towing NISSAN ARMADA PLATINUM 2017 Manual Online

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

Starting the engine ............................................. 5-16
STATUS button ............................................................. 4-8
Status light, Front passenger air bag .................... 1-60
Steering Heated steering wheel ....................................... 2-42
Power steering ................................................... 5-135
Power steering fluid ............................................... 8-8
Steering-wheel-mounted controls
for audio ................................................................. 4-91
Tilt/telescopic steering ....................................... 3-29
Storage ......................................................................... 2-50
Sun visors ..................................................................... 3-29
Sunglasses holder ...................................................... 2-52
Supplemental air bag warning labels .................... 1-68
Supplemental air bag warning light ........... 1-68, 2-16
Supplemental restraint system ................................ 1-52 Precautions on supplemental
restraint system .................................................... 1-52
Switch Autolight switch ................................................... 2-37
Fog light switch ................................................... 2-42
Hazard warning flasher switch ............................ 6-2
Headlight aiming control .................................... 2-39
Headlight switch .................................................. 2-37
Ignition switch ...................................................... 5-18
Power door lock switch ........................................ 3-5
SNOW mode switch .......................................... 2-47
Turn signal switch ................................................ 2-41
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF switch ............................................................ 2-48
T
Tachometer ..................................................................... 2-7
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge ....................................................... 2-7 Theft (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System) ,
Engine start .................................................................. 2-31
Three-way catalyst ....................................................... 5-4
Tilt/telescopic steering .............................................. 3-29
Tire
Pressure, Low tire pressure warning light .... 2-15
Tire replacement indicator ................................. 2-26
Tires Flat tire ...................................................................... 6-3
Tire and Loading information label .... 8-31, 10-12
Tire chains ............................................................. 8-36
Tire dressing ............................................................ 7-4
Tire pressure ......................................................... 8-30
Tire pressure information (display) ................. 4-10
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) ............................................. 5-5, 6-3
Tire rotation ........................................................... 8-37
Types of tires ........................................................ 8-36
Uniform tire quality grading ............................. 10-29
Wheel/tire size ..................................................... 10-9
Wheels and tires ................................................. 8-30
To p Tether strap child restraints .............................. 1-36
Touch screen ................................................................. 4-5
TOW mode ............................................................... 5-132
TOW mode switch ..................................................... 2-47
Towing Flat towing ........................................................... 10-29
Tow truck towing ................................................. 6-16
Towing a trailer ................................................... 10-17
Towing safety ...................................................... 10-21
TPMS, Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 5-5, 6-3 TPMS with Easy Fill Tire Alert ............................ 5-8
Trailer towing ............................................................ 10-17
Transceiver HomeLink
ŠUniversal Transceiver ................... 2-67 Transmission
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .................. 8-8
Driving with automatic transmission ............... 5-18
Transmission shift lever lock release .............. 5-21
Transmitter (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................................... 3-15
Traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ........................................................ 10-10
Trip computer .............................................................. 2-27
Trip odometer .............................................................. 2-28
Turn signal switch ....................................................... 2-41
U
Underbody cleaning ..................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading ................................... 10-29
USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection port ....... 4-77
V
Vanity mirror ................................................................. 3-33
Vanity mirror lights ...................................................... 2-66
Variable voltage control system .............................. 8-13
Vehicle Dimensions ............................................................ 10-9
Identification number (VIN) ............................. 10-10
Loading information .......................................... 10-13
Recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) .................. 6-19
Security system .................................................... 2-30
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF switch ............................................................ 2-48
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ...... 5-138
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light ......................................................... 2-17
Vehicle information and settings (display) ....... 4-8
Vehicle information display ....................................... 2-20
Ventilators ..................................................................... 4-51

1. Make sure that the Intelligent Key is on you.
2. Depress the brake pedal.
3. Push the ignition switch once to the ONposition.
For additional information about the remote
engine start function, see “Remote engine start”
(P.3-19) .ENGINE PROTECTION MODE
The engine has an engine protection mode to
reduce the chance of damage if the coolant
temperature 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,
vehicle 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 cool-
ant temperature is reduced, vehicle speed can
be increased using the accelerator pedal, and
air conditioning cooling function will automati-
cally be turned back ON. If:
1. The engine coolant temperature is not
reduced.
2. The air conditioning cooling function does not turn back ON.
3. The engine oil pressure warning light

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