maintenance NISSAN SENTRA 2008 B16 / 6.G Owners Manual

Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilome-
ters) of driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
explains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle. The “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide” explains details
about maintaining and servicing your ve-
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle
best. When you require any service or have any
questions, they will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to them.Before driving your vehicle please read this Own-
er’s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity
with controls and maintenance requirements, as-
sisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RE-
MINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
cNEVER drive under the influence of al-
cohol or drugs.
cALWAYS observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for conditions.
c
ALWAYS give your full attention to driving
and avoid using vehicle features or taking
other actions that could distract you.
cALWAYS use your seat belts and appro-
priate child restraint systems. Preteen
children should be seated in the rear
seat.
cALWAYS provide information about the
proper use of vehicle safety features to
all occupants of the vehicle.
cALWAYS review this Owner’s Manual
for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification could affect its
performance, safety or durability, and
may even violate governmental
regulations. In addition, damage or per-
formance problems resulting from modi-
fications may not be covered under
NISSAN warranties.
FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

Table of
ContentsIllustrated table of contents
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
Instruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Display screen, heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and care
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Technical and consumer information
Index
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

1 Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system
Seats............................................1-2
Front manual seat adjustment....................1-2
Rear folding seat system (if so equipped).........1-3
Front-Seat Active Head Restraints................1-7
Head restraint adjustment.......................1-8
Seat belts........................................1-9
Precautions on seat belt usage...................1-9
Child safety...................................1-12
Pregnant women..............................1-13
Injured persons................................1-13
Three-point type seat belt with retractor..........1-13
Three-point type seat belt with retractor
(Rear center seat, all models except SE-R).......1-16
Three-point type seat belt with retractor
(SE-R rear center seat).........................1-20
Shoulder belt height adjustment
(Front seats)..................................1-22
Seat belt extenders............................1-22Seat belt maintenance.........................1-23
Child restraints...................................1-23
Precautions on child restraints..................1-23
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren
System (LATCH)..............................1-25
Top tether strap child restraint..................1-27
Child restraint installation using LATCH..........1-28
Child restraint installation using the seat
belts.........................................1-32
Booster seats....................................1-38
Precautions on booster seats...................1-38
Booster seat installation........................1-41
Supplemental restraint system.....................1-43
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.......................................1-43
Supplemental air bag warning labels.............1-58
Supplemental air bag warning light..............1-58
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

cAdults and children who can use the
standard seat belt should not use an
extender. Such unnecessary use could
result in serious personal injury in the
event of an accident.
cNever use seat belt extenders to install
child restraints. If the child restraint is
not secured properly, the child could be
seriously injured in a collision or a sud-
den stop.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
cTo clean the seat belt webbing,apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpet.
Then wipe with a cloth and allow the seat
belts to dry in the shade. Do not allow the seat
belts to retract until they are completely dry.
cIf dirt builds up in the shoulder belt
guideof the seat belt anchors, the seat
belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder
belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
cPeriodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal components,such as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires
and anchors, work properly. If loose parts,
deterioration, cuts or other damage on the
webbing is found, the entire seat belt as-
sembly should be replaced.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD
RESTRAINTSWARNING
cInfants and small children should al-
ways be placed in an appropriate child
restraint while riding in the vehicle.
Failure to use a child restraint can re-
sult in serious injury or death.
cInfants and small children should never
be carried on your lap. It is not possible
for even the strongest adult to resist the
forces of a severe accident. The child
could be crushed between the adult and
parts of the vehicle. Also, do not put the
same seat belt around both your child
and yourself.
ARS1098WRS0256
CHILD RESTRAINTS
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-23
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

Repair and replacement procedure
The front air bags, side air bags, curtain air bags
and pretensioners are designed to inflate on a
one-time-only basis. As a reminder, unless it is
damaged, the supplemental air bag warning light
remains illuminated after inflation has occurred.
Repair and replacement of these supplemental
air bag systems should be done only by a
NISSAN dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the ve-
hicle, the front air bags, side air bags, curtain air
bags, pretensioners and related parts should be
pointed out to the person performing the mainte-
nance. The ignition switch should always be in
the LOCK position when working under the hood
or inside the vehicle.
WARNING
cOnce a front air bag, side air bag, or
curtain air bag has inflated, the air bag
module will not function again and
must be replaced. Additionally, if any of
the front air bags inflate, the activated
pretensioners must also be replaced.
The air bag module and pretensioners
should be replaced by a NISSAN dealer.
The air bag module and pretensioners
cannot be repaired.cThe front air bag, side air bag, curtain
air bag systems and the pretensioner
system should be inspected by a
NISSAN dealer if there is any damage to
the front end or side portion of the
vehicle.
cIf you need to dispose of a supplemen-
tal air bag or pretensioners or scrap the
vehicle, contact a NISSAN dealer. Cor-
rect supplemental air bag and preten-
sioner system disposal procedures are
set forth in the appropriate NISSAN
Service Manual. Incorrect disposal pro-
cedures could cause personal injury.
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-59
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

CAUTION
cThis gauge is not designed to indicate
low engine oil level. Use the dipstick to
check the oil level. (See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.)
cIf the gauge needle does not move with
the proper amount of engine oil, have
the vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer. Continued vehicle operation in
such a condition could cause serious
damage to the engine.
Instruments and controls2-7
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

Electric power steering
warning light
WARNING
cIf the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
cWhen the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the power steering warning light illuminates. After
starting the engine, the power steering warning
light turns off. This indicates the power steering
system is operational.
If the power steering warning light illuminates
while the engine is running, it may indicate the
power steering system is not functioning properly
and may need servicing. Have the power steering
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
When the power steering warning light illumi-
nates with the engine running, there will be nopower assist for the steering but you will still have
control of the vehicle. At this time, greater steer-
ing effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
See “Power steering” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
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 engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine 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 “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
Intelligent Key system warning
light (CVT models) (if so
equipped)
The Intelligent Key system warning light illumi-
nates green when the ignition switch can be
turned. The Intelligent Key system warning light
illuminates red when the ignition switch cannot
be turned.
The Intelligent Key system warning light blinks
red if the Intelligent Key is taken outside of the
vehicle while the ignition switch is in the ACC or
ON position.
cIf the Intelligent Key system warning light
blinks, make sure of the location of the Intel-
ligent Key as soon as possible. The Intelli-
gent Key should be carried by the driver
while operating the vehicle.
cThe Intelligent Key system warning light
turns off about 10 seconds after the Intelli-
gent Key is brought inside the vehicle.
The Intelligent Key system warning light blinks
green indicating that the Intelligent Key battery is
almost discharged.
See “Intelligent Key system” in the “Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
2-10Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

CAUTION
cThe TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure to
check the tire pressure regularly.
cIf the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of less than 16 MPH (25 km/h) , the
TPMS may not operate correctly.
cBe sure to install the specified size of
tires to the 4 wheels correctly.
Low windshield washer fluid
warning light (if so equipped)
This light comes on when the windshield washer
fluid is at a low level. Add windshield washer fluid
as necessary. See “Window washer fluid” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
P position selecting warning
light (CVT models) (if so
equipped)
The light blinks red and the warning buzzer
sounds if you are outside of the vehicle with the
Intelligent Key and the engine is off, but the
selector lever is not in the P (Park) position.
When the warning light blinks, turn the ignition
switch to the ON position, move the selectorlever to the P position, then turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition key is turned to the ON or START position
and remains illuminated until the driver’s seat belt
is fastened. At the same time, the chime sounds
for about 6 seconds unless the driver’s seat belt
is securely fastened.
The seat belt warning light may also illuminate if
the front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied . For
7 seconds after the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the system does not activate the warn-
ing light for the front passenger.
Refer to “Seat belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” 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 front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag, and preten-
sioner systems need servicing and your vehicle
must be taken to a NISSAN dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
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 supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the pre-
tensioners may not function properly. For addi-
tional details see “Supplemental restraint sys-
tem” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of this
manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the front air bag,
side air bag, curtain air bag systems
and/or pretensioner systems will not op-
erate in an accident. To help avoid injury
to yourself or others, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
2-12Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

INDICATOR LIGHTS
Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) position
indicator light (CVT models)
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, this indicator light shows the CVT selector
lever position. See “Driving the vehicle” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
orFront passenger
air bag status light
The front passenger air bag status light (or) will be lit and the passenger front air
bag will be OFF depending on how the front
passenger seat is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
The Malfunction Indicator Light may also come
on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing,
or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make
sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and closedtightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons
(11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
Operation
The Malfunction Indicator Light will come on in
one of two ways:
cMalfunction Indicator Light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after
a few driving trips. If thelight does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
Instruments and controls2-13
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

The interior light has a three-position switch and
operates regardless of ignition switch position.
When the switch is in the ON position
s1, the
interior light illuminates, regardless of door posi-
tion.
When the switch is in the center O position, the
interior light illuminates by opening a door.
The interior light will stay on for about 30 seconds
when:
cThe doors are unlocked by the keyfob, a key
or the lock-unlock switch while all doors are
closed and the key is removed from the
ignition switch.cThe driver’s door is opened and then closed
while the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
cThe key is removed from the ignition switch
while all doors are closed.
The interior light will turn off while the 30 second
timer is activated when:
cThe driver’s door is locked by the keyfob, a
key or the lock-unlock switch.
cThe ignition switch is turned ON.
When the switch is in the OFF position
s2, the
interior light does not illuminate, regardless of
door position.
Some vehicles are equipped with a battery saver
feature that will automatically turn off the interior
lights after approximately 10 minutes if:
cdoors are open, or
cthe interior light switch is in the ON position.NOTE:
If the interior lights are turned off automati-
cally by the battery saver feature, the igni-
tion key must be turned to the ON position
before the interior lights will illuminate
again.
For information regarding the interior light bulb
replacement, refer to “Exterior and interior lights”
in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.CAUTION
Do not use for extended periods of time
with the engine stopped. This could result
in a discharged battery.WIC0264
INTERIOR LIGHT
2-36Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X