tow NISSAN ARMADA PLATINUM 2017 Owners Manual

WARNING
.It is extremely dangerous to
ride in a cargo area inside the
vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more
likely to be seriously injured or
killed.
.Do not allow people to ride in
any area of vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat
belts.
.Be sure everyone in your ve-
hicle is in a seat and using a
seat belt properly.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself with
the following terms before loading your
vehicle:
. Curb Weight (actual weight of your
vehicle) - vehicle weight including:
standard and optional equipment,
fluids, emergency tools, and spare tire assembly. This weight
does not
include passengers and cargo.
. GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb
weight plus the combined weight of
passengers and cargo.
. GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ing) - maximum total combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle, pas-
sengers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue
load and any other optional equip-
ment. This information is located on
the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. label.
. GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -
maximum weight (load) limit specified
for the front or rear axle. This informa-
tion is located on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.
V.S.S. label.
. GCWR (Gross Combined Weight
Rating) - The maximum total weight
rating of the vehicle, passengers,
cargo, and trailer.
. Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load limit,
Total load capacity - maximum total
weight limit specified of the load
(passengers and cargo) for the vehi- cle. This is the maximum combined
weight of occupants and cargo that
can be loaded into the vehicle. If the
vehicle is used to tow a trailer, the
trailer tongue weight must be in-
cluded as part of the cargo load. This
information is located on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
. Cargo capacity - permissible weight
of cargo, the weight of total occu-
pants weight subtracted from the
load limit.
Technical and consumer information10-13
VEHICLE LOADING INFORMATION

4. The resulting figure equals the avail-able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the XXX
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there
will be five 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400 í750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs) or
(640 í340 (5 x 70) = 300 kg.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated
in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this re-
duces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm
that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for your vehicle. (See “Measurement of weights”
(P.10-16) .)
Also check tires for proper inflation
pressures. See the Tire and Loading
Information label.

.Maximum Trailer towing capacity from “Tow-
ing Load/Specification” chart - 8,500 lb.
(3,856 kg) .
7,300 lb. (3,311 kg) GVWR
í 5,822 lb. (2,641 kg) GVW
= 1,478 lb. (670 kg) Available for tongue
weight
14,700 lb. (6,668 kg) GCWR
í 5,822 lb. (2,641 kg) GVW
= 8,878 lb. (4,027 kg) Capacity available for
towing
1,478 lb. (670 kg) / Available tongue weight
8,878 lb. (4,027 kg) Available capacity
= 11 % tongue weight
The available towing capacity may be less than
the maximum towing capacity due to the
passenger and cargo load in the vehicle.
Remember to keep trailer tongue weight be-
tween 10 - 15% of the trailer weight or within
the trailer tongue load specification recom-
mended by the trailer manufacturer. If the tongue
load becomes excessive, rearrange the cargo to
obtain the proper tongue load. Do not exceed
the maximum tongue weight specification shown
in the “Towing load/specification” chart even if
the calculated available tongue weight is greater
than 15%. If the calculated tongue weight is less than 10%, reduce the total trailer weight to
match the available tongue weight.
Always verify that available capacities are within
the required ratings.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION

the weight rating of the hitch compo-
nents. Never exceed the weight rating
of the hitch components. Doing so can
cause serious personal injury or prop-
erty damage.
Hitch ball
Choose a hitch ball of the proper size and
weight rating for your trailer:
.The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on top of the ball.
. Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.
. The diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should
be no more than 1/16´´ smaller than the hole
in the ball mount.
. The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2
threads showing beyond the lock washer
and nut.
Ball mount
The hitch ball is attached to the ball mount and
the ball mount is inserted into the hitch receiver.
Choose a proper class ball mount based on the
trailer weight. Additionally, the ball mount should
be chosen to keep the trailer tongue level with
the ground.
Weight carrying hitches
A weight carrying or “dead weight” ball mount is
one that is designed to carry the whole amount
of tongue weight and gross weight directly on
the ball mount and on the receiver.
Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is also called a “load-leveling”
or “equalizing” hitch. A set of bars attach to the
ball mount and to the trailer to distribute the
tongue weight (hitch weight) of your trailer.
Many vehicles cannot carry the full tongue
weight of a given trailer, and need some of the
tongue weight transferred through the frame and
pushing down on the front wheels. This gives
stability to the tow vehicle.
A weight-distributing hitch system (Class IV) is
recommended if you plan to tow trailers with a
maximum weight over 5,000 lbs (2,267 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
affect 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 manu-
facturer 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 switch in the ON position
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 within 0 - .5 inches (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.
Technical and consumer information10-23

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 unpre-
dictably which could cause a loss of
vehicle control and cause serious per-
sonal injury or property damage.
Sway control device
Sudden maneuvers, wind gusts and buffeting
caused by other vehicles can affect trailer
handling. 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
system. 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 (1,588 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 (2,267 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 (4,545 kg) . A
weight distributing hitch should be used to tow
trailers that weigh over 5,000 lb (2,267 kg) .
Your vehicle may be equipped with Class IV
trailer hitch equipment that has a 10,000 lb
(4,545 kg) maximum weight rating, but your
vehicle is only capable of towing the maximum
trailer weights shown in the “Towing Load/
Specification” chart earlier in this section.

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 connec-
tion for brake operation between the tow vehicle
and the trailer.
Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic signal
sent from a trailer brake controller (special brake
sensing module) .
Have a professional supplier of towing equip-
ment make sure the trailer brakes are properly
installed and demonstrate proper brake function
testing.

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
absorb the vehicle load.
4. Apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transmission into P (Park) .
6. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) models:
Make sure that the 4WD shift switch is
engaged in the AUTO, 4HI or 4LO position
and the Automatic Transmission (AT) park
warning light is turned off.
7. Turn off the engine.
To drive away:
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
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
decrease overall stability. Therefore, to
maintain adequate control, reduce your
speed and shift to a lower gear. Avoid long
or repeated use of the brakes when
descending a hill, as this reduces their
effectiveness and could cause overheating.
Shifting to a lower gear instead provides
“engine braking” and reduces the need to
brake as frequently.
. If the engine coolant temperature rises to a
high temperature, see “If your vehicle over-
heats” (P.6-14) .
. Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
. Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (800 km).
. Have your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
maintenance schedule shown in the "9.
Maintenance and schedules" section. .
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
vehicle handling.
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
vehicle.
.Do not correct trailer sway by steering orapplying 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 balanced as described earlier in this section.
. Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the trailer
must also pass the other vehicle before you
Technical and consumer information10-27

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.

Seat belt warning light and chime .................. 2-16
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ..................................... 8-19
Cleaning exterior and interior ........................... 7-2, 7-4
Climate control ............................................................ 4-52
Coat hooks ................................................................... 2-55
Cockpit ............................................................................ 2-3
Cold weather driving .............................................. 5-140
Compact Disc (CD) player (See
audio system) .............................................................. 4-72
Console box ................................................................. 2-54
Controller, Center multi-function control panel .... 4-5
Controls Control panel button .............................................. 4-4
Multi-function controller ........................................ 4-5
Coolant Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ........................ 10-2
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-5
Checking engine coolant level ............................ 8-5
Corrosion protection .................................................... 7-7
Cruise control .............................................................. 5-67 Fixed speed cruise control (on
ICC system) .......................................................... 5-87
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) ..................... 5-69
Cup holders ................................................................. 2-50
D
Daytime running light system .................................. 2-40
Dimensions ................................................................... 10-9
Distance Control Assist (DCA) .............................. 5-91
Distance Control Assist (DCA) system
warning light ................................................................ 2-13
Drive belts .................................................................... 8-13
Drive positioner ........................................................... 3-33
Driving Cold weather driving ........................................ 5-140 Driving with automatic transmission ............... 5-18
On-pavement and off-road driving ..................... 5-9
Precautions when starting and driving ............. 5-4
Safety precautions .............................................. 5-10
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player operation ..... 4-74
DVD Entertainment System ..................................... 4-92
E
Economy, Fuel .......................................................... 5-122
Elapsed time ................................................................ 2-28
Emission control information label ...................... 10-11
Emission control system maintenance .................... 9-8
Emission control system warranty ....................... 10-30
Engine Before starting the engine ................................ 5-15
Break-in schedule .............................................. 5-121
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ........................ 10-2
Changing engine coolant ..................................... 8-5
Changing engine oil and filter ............................. 8-6
Checking engine coolant level ............................ 8-5
Checking engine oil level ..................................... 8-6
Coolant temperature gauge ................................. 2-7
Emergency engine shut off ............................... 5-14
Engine block heater .......................................... 5-141
Engine compartment check locations ............... 8-3
Engine cooling system .......................................... 8-4
Engine oil .................................................................. 8-6
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ....... 10-6
Engine oil replacement indicator ..................... 2-26
Engine oil viscosity .............................................. 10-7
Engine serial number ........................................ 10-11
Engine specifications .......................................... 10-8
Engine start operation indicator ...................... 2-23
If your vehicle overheats .................................... 6-14
Oil pressure gauge ................................................ 2-8 Protection mode .................................................. 5-17
Remote engine start operation indicator ....... 2-23
Starting the engine ............................................. 5-16
Entry/exit function, Automatic drive positioner .... 3-33
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................... 10-33
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................... 5-4
Explanation of scheduled maintenance items ....... 9-5
Extended storage fuse warning .............................. 2-24
Extended storage switch .......................................... 8-21F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............ 10-11
Filter Air cleaner housing filter .................................... 8-15
Changing engine oil and filter ............................. 8-6
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ...... 6-2
Flat tire ............................................................................ 6-3
Flat towing ................................................................. 10-29
Flexible seating ............................................................ 1-11
Floor mat cleaning ........................................................ 7-5
Fluid Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .................. 8-8
Brake fluid ................................................................ 8-9
Capacities and
recommended fluids/lubricants ........................ 10-2
Engine coolant ........................................................ 8-4
Engine oil .................................................................. 8-6
Power steering fluid ............................................... 8-8
Window washer fluid .......................................... 8-10
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ................................................................... 4-70
Fog light switch .......................................................... 2-42
Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) .................. 5-105
Forward Emergency Braking system
warning light ................................................................ 2-14
Front auxiliary input jacks ......................................... 4-88

Parking brake operation ..................................... 5-22
Parking on hills ................................................... 5-131
Phone Bluetooth
ŠHands-Free Phone System ....... 4-106
Car phone or CB radio .................................... 4-106
Pocket ........................................................................... 2-55
Power Front seat adjustment ............................................ 1-3
Moonroof ............................................................... 2-62
Power door lock ..................................................... 3-4
Power outlet .......................................................... 2-48
Power steering ................................................... 5-135
Power steering fluid ............................................... 8-8
Power windows .................................................... 2-59
Precautions Audio operation .................................................... 4-59
Braking precautions .......................................... 5-136
Child restraints ..................................................... 1-31
Cruise control ....................................................... 5-67
Driving safety ........................................................ 5-10
Maintenance ............................................................. 8-2
On-pavement and off-road driving ..................... 5-9
Seat belt usage .................................................... 1-18
Supplemental restraint system ......................... 1-52
When starting and driving .................................... 5-4
Predictive Forward Collision
Warning (PFCW) .................................................... 5-112
Push starting ................................................................ 6-14
Push-button ignition switch ..................................... 5-12
R
Radio ............................................................................. 4-59 Car phone or CB radio .................................... 4-106
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) player ............................................................ 4-70
Rain-sensing auto wiper system ............................ 2-34 Rapid air pressure loss ............................................... 5-9
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance
(I/M) test .................................................................... 10-32
Rear bumper cover .................................................... 2-58
Rear door lock, Child safety rear door lock .......... 3-6
Rear personal lights ................................................... 2-65
Rear window wiper and washer switch ............... 2-35
Rear window wiper blades ...................................... 8-17
RearView Monitor ....................................................... 4-21
RearView Monitor system operation ...................... 4-22
Recorders, Event data ............................................ 10-33
Registering your vehicle in another country ..... 10-10
Remote controller (DVD) ....................................... 4-103
Remote engine start .................................................. 3-19
Remote keyless entry system .................................. 3-15
Reporting safety defects ....................................... 10-31
Roadside assistance program ................................... 6-2
Rollover ........................................................................... 5-8
Roof
Moonroof ............................................................... 2-63
Roof rack ............................................................... 2-57
S
SafetyChild seat belts .................................................... 1-28
Towing safety ...................................................... 10-21
Satellite radio operation ............................................ 4-71
Seat adjustment Front power seat adjustment .............................. 1-3
Front seats ................................................... 1-3, 1-10
Seat belt(s) Child safety ........................................................... 1-28
Infants ..................................................................... 1-29
Injured persons .................................................... 1-21
Larger children ..................................................... 1-29
Precautions on seat belt usage ....................... 1-18 Pregnant women .................................................. 1-21
Seat belt cleaning .................................................. 7-6
Seat belt extenders ............................................. 1-27
Seat belt maintenance ....................................... 1-27
Seat belt warning light and chime .................. 2-16
Seat belts .............................................................. 1-18
Seat belts with pretensioners .......................... 1-67
Small children ....................................................... 1-29
Three-point type .................................................. 1-21
Seat(s) Climate controlled seats .................................... 2-45
Driver-side memory ............................................. 3-33
Heated seats ........................................................ 2-43
Seats .......................................................................... 1-2
Security system (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System) , Engine start ................................................ 2-31
Security system, Vehicle security system ............. 2-30
Servicing air conditioner ........................................... 4-58
SETTING button ......................................................... 4-13
Setting memory function, Automatic
drive positioner ............................................................ 3-35
Shift lever, Shift lock release ................................... 5-21
Shift lock release Transmission ......................................................... 5-21
Shifting, Automatic transmission ............................ 5-18
SNOW mode ........................................................... 5-132
SNOW mode switch ................................................. 2-47
Sonar system ............................................................ 5-133
Spare tire .......................................................... 8-40, 10-9
Spark plugs .................................................................. 8-14
Speedometer ................................................................. 2-6
Standard maintenance ................................................ 9-7
Starting Before starting the engine ................................ 5-15
Jump starting ........................................................ 6-12
Precautions when starting and driving ............. 5-4
Push starting ......................................................... 6-14
11-5