brake NISSAN SENTRA 2000 B15 / 5.G Owners Manual

orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)CRUISE ONzOFF switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsorAnti-lock brake warning
light (if so equipped)Cruise SET indicator light
(if so equipped)
High beam indicator light (Blue)Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Supplemental air bag warning light
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator lampSeat belt warning light and chime
Door open warning lightEngine oil pressure warning lightLow fuel warning light
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake and turn the ignition key to the ON
position without starting the engine. The
following lights will come on:
,,or,,,
If equipped, the following lights come on
briefly and then go off:
or
If any light fails to come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an open
circuit in the electrical system. Have thesystem repaired promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Usethe dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section
of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost im-
mediately. Turn off the engine as soon
as it is safe to do so.
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls2-7
ZX

Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a problem with the
charging system. Turn the engine off and
check the generator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, or missing, or if the light remains on,
see an authorized NISSAN dealer immedi-
ately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
the seat belts. The light illuminates and the
chime sounds (for about five seconds)
whenever the ignition key is turned to the
ON position, and the light remains illumi-
nated until the driver's seat belt is fastened.Refer to ªSeat beltsº in the ªSeats, restraints
and supplemental air bag systemsº section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag and supplemental
side air bag need servicing and your vehicle
must be taken to an authorized NISSAN
dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supple-
mental restraint system may not function
properly. For additional details see ``Supple-
mental restraint system'' in the ``Seats, re-straints and supplemental air bag systems''
section of this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental front air bag or supple-
mental side air bag system (if so
equipped) will not operate in an acci-
dent.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary.
See the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
manual.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake
is applied, and also warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake not
applied, stop the vehicle and perform the
following:
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX

1.Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ``Brake fluid'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cIf the level is below the MINIMUM or
MIN mark on the brake fluid reser-
voir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked at an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer.
cYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is
on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something is wrong
with the anti-lock portion of the brake sys-
tem. Have the system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly
doing so may cause the ABS light to stay
on when there is nothing wrong). If the
light stays on, have the system checked
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases, but the regular
braking system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for
repair.
Low fuel warning light
This warning light comes on when the fuel in
the tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it
is convenient, preferably before the fuel
gauge reaches E (Empty).There will be a small reserve of fuel remain-
ing in the tank when the fuel gauge reaches
E (Empty).
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is in the OFF position.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal lever switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Instruments and controls
2-9
ZX

CHIMES
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver's side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch. Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch in the OFF position,
a chime sounds when the driver's side door
is opened if the headlights or parking lights
are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before
leaving the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have an audible wear
warning. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion,
whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed. Have the brakes checked as soon
as possible if the warning sound is heard.Your vehicle has two types of security sys-
tems:
cNissan Vehicle Immobilizer System±
NVIS (if so equipped)
cTheft warning (if so equipped)
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS) (if so equipped)
The Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(NVIS) will not allow the engine to start
without the use of a registered NVIS key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered
NVIS key (for example, when interference iscaused by another NVIS key, an automated
toll road device or automated payment de-
vice on the key ring), restart the engine
using the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position, and wait approximately 5
seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de-
vice (which may have caused the inter-
ference) separate from the registered
NVIS key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, Nissan
recommends placing the registered NVIS
key on a separate key ring to avoid interfer-
ence from other devices.
Statement related to section 15 of FCC
rules for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System (CONT ASSY - IMMOBILIZER,
ANT ASSY - IMMOBILIZER)
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions;
IC0005
SECURITY SYSTEMS
Instruments and controls2-11
ZX

The instrument brightness control operates
when the headlight switch is in the
orposition.
Turn the control to adjust the brightness of
instrument panel lights.
Passing signal
Pulling and releasing the lever flashes the
headlight high beams on and off.
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT
SYSTEM (Canada only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is startedwith the parking brake released. The day-
time running lights operate with the head-
light switch in the OFF position or in the
position. Turn the headlight switch
to theposition for full illumination
when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the
engine is started, the daytime running lights
do not illuminate. The daytime running lights
illuminate once the parking brake is re-
leased. The daytime running lights will re-
main on until the ignition switch is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle are
not on. It is necessary at dusk to turn
on your headlights. Failure to do so
could cause an accident injuring your-
self and others.
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
Turn signal
Move the lever up or down to signal the
turning direction. When the turn is com-
pleted, the turn signals cancel automati-
cally.
Lane change signal
To signal a lane change, move the lever up
or down to the point where the indicator light
begins to flash, but the lever does not latch.
AIC0608
INSTRUMENT BRIGHTNESS
CONTROL
Instruments and controls2-17
ZX

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................5-2
Three-way catalyst .................................................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover................................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................5-3
Ignition switch .........................................................5-4
Automatic transmission ..........................................5-4
Manual transmission ..............................................5-5
Key positions ..........................................................5-5
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS)
(if so equipped) ......................................................5-6
Before starting the engine ......................................5-6
Starting the engine .................................................5-7
Driving the vehicle ..................................................5-7
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ................5-7
Manual transmission ............................................5-11
Parking brake .......................................................5-13
Cruise control (if so equipped) .............................5-14
Precautions on cruise control...............................5-14Cruise control operations .....................................5-14
Break-in schedule ................................................5-16
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-16
Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-17
Power steering .....................................................5-18
Brake system........................................................5-18
Braking precautions .............................................5-18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if so equipped) ....5-19
Cold weather driving ............................................5-20
Freeing a frozen door lock ...................................5-20
Anti-freeze ............................................................5-20
Battery ..................................................................5-20
Draining of coolant ...............................................5-20
Tire equipment .....................................................5-21
Special winter equipment .....................................5-21
Driving on snow or ice .........................................5-21
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ...................5-22
ZX

the influence of alcohol. Every year thou-
sands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol-related accidents. Although the lo-
cal laws vary on what is considered to be
legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that is true for drugs, too (over-the-
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs). Do
not drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models the igni-
tion lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the shift
selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift selector lever is in the P
(Park) position.
When the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the
key.1) Move the shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position.
2) Turn the ignition key slightly toward the
ON position.
3) Turn the key to the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to OFF or if the key is removed from
the switch.
The shift selector lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF posi-
tion is indicated by a ``1'' on the key
cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF, the
steering wheel is not locked.
WSD0004
IGNITION SWITCH
5-4Starting and driving
ZX

1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park)
or N (Neutral). (P is recommended.)
The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
key is turned to LOCK or if the key is
removed.
The starter is designed not to operate
if the shift selector lever is in one of
the driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the selector lever to N (Neutral),
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor.
The starter is designed to operate
only when the clutch pedal is fully
depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but
fails to run, repeat the above procedure.
Ð If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, de-press and hold the accelerator pedal
to help start the engine.
Ð In the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal fully depressed while starting.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially
in cold weather.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(if so equipped)
WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2
or 1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose con-
trol and have an accident.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This
could cause an accident.
CAUTION
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an
uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle
by depressing the accelerator pedal.
The foot brake should be used for
this purpose.
STARTING THE ENGINE DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-7
ZX

cDo not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled to produce maxi-
mum power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for
this transmission are shown on the following
pages. Follow these procedures for maximum
vehicle performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
cAfter starting the engine, fully depress
the foot brake pedal before shifting the
shift selector lever to the D (Drive), R
(Reverse), 2 or 1 position. Be sure the
vehicle is at a complete stop before
attempting to shift the shift selector lever.
cKeep the foot brake pedal depressed
and shift into a driving gear.
c
Release the foot brake, then gradually
start the vehicle in motion.
The automatic transmission is designed so
the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is ON.
The shift selector lever cannot be moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to LOCK or if the key is removed.
The shift selector lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed.
Shifting
Push the button to shift into P (Park), R (Re-
verse) or from D (Drive) to 2. All other positions
can be selected without pushing the button.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Always
be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop. For
maximum safety, depress the brake pedal,
then push in the shift selector lever button
and move the lever to the P (Park) position.
Apply the parking brake. When parking on a
hill, apply the parking brake first, then shift
the lever into the P (Park) position.
Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the shift selector lever still cannot be moved
WSD0006
5-8Starting and driving
ZX

out of P (Park), follow these instructions.
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the key and turn it to the ACC
position.
4.
Depress the foot brake pedal and move
the shift selector lever to N (Neutral).
5. Start the engine.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in
N (Neutral) should only be used until service
can be obtained at an authorized NISSAN
dealership.
R (Reverse)
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is at a complete stop before
shifting into the R (Reverse) position. For
maximum safety, check to ensure the area
behind the vehicle is clear. With the brake
pedal depressed, push in the shift selector
lever button and move the shift selector
lever to the R (Reverse) position.
N (Neutral)
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position.You may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a
stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
2 (Second gear)
Use this position for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds
above 68 MPH (110 km/h). Do not exceed
68 MPH (110 km/h) in the 2 position.
1 (Low gear)
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or slow driving through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak-
ing on steep downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds
above 34 MPH (55 km/h). Do not exceed 34
MPH (55 km/h) in the 1 position.
WSD0008
Starting and driving5-9
ZX