engine NISSAN SENTRA 1996 B14 / 4.G Workshop Manual

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 plugs. An incorrect socket
can cause damage.
GA16DE Engine
1. Remove brackets as necessary to give
access to the high tension cables and
spark plugs.
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 spark 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 plug
socket.
4. On conventional spark plugs, check the
gap on each new spark plug with a
feeler gauge. (The spark plug gap is
shown in the ``Technical and consumer
information'' section.) Adjust the gap as
required.
DI1229MDI1017M
SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT
7-18
ZX

5. Fit the new plugs, one at a time, into the
spark plug socket and install them. Turn
each plug in several full turns by hand,
then tighten with a spark plug socket to
the correct torque. Do not overtighten.
Spark plug tightening torque:
14 to 22 ft-lb (20 to 29 N²m)
6. Holding the boot, re-connect each high
tension cable to its proper spark plug by
pushing it on until you feel a snap.
7. Re-install all brackets as necessary.
SR20DE Engine
Platinum-tipped spark plug
It is not necessary to replace the platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as the
conventional type spark plugs since they
last much longer. Follow the maintenance
schedule, but do not reuse the spark plugs
by cleaning or regapping. Blue rings on the
ceramic portion indicate that the plugs are
platinum-tipped.
cAlways replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned
and reused. Replace it according to the
maintenance intervals shown in the ``Main-
tenance schedule'' section. When replacing
the filter, wipe the inside of the air cleaner
housing and the cover with a damp cloth.
WARNING
Operating the engine with the air cleaner off can
cause you or others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flame if the engine
backfires. If it isn't there, and the engine back-
fires, you could be burned. Don't drive with it off,
and be careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner off.
DI0205ADI0631
AIR CLEANER HOUSING
FILTER
7-19
ZX

1) CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using
the windshield washer or if the wiper
blade chatters when running, wax or
other material may be on the blade or
windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form
when rinsing with clear water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild
detergent. Then rinse the blade with
clear water. If your windshield is still not
clear after cleaning the blades and usingthe wiper, replace the blades.
2) REPLACEMENT
1. Pull the wiper arm.
2. Lift the tab, then remove the wiper blade.
3. Insert the new wiper blade to the wiper
arm until a click sounds.
CAUTION
After wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position.
Otherwise it may be damaged when the
engine hood is opened.Make sure the wiper blade contacts the
glass, otherwise the arm may be dam-
aged from wind pressure.
ADI0650
WIPER BLADES
7-20
ZX

If you wax the surface of the hood, be
careful not to let wax get into the washer
nozzle. This may cause clogging or im-
proper windshield washer operation. If wax
gets into the nozzle, remove it with a needle
or small pin.
From the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the
number of clicks is out of the range listed
above, see your NISSAN dealer.With the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and
the metal floor. If it is out of the range shown
above, see your NISSAN dealer.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front (and rear, if equipped) disc-type
brakes self-adjust every time the brake
pedal is applied. The rear drum-type brakes
also self-adjust every time the brake pedal
is applied.
If the brake pedal goes down farther than
ADI0629DI1020M
PARKING BRAKE CHECK BRAKE PEDAL
7-21
ZX

normal, it may be due to a lack of adjust-
ment of the rear drum brakes. Apply the
parking brake several times.
WARNING
See your NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have
audible wear indicators. When a brake pad
requires replacement, it makes a high
pitched scraping or screeching sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear
indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal or other
noise may be heard. Occasional brake
noise during light to moderate stops is nor-
mal and does not affect the function or
performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do
not have audible wear indicators. Should
you ever hear an unusually loud noise fromthe rear drum brakes, have them inspected
as soon as possible by your NISSAN
dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regard-
ing brake inspections, see the appropriate
maintenance schedule information in the
``Maintenance Schedule'' section of this
manual.Check the brake booster function as fol-
lows:
1. With the engine off, press and release
the brake pedal several times. When
brake pedal movement (distance of
travel) remains the same from one pedal
application to the next, continue on to the
next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start
the engine. The pedal height should drop
a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height
should not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without
depressing the brake pedal, then turn it
off. Depress the brake pedal several
times. The pedal travel distance will de-
crease gradually with each depression
as the vacuum is released from the
booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, see
your NISSAN dealer.
BRAKE BOOSTER
7-22
ZX

Press the pedal by hand and be sure the
free travel is within the limits shown above.
If free travel is out of the range shown
above, see your NISSAN dealer.Engine compartment (Headlight
fuses)
If a headlight does not come on, check for
an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and the headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood.
3. Remove the fuse box cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller
provided (inside the passenger compart-
ment fuse panel cover).5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse box
cover.
6. If a new fuse opens again, have the
electrical system checked and repaired
by your NISSAN dealer.
If the electrical equipment does not operate
and fuses are in good condition, check the
fusible links. If any of these fusible links are
melted, replace only with genuine NISSAN
parts.
ADI0630ADI0628
CLUTCH PEDAL FUSES
7-23
ZX

HEADLIGHTS
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type
which uses a replaceable headlight (halo-
gen) bulb. A bulb can be replaced from
inside the engine compartment without re-
moving the headlight assembly.
CAUTION
High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
Hold the plastic base when handling
the bulb. Never touch the glass enve-
lope.
Removing the headlight bulb
1. Open the hood.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. If removing the right-hand (passenger
side) headlight bulb, it is necessary to
first reposition the engine coolant reser-
voir.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from
the rear end of the bulb.5. Push down spring retainer.
6. Pull out the headlight bulb and socket as
an assembly. Do not shake or rotate the
bulb when removing it. Do not handle the
glass envelope.
Replacing the headlight bulb
1. Insert the bulb and socket assembly into
the headlight.
2. Install the spring retainer.
3. Push the electrical connector into the
bulb plastic base until it snaps and stops.
4. If installing the right-hand (passenger
side) headlight bulb, be sure to reposition
the engine coolant reservoir.
5. Connect the battery cable.
6. Close the hood.
CAUTION
DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB.
cUse the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Type A:
Wattage 65/45
Bulb no. 9004
ADI0607
LIGHT BULBS
7-25
ZX

Your new NISSAN has been designed to
have minimum maintenance requirements
with longer service intervals to save you
both time and money. However, some day-
to-day and regular maintenance is essential
to maintain your NISSAN's good mechani-
cal condition, as well as its emission and
engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
the specified periodic maintenance, as well
as general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
the proper maintenance care. You are a
vital link in the maintenance chain.
General maintenance
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation of the vehicle. They
are essential if your vehicle is to continue to
operate properly. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as
prescribed.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, your NISSAN dealer.
Periodic maintenance
The maintenance items listed in this part are
required to be serviced at regular intervals.
However, under severe driving conditions,
additional or more frequent maintenance is
required.
Where to go for service
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and tuned by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership
training programs. They are completely
qualified to work on NISSAN's vehiclesbe-
forethey work on your vehicle, rather than
after they have worked on it.
You can be confident that your NISSAN
dealer's service department performs the
best job to meet the maintenance require-
ments on your vehicle Ð in a reliable and
economical way.
During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section.
If you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations
or smells, be sure to check for the cause or
have your NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In
addition, you should notify your NISSAN
dealer if you think repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the precautions in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge
periodically when at a service station, in-
cluding the spare, and adjust to the speci-
fied pressure if necessary. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts*When checking the tires,
make sure no nuts are missing, and check
for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
8-2
ZX

Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the ve-
hicle should pull to either side while driving
on a straight and level road, or if you detect
uneven or abnormal tire wear, there may be
a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hoodCheck that all
doors and the engine hood operate prop-
erly. Also ensure that all latches lock se-
curely. Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure the secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights*Make sure the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up anddown smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g. buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal oper-
ates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal*Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure it has the proper
distance under it when depressed fully.
Check the brake booster function. Be cer-
tain to keep floor mats away from the pedal.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
8-3
ZX

with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ``Park'' mecha-
nismOn a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the P position without applying any
brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g. each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check for ad-
equate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Brake fluid level*Make sure the brake and
clutch fluid level is between the ``MAX'' and``MIN'' lines on the reservoir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell.
Engine drive belts*Make sure no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
the engine is turned off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately locate
the trouble and correct it. (See the carbon
monoxide warning in the ``Starting and driv-
ing'' section.)
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust forms on the floorpan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. See the ``Appearance and interior
care'' section for additional information.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
8-4
ZX