brakes NISSAN ARMADA 2015 1.G User Guide

A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).
Check with the trailer and towing equipment
manufacturers to determine if they recommend
the use of a weight-distributing hitch system.
NOTE:
A weight-distributing hitch system may af-
fect the operation of trailer surge brakes. If
you are considering use of a weight-
distributing hitch system with a surge
brake-equipped trailer, check with the
surge brake, hitch or trailer manufacturer
to determine if and how this can be done.
Follow the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer for installing and using the weight-
distributing hitch system.
General set-up instructions are as follows:1. Park unloaded vehicle on a level surface. With the ignition on and the doors closed,
allow the vehicle to stand for several minutes
so that it can level.
2. Measure the height of a reference point on the front and rear bumpers at the center of
the vehicle. 3. Attach the trailer to the vehicle and adjust
the hitch equalizers so that the front bumper
height is within0-.5inches (0 – 13 mm) of
the reference height measured in step 2. The
rear bumper should be no higher than the
reference height measured in step 2.
WARNING
Properly adjust the weight distributing
hitch so the rear of the bumper is no
higher than the measured reference
height when the trailer is attached. If the
rear bumper is higher than the measured
reference height when loaded, the vehicle
may handle unpredictably which could
cause a loss of vehicle control and cause
serious personal injury or property
damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts, and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer han-
dling. Sway control devices may be used to help
control these affects. If you choose to use one,
contact a reputable trailer hitch supplier to make
sure the sway control device will work with the
vehicle, hitch, trailer and the trailer’s brake sys-
tem. Follow the instructions provided by the
manufacturer for installing and using the sway
control device.
Class I hitch
Class I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (907 kg) .
Class II hitch
Class II trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 3,500 lb (1,587 kg).
Class III hitch
Class III trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 5,000 lb (2,268 kg).
Class IV hitch
Class IV trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 10,000 lb (4,535 kg). A
weight distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,268 kg).
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb
(4,535 kg) maximum weight rating, but your ve-
hicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing
Load/Specification” chart in this section.
9-24Technical and consumer information

Trailer brakes
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1,587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used.However, most states
require a separate braking system on trailers with
a loaded weight above a specific amount. Make
sure the trailer meets the local regulations and
the regulations where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are available.
Surge Brakes - The surge brake actuator is
mounted on the trailer tongue with a hydraulic line
running to each trailer wheel. Surge brakes are
activated by the trailer pushing against the hitch
ball when the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic
surge brakes are common on rental trailers and
some boat trailers. In this type of system, there is
no hydraulic or electric connection for brake op-
eration between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking sys-
tems are activated by an electronic signal sent
from a trailer brake controller (special brake-
sensing module) . For additional information, refer
to “Electric trailer brake controller” in this section.
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Electric trailer brake controller
Trailers equipped with electric brakes may re-
quire the installation of an aftermarket trailer
brake controller.
Your vehicle is equipped with a connector and
jumper harness that is specifically designed to be
used when installing an aftermarket brake con-
troller.
To install the electric trailer brake controller jumper
harness, perform the following procedure:
1. Open the driver door. Move the seat to the rearmost position.
example
LTI0117
9-26Technical and consumer information

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so:
CAUTION
If you move the shift lever to the P (Park)
position before blocking the wheels and
applying the parking brake, transmission
damage could occur.1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the vehicle and trailer wheels.
3. After the wheel blocks are in place, slowly release the brake pedal until the blocks ab-
sorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Make sure the
indicator light (if so
equipped) indicates the transfer case is in
4H, 4L, or 2H and that the ATP light is off. If
the
indicator light is flashing, or the
ATP light is ON, make sure the transmission
is in P (Park) (A/T) and turn the 4WD switch
to 2WD or 4H. For additional information,
refer to “Automatic transmission park warn-
ing light” in the “Instruments and controls” section and “Using four wheel drive (4WD)”
in the “Starting and driving” section of this
manual.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away: 1. Start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the transmission into gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks. ● While going downhill, the weight of the
trailer pushing on the tow vehicle may de-
crease overall stability. Therefore, to main-
tain adequate control, reduce your speed
and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long or
repeated use of the brakes when descend-
ing a hill, as this reduces their effectiveness
and could cause overheating. Shifting to a
lower gear instead provides “engine brak-
ing” and reduces the need to brake as fre-
quently. ●
If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, refer to “If your vehicle
overheats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this owner’s manual.
● Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
● Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
● For the first 500 miles (805 km) that you do
tow, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h).
● Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
● When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling.
Technical and consumer information9-29

Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal- anced as described in this section.
● Be 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.
● Downshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
● Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency. ●
Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
● NISSAN recommends that the cruise con-
trol not be used while towing a trailer.
● Some states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
● Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after
50 miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
● When launching a boat, don’t allow the wa-
ter level to go over the exhaust tail pipe or
rear bumper.
● Make 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, refer to
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
in this manual.Tow mode (if so equipped)
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: ● Grade logic — Adjusts transmission shifts
when pulling a trailer or hauling a load up a
grade.
● Downhill 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, refer to
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
in this manual.
9-30Technical and consumer information

10 Index
2nd row bench seat adjustment.........1-4
4WDwarninglight...............2-15
A
Adjusting pedal position ............3-31
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-55
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-62
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-72
Airbagwarninglight...........1-72,2-18
Air bag warning light, supplemental . .1-72, 2-18
AirCleaner ...................8-19
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-19
Air conditioner Air conditioner service ...........4-33
Air conditioner specification label .....9-13
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations ..............9-8
Air conditioner system refrigerant
recommendations ..............9-8
Heater and air conditioner controls ....4-29
Rear seat air conditioner ..........4-31
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-33
Anchor point locations .............1-38
Antenna .....................4-82
Antifreeze ....................5-37
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-13
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-32
Audible reminders ...............2-20 Audio system
..................4-33
AMradioreception.............4-34
Bluetooth®audio..............4-77
Bluetooth® streaming audio ........4-77
Compact disc (CD) player .....4-53,4-59
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) Player
Operation ..................4-63
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player.................4-49,4-55
FMradioreception.............4-33
iPod® Player .............4-71,4-74
iPod® player operation .......4-71,4-74
Radio ....................4-33
Settings ...............4-50,4-56
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-81
USB interface ............4-66,4-67
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
Connection Port ...........4-66,4-67
Autolight switch .................2-35
Automatic Automatic drive positioner .....3-36,3-36
Automatic power window switch .....2-58
Automatic transmission position indicator
light .....................2-28
Driving with automatic transmission ....5-15
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-33
Automatic door locks ..............3-6
Automatic drive positioner .......3-36,3-36
Automatic transmission fluid temperature
gauge.......................2-8 B
Battery ..................5-37, 8-15
Charge warning light ............2-15
Battery replacement Keyfob................8-28,8-29
NISSAN Intelligent Key® ..........8-30
Before starting the engine ...........5-13
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-17
Block heater Engine ....................5-39
Bluetooth® audio ................4-77
Bluetooth® hands-free
phone system .............4- 108, 4-122
Boosterseats..................1-52
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-32
Brake fluid ..................8-13
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-33
Brake system ................5-31
Brakewarninglight.............2-14
Brakewearindicators........2-20,8-24
Parking brake operation ..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-24
Brake

fluid ....................8-13
Brakes ......................8-24
Brake system ..................5-31
Break-inschedule ...............5-21
Brightness/contrast button .......4-10,4-19
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-37
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-13

Seat adjustmentFront power seat adjustment .........1-3
Second row bench seats ...........1-4
Second row captain’s chair .......1-6,1-7
Third row power folding seats .......1-12
Seatback pockets ................2-45
Seat belt Childsafety..................1-30
Infantsandsmallchildren..........1-31
Injured Person ................1-23
Largerchildren................1-31
Precautionsonseatbeltusage.......1-20
Pregnant women ...............1-23
Rear center seat belt ............1-26
Seat belt extenders .............1-29
Seat belt maintenance ............1-29
Seat belts ................1-20,7-5
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-29
Three-point type with retractor .......1-23
Seat belt extenders ...............1-29
Seatbeltwarninglight..........1-23,2-18
Seats 2nd row bench seat adjustment .......1-4
2nd row captain’s chair adjustment . .1-6, 1-7
Adjustment ...................1-2
Automatic drive positioner ......3-36,3-36
Frontseats...................1-2
Heatedseats.............2-39,2-40
Second row captain’s chair adjustment . .1-6, 1-7
Security indicator light ..............2-20
Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System) , engine start ........2-30,3-4,5-12
Security systems Vehicle security system ...........2-29
Security systems (see theft warning) ......2-29
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-24 Service manual order form
...........9-35
Servicing air conditioner .............4-33
Shifting Automatic transmission ...........5-16
Shiftlockrelease.................5-18
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........1-29
Side air bag system (See supplemental side
air bag, curtain and rollover air bag
systems) .....................1-69
Sonar Rear system .................5-35
Sparkplugreplacement.............8-18
Sparkplugs ...................8-18
Specifications ...................9-9
Speedometer ...................2-4
Speedometer and odometer ...........2-4
SRSwarninglabel................1-72
Stability control .................5-33
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-13
Jump starting .............6-10,8-16
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Push starting .................6-12
Starting the engine .............5-13
Starting the engine ...............5-13
Steering Heated steering wheel ...........2-41
Power steering fluid .............8-13
Power steering system ...........5-31
Tilting steering wheel ............3-30
Steeringwheel..................3-30
Steering wheel audio control switch ......4-81
Stoplight.....................8-33
Storage......................2-45 Overhead storage compartment ......2-48
Storagebin................2-48,2-52 Storage tray
...................2-46
Sunglasses
case .................2-47
Sunglasses holder ................2-47
Sunroof(seeMoonroof).............2-60
Sun visors ....................3-32
Supplemental air bag warning labels ......1-72
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-72, 2-18
Supplemental front impact air bag system . . .1-62
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels .......1-72
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-55
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .........1-55
Switch Autolightswitch...............2-35
Automatic power window switch ......2-58
Fog light switch ...............2-38
Hazard warning flasher switch ........6-2
Headlightandturnsignalswitch......2-34
Headlight control switch ..........2-35
Ignition switch .................5-9
Instrument brightness control ........2-37
Pedal position adjustment switch ......3-31
Power door lock switch ............3-6
Rear sonar system off switch ........2-42
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-34
Rear window wiper and washer
switches ...................2-33
Tow mode switch ..............2-44
Turnsignalswitch..............2-37
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off
switch .....................2-41
Wiper and washer switch ..........2-32
10-6