engine coolant NISSAN SENTRA 2002 B15 / 5.G User Guide

1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Spark plug caps
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
5. Air Cleaner
6. Battery
7. Fuse/Fusible link holds
8. Radiator cap
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
11. Coolant reservoir
12. Power steering fluid reservoir
*Engine cover removed for clarity
LDI0108
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECK LOCATIONS -
QR ENGINE
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so-
lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors;
therefore, additional engine cooling system
additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only an ethylene glycol
anti-freeze with the proper mixture ratio
of 50% Genuine Nissan Anti-freeze
coolant or equivalent and 50% deminer-
alized or distilled water. The use of
other types of coolant solutions may
damage the engine cooling system.
Outside
temperature
down toGenuine
NISSAN Anti-
freeze coolant
or equivalentDemineral-
ized or
distilled
water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
c
The radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent
engine damage, use only a genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX
level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check
the coolant level in the radiatorwhen the
engine is cold.If there is insufficient cool-
ant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
ADI1137
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
ZX

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
cMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. The service procedures can be
found in the NISSAN Service Manual.
cImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.cKeep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
1. Open the radiator drain plug.WDI0109
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

2. Open the drain plug on the engine block.
3. Open the radiator cap to drain the cool-
ant.
cWaste coolant must be disposed of
properly.
cCheck your local regulations.
4. Flush the cooling system by running
fresh water through the radiator.
5. Close the drain plugs on the radiator and
the engine block securely.6. 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.
7. For QG18DE engine only, open and
close the air release plug(s) to release
air. Then fill the radiator again and install
the radiator cap.
8. 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
WDI0106WDI0041WDI0042
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
ZX

To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir tank and pour the
window washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind-
shield washer antifreeze. Follow the manu-
facturer's instructions for the mixture ratio.
USA Only
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir peri-
odically. Perform the refilling operation
more often under driving conditions that
require an increased amount of window
washer fluid.
Canada Only
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. Add a washer solvent to the
water for better cleaning. In the winter sea-
son, add a windshield washer antifreeze.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
the mixture ratio.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for windshield washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.cKeep the battery surface clean and dry.
Any corrosion should be washed off with
a solution of baking soda and water.
cMake certain the terminal connections
are clean and securely tightened.
cIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days
or longer, disconnect the negative (þ) bat-
tery terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention.
cDo not operate the vehicle if the fluid
in the battery is low. Low battery
fluid can cause a higher load on the
battery which can generate heat, re-
duce battery life, and in some cases
lead to an explosion.
WDI0040
WINDOW WASHER FLUID BATTERY
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-19
ZX

Adjusting the headlight aim
Before performing aiming adjustment, make
sure of the following:
a. Use an aiming wall screen.
b. Keep all of the tires inflated to the correct
pressure.
c. Place the vehicle and screen on level
ground.
d. See that the vehicle is unloaded (except
for full levels of coolant, engine oil and
fuel, and that the spare tire, jack, and
tools are stored). Have the driver or anequivalent weight placed in the driver's
seat.
1. Open the hood. Turn headlight low beam
on.
2. Adjust the vertical aim by turning the
adjustment screw.
cCover the opposite light and ensure the
fog lights (if so equipped) are turned off.
cAdjust beam pattern until cutoff line is
positioned at the same height off ground
as bulb center (on H-line).
LDI0027
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-37
ZX

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'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 13-1/4 gal 11 gal 50 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and refill
With oil filter change QG18DE 2-7/8 qt 2-3/8 qt 2.7
cAPI Certification Mark *2 *3
cAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ, Energy
Conserving *2 *3
cILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II *2 *3 QR25DE 4-1/8 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.9
Without oil filter change QG18DE 2-5/8 qt 2-1/4 qt 2.5
QR25DE 3-7/8 qt 3-1/4 qt 3.7
Cooling system
Without reservoir
50% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water Manual transmission: QR25DE 6-1/2 qt 5-3/8 qt 6.1
QG18DE 6-3/8 qt 5-1/4 qt 6.0
Automatic transmission: QR25DE 6-3/8 qt 5-1/4 qt 6.0
QG18DE 6-1/4 qt 5-1/4 qt 5.9
Manual transmission gear oil RS5F70A/V 6-3/8 pt 5-1/4 pt 3.0 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W - 85 only
RS5F51A, RS6F51H 4-7/8 qt 4 pt 2.3
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section.NISSAN Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*4
Power steering fluidGenuine NISSAN PSF II or equivalent.*8
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant Ð Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricantsNISSAN A/C System Lubricant Type R or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation.''
*2: For further details, see ``Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.''
*3: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.''
*4: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN dealership for more
information regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ªAir conditioner specification label.º
*7: For further details, see ``Changing engine oil.''
*8: Genuine NISSAN PSF, Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid, DexronŸ III/MerconŸ, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
ZX

cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the park-
ing brake, and then move the transmis-
sion shift selector lever into the P (Park)
position. If you move the shift selector
lever to the P (Park) position before block-
ing the wheels and applying the parking
brake, transmission damage could occur.
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.
cIf 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
additionally vented by opening the win-
dows, switching the fan control to high
and setting 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 in the
ªNISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guideº.
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 thetrailer 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. For
additional information see the ``Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself'' section earlier
in this manual.
9-18Technical and consumer information
ZX

Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in the ready condition for
an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition
when it is driven through certain driving pat-
terns. Usually, the ready condition can be
obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle
may be reset to a not ready condition. Before
taking the I/M test, drive the vehicle through
the following pattern to set the vehicle to the
ready condition. If you cannot or do not want
to perform the driving pattern, an authorized
NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C.
Allow the engine to idle until the gauge
needle points between the C and H (nor-
mal operating temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelera-
tor pedal completely and keep it released
for at least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for
a moment, then drive the vehicle at a
speed of 53 to 60 mph (86 to 96 km/h) for
at least 5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55
km/h) and maintain the speed for 20
seconds.
6. Repeat steps four through five at least
three times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h) and maintain the speed for at least
3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle [shift selector lever in
the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position].
9. Rev the engine up between 2,500 and
3,500 rpm and hold it for 3 consecutive
minutes, then release the accelerator
pedal completely.
10. Wait 5 seconds at idle.
11. Rev the engine up between 2,000 and3,000 rpm and maintain it for 5 consecu-
tive minutes.
12. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
13. Repeat steps one through twelve at
least one more time.
If step one through seven is interrupted,
repeat the preceding step. Any safe driving
mode is acceptable between steps. Do not
stop the engine until step seven is com-
pleted.
READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) TEST (US only)
Technical and consumer information9-21
ZX

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................ 1-6
Air bag warning light .......................... 1-16, 2-9
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-24
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations.................. 9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Servicing air conditioner ......................... 4-9
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-6
Alarm system (See vehicle security
system) ...................................................... 2-11
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-34
Antenna...................................................... 4-19
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-19
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 2-7
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-20
Audio system
Compact Disc (CD) changer ................ 4-17
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-12
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-25Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-15
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-7
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................. 5-10
B
Battery........................................................ 8-19
Battery
Charge warning light .............................. 2-8
Battery replacement (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................... 3-8
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-6
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 8-22
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-19
Brake booster ....................................... 8-30
Brake fluid............................................. 8-18
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-40
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-30
Brake system ........................................ 5-19
Brake warning light ................................. 2-8
Brake wear indicators ................. 2-11, 8-30
Parking brake check ............................. 8-29
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-13
Self-adjusting brakes ............................ 8-30
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-16
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-7Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-40
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................................................... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-20
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ... 9-14
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-34
Child restraints ........................ 1-20, 1-25, 1-32
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and
ashtray ....................................................... 2-20
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clock .......................................................... 4-13
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-18
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-31
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-21
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
ZX