reserve of fuel
in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E (Empty) .
Low tire pressure warning light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
2-16Instruments and controls

10. NISSAN Intelligent Key™ battery dischargeindicator (NISSAN Intelligent Key™ model)
11. Transfer 4LO position indicator (
model)
12. 4WD shift indicator (
model)
13. Shift selector position indicator
14. Loose fuel cap warning
15. Check tire pressure waning
Door and liftgate open warning
This warning illuminates when a door, the liftgate
or the liftgate glass has been opened when the
ignition switch is placed in the ON position.
Lock warning (NISSAN Intelligent Key™
model)
This warning illuminates and a chime sounds if
the ignition switch has been in the ACC or ON
position and then placed in the OFF position.
Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position
and the warning and chime will turn off.
Refer to “Shift P warning” in this section for
additional information.
Low fuel warning
This warning illuminates when the fuel level in the
fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches E (Empty) .
There will be a small re-
serve of fuel in the tank when the fuel
gauge needle reaches E (Empty) .
Low windshield-washer fluid warning
This warning illuminates when the windshield-
washer fluid is at a low level. Add windshield-
washer fluid as necessary. See “Windshield-
washer fluid” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
No key warning (NISSAN Intelligent Key™
model)
This warning illuminates following two condi-
tions:
1. When the ignition switch is pushed and the Intelligent Key cannot be recognized by the
system. If this warning illuminates, you can-
not start the engine.
Check for the following causes and perform
the assigned remedies:
– The battery of the Intelligent Key carried with you is discharged completely. Re-
place the battery with a new one.
– The Intelligent Key carried with you is not registered to the system. Use the regis-
tered Intelligent Key. – You do not have an Intelligent Key with
you. Carry an Intelligent Key with you.
2. When the door is closed with the Intelligent Key left outside the vehicle and the ignition
switch is in the ACC or ON position. A
chime will also sound.
Parking brake warning
This warning illuminates when the parking brake
is set and the vehicle is driven.
SHIFT P warning (NISSAN Intelligent
Key™ model)
This warning illuminates when the ignition switch
is in the ACC or OFF position and the shift
selector is in any position other than (Park) posi-
tion. Also, a chime sounds when the ignition
switch is in the OFF position.
If this warning illuminates, move the shift selector
to the P (Park) position or start the engine.
If the shift selector is moved to the P (Park)
position, the lock warning will appear. Refer to
“Lock warning” in this section.
For additional information about Intelligent Key,
see “NISSAN Intelligent Key™” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
2-24Instruments and controls

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

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