2005 Nissan Armada Owners Manual

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BRAKE SYSTEM The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering. If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you will still have control of the vehicle. However, much greater steering effort is needed, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds. WARNING If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the steering will not work. Steering will be much harder to operate. 5-24 Starting and driving The brake system has two separate hydraulic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still have braking at two wheels. BRAKE PRECAUTIONS Vacuum assisted brakes The brake booster aids braking by using engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However, greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis- tance will be longer. Using the brakes Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the brakes and pads faster, and reduce gas mileage. To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the brakes from overheating, reduce speed and downshift to a lower gear before going down a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may reduce braking performance and could result in loss of vehicle control. WARNING c While driving on a slippery surface, be careful when braking, accelerating or downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel- erating could cause the wheels to skid and result in an accident. c If the engine is not running or is turned off while driving, the power assist for the brakes will not work. Braking will be harder. Wet brakes When the vehicle is washed or driven through water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your braking distance will be longer and the vehicle may pull to one side during braking. To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds until the brakes function correctly. Parking brake break-in Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the best brake performance. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 12/02/04—debbie X This procedure is described in the vehicle service manual and can be performed by a NISSAN dealer. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) The anti-lock brake system controls the brakes so the wheels do not lock when braking abruptly or when braking on slippery surfaces. The system detects the rotation speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By preventing wheel lockup, the system helps the driver main- tain steering control and helps to minimize swerv- ing and spinning on slippery surfaces. Using the system Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. WARNING in result increased Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so may stopping distances. Normal operation The anti-lock brake system does not operate at speeds below 3 - 6 MPH (5 - 10 km/h). (The speeds vary according to road conditions.) When driving, the anti-lock brake system con- trols the wheels so they will not lock when brak- ing abruptly or when braking on a slippery road. Thus, difficult steering and swerving of the ve- hicle due to locked wheels is minimized. The system detects the wheel rotation rate and elec- tronically controls the pressure applied to each brake. Slight vibration on the brake pedal accom- panied by noise usually occurs while the ABS system is operating. Such vibration and noise encountered during abrupt braking is not a prob- lem, but indicates that the system is functioning properly. However, the pulsation may indicate that road conditions are hazardous and extra care is required while driving. Self-test feature The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic sensors and hydraulic solenoids controlled by a computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a (cid:145)(cid:145)clunk(cid:146)(cid:146) noise and/or feel a pulsa- tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indication of any malfunction. If the computer senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-lock brake system off and turns on the ABS brake warning light on the instrument panel. The brake system then operates normally, but without anti- lock assistance. If the light comes on during the self-test or while driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for repair. WARNING c The anti-lock brake system is a sophis- ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac- cidents resulting from careless or dan- gerous driving techniques. It can help maintain vehicle control during braking on slippery surfaces, but remember that the stopping distance on slippery sur- faces will be longer than on normal surfaces even with the anti-lock brake system. Stopping distances may also be longer on rough, gravel or snow cov- ered roads, or if you are using tire chains. Tire type and condition may also affect braking effectiveness. Always maintain a safe distance from the ve- hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the re- sponsibility for safety of self and others rests in the hands of the driver. c Tire type and condition of tires may also affect braking effectiveness. c When replacing tires, install the speci- fied size of tires on all four wheels. Starting and driving 5-25 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 12/02/04—debbie X c When installing a spare tire, make sure it is the proper size and type as speci- fied on the Tire and Loading Informa- tion label. For tire placard location in- formation, refer to (cid:147)Tire and Loading Information label(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Technical and consumer information(cid:148) section of this manual. c Refer to (cid:147)Wheels and tires(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) sec- tion of this manual. VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped) When accelerating or driving on slippery sur- faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors detect these movements and control the braking and engine output to help improve vehicle stability. c When the vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system is operating, the slip indicator in the instrument panel blinks. c If the slip indicator blinks, the road condi- tions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your speed and driving to these conditions. See (cid:147)Slip indicator light(cid:148), and (cid:147)Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off indicator light(cid:148) in the (cid:147)In- struments and controls(cid:148) section. c Indicator light and in the system, indicator lights come If malfunction occurs the on in the instrument panel. As long as these indicator lights are on, the traction control function is canceled. If the vehicle is operated with the vehicle dynamic control system off using the VDC OFF switch, most VDC functions will be turned off. The VDC system will still try to transfer power from a slip- ping drive wheel to one with more traction when the VDC system switch is OFF. The Slip indicator light will flash if wheel spin is detected. The ABS will still operate with the VDC system off. 5-26 Starting and driving When the VDC system is operating, you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibration from under the hood. This is normal and indicates that the VDC system is working prop- erly. The computer has a built in diagnostic feature that tests the system each time you start the engine and move the vehicle forward or in reverse at a slow speed. When the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indication of a malfunction. WARNING c The vehicle dynamic control system is designed to help improve driving stabil- ity but does not prevent accidents due to abrupt steering operation at high speeds or by careless or dangerous driving techniques. Reduce vehicle speed and be especially careful when driving and cornering on slippery sur- faces and always drive carefully. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 12/02/04—debbie X c If brake related parts such as brake pads, rotors and calipers are not stan- dard equipment or are extremely dete- riorated, the vehicle dynamic control system may not operate properly and the vehicle dynamic control off indica- tor light may come on. c Do not modify the vehicle(cid:146)s suspension. If suspension parts such as shock ab- sorbers, struts, springs, stabilizer bars and bushings are not NISSAN approved for your vehicle or are extremely dete- riorated the vehicle dynamic control system may not operate properly. This could adversely affect vehicle handling performance, and the VDC OFF indica- tor light may come on. c When driving on extremely inclined sur- faces such as higher banked corners, the vehicle dynamic control system may not operate properly and the VDC OFF indicator light may come on. Do not drive on these types of roads. c When driving on an unstable surface such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or ramp, the vehicle dynamic control off indicator light may illuminate. This is not a malfunction. Restart the engine after driving onto a stable surface REAR SONAR SYSTEM (if so equipped) c If wheels or tires other than the recom- mended ones are used, the vehicle dy- namic control system may not operate properly and the vehicle dynamic con- trol off indicator light may come on. c The vehicle dynamic control system is not a substitute for winter tires or tire chains on a snow covered road. LSD0095 WARNING c Always turn and look back before back- ing. The RSS is not a substitute for proper backing procedures. c Read and understand the limitations of the rear sonar system as contained in this section. Inclement weather may af- fect the function of the RSS; this may include reduced performance or a false activation. c This system is not designed to prevent contact with small or moving objects. Starting and driving 5-27 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 12/02/04—debbie X will sound for only three seconds. Once the sys- tem detects an object approaching, the tone will sound again. The RSS automatically turns on when the gear selector is placed in R (Reverse) and the ignition is ON. The RSS OFF switch on the instrument panel allows the driver to turn the RSS on and off. To turn the RSS off, the ignition must be ON, and the gear selector in R (Reverse). An indicator light on the switch will illuminate when the system is turned off. If the indicator light illuminates when the RSS is not turned off, it may indicate a failure in the RSS. Keep the RSS sensors (located on the rear bumper fascia) free from snow, ice and large accumulations of dirt (do not clean the sensors with sharp objects). If the sensors are covered, it will affect the accuracy of the RSS. c The system is designed as an aid to the driver in detecting large stationary ob- jects to help avoid damaging the ve- hicle. The system will not detect small objects below the bumper, and may not detect objects close to the bumper or on the ground. c If your vehicle sustains damage to the rear bumper leaving it mis- aligned or bent, the sensing zone may be altered causing inaccurate measure- ment of obstacles or false alarms. fascia, The Rear Sonar System (RSS) sounds a tone to warn the driver of obstacles near the rear bumper when the shift selector is in R (Reverse). The system may not detect objects at speeds above 3 mph (5 km/h) and may not detect certain angular or moving objects. The RSS detects obstacles up to 6 feet (1.8 m) from the rear bumper with a decreased coverage area at the outer corners of the bumper, (refer to the illustration for approximate zone coverage areas). As you move closer to the obstacle, the rate of the tone increases. When the obstacle is less than 10 inches (25.0 cm) away, the tone will sound continuously. If the RSS detects a station- ary or receding object further than 10 inches (25.0 cm) from the side of the vehicle, the tone 5-28 Starting and driving COLD WEATHER DRIVING FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de- icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key hole. ANTI-FREEZE In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem- perature will drop below 32(cid:176)F (0(cid:176)C), check the anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection. For details, see (cid:145)(cid:145)Engine cooling system(cid:146)(cid:146) in the (cid:145)(cid:145)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:146)(cid:146) section of this manual. BATTERY If the battery is not fully charged during extremely cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi- mum efficiency, the battery should be checked regularly. For details, see (cid:145)(cid:145)Battery(cid:146)(cid:146) in the (cid:145)(cid:145)Main- tenance and do-it-yourself(cid:146)(cid:146) section of this manual. DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti- freeze, drain the cooling system, including the engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 12/02/04—debbie X For details, see (cid:145)(cid:145)Changing engine coolant(cid:146)(cid:146) in the (cid:145)(cid:145)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:146)(cid:146) section of this manual. TIRE EQUIPMENT 1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to provide superior performance on dry pave- ment. However, the performance of these tires will be substantially reduced in snowy and icy conditions. If you operate your ve- hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom- mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and availability informa- tion. 2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires may be used. However, some U.S. states and Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check local, state and provincial laws before installing studded tires. Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than that of non-studded snow tires. 3. Tire chains may be used. Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord- ing to location. Check the local laws before installing tire chains. When installing tire chains, make sure they are of proper size for the tires on your vehicle and are installed according to the chain manufacturer(cid:146)s sug- gestions. Use only SAE Class (cid:147)S(cid:148) chains. Class (cid:147)S(cid:148) chains are used on ve- hicles with restricted tire to vehicle clear- ance. Vehicles that can use Class (cid:147)S(cid:148) chains are designed to meet the minimum clear- ances between the tire and the closest ve- hicle suspension or body component re- quired to accommodate the use of a winter traction device (tire chains or cables). The minimum clearances are determined using the factory equipped tire size. Other types may damage your vehicle. Use chain ten- sioners when recommended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be secured or removed to prevent the possibil- ity of whipping action damage to the fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi- tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling and performance may be adversely affected. Never install tire chains on spare tires. Do not use tire chains on dry roads. SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT It is recommended that the following items be carried in the vehicle during winter: c A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove ice and snow from the windows and wiper blades. c A sturdy, flat board to be placed under the jack to give it firm support. c A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts. c Extra window washer fluid to refill the reser- voir tank. DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE WARNING c Wet ice (32(cid:176)F, 0(cid:176)C and freezing rain), very cold snow or ice can be slick and very hard to drive on. The vehicle will have much less traction or (cid:147)grip(cid:148) under these conditions. Try to avoid driving on wet the road is salted or sanded. ice until c Whatever the condition, drive with cau- tion. Accelerate and slow down with care. If accelerating or downshifting too fast, the drive wheels will lose even more traction. Starting and driving 5-29 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 12/02/04—debbie X c Allow more stopping distance under these conditions. Braking should be started sooner than on dry pavement. c Allow greater following distances on slippery roads. c Watch for slippery spots (glare ice). These may appear on an otherwise clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of ice is seen ahead, brake before reach- ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice, and steering avoid maneuvers. sudden any c Do not use the cruise control on slip- pery roads. c Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle. 5-30 Starting and driving Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 12/02/04—debbie X 6 In case of emergency Flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Low tire pressure warning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Changing a flat tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Push starting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9 If your vehicle overheats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9 Towing your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 Towing recommended by NISSAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11 Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) . . . . . . . . . 6-12 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X FLAT TIRE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING SYSTEM This vehicle is equipped with the low tire pres- sure warning system. It monitors tire pressure of all tires except the spare. When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. If equipped, the system also displays pressure of all tires (except the spare tire) on the display screen by sending a signal from a sensor that is installed in each wheel. If the vehicle is being driven with low tire pressure (lower than 28 psi, 193 kPa), the low tire pressure warning system will activate and warn you of it by the low tire pressure warning light. This system will activate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds above 20 MPH (32 km/h). For more details, refer to (cid:147)Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Instruments and controls(cid:148) section, (cid:147)Tire pressure information(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems(cid:148) sec- tion and (cid:147)Low tire pressure warning system(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Starting and driving(cid:148) section. 6-2 In case of emergency WARNING c If the low tire pressure warning light flashes while driving, avoid sudden steering maneuvers or abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road to a safe location and stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Serious vehicle damage could occur and may lead to an accident and could result in serious personal injury. Check the tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended COLD tire pres- sure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label to turn the low tire pressure warning light OFF. If you have a flat tire, replace it with a spare tire as soon as possible. c When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is replaced, tire pressure will not be indicated and the low tire pressure warning system will not function. Con- tact your NISSAN dealer as soon as possible for tire replacement and/or system resetting. c Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol tire sealant into the tires, as this may cause a malfunction of the tire pressure sensors. CHANGING A FLAT TIRE If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions be- low. Stopping the vehicle 1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and away from traffic. 2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers. 3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Shift the transmission into P (Park). 4. Turn off the engine. 5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to signal professional road assistance person- nel that you need assistance. 6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle and stand in a safe place, away from traffic and clear of the vehicle. WARNING c Make sure the parking brake is securely applied and the automatic transmission is shifted into P (Park). c Never change tires when the vehicle is on a slope, ice or slippery areas. This is hazardous. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X c Never change tires if oncoming traffic is close to your vehicle. Wait for profes- sional road assistance. c When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel is replaced, tire pressure will not be indicated and the low tire pressure warning system will not function. Con- tact your NISSAN dealer as soon as possible for tire replacement and/or system resetting. WCE0044 LCE0086 3. Unscrew and remove the jack. Blocking wheels Place suitable blocks s1 at both the front and back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire s2 to prevent the vehicle from moving when it is jacked up. WARNING Be sure to block the wheel as the vehicle may move and result in personal injury. Getting the spare tire and tools 1. Remove the jack tool kit from the floor stor- age area in the cargo area. 2. Remove the cargo area storage bin cover. In case of emergency 6-3 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X CAUTION Be sure to center the spare tire suspend- ing plate on the wheel and then lift the spare tire. Jacking up vehicle and removing the damaged tire WARNING c Never get under the vehicle while it is supported only by the jack. If it is nec- essary to work under the vehicle, sup- port it with safety stands. c Use only the jack provided with your vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use the jack provided with your vehicle on other vehicles. The jack is designed for lifting only your vehicle during a tire change. c Use the correct jack-up points. Never use any other part of the vehicle for jack support. c Never jack up the vehicle more than necessary. c Never use blocks on or under the jack. LCE0084 4. Assemble the two pieces of the jack rod. Find the oval-shaped opening above the middle of the license plate. Pass the T-shaped end of the jack rod through the opening and direct it toward the spare tire winch, located directly above the spare tire. CAUTION Do not insert the jack rod straight as it is designed to be inserted at an angle as shown. LCE0085 5. Fit the square end of the jack rod into the square hole of the wheel nut wrench to form a handle. 6. Seat the T-shaped end of the jack rod into the T-shaped opening of the tire winch. Ap- ply pressure to keep the jack rod engaged in the spare tire winch and turn the jack rod counterclockwise to lower the spare tire. 7. Once the spare tire is completely lowered, reach under the vehicle, remove the retainer chain, and carefully slide the tire from under the rear of the vehicle. 6-4 In case of emergency Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X c Do not start or run the engine while ve- hicle is on the jack. It may cause the vehicle to move. This is especially true for vehicles with limited slip differentials. c Do not allow passengers to stay in the vehicle while it is on the jack. c Never run the engine with a wheel(s) off the ground. It may cause the vehicle to move. Always refer to the illustration for the correct placement and jack-up points for your specific vehicle model and jack type. Carefully read the caution label attached to the jack body and the following instructions. 1. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns by turning counterclockwise with the wheel nut wrench. Do not remove the wheel nuts until the tire is off the ground. NOTE: Before jacking up the vehicle, make sure the ignition key is in the OFF position. If the vehicle is lifted up with the ignition key in the ON position the auto-leveling suspension (if so equipped) will become disabled after 60 seconds. To reset the auto-leveling suspen- sion, cycle the ignition key ON/OFF one time. 2. Place the jack directly under the jack-up point as illustrated so the top of the jack contacts the vehicle at the jack-up point. The jack-up points are indicated by stamped ar- rows on the side of the frame. WCE0097 The jack should be used on firm and level ground. In case of emergency 6-5 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X 5. Remove the wheel nuts and then remove the tire. 3. LCE0087 Install the assembled jack rod into the jack as shown. 4. To lift the vehicle, securely hold the jack lever and rod. Carefully raise the vehicle until the tire clears the ground. 6-6 In case of emergency WCE0063 Installing the spare tire The spare tire is designed for emergency use. See specific instructions under the heading (cid:147)Wheels and tires(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Mainte- nance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) section of this manual. 1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface be- tween the wheel and hub. 2. Carefully put the spare tire on and tighten the wheel nuts finger tight. 3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheel nuts alternately and evenly as illustrated until they are tight. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X 4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire touches the ground. Then, with the wheel nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely in the sequence illustrated. Lower the ve- hicle completely. WARNING c Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts can cause the wheel to become loose or come off. This could cause an accident. c Do not use oil or grease on the wheel studs or nuts. This could cause the nuts to become loose. Retighten the wheel nuts after the vehicle has been driven for 600 miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire, etc.). As soon as possible, tighten the wheel nuts to the specified torque with a torque wrench. Wheel nut tightening torque: 98 ft-lb (133 N•m) The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to specification at all is recom- mended that wheel nuts be tightened to specifications at each lubrication interval. times. It Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure. COLD pressure: After vehicle has been parked for three hours or more or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). COLD tire pressures are shown on the Tire and Loading Information label affixed to the driver side center pillar. 5. Securely store the flat tire and jacking equip- ment in the vehicle. WARNING c Always make sure that the spare tire and jacking equipment are properly se- cured after use. Such items can become dangerous projectiles in an accident or sudden stop. c The spare tire is designed for emer- gency use. See specific instructions un- der the heading (cid:147)Wheels and tires(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) section of this manual. JUMP STARTING To start your engine with a booster battery, the instructions and precautions below must be fol- lowed. WARNING c If done incorrectly, jump starting can lead to a battery explosion, resulting in severe injury or death. It could also damage your vehicle. c Explosive hydrogen gas is always present in the vicinity of the battery. Keep all sparks and flames away from the battery. c Do not allow battery fluid to come into contact with eyes, skin, clothing or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a cor- rosive sulfuric acid solution which can cause severe burns. If the fluid should come into contact with anything, imme- diately flush the contacted area with water. c Keep battery out of children. the reach of c The booster battery must be rated at 12 volts. Use of an improperly rated battery can damage your vehicle. In case of emergency 6-7 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X c Whenever working on or near a battery, always wear suitable eye protectors (for example, goggles or industrial safety spectacles) and remove rings, metal bands, or any other jewelry. Do not lean over the battery when jump starting. c Do not attempt to jump start a frozen battery. It could explode and cause se- rious injury. c Your vehicle has an automatic engine cooling fan. It could come on at any time. Keep hands and other objects away from it. 6-8 In case of emergency WARNING Always follow the instructions below. Failure to do so could result in damage to the charging system and cause personal injury. 1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle, position the two vehicles to bring their bat- teries near each other. Do not allow the two vehicles to touch. 2. Apply the parking brake. Shift the transmis- sion into P (Park). Switch off all unnecessary electrical systems (lights, heater, air condi- tioner, etc.). WCE0054 3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped). Cover the battery with an old cloth to reduce explosion hazard. 4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence il- lustrated (sA , sB , sC , sD ). CAUTION c Always connect positive (1) to positive (1) and negative (2) to body ground (for example, strut mounting bolt, engine lift bracket, etc.) (cid:151) not to the battery. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X c Make sure the jumper cables do not touch moving parts in the engine com- partment and that the cable clamps do not contact any other metal. 5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. 6. Keep the engine speed of the booster ve- hicle at about 2,000 rpm, and start the en- gine of the vehicle being jump started. CAUTION Do not keep the starter motor engaged for more than 10 seconds. If the engine does not start right away, turn the key off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying again. 7. After starting the engine, carefully discon- nect the negative cable and then the positive cable. 8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the vent holes as it may be contaminated with corrosive acid. PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS CAUTION WARNING Automatic transmission models cannot be push-started or tow-started. Attempt- ing to do so may cause transmission damage. c Do not continue to drive if your vehicle overheats. Doing so could cause engine damage or a vehicle fire. c To avoid the danger of being scalded, never remove the radiator or coolant reservoir cap while the engine is still hot. When the radiator or coolant reser- voir cap is removed, pressurized hot water will spurt out, possibly causing serious injury. c Do not open the hood if steam is com- ing out. If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an extremely high temperature gauge reading and the illumination of the engine oil pressure/engine coolant temperature high indicator light), or if you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal noise, etc. take the following steps. 1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). Do not stop the engine. 2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the windows, move the heater or air conditioner temperature control to maximum hot and fan control to high speed. In case of emergency 6-9 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X 3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator before opening the hood. (If steam or cool- ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not open the hood further until no steam or coolant can be seen. 6. After the engine cools down, check the cool- ant level in the engine coolant reservoir tank with the engine running. Add coolant to the engine coolant reservoir tank if necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at a NISSAN dealer. 4. Open the engine hood. WARNING If steam or water is coming from the en- gine, stand clear to prevent getting burned. 5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should not leak water. If coolant is leaking, the water pump belt is missing or loose, or the cooling fan does not run, stop the en- gine. WARNING Be careful not to allow your hands, hair, jewelry or clothing to come into contact with, or get caught in, engine belts or the engine cooling fan. The engine cooling fan can start at any time when the coolant temperature is high. 6-10 In case of emergency TOWING YOUR VEHICLE When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in Canada) and local regulations for towing must be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could dam- age your vehicle. Towing instructions are avail- able from a NISSAN dealer. Local service opera- tors are generally familiar with the applicable laws and procedures for towing. To assure proper towing and to prevent accidental damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a service operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have the service operator carefully read the following precautions: WARNING c Never ride in a vehicle that is being towed. c Never get under your vehicle after it has been lifted by a tow truck. CAUTION c When towing, make sure that the trans- mission, axles, steering system and powertrain are in working condition. If any unit is damaged, dollies must be used. c Always attach safety chains before towing. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X For information about towing your vehicle behind a recreational vehicle (RV), refer to (cid:147)Flat towing(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Technical and consumer information(cid:148) sec- tion of this manual. TOWING RECOMMENDED BY NISSAN CAUTION c Never tow automatic transmission models with the rear wheels on the ground or four wheels on the ground (forward or backward), as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the transmission. If it is necessary to tow the vehicle with the front wheels raised always use towing dollies under the rear wheels. c When towing automatic transmission models with the front wheels on the ground or on towing dollies: (cid:150) Turn the ignition key to the OFF po- sition, and secure the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a rope or similar device. Never secure the steering wheel by turning the ig- nition key to the LOCK position. This may damage the steering lock mechanism. If the speed or distance must necessarily be greater, remove the propeller shaft before towing to prevent damage to the transmission. In case of emergency 6-11 ACE1037 Two-wheel drive models NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X Four-wheel drive models NISSAN recommends that towing dollies be used when towing your vehicle or place the ve- hicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated. CAUTION c Never tow 4WD models with any of the wheels on the ground as this may cause serious and expensive damage to the transfer case and transmission. WSD0097 LCE0083 VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck vehicle) WARNING c Stand clear of a stuck vehicle. c Do not spin your tires at high speed. This could cause them to explode and result in serious injury. Parts of your vehicle could also overheat and be damaged. CAUTION c Tow chains or cables must be attached only to the main structural members of the vehicle or the towing hooks (if so equipped). Otherwise, the vehicle body will be damaged. c Use the towing hook (if so equipped) only to free a vehicle stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc. Never tow the vehicle for a long distance using only the tow- ing hook. 6-12 In case of emergency Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X c Apply the accelerator as little as possible to maintain the rocking motion. c Release the accelerator pedal before shifting between R and D. c Do not spin the tires above 35 mph (55 km/h). 5. If the vehicle can not be freed after a few tries, contact a professional towing service to remove the vehicle. c The towing hook is under tremendous force when used to free a stuck vehicle. Never pull the hook at an angle. c Always pull the cable straight out from the front or rear of the vehicle. c Pulling devices should be routed so they do not touch any part of the sus- pension, steering, brake or cooling systems. c Pulling devices such as ropes or canvas straps are not recommended for use in vehicle towing or recovery. If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc., use the following procedure: 1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control System (if so equipped). 2. Make sure the area in front and behind the vehicle is clear of obstructions. 3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear an area around the front tires. 4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back- ward. c Shift back and forth between R (reverse) and D (drive). In case of emergency 6-13 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X MEMO 6-14 In case of emergency 7 Appearance and care Cleaning exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 Waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 Removing spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2 Underbody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 Aluminum alloy wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 Chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 Cleaning interior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3 Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 Corrosion protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 Most common factors contributing to vehicle corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 Environmental factors influence the rate of corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 To protect your vehicle from corrosion . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X CLEANING EXTERIOR In order to maintain the appearance of your ve- hicle, it is important to take proper care of it. To protect the paint surfaces, please wash your vehicle as soon as you can: c after a rainfall to prevent possible damage from acid rain. c after driving on coastal roads. c when contaminants such as soot, bird drop- pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on the paint surface. c when dust or mud builds up on the surface. Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle inside a garage or in a covered area. When it is necessary to park outside, park in a shady area or protect the vehicle with a body cover. Be careful not to scratch the paint surface when putting on or removing the body cover. WASHING Wash dirt off with a wet sponge and plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or general purpose dishwashing liquid mixed with clean, lukewarm (never hot) water. 7-2 Appearance and care CAUTION c Do not wash the vehicle with strong household soap, strong chemical deter- gents, gasoline or solvents. c Avoid using tight-napped or c Do not wash the vehicle in direct sun- light or while the vehicle body is hot, as the surface may become water-spotted. rough cloths, such as washing mitts. Care must removing caked-on dirt or other foreign sub- stances so the paint surface is not scratched or damaged. taken when be Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with plenty of clean water. Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors, hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas must be cleaned regularly. Take care that the drain holes in the lower edge of the door are open. Spray water under the body and in the wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away road salt. A damp chamois can be used to dry the vehicle to avoid water spots. WAXING Regular waxing protects the paint surface and helps retain new vehicle appearance. Polishing is recommended to remove built-up wax residue and to avoid a weathered appearance before re-applying wax. A NISSAN dealer can assist you in choosing the proper product. c Wax your vehicle only after a thorough wash- ing. Follow the instructions supplied with the wax. c Do not use a wax containing any abrasives, cutting compounds or cleaners that may damage the vehicle finish. c If the surface does not polish easily, use a (cid:147)road tar(cid:148) remover and wax again. Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks. REMOVING SPOTS Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust, insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible from the surface of the paint to avoid lasting damage or staining. Special cleaning products are available at a NISSAN dealer or any automotive accessory store. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS Wash the wheels regularly, especially during win- ter months in areas where road salt is used. If not removed, road salt can discolor the wheels. CHROME PARTS Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non- abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish. UNDERBODY In areas where road salt is used in winter, it is necessary to clean the underbody regularly in order to prevent dirt and salt from building up and causing the acceleration of corrosion on the un- derbody and suspension. Before the winter pe- riod and again in the spring, the underseal must be checked and, if necessary, retreated. GLASS Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass to become coated with a film after the vehicle is parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft cloth will easily remove this film. CAUTION When cleaning the inside of the windows, do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant cleaners. They could damage the electri- cal conductors, radio antenna elements or rear window defroster elements. CLEANING INTERIOR Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Wipe the vinyl and leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth dampened in mild soap solution, then wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth. Before using any fabric protector, read the manufacturer(cid:146)s recommendations. Some fab- ric protectors contain chemicals that may stain or bleach the seat material. Use a cloth dampened only with water to clean the meter and gauge lens. CAUTION c Never use benzine, thinner or any simi- lar material. c Small dirt particles can be abrasive and damaging to leather surfaces and should be removed promptly. Do not use saddle soap, polishes, oils, clean- ing fluids, solvents, detergents or ammonia-based cleaners as they may damage the leather(cid:146)s natural finish. c Never use fabric protectors unless rec- ommended by the manufacturer. c Do not use glass or plastic cleaner on meter or gauge lens covers. It may dam- age the lens cover. Appearance and care 7-3 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X SEAT BELTS The seat belts can be cleaned by wiping them with a sponge dampened in a mild soap solution. Allow the belts to dry completely in the shade before using them. See (cid:147)Seat belt maintenance(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Safety (cid:150) Seats, seat belts and supplemen- tal restraint system(cid:148) section of this manual. WARNING Do not allow wet seat belts to roll up in the retractor. NEVER use bleach, dye or chemical solvents to clean the seat belts, since these materials may severely weaken the seat belt webbing. FLOOR MATS The use of genuine NISSAN floor mats can ex- tend the life of your vehicle carpet and make it easier to clean the interior. No matter what mats are used, be sure they are fitted for your vehicle and are properly positioned in the footwell to prevent interference with pedal operation. Mats should be maintained with regular cleaning and replaced if they be- come excessively worn. 7-4 Appearance and care WAI0006 Floor mat positioning aid (driver(cid:146)s side only) This vehicle includes a front floor mat bracket to act as a floor mat positioning aid. NISSAN floor mats have been specially designed for your ve- hicle model. The driver(cid:146)s side floor mat has a grommet hole incorporated in it. Position the mat by placing the floor mat bracket hook through the floor mat grommet hole while centering the mat in the footwell. Periodically check to make certain the mats are properly positioned. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X CORROSION PROTECTION MOST COMMON FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO VEHICLE CORROSION c The accumulation of moisture-retaining dirt and debris in body panel sections, cavities, and other areas. c Damage to paint and other protective coat- ings caused by gravel and stone chips or minor traffic accidents. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCE THE RATE OF CORROSION Moisture Accumulation of sand, dirt and water on the ve- hicle body underside can accelerate corrosion. Wet floor coverings will not dry completely inside the vehicle, and should be removed for drying to avoid floor panel corrosion. Relative humidity Corrosion will be accelerated in areas of high relative humidity, especially those areas where the temperatures stay above freezing and where atmospheric pollution exists and road salt is used. Temperature High temperatures accelerate the rate of corro- sion to those parts which are not well ventilated. Air pollution Industrial pollution, the presence of salt in the air in coastal areas, or heavy road salt use acceler- ates the corrosion process. Road salt also accel- erates the disintegration of paint surfaces. TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE FROM CORROSION c Wash and wax your vehicle often to keep the vehicle clean. c Always check for minor damage to the paint and repair it as soon as possible. c Keep drain holes at the bottom of the doors open to avoid water accumulation. c Check the underbody for accumulation of sand, dirt or salt. If present, wash with water as soon as possible. CAUTION c NEVER remove dirt, sand or other de- bris from the passenger compartment by washing it out with a hose. Remove dirt with a vacuum cleaner or broom. c Never allow water or other liquids to come in contact with electronic compo- nents inside the vehicle as this may damage them. Chemicals used for road surface de-icing are extremely corrosive. They accelerate corrosion and deterioration of underbody components such as the exhaust system, fuel and brake lines, brake cables, floor pan and fenders. In winter, the underbody must be cleaned periodically. For additional protection against rust and corro- sion, which may be required in some areas, con- sult a NISSAN dealer. Appearance and care 7-5 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X MEMO 7-6 Appearance and care 8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself Maintenance requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2 General maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2 Explanation of general maintenance items . . . . . . . . . 8-2 Maintenance precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5 Engine compartment check locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6 Engine cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 Checking engine coolant level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 Changing engine coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 Engine oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 Changing engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Changing engine oil filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10 5-speed automatic transmission fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11 Power steering fluid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11 Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11 Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12 Window washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12 Window washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-13 Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14 Drive belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14 Spark plugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15 Replacing spark plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15 Air cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16 In-cabin microfilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16 Windshield wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17 Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18 Parking brake and brake pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20 Checking parking brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20 Checking brake pedal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20 Brake booster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-21 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-21 Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-22 Passenger compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-23 Battery replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-24 Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-25 Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-25 Fog lights (if so equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-26 Exterior and interior lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-27 Wheels and tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-31 Tire pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-31 Tire labeling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-35 Types of tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-38 Tire chains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-38 Changing wheels and tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-39 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE Your new NISSAN has been designed to have minimum maintenance requirements with longer service intervals to save you both time and money. However, some day-to-day and regular maintenance is essential to maintain your NIS- SAN(cid:146)s good mechanical condition, as well as its emission and engine performance. It is the owner(cid:146)s responsibility to make sure that the scheduled maintenance, as well as general maintenance, is performed. As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who can ensure that your vehicle receives proper maintenance. You are a vital link in the mainte- nance chain. Scheduled maintenance For your convenience, both required and optional scheduled maintenance items are described and listed in your (cid:147)NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide.(cid:148) You must refer to that guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is performed on your NISSAN at regular intervals. General maintenance General maintenance includes those items which should be checked during normal day-to-day op- eration. They are essential for proper vehicle op- eration. It is your responsibility to perform these maintenance procedures regularly as prescribed. 8-2 Maintenance and do-it-yourself Performing general maintenance checks requires minimal mechanical skill and only a few general automotive tools. These checks or inspections can be done by you, a qualified technician, or, if you prefer, a NISSAN dealer. Where to go for service If maintenance service is required or your vehicle appears to malfunction, have the systems checked and corrected by a NISSAN dealer. NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists who are kept up-to-date with the latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership training programs. They are completely qualified to work on NISSAN ve- hicles before they work on your vehicle, rather than after they have worked on it. You can be confident that a NISSAN dealer(cid:146)s service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance requirements on your vehicle (cid:151) in a reliable and economic way. During the normal day-to-day operation of the vehicle, general maintenance should be per- formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or smells, be sure to check for the cause or have a NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition, you should notify a NISSAN dealer if you think that repairs are required. When performing any checks or maintenance work, closely observe the (cid:147)Maintenance precau- tions(cid:148) later in this section. EXPLANATION OF GENERAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS information on the following Additional items with (cid:147)*(cid:148) is found later in this section. Outside the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified. Doors and engine hood Check that the doors and engine hood operate properly. Also ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links as necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the hood from opening when the primary latch is released. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X When driving in areas using road salt or other corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently. Lights* Clean the headlights on a regular basis. Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all operating properly and installed securely. Also check headlight aim. Road wheel nuts* When checking the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if necessary. Tire rotation* Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). Tires* Check the pressure with a gauge often and always prior to long distance trips. If neces- sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear. Wheel alignment and balance If the vehicle should pull to either side while driving on a straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be needed. c For additional information regarding tires, refer to (cid:147)Important Tire Safety Information(cid:148) (US) or (cid:147)Tire Safety Information(cid:148) (Canada) in the Warranty Information Booklet . Windshield Clean the windshield on a regular basis. Check the windshield at least every six months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam- aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair facility. Windshield wiper blades* Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly. Inside the vehicle The maintenance items listed here should be checked on a regular basis, such as when per- forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve- hicle, etc. Additional information on the following items with an (cid:147)*(cid:148) is found later in this sec- tion. Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and make sure the pedal does not bind or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away from the pedal. Automatic transmission P (Park) position mechanism On a fairly steep hill check that your vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in the P (Park) position without applying any brakes. Brake pedal and booster* Check the pedal for smooth operation and make sure it has the proper distance under it when depressed fully. Check the brake booster function. Be certain to keep the floor mat away from the pedal. Brakes Check that the brakes do not pull the vehicle to one side when applied. Parking brake* Check that the lever has the proper travel and confirm that your vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake applied. Seats Check seat position controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in every position. Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all latched positions. Seat belts Check that all parts of the seat belt system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters and retractors) operate properly and smoothly, and are installed securely. Check the belt web- bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage. Steering wheel Check for changes in the steer- ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard steering or strange noises. Warning lights and chimes Make sure all warning lights and chimes are operating properly. Windshield wiper and washer* Check that the wipers and washer operate properly and that the wipers do not streak. Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8-3 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See the (cid:147)Appearance and care(cid:148) section of this manual. Windshield washer fluid* Check that there is adequate fluid in the reservoir. in each cell. Windshield defroster Check that the air comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in sufficient quantity when operating the heater or air conditioner. Under the hood and vehicle The maintenance items listed here should be checked periodically (for example, each time you check the engine oil or refuel). Battery* Check the fluid level It should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve- hicles operated in high temperatures or under severe conditions require frequent checks of the battery fluid level. Brake fluid levels* Make sure that the brake fluid level is between the MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir. Engine coolant level* Check the coolant level when the engine is cold. Engine drive belts* Make sure the drive belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily. Engine oil level* Check the level after parking the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off. Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan. Exhaust system Make sure there are no loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of 8-4 Maintenance and do-it-yourself immediately have the exhaust exhaust fumes, system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the carbon monoxide warning in the (cid:147)Starting and driving(cid:148) section of this manual. Fluid leaks Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has been parked for a while. Water dripping from the air conditioner after use is normal. If you should notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident, check for the cause and have it corrected imme- diately. Power steering fluid level* and lines Check the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc. Radiator and hoses Check the front of the radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves, etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose connections. Underbody The underbody is frequently ex- posed to corrosive substances such as those used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very important to remove these substances from the underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the end of winter, the underbody should be thor- oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS When performing any inspection or maintenance work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to the vehicle. The following are general precau- tions which should be closely observed. WARNING c Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap- ply the parking brake securely and block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving. Move the shift selector lever to P (Park). c Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or LOCK position when performing any parts replacement or repairs. c Never leave the engine or automatic transmission related component har- nesses disconnected while the ignition switch is in the ON position. c Never connect or disconnect the battery or any transistorized component while the ignition switch is in the ON position. c Your vehicle is equipped with an auto- matic engine cooling fan. It may come on at any time without warning, even if the ignition key is in the OFF position and the engine is not running. To avoid injury, always disconnect the negative battery cable before working near the fan. c If you must work with the engine run- ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools away from moving fans, belts and any other moving parts. c It is advisable to secure or remove any loose clothing and remove any jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc. before working on your vehicle. c Always wear eye protection whenever you work on your vehicle. c If you must run the engine in an en- closed space such as a garage, be sure there is proper ventilation for exhaust gases to escape. c Never get under the vehicle while it is supported only by a jack. If it is neces- sary to work under the vehicle, support it with safety stands. c Keep smoking materials, flame and sparks away from the fuel tank and battery. c On gasoline engine models with the multiport fuel injection (MFI) system, the fuel filter or fuel lines should be serviced by a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines are under high pressure even when the engine is off. CAUTION c Do not work under the hood while the engine is hot. Turn the engine off and wait until it cools down. c Avoid contact with used engine oil and coolant. Improperly disposed engine oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle fluids can damage the environment. Al- ways conform to local regulations for disposal of vehicle fluid. This (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) section gives instructions regarding only those items which are relatively easy for an owner to perform. A genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail- able. See (cid:147)Owner(cid:146)s Manual/Service Manual or- der information(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Technical and consumer information(cid:148) section of this manual. You should be aware that incomplete or improper servicing may result in operating difficulties or excessive emissions, and could affect warranty coverage. If in doubt about any servicing, have it done by a NISSAN dealer. Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8-5 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK LOCATIONS Battery Fuse/fusible link box Transmission dipstick Engine oil filler cap Brake fluid reservoir 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Windshield washer fluid reservoir 7. 8. 9. 10. Engine oil dipstick 11. Engine coolant reservoir NOTE: Engine cover removed for clarity. Air cleaner Radiator cap Power steering fluid reservoir 8-6 Maintenance and do-it-yourself LDI0368 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM NISSAN Genuine The engine cooling system is filled at the factory with Life Antifreeze/Coolant to provide year-round anti- freeze and coolant protection.The anti-freeze so- lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors. Ad- ditional engine cooling system additives are not necessary. Long WARNING c Never remove the radiator or coolant reservoir cap when the engine is hot. Wait until the engine and radiator cool down. Serious burns could be caused by high pressure fluid escaping from the radiator. See precautions in (cid:147)If your vehicle overheats(cid:148) found in the (cid:147)In case of emergency(cid:148) section of this manual. c The radiator is equipped with a pres- sure type radiator cap. To prevent en- gine damage, use only a genuine NISSAN radiator cap. Outside temperature down to (cid:176)C -35 (cid:176)F -30 Demineral- ized or dis- tilled water Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/ Coolant or equivalent 50% 50% CAUTION When adding or replacing coolant, be sure to use only a Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (green) or equivalent with the proper mixture ratio of 50% anti- freeze and 50% demineralized or distilled water. The use of other types of coolant solutions or coolant colors, such as or- ange, may damage the engine cooling system. LDI0369 CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL Check the coolant level in the reservoir when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below the MIN level, add coolant to the MAX level. If the reservoir is empty, check the coolant level in the radiator when the engine is cold. If there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the radiator with coolant up to the filler opening and also add it to the reservoir up to the MAX level. The engine coolant reservoir is a pressur- ized tank. When installing the cap, tighten it until a clicking sound is heard. Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8-7 Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X If the cooling system frequently requires coolant, have it checked by a NISSAN dealer. CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant. The service procedure can be found in the NISSAN Service Manual. Improper servicing can result in reduced heater performance and engine overheating. WARNING c To avoid the danger of being scalded, never change the coolant when the en- gine is hot. c Never remove the radiator or engine coolant reservoir cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could be caused by high pressure fluid escaping from the radiator. c Avoid direct skin contact with used coolant. If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible. c Keep coolant out of the reach of chil- dren and pets. Engine coolant must be disposed of properly. Check your local regulations. 8-8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself ENGINE OIL LDI0370 CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake. 2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature. 3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan. 4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re- insert it all the way. LDI0371 5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be between the H (High) and L (Low) marks sB . This is the normal oper- ating oil level range. If the oil level is below the L (Low) mark sA , remove the oil filler cap and pour recommended oil through the opening. Do not overfill sC . 6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick. It is normal to add some oil between oil maintenance intervals or during the break-in period, depending on the severity of operating conditions. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X CAUTION Oil level should be checked regularly. Op- erating the engine with an insufficient amount of oil can damage the engine, and such damage is not covered by warranty. If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and replace it at this time. See (cid:147)Changing engine oil filter(cid:148) later in this section. WARNING c Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oil may cause skin cancer. c Try to avoid direct skin contact with used oil. If skin contact is made, wash thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner as soon as possible. c Keep used engine oil out of reach of children. CAUTION Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine oil may be hot. c Waste oil must be disposed of prop- erly. c Check your local regulations. 6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with a wrench. Do not use excessive force. Drain plug tightening torque: 22 - 29 ft-lb (29 - 39 N•m) Maintenance and do-it-yourself 8-9 LDI0372 CHANGING ENGINE OIL 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake. 2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature, then turn it off. 3. Remove the oil filler cap by turning it coun- terclockwise. 4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug. 5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench by turning it counterclockwise and completely drain the oil. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X and (cid:147)Capacities 7. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler cap securely. See recommended fuel/lubricants(cid:148) in the (cid:147)Technical and con- sumer information(cid:148) section of this manual for drain and refill capacity. The drain and refill capacity depends on the oil temperature and drain time. Use these specifications for reference only. Always use the dipstick to determine when the proper amount of oil is in the engine. 5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag. Be sure to remove any old gasket material remaining on the mounting surface of the engine. 6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil. 7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn. 8. Start the engine and check for leakage around the oil filter. Correct as required. 9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if necessary. 8. Start the engine. Check for leakage around the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as re- quired. 9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary. 8-10 Maintenance and do-it-yourself CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply LDI0373 the parking brake. 2. Turn the engine off. 3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter. 4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Then remove the oil filter by turning it by hand. CAUTION Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine oil may be hot. Z REVIEW COPY—2005 Armada (wzw) Owners Manual—USA_English (nna) 11/18/04—tbrooks X 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID When checking or replacement is required, we recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing. WARNING c Use only Genuine Matic J ATF. Do not

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2005 Nissan Armada Owners Manual