fuel NISSAN SENTRA 1996 B14 / 4.G Owner's Manual

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little
different. When refilling, follow the procedure instructed in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 13-1/4 gal 11 gal 50Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil (Refill)
With oil filter GA16DE 3-3/8 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.2
API SG or SH and Energy Conserving
II*2
API Certification Mark *2 SR20DE 3-5/8 qt 3 qt 3.4
Without oil filter GA16DE 3 qt 2-1/2 qt 2.8
SR20DE 3-3/8 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.2
Cooling system
With reservoir
GA16DE5-1/2 qt,
6 qt*64-5/8 qt,
5 qt*65.2, 5.7*6
Anti-freeze coolant
(Ethylene glycol base) SR20DE6-1/2 qt,
6-1/2 qt*65-1/2 qt,
5-1/2 qt*66.2, 6.2*6
Reservoir 3/4 qt 5/8 qt 0.7
Manual transmission gear oil 4 3-3/8 3.8 API GL-4*3
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level
according to the instructions in the
``Do-it-yourself operations''
section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Genuine Nissan Automatic
Transmission Fluid (Canada).*4
Power steering fluid Type DEXRON
TMII or equivalent
Brake fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or
equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant Ð Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*7
Air conditioning system lubricantsNissan A/C System Lubricant
Type R or equivalent*7
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommenda-
tion''.
*2: For further details, see ``Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation''.
*3: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE
viscosity number''.
*4: Dexronž III/Merconž or equivalent may also
be used. Outside the Continental United States
and Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for more
information regarding suitable fluids, including
recommended brand(s) of Dexronž III/Merconž
or Dexronž IIE/Merconž Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your
NISSAN dealer.
*6: Automatic transmission models.
*7: For further details, see ªAir conditioner speci-
fication labelº.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
9-2
ZX

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
All models are designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
(Research octane number 91).
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control devices and systems, and could
also affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three way catalyst.
Reformulated Gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing re-
formulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. NISSAN supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggests that you use refor-
mulated gasoline when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising theirpresence. Nissan does not recommend the
use of fuels of which the oxygenate content
and the fuel compatibility for your NISSAN
cannot be readily determined. If in doubt,
ask your service station manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage
of such fuels may cause vehicle performance
problems and/or fuel system damage.
cThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.
cIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should
contain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
cIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable amount
of appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors, such methanol
blends may cause fuel system dam-
age and/or vehicle performance prob-lems. At this time, sufficient data is
not available to ensure that all metha-
nol blends are suitable for use in Nis-
san vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels,
immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygen-
ates can cause paint damage.
After Market Fuel Additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any fuel additives (i.e., fuel injector cleaner,
octane booster, intake valve deposit remov-
ers, etc.) which are sold commercially. Many
of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active sol-
vents or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should
use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index). How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with
9-3
ZX

an octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-
Knock Index) in high altitude areas (over
4,000 ft [1,219 m]) such as: Colorado, Mon-
tana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, north-
eastern Nevada, southern Idaho, western
South Dakota, western Nebraska, and that
part of Texas which is directly south of New
Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ``spark knock.'' (``Spark
knock'' is a metallic rapping noise.) If
severe, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady
speed on level roads, have your dealer
correct the condition. Failure to correct
the condition is misuse of the vehicle, for
which NISSAN is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing results in knocking,
after-run and/or overheating. This in turn
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
damage to the engine. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked at a NISSAN dealer or other
competent service facility.However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
9-4
ZX

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct quality
and viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory en-
gine life and performance. Nissan recom-
mends the use of a low friction oil (energy
conserving oil) in order to improve fuel
economy and conserve energy. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.
Only those engine oils with the AmericanPetroleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should
be used. This type of oil supersedes the
existing API SG or SH and Energy Conserv-
ing II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the CER-
TIFICATION MARK, an API SG or SH and
Energy Conserving II oil with API Service
Symbol may be used. An oil with a single
designation SG or SH, or in combination
with other categories (for example, SG/CC
or SG/CD) may also be used if one with the
API CERTIFICATION MARK cannot be
found.Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils
must however, meet the API quality and
SAE viscosity ratings specified for your ve-
hicle. Do not mix mineral based and syn-
thetic type oils in the engine at the same
time.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness
changes with temperature. Because of this,
it is important to select the engine oil viscos-
ity based on the temperatures at which the
vehicle will be operated before the next oil
change. The chart ``Recommended SAE
viscosity number'' shows the recommended
oil viscosities for the expected ambient tem-
peratures. Choosing an oil viscosity other
than that recommended could cause seri-
ous engine damage.
ATI0645
9-5
ZX

When planning to travel in another coun-
try,you should first find out if the fuel
available is suitable for your vehicle's en-
gine.
Using fuel with too low an octane/cetane
rating may cause engine damage. All gaso-
line vehicles must be operated with un-
leaded engine gasoline. Therefore, avoid
taking your vehicle to areas where appropri-
ate fuel is not available.
When transferring the registration of
your vehicle to another country, state,
province or district,it may be necessary to
modify the vehicle to meet local laws and
regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle
emission control and safety standards vary
according to the country, state, province or
district; therefore, vehicle specifications
may differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into
another country, state, province or dis-
trict and registered, its modifications,
transportation, and registration are the
responsibility of the user. NISSAN is not
responsible for any inconvenience that
may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUM-
BER PLATE
The vehicle identification number plate is
attached to the top of the instrument panel
on the driver's side. This number is the
identification for your vehicle and is used in
the vehicle registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (Chassis number)
The chassis number is stamped as shown.
TI1050MATI0605
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE
IN ANOTHER COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
9-11
ZX

cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, down-
shift the transmission to a lower gear
and reduce speed to reduce chances of
engine overloading and/or overheating.
c
If the engine temperature coolant rises to
an extremely high temperature when the
air conditioning system is on, turn off the
air conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and set-
ting the temperature control to the HOT
position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's
first 500 miles (800 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn
than your vehicle wheels. To compen-
sate for this, make a larger than normal
turning radius during the turn.cCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and imme-
diately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
or overdrive (automatic transmission).
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change the oil in
the transmission more frequently.
See the Maintenance Schedule.DOT Quality Grades: All passenger car tires
must conform to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices and differ-
ences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction A, B and C
Traction grades are A (the highest), B and C.
They represent a tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled con-
ditions, on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
with a C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your
vehicle tires is based on straight line
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
9-18
ZX

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system)
Air bag warning light (If so equipped) ....... 2-20
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 7-19
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 3-5
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-13
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
Servicing air conditioning ....................... 3-9
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations.......................... 9-8
Air flow charts .............................................. 3-6
Anchor point locations ............................... 2-32
Antenna (manual) ...................................... 3-17
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................. 4-16
Audio system
AM-FM radio ........................................ 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-13
Automatic
Automatic power window switch ......... 1-16
Automatic transmission fluid ................. 7-11
Driving with an automatic
transmission............................................ 4-6B
Battery........................................................ 7-15
Belts (See drive belts)
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 4-16
Brake fluid............................................. 7-13
Brake booster ....................................... 7-22
Brake wear indicators ................... 1-7, 7-22
Brake pedal .......................................... 7-21
Parking brake check ............................. 7-21
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Break-in schedule ...................................... 4-13
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 1-5
Bulb replacement ....................................... 7-26
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ............................................... 9-2
Cassette player (See audio system)
CB radio or car phone ............................... 3-18
Child restraints for infants and
small children ............................................. 2-28
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-7
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray . 1-13
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 6-2
Clock-radio ................................................. 3-13Clutch pedal ............................................... 7-23
Cold weather driving cautions ................... 4-18
Controls
Audio controls ............................. 3-10, 3-13
Heater and air conditioner ...................... 3-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-6
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ....... 1-3
Corrosion protection .................................... 6-5
Cruise control............................................. 4-12
Cup holder ................................................. 1-14
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 1-11
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-10
Dimensions and weights............................ 9-10
Door locks .................................................... 2-2
Freeing a frozen door lock ................... 4-18
Drive belts .................................................. 7-17
Driving
Cold weather driving cautions .............. 4-18
ZX

Driving with automatic
transmission............................................ 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-9
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-16
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
E
Economy-fuel ............................................. 4-14
Emission control information label............. 9-13
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-19
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-6
Changing engine oil................................ 7-9
Changing engine oil filter...................... 7-10
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-5
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-8
Engine compartment check
locations ......................................... 7-3, 7-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ....... 1-3
Engine cooling system ........................... 7-5
Engine oil ................................................ 7-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-5
Engine serial number ........................... 9-12
Engine specifications .............................. 9-9
Starting the engine ............................... 4-11
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 4-2F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)
Flat tire ......................................................... 5-2
Fluid (Checking)
Automatic transmission fluid ................. 7-11
Brake fluid............................................. 7-13
Engine coolant ........................................ 7-5
Engine oil ................................................ 7-8
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-13
Window washer fluid ............................ 7-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-12
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-12
Front seats ................................................. 2-13
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 4-14
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 2-11
Fuel filler lid lock operation .................. 2-11
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-3
Fuses ......................................................... 7-23
G
Gas station information............................ 10-10
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-3
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4Odometer ................................................ 1-3
Speedometer .......................................... 1-3
Tachometer............................................. 1-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 1-3
Gear selection (See shifting)
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Glove box..................................................... 2-9
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-13
Head restraints .......................................... 2-14
Headlight aiming adjustment ..................... 7-26
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-11
Headlights .................................................. 7-25
Heater and air conditioner
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
Heater operation ..................................... 3-4
Hood release ............................................... 2-8
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Increasing fuel economy .......................... 4-14
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes)
Inside mirror ............................................... 2-35
Instrument brightness control .................... 1-12
Interior light ................................................ 1-17
10-2
ZX

J
Jump starting ............................................... 5-7
K
Key ............................................................... 2-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system)
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-13
Emission control information label........ 9-13
Engine serial number ........................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S. Certification label ............... 9-12
Vehicle identification number plate ...... 9-11
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-20
License plate
Installing license plate .......................... 9-14
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 2-20
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 1-5
Bulb replacement.................................. 7-26
Front fog light switch ............................ 1-12
Headlight aiming adjustment ................ 7-26
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-11
Headlights ............................................. 7-25
Interior light ........................................... 1-17
Light bulbs ............................................ 7-25Trunk light ............................................ 1-17
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-5
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-7
Door locks............................................... 2-2
Fuel filler lid lock operation .................. 2-11
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Trunk lid lock operation .......................... 2-9
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 8-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-27
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Manual antenna ......................................... 3-17
Meters and gauges ...................................... 1-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 2-35
Outside mirror control ........................... 2-34
Vanity mirror ......................................... 2-35
Multi-remote control system ........................ 2-4
O
Octane rating (See fuel)
Odometer ..................................................... 1-3Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine oil................................ 7-9
Changing engine oil filter...................... 7-10
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-8
Engine oil ................................................ 7-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Opener lever for trunk lid............................. 2-9
Outside mirror control ................................ 2-34
Overdrive switch .......................................... 4-8
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 5-9
Owner's manual order form ....................... 9-20
P
Parking
Parking brake check............................ 7-21
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 4-15
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 8-5
Power
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-13
Power windows..................................... 1-15
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-22
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-16
10-3
ZX

Recommended fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, at least 87 AKI (RON 91).
For further information on items such as gaso-
hol, see ``Fuel recommendation'' in the ``Tech-
nical and consumer information'' section.
Recommended engine oil:
cAPI SG or SH and Energy Conserving II
cAPI Certification Mark
c
SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures.
See ``Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion'' in the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section.
Tire cold pressure:
See tire placard affixed to the driver side
center pillar.
Recommended new vehicle
break-in procedure:
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations out-
lined in the ªBREAK-IN SCHEDULE Informa-
tion found in the ªStarting and Drivingº section
of this Owner's Manual. Follow these recom-
mendations for the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow
these recommendations may result in vehicle
damage or shortened engine life.
AGS0600
GAS STATION INFORMATION QUICK REFERENCE
ZX