engine oil NISSAN SENTRA 2001 B15 / 5.G Owners Manual

orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)CRUISE main 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
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock brake
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quicklydoing 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.
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls2-7
ZX

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:
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.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging system
is not functioning properly. 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 immediately.
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.
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. Use
the 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.
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX

START: (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.
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, it may be due to interference
caused 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 again.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de-
vice (which may have caused the inter-
ference) separate from the registered
NVIS key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,NISSAN recommends placing the regis-
tered NVIS key on a separate key ring to
avoid interference from other devices.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, for example, each
time you check engine oil.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
c
Check the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See ``Warning/indicator lights and chimes''
in the ``Instrument and controls'' section.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
5-6Starting and driving
ZX

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations -
QG engine .............................................................8-4
Engine compartment check locations -
SR engine ..............................................................8-5
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-6
Checking engine coolant level ..........................8-6
Changing engine coolant ..................................8-8
Engine oil ...............................................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ..................................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................................8-10
Changing engine oil filter.................................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-13
Temperature conditions for checking ..............8-14
Power steering fluid..............................................8-15
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-15
Brake fluid........................................................8-15
Clutch fluid .......................................................8-16
Window washer fluid ............................................8-16
Battery ..................................................................8-17
Jump starting ...................................................8-18
Drive belts ............................................................8-19Spark plug ............................................................8-20
Replacing spark plugs .....................................8-20
Air cleaner ............................................................8-21
Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-22
Cleaning ..........................................................8-22
Replacing .........................................................8-22
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-23
Checking park brake .......................................8-23
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-23
Brake booster ..................................................8-24
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-25
Checking clutch pedal .....................................8-25
Fuses ....................................................................8-25
Engine compartment .......................................8-25
Passenger compartment .................................8-27
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........8-28
Lights ....................................................................8-29
Headlights ........................................................8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped)...............................8-32
Exterior and interior lights ...............................8-33
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-36
Tire pressure ...................................................8-36
ZX

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For manual trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to N (Neutral). For automatic trans-
mission models, move the shift se-
lector lever to P (Park).
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.
cYour vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It may
come on at any time without warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always dis-
connect the negative battery cable
before working near the fan.cIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.,
before working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by an authorized NISSAN
dealer because the fuel lines are
under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.
cNever connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
c
Avoid contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant, and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
8-2Do-it-yourself
ZX

4. Close the drain plugs on the radiator and
the engine block securely.
5. See the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section for cooling system ca-
pacity. Fill the radiator slowly with the
proper mixture of coolant and water. Fill
the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
6. Open and close the air release plug(s) to
release air. Then fill the radiator again
and install the radiator cap.
7.
Start the engine, and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
Then race the engine two or three times
under no load. Watch the engine coolant
temperature gauge for signs of overheating.
8. Stop the engine. After it completely
cools down, refill the radiator up to the
filler opening. Fill the reservoir tank up to
the MAX level.
9. Open and close the air release plug(s)
to release air. Then fill the radiator again
and install the radiator cap.
10. Check the drain plugs on the radiator
and the engine block for any sign of
leakage. Also check the air release plug
for any sign of leakage.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.
ADI0615DI1249MWDI0014
ENGINE OIL
Do-it-yourself8-9
ZX

3. Turn off the engine.Wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H
(High) and L (Low) marks. If the oil level
is below the L (Low) mark, remove the oil
filler cap and pour recommended oil
through the opening.Do not overfill.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 sever-
ity of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature, and then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap.
4. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
WDI0015DI1252MLDI0016
8-10Do-it-yourself
ZX

If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' later in this section.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The
engine oil may be hot.
cWaste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
cCheck your local regulations.6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 Nzm)
Do not overtighten.
7. Refill engine with recommended oil
through the oil filler opening then install
the oil filler cap securely.
See the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section for drain and refill capac-
ity.
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.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug and oil filter. Cor-
rect as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
DI1151
Do-it-yourself8-11
ZX

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply 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. Then remove the oil filter by
turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The
engine oil may be hot.5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old gasket mate-
rial 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 resis-
tance 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 several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.
LDI0017DI1154
8-12Do-it-yourself
ZX

WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Platinum-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as conven-
tional type spark plugs because they last
much longer. Follow the maintenance
schedule, but do not reuse the spark plugs
by cleaning or regapping.
cAlways replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.1. On the 1.8L engine, disconnect the igni-
tion coil connectors. Remove the ignition
coil bolts.
2. Disconnect the spark plug cables from
the spark plugs.
When disconnecting, always hold the
boots, not the cables. Mark all cables to
identify their original locations.
3. Remove the spark plugs with a spark
plug socket.
The plug socket has a rubber seal that
holds the spark plug so it does not fall
when it is pulled out. Make sure each
spark plug is snugly fitted into the spark
plug socket.
4. Fit the new plugs, one at a time, into the
spark plug socket and install them.Use
only the specified spark plugs.Turn
each plug several full turns by hand, then
tighten with the spark plug socket to the
correct torque. Do not overtighten.
Spark plug tightening torque:
14 to 22 ft-lb (20 to 29 Nzm)
DI1229MADI1100
SPARK PLUG
8-20Do-it-yourself
ZX