check engine light NISSAN SENTRA 1996 B14 / 4.G Owners Manual

orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(For Canada)Cruise indicator light
(if so equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsorAnti-lock brake warning
light (if so equipped)Air bag warning light
(if so equipped)
High beam indicator light (Blue)O/D OFFOverdrive off indicator lightSeat belt warning light
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator light
Low fuel warning light
(if so equipped)
Door ajar warning light
(if so equipped)Engine oil pressure warning light
Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights will come on:
,or,,or,,
If equipped, the following lights come on
briefly and then go off:
,O/D OFF,or
If any light fails to come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an opencircuit in the electrical system. Have the
system repaired promptly.
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 a NISSAN
dealer or other authorized repair shop.
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 opera-
tions'' section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a problem with the
charging system. Turn the engine off and
check the generator belt. If the belt is loose,
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
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broken, or missing, or if the light remains on,
see your NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Low fuel warning light
(If so equipped)
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank
is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is con-
venient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches E.
There should be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel gauge
reaches E.
Door ajar warning light
(If so equipped)
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or back door are not closed securely
while the ignition key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
seat belts. The light illuminates wheneverthe ignition key is turned to ON, and re-
mains illuminated until the driver's seat belt
is fastened. At the same time, the chime
sounds for about seven seconds unless the
driver's seat belt is securely fastened.
Refer to ªSeat beltsº in the ªPre-driving
checks and adjustmentsº section for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Air bag warning light
(If so equipped)
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the air bag light illuminates for
about 7 seconds and then turns off. This
means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
air bag needs servicing and your vehicle
must be taken to your nearest authorized
NISSAN dealer:
1. The air bag light does not come on and
remain on for 7 seconds and then go off
as described above.
2. The air bag light flashes intermittently or
remains on.
3. The air bag light does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supple-mental Restraint System (Air bag system)
may not function properly. For additional
details on the Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem (Air bag system), see the ``Pre-driving
checks and adjustments'' section.
Low washer fluid warning
light (For Canada)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary.
See the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
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 and
clutch fluid'' in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
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WARNING
cIf you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station for
repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be
dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will require
greater pedal effort as well as pedal
travel.
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(If so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong
with the anti-lock portion of the brake sys-
tem. Have the system checked by your
Nissan dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly
doing so may cause the ABS light to stay
on when there is nothing wrong). If the
light stays on, have the system checkedby your 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 driv-
ing, contact your NISSAN dealer for re-
pair.
O/D OFFOverdrive off indicator light
(Automatic transmission
models only)
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is pushed to the OFF
position.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal lever switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
High beam indicator light
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
Cruise indicator light
(If so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch. Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime sounds when the driver side door is
opened if the headlights or parking lights
are on (ignition switch is turned off).
Turn the headlight control switch off before
you leave the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion,
whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed. Have the brakes checked as soon
as possible if the warning sound is heard.
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Malfunction indicator light
If the MIL comes on or blinks while the
engine is running, it may indicate a potential
emission control problem.
CAUTION
cContinued operation without having
the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, re-
duced fuel economy, and possible
damage to the emission control sys-
tem which may affect your warranty
coverage.
cAlthough the vehicle is still drive-
able, see your nearest NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible. To avoid
system damage, do not drive at
speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h). If
possible, avoid hard acceleration or
deceleration.The theft warning system provides visual
and audio alarm signals if parts of the
vehicle are disturbed.
How to activate the theft warning
system
1. Close all windows.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Close all doors, hood and trunk lid. Lock
all doors by pressing the
buttonon the
multi-remote controller.At this time,
the turn signal lights blink twice, indicat-
ing all doors are locked.The system can be activated even if the
windows are open.
4. Confirm that the SECURITY indicator
light in the instrument cluster illuminates.
cThe SECURITY light stays on for about
30 seconds and then begins to flash
once every three seconds. The system is
now activated.
The theft warning system is NOT activated if
one of the following occurs:
cThe door is unlocked or the ignition key is
turned to the ACC or ON position during
the 30 seconds in which the SECURITY
light stays on.
cThe SECURITY light blinks at a steady
1/2 second on - 1/2 second off rate
because a door, the trunk, or the hood is
open and the key is not in the ACC or ON
position. When the ignition key is turned
to the ACC or ON position, the SECU-
RITY light turns off.Theft warning system operation
The theft warning system emits the follow-
ing alarm:
cThe headlights blink and the horn sounds
IC0005
THEFT WARNING
(If so equipped)
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1) Move the shift lever into the P position.
2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition
switch, the shift lever cannot be moved from
P (Park).The shift lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ACC posi-
tion. The shift lever can also be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position in between LOCK
and ACC, although it does not show on the
lock cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF
the steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn coun-
terclockwise from the straight up position,
and the key must be removed from the
ignition.WARNING
To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. To unlock the steering wheel, in-
sert the key and turn it gently while
rotating the steering wheel slightly
right and left.
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
OFF (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.
START (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, e.g., 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.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
4-5
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Push the button to shift into P, R or from D
to 2. All other positions can be selected
without pushing the button.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle
is parked or when starting the engine. Al-
ways be sure the vehicle is at a complete
stop. For maximum safety, depress the
brake pedal, then push in the shift lever
button and move the lever to the P position.
Apply the parking brake. When parking on a
hill, apply the parking brake first, then shift
the lever into the P position.
Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the shift lever still cannot be moved out of P
(Park) use the following procedure:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the key and turn it clockwise to
the ACC position.
4.
Depress the brake pedal, move the shift
lever to N (Neutral) and start the engine.
5. Check stoplights operation.
WARNING
If the shift lever cannot be moved from
the P position while the engine is run-
ning and the brake pedal is depressed,
the stoplights may not work. Malfunc-
tioning stoplights could cause an acci-
dent injuring yourself and others.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in
N (Neutral) should only be used until service
can be obtained. Never drive the vehicle if
the stoplights are not operating properly.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. With the
brake pedal depressed, push in the shift
lever button and move the lever to the R
position.
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shift to N and restart a
stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.
ASD0611
4-7
ZX

To reset at a slower cruising speed,use
one of the following three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push
the COAST/SET switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the COAST/SET switch.
Release the switch when the vehicle
slows down to the desired speed.
c) Push, then quickly release the
COAST/SET switch. Each time you do
this, the set speed decreases by about 1
MPH (1.6 km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and
release the RESUME switch. The vehicle
returns to the last set cruising speed when
the vehicle speed is over 30 MPH (48 km/h).
Precautions
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The cruise indi-
cator light in the instrument panel then
blinks to warn the driver.
cWhen the cruise indicator light blinks,
turn the cruise control main switch off
and have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.cThe cruise indicator light may blink when
the cruise control main switch is turned
ON while pushing the RES/ACCEL,
COAST/SET, or CANCEL switch (lo-
cated on the steering wheel). To properly
set the cruise control system perform the
steps above in the order indicated.
Avoid using the cruise control when
driving under the following conditions:
cwhen it is not possible to keep the vehicle
at a set speed.
cin heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in
speed.
con winding roads, or hilly roads.
con slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
cin very windy areas.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do
not shift into neutral without depress-
ing the clutch pedal when the cruise
control is on. Should this occur, de-
press the clutch pedal and turn the
main switch off immediately. Failure to
do so may cause engine damage.During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km),
follow these recommendations for the future
reliability and economy of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in vehicle damage or shortened
engine life.
cDo not drive over 55 MPH (90 km/h) and
do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm.
Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE
4-13
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tuator is working, you may feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibra-
tion from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock
system is working properly. However, the
pulsation may indicate that road conditions
are hazardous and extra care is required
while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydrau-
lic solenoids controlled by a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle at a low speed
in forward or reverse. When the ``self-test''
occurs, you may hear a ``clunk'' noise and/
or feel a ``pulsation'' in the brake pedal. This
is normal and is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any
malfunction, it switches the anti-lock brake
system OFF and turns on the ABS brake
warning light in the dashboard. The brake
system then operates normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check,
or while driving, take your vehicle to your
NISSAN dealer for repair at your earliest
convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-
lock system. Stopping distances may
also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety
of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver.
Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.
c
When installing a spare tire, make sure
it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the tire placard. For tire placard
location information, refer to ``Tire
placard'' in the Owner's Manual index.Refer to ``Wheels and tires'' in the ``Do-
it-yourself operations'' section of this
manual.
4-17
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7 Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 7-2
Engine compartment check locations .................. 7-3
Engine cooling system ......................................... 7-5
Engine oil ............................................................ 7-8
Automatic transmission fluid .............................. 7-11
Power steering fluid............................................ 7-13
Brake fluid .......................................................... 7-13
Window washer fluid .......................................... 7-14
Battery ................................................................ 7-15
Drive belts .......................................................... 7-17
Spark plug replacement ..................................... 7-18
Air cleaner housing filter .................................... 7-19Wiper blades ...................................................... 7-20
Parking brake check........................................... 7-21
Brake pedal ........................................................ 7-21
Brake booster ..................................................... 7-22
Clutch pedal ....................................................... 7-23
Fuses .................................................................. 7-23
Light bulbs .......................................................... 7-25
Headlight aiming adjustment .............................. 7-26
Bulb replacement ............................................... 7-26
Wheels and tires ................................................ 7-32
ZX

4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with clean engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.8. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.WARNING
cWhen engine is running, keep hands
and clothing away from any moving
parts such as cooling fan and drive
belts.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
DI1154ADI0614
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
7-11
ZX