Nissan Armada

armada4wd

I'm going back to them today to get this adjusted.

Thank you all for the advise.

berisimus

Antonian, thanks for your awesome post. It will be a big help and I thank you. Out of curiosity how in fact do you activate the satellite radio once it is installed? Can it be done from the controls on the steering wheel as I have been told? Also, have you experimented at all with the preset button and, if so, how does that integrate with the satellite radio?

Kudos on your install and thanks again for posting your experience.

llajumpvid

I'm going to the dealership to order my Armada tonight...LE smoke/graphite/split bench w/tech pkg....any guesses if the problem with the roof will be fixed on an order placed now?

bowke28

the etching isnt the only thing you got for $1000. protection plus is an extended warranty/service plan. they sold you that PLUS the etch for $1000. if im wrong, im sorry, and you should say no to it...but im pretty sure im right. ;-)

antonian

There is a serial # on the box that you will use to activate with Sirius. The tuner will actually pick up channel 184 (Sirius preview channel) even before you activate the service. In fact, it's recommended you tune to that channel right after the install, just to make sure everything is working right.

You can access the the sat radio by cycling through the radio button (FM, AM, SAT). Your owners manual will have information on how to change the channel, search by music category, etc. Storing the presets are explained there as well. From what I gather, the presets are independant of the band (FM, AM, or SAT). Meaning that preset 1 on A is always what it is. People have different opinions about this but I kind of like it. My preset A is full of talk radio. 1 is a SAT station (Fox News), 2 is an AM station, 3 is an FM station, etc. Preset 2 is all my music channels, etc.

berisimus

Antonian, thanks for the head's up. I ordered the XM kit and I would guess that it also contains a serial number and works in much the same way.

BTW now that I have mentioned the pariah word ("XM") H20ski(we know you are lurking) pleeeeeeze do not take this as an open solicitation of your opinion. Believe me we all know who butters your toast...LOL.

Antonian, you mention the owner's manual in your post. Do you mean that the PFA owner's manual discusses the sat radio? I will have to check. I just assumed there would be no mention as the sat radio is not a currently available option.

antonian

The PFA manual has it somewhere in the radio section.

edloeser

on Tuesday and it is awesome. Galaxy LE w/ 2nd row bench, upgrade pkg and DVD. Ended up paying $200 over invoice- I had originally negotiated to $850 over but due to an inventory transfer mix-up the thing showed up with DVD, which I really didnt want. I had been planning on buying a portable DVD unit with 2 monitors for the seatbacks that are cheaper to replace and can be used in other places besides the car. I got them to knock off an additional $650 to remedy the screw up, so I ended up paying a little less for the DVD system than I would have spent on a portable system and accessories. So felt pretty good about it overall. Being as hyper as everyone else on this board over the resonance issue, I have been listening carefully but have heard/felt nothing on the freeway, snow, and bumpy roads. I have no sunroof and the Conti tires. I will have the bonding agent service bulletin performed when convenient because the resonance will likely crop up someday if I dont. Some on this board feel like removing the headliner to apply the bonding agent will be a major service job, but Ive seen similar things done dozens of times and in my opinion it isnt that big of a deal- as long as it truly fixes the problem. And if you think about it, its not a bad problem to have in the grand scheme of things- an engine/powertrain or electrical problem would be a much bigger deal to me. Of course that's easy for me to say since my vehicle doesnt have the problem. The only other thing that puzzles me is something that a couple of other posters have mentioned here- I remember noticing a small tray/coinholder insert in the front center console, and mine didnt have one when I picked it up. When I pointed it out to my salesman (who has been great) he didnt realize that it was supposed to be there but gladly went off to find one in another Armada to give me. Then he returned to tell me that none of their Armadas had them, but that he'd look into it. So that was weird and disappointing- hopefully he'll figure out how to get me one. Bowke- any ideas on what the deal might be??
Anyway, I am extremely happy with my Armada, love the way it drives and handles, love the room, and will love the stereo when I get some speakers replaced. The kick-[non-permissible content removed] bose system in my 01 Pathfinder put this puppy to shame- I wonder why??

tiggerguy

When I picked up my Armada today, the shelf was no longer in the console either, BUT, the DVD system was, and the guy that prepped it told me that it doesn't fit in the console with the dvd installed- I took his word for it, and makes sense to me....sounds like we almost have twinsonly I got the sunroof. Drove it all over tonight, love this thing!! Still no resonance at all, and I was really cruising on the highway, I even ran up behind a semi (not too close, didn't want a stone chip on the first night!) so far, so good- now I gotta sit at my desk tomorrow and start reading the multiple manuals that came with this beast! Oh yeah, waved "buh-bye" to the Silverado on my way out...I won't miss it one bit.

bowke28

the ones we've had with the DVD still have the shelf.

scituate

My list of complaints is getting long. My car, LE 4x4, silver/steel, sunroof has been in for repairs 2x. What still exists is a drivers side door rattle, moonroof rattle, and rear heat whistle. What's been fixed; passenger door rattle, rock in the brakes, 2nd row captains chair entry/exit to third row was broken, missing coin holder. I am not a happy customer. My confidence in the car is very low. I'm putting out this message for those who feel that they may have been cheated as well. If the problems persist, I will pursue the lemon law. The dealer is working with me. Though I have lost confidence with them as well. They told me the drivers side door rattle was fixed and was there when I drove off the lot again. I test drove 2 different Armada's at the dealership and loved the vehicle. They shopped around for color/package I wanted and I never drove the vehicle I own before I bought it. Don't make this mistake.

dodger22

Sorry to say I'm having pains also. I've read the comments from this discussion for several months....some were very important and some appeared slightly petty. As an owner of a LE 4x4, I love the vehicle. Have over 4500 miles already, mostly commute traffic (California???) Problem is my PFA has been in for service three times, with multiple issues; some minor, some a major inconvenience. Previously repaired light behind HVAC dash controls, top lever on right middle seat was broken, brakes were shuttering resulting in discs being turned, air pressure sensors said 4 tires were flat........dealt with it..no problem...but now, after going out to dinner, returned to the car and the rear passenger door doesn't open. No sound from inside or outside of the door latch. Silent and stuck shut. You can hear the lock unlocking but no sound from anything else. How embarrassing that passengers can't even open a door on a 3 month old new vehicle. I know it's not a luxury SUV, and I didn't pay 80,000 for it, but I must say, i expected more than three months. Still love the car, no regrets just disappointed. BTW, brakes need to be turned again. Still having bad front vibrations from uneven discs.

chasmanz28

yes didnt pay 80k but 40k is not chump change, you would think paying this much for any car or truck you wouldnt have some of the serious issues, only time will tell what kind of quailty trucks and cars nissan makes, dont get me wrong i love my armada just wonder somtimes if you get what you pay for anymore, from what im reading so far plus going through my ordeal doesnt look good

btill1

Sorry to hear of all your problems. I like you also have a rattle from my moonroof, also the wind noise from the moonroof is very loud. When the moonroof is closed I can push up on the front of it and the moonroof moves, it does not seem to me that it is closing all the way. What did the dealer do to fix you problem if it has been corrected.

Also I spoke to my salesman yesterday and I mentioned the tray in the center console he said he would get me one from another PFA.

Does anyone have mud-flaps on the front tires of their PFA, mine came with them on the back but I would also like some on the front.

Thanks,

Brian

drich2

just wondered if anyone has noticed a strange noise, sort of a mechanical sound like something is settling, unwinding, or unloading. It seems to be happening behind the drivers dash(?). It doesn't happen immediately when you turn the ignition off but within 2-3 minutes. It is really no big deal, but I just wondered if it happens to others. I occasionally sit my armada after it is turned off for different reasons and notice the noise each time. Obviously, most of us exit pretty quickly and may not have heard .

If anyone notices this noise and knows what it is will you please post it.

So far I have not had any problems with my vehicle. I do share concerns with others about the ones that have had problems. I, for one, really appreciate those who are posting problems with their PFAs so we can all learn.

I have mud flaps on rear but not on the front.

scituate

The moonroof rattle is still there. The dealership is waiting to hear back from Nissan because they don't have a resolution. You know, I don't think my moonroof moves, but there is a lot of space in there. There is also a lot of
noise at highway speed, when the covering is opened to expose the glass. I'll let you know more when I know.

Kirstie_H

A reporter is looking to interview someone in the Portland, OR metro area who owns an SUV and is feeling quite proud of its capabilities in the city's unusual weather. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Friday, January 9.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

btill1

With my moonroof I get a lot of wind noise mostly at highway speeds, when I close the shade for the moonroof everything gets quiet.

Thanks,

Brian

rshe

section on the Edmunds site and fill out a review. If you look at the consumer reviews section for the Armada you'd swear this vehicle was bulletproof... A lot of consumers don't take the time to review the threads, but will see that consumer review section when the look up pricing.. Do your fellow Armada purchasers a favor.

stever

Here's a link

Reviews are checked for spam, etc. by staffers, so it may take a couple of weeks for your review to make it to the site.

Steve, Host

bowke28

im sorry to hear about all the rattles on here, and i appreciate the fact that you all spent so much money on the vehicle, but keep in mind that fixing rattles is not even close to an exact science. unless a technician completely rebuilds your interior, it may take a few tries to get it. this is just a fact of life.

as a new vehicle, the service depts. will have to use a trial and error method of fixing things like this, so please be patient with them.

<steps down from soapbox as lynch mob dissipates>

;-)

chasmanz28

I did send this entire link to nissan, ill be curious as to what they have to say about there product and all the complaints thus so far, and for the mud flaps i also wonder why they didnt come with all 4 of them instead of just the 2 in the rear

bowke28

the splashguards are optional all around. yours was specifically ordered with only rear ones for whatever reason. they are $100 per set (front or rear). they should be coming avaiable in nissan parts soon.

chasmanz28

i hope the front flaps come in soon, wheres a good site to go to for aftermarket parts for the armarda? and who would have the front flaps the fastest?

rshe

I honestly don't see how they would fit on the front, around the running boards. I think the cost is $50 per set or $100 for all four.

chasmanz28

well the EB expedition has the running boards to and they made an aftermarket flap to fit it perfect, just have to wait and see i guess

shamahl

on the nissan web site the only list rear only as an option. the qx56 has both as an option.

chasmanz28

just ordered the fronts 24 bucks cant beat that

jlh_edmunds

I picked up my new Armada two weeks ago, galaxy with graphite interior, aka black and gray.

The truck had a 1/2-width tray in the console when I test-drove, but when I got it home hours later, no tray! I called the dealer, who shipped me one. From all the reports this appears to be a widespread goof-up. There might be a mountain of truck-less trays sitting in a warehouse somewhere.

The dealer told me the Armada was prewired for satellite radio, but then wanted $791 to install. I pointed out that Nissan's own site says the cost is $400, but he claims dealer cost is $691, which he eventually offered to me. I passed, and I'm considering buying the gear from Grubbs. But it's definitely a mystery -- to dealers too, it appears -- whether Armadas are prewired. I'm hoping a truck with factory-installed satellite will show up at the dealer so I can see where the antenna is and perhaps get a hint where cables might exist.

My truck has very loud, ear-hammering resonance if either or both back windowss are open, but only if all other windows are closed. If I open the rear wing windows (which I like for airflow), or the moonroof, or a front window, the problem goes away. The dealer said "never heard of this problem", but admitted hearing it on a test drive...but then said there's no Nissan info on fixing (or even admitting) it.

The Bose radio lacks kick, compared to the amazing radios I've had in two Chrysler minivans. The AM side of the radio has poor high-freq response compared with my Chrysler radios (AM sounds poor mainly due to bad radios, not bad stations).

Worse than the average sound is the horrible FM radio reception. The windshield antenna might be aesthetic, but it contradicts the physics of radio transmission. Stations that come in rock-solid in my Chrysler are weak in the Armada, and vary depending on which way the vehicle is facing. This is because the antenna is horizontal, and a radio antenna picks up signals strongest perpendicular to the shaft. A classic vertical whip antenna picks up stations from all directions, but a horizontal antenna picks up from front-read (and straight up/down!). Reception to the rear is blocked by the vehicle's body. That leaves the front, picking up only 1/4 of what it should. It might be necessary to drill and mount a whip antenna. (This is an old Nissan problem; my 1971 Datsun 510 also had an antenna which ignored physics, and I mounted a new antenna with great results.)

When delivered, the rear door wouldn't open using the rear latch, only using a button to drive the motor. This turned out to be an unplugged cable inside the door.

The moonroof generates a fair amount of noise when open, much more than the two front windows when open! I haven't noticed any odd rattles or noises yet.

I love driving the Armada, and hope the problems are resolvable without major pain.

btill1

Chazmans28,

Could you share with us where you ordered the front mud guards?

Thanks,

Brian

chasmanz28

heres the link, they also have the hood guards too that just came in today looks good, this place only deals in oem parts so they fit nice:
2004 Armada:
Front splash guards: $23.75
Rear splash guards: $32.50
I have them in stock!
Shipping via ground service: $7.45
Please feel free to call us at 1.888.216.5328, thank you!
To: info@everythingnissan.com

chasmanz28

"My truck has very loud, ear-hammering resonance if either or both back windowss are open, but only if all other windows are closed. If I open the rear wing windows (which I like for airflow), or the moonroof, or a front window, the problem goes away. The dealer said "never heard of this problem", but admitted hearing it on a test drive...but then said there's no Nissan info on fixing (or even admitting) it."

Well indeed nissan is aware of the problem since im getting it fixed next week, all you have to do is tell your service manager to call up nissan and talk to the tech department and they well tell them the fix to this problem, if you scroll up and look at what i said they have to install a bonding agent to the roof supports to stop it from flexing out of specs hence that resonance noise we all hear

auto9999

Resonance when the rear windows are open would happen to any vehicles and would not be regarded as the design flaw, as someone has already mentioned on this board. My 1991 Accord had a terrible buffeting sound when the rear windows were open but the resonance disappeared when front windows were also open or when all windows were closed.

When I bought a Honda I expected the perfect quality on a Honda. I brought it to the dealer many times to fix a rattle. Guess what, I heard the same rattle from inside of a Mercedes S series that my boss owned when he gave me a ride, and he did not seem to care at all.

chasmanz28

what im talkin about is the resonance with all the windows closed, theres a problem from the factory, the tsb should be out soon

tidester

If it's a "buffeting" or "helicopter" sound then it's not truly a resonance. Rather, the effect is an oscillation of air into and out of the passenger compartment as the Bernoulli pressure alternates at the (open) window.

Resonance can occur, however, when the driving force (such as tire noise, engine noise, panel oscillation, bad muffler and so forth) are improperly insulated acoustically from the passenger compartment and has a frequency component matching the acoustic properties of the compartment.

Both types of sound can be quite irritating!

tidester, host

auto9999

I was extremely impressed by your intelligent and yet humorous summary, Tidester.

btill1

Chasmanz28 Thanks for the link, I e-mailed them since a did not see that they had the Armada listed on the site. I am asking them about the front mud guards,bug deflector,and wind delector for sunroof.

Thanks again,

Brian

darreny

After asking my dealer, who told me there were no accessories available yet, I found someone who has them listed on their site: www.courtesyparts.com

I ordered the front mud flaps, smokers kit, and cabin air filter.

bowke28

the "dealer cost" included labor, which can be anywhere from $50-$100 per hour. the nissan website price was for parts only.

galvang

We'll its a DWB PF Armada. I wish I would have gotten a SG color but none were availible. Still the LE 4x4 with a tech package is very impressive. It rides fairly smooth with very minimal wind noise. I drove the LE 4x4 with out sunroof and yes there is a difference. With sunroof it rides a little quieter.

With the tech pkg it comes with NAV, the cockpit electronics is fairly sophisticated. A little bit of a learning curve. But all the buttons and gadgetry seems to be in the right place. A well thought out design from Nissan.

With plenty of room , the tow rating, the cool sounding stereo, and other cool gadgetry this should prove to be an interesting relationship. Just hope it will be just as reliable as my recently owned MDX. I'm a happy camper so far. Nice going Nissan.

tiggerguy

Just found this link for some accesories, looks like a good price on the front flaps-Nissanmotorsports.com has some stuff too-

http://www.courtesyparts.com/armada/index.html

crazyeyes

I was incorrect in my earlier recollection about my vehicle's sunroof noise.

It seems my Armada exhibits the same noise you are describing with the shade pulled back. My other vehicles with sunroofs are much quieter.

As far as accessories - the web page isn't updated for the 04 Armada, but www.nissan-parts-dealer.com has had some of the best prices I've found on many accessories and charge reasonably for shipping. Their 800# is on their contact page.

Have ordered extra wireless headphones for the DVD system, the sunroof deflector (haven't installed it), and bug deflector without problems.

proffsionl

My PFA LE has the sunroof. I noticed on the second day that there seemed to be a lot of noise from the sunroof whenever the shade was slid opened. I examined it closely and noticed that it was far out of adjustment, to the point that the gasket on the glass was fully compressed along the front edge (when closed), but the back edge gasket had about a 1/16th inch gap (not sealing at all).

You can take it to your dealer to get it adjusted or do it yourself (instructions below).

There are two small plastic pieces on the underside of the glass panel on either end that just snap in place. To remove them, just slightly open the glass (to get access) and slide each one toward the center of the panel. They should move about 1/4" then you can drop them down off of the panel. Behind each one there are two torx screws that hold the panel in place. You can loosen them and adjust the panel up/down/front/rear. It took me a bit to get it just right, but I no longer have noise from my sunroof...it is as quiet as my other cars. The whole affair took me less than 30 minutes to do. Just do one side at a time.

FYI, I am not liable for anyone messing up their sunroofs!!!

Kevin Taylor
Austin, Texas
'04 Armada LE Canteen

darreny

I can't find one in my LE.
I took apart the underfloor storage compartment and looked in the side compartment by the jack, and can't find it.
I am hoping to find it before the SAT radio kit gets here from Grubbs.

warmsoda

Nice suv - I have read the noise problem entries - must have made some diffrence because mine is quite - I go through a lot of cars and I can put my two cents in - tires are a real problem unless they are put on right and cost you a lot of money they will sound bad. Most tires are junk.

pmtre

proffsionl-- my sunroof is on the noisy side as speed increases, took a look at your fix for the sunroof seems straight forward, although, I tried to loosen the torx screws - they weren't budging. I'll try again tomorrow, getting to late for me tonight. I did look at the top of the roof and the front seems to fit snugly. the rear wasn't as tight. Also, I've noticed a slight trickle of water in the rear of the sunroof after my two trips through the car wash. Very minor trickle but water is still penetrating.

berisimus

I believe you buy the wiring harness from Grubbs and this includes the cable you mention. I have the kit (as of yet uninstalled) and it came with a long cable. Perhaps someone who has already done the install (see previous posts on this forum) can confirm.

antonian

The sat prewire is purchased separately through Grubbs. It does not come automatically with the sat kit. It is approx. 15' in length and will reach from the radio to the back of the PFA with room to spare.

darreny

Yeah, I know you can buy it from Grubbs with the kit, but one person who installed it said a cable was already attached to the SAT cable plug on his radio. He just didn't know where the other end was.

If I could find where Nissan is running the cable to, I could probably save a lot of time and trouble not having to run the new cable the length of the truck.

mkamdar

I am going to pickup PFA SE model today for invoice + $150. Is that a good price? Please let me know. I am in NJ. Thanks.