air condition NISSAN SENTRA 1997 B14 / 4.G Owners Manual

ContentsInstruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio system
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and interior care
Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance schedule
Technical and consumer information
Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Speedometer
The speedometer indicates vehicle speed.
Odometer
The odometer records the total distance the
vehicle has been driven.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer records the distance of
individual trips. Before each trip, set the trip
odometer to zero by pushing the reset
button.The tachometer indicates engine speed in
revolutions per minute (r/min).
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the
red zone, shift to a higher gear. Oper-
ating the engine in the red zone may
cause serious engine damage.The gauge indicates the engine coolant
temperature.
The engine coolant temperature varies with
the outside air temperature and driving
conditions.
AIC0643AIC0644AIC0699
SPEEDOMETER AND
ODOMETERTACHOMETER (if so equipped) ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
1-3
ZX

charging system. Turn the engine off and
check the generator belt. If the belt is loose,
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
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 whenever
the 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.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
(if so equipped)
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
supplemental air bag system needs servic-
ing and your vehicle must be taken to your
nearest authorized NISSAN dealer:
1. The supplemental air bag warning lightdoes not come on and remain on for 7
seconds and then go off as described
above.
2. The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently or remains on.
3. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supple-
mental Restraint System (Supplemental air
bag system) may not function properly. For
additional details see ``Supplemental Re-
straint System'' in the ``Pre-driving checks
and adjustments'' section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental air bag system will not
operate in an accident.
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.
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ZX

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.
orMalfunction indi-
cator light (MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running,it may indicate a potential emission control
problem.
The malfunction indicator light will come on
in one of two ways:
1. Malfunction indicator light on steady - An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
2. Malfunction indicator light blinking - An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control sys-
tem. To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
cdo not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
c
avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
cavoid steep uphill grades.
cif possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and come on steady. Have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system, which
may affect your warranty coverage.
Some conditions may cause the malfunc-
tion indicator light to come on steady or
blink. Examples are as follows:
cvehicle ran out of fuel, which caused the
engine to misfire.
cfuel filler cap was left off or improperly
installed, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere.
If you suspect that you experienced one or
both of the above conditions, drive the ve-
hicle to an authorized NISSAN dealer and
have the vehicle inspected. Avoid any un-
necessary diagnosis during the service by
informing the dealer of the conditions listed
above that may have occurred.
1-8
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unit, supplemental air bag modules and all
related wiring.
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
supplemental air bag needs servicing:
1. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on and remain on for 7 seconds
and then go off as described above.
2. The supplemental air bag light flashes
intermittently or remains on.
3. The supplemental air bag light does not
come on at all.
Under these conditions, the Supplemental
Restraint System Air Bag may not operate
properly. It must be checked and repaired.
Take your vehicle to the nearest authorized
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemen-
tal air bag will not operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental air bag system is de-
signed to inflate on a one-time-only basis.
As a reminder, unless it is damaged, the
supplemental air bag light remains illumi-
nated after inflation has occurred. Repair
and replacement of the supplemental air
bag system should be done only by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
After a supplemental air bag inflates, the
front instrument panel assembly should be
replaced by your NISSAN dealer if dam-
aged.
To ensure long-term functioning, the
system must be inspected 10 years after
the date of manufacture as noted on the
certification label located on the driver
side front pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental air bag system
and related parts should be pointed out to
the person conducting the maintenance.
The ignition key should always be in the
LOCK position when working under the
hood or inside the vehicle.
WARNING
cOnce the supplemental air bag in-
flates, the supplemental air bag
module will not function again and
must be replaced. The supplemental
air bag module cannot be repaired.
cThe supplemental air bag system
should be inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer if there is any
damage to the front end portion of
the vehicle, or replaced if the supple-
mental air bag has inflated.
cIf you need to dispose of a supple-
mental air bag or scrap the vehicle,
contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer. Correct supplemental air bag
disposal procedures are set forth in
the appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual. Incorrect disposal proce-
dures could cause personal injury.
2-23
ZX

3Heater, air conditioner and audio system
Ventilators ..............................................................3-2
Heater and air conditioner......................................3-3
Controls ..................................................................3-3
Heater operation ....................................................3-4
Air conditioner operation (if so equipped) ..............3-5
Air flow charts.........................................................3-6Audio system ........................................................3-10
Clock-radio (if so equipped) .................................3-10
AM-FM radio with cassette player (if so
equipped) .............................................................3-11
Cassette tape operation .......................................3-13
CB radio or car phone..........................................3-15
ZX

WARNING
cThe air conditioner cooling function
operates only when the engine is
running.
cDo not leave children, unreliable
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
On hot, sunny days, temperatures in
a closed vehicle could quickly be-
come high enough to cause severe
or possibly fatal injuries to people or
animals.
cDo not use the recirculation mode
for long periods as it may cause the
interior air to become stale and the
windows to fog up.
cPositioning of the heater and air con-
ditioner controls should not be done
while driving, in order that full atten-
tion may be given to the driving
operation.
CONTROLS
Fan control dial
This dial turns the fan on and off, and
controls fan speed.
Air flow control dial
This dial allows you to select the air flow
outlets.
Ð Air flows from center and side
ventilators.
Ð Air flows from center and side
ventilators and foot outlets.
Ð Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
Ð Air flows from defroster outlets
and foot outlets.
Ð Air flows mainly from defroster
outlets.
Temperature control dial
This dial allows you to adjust the tempera-
ture of the outlet air.
AHA0627
HEATER AND AIR
CONDITIONER
3-3
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Air recirculation button
(if so equipped)
NOTE:
The air recirculation feature is available
only on those vehicles equipped with air
conditioning.
OFF position (indicator light OFF):
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment and distributed through the
selected outlets.
Use the OFF position for normal heater or
air conditioner operation.
ON position (indicator light ON):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Depress the air recirculation button to acti-
vate the recirculation function when driving
on a dusty road or to avoid traffic fumes.
The air recirculation function is also used to
improve A/C performance during extremely
hot or humid conditions.
Air conditioner button
(if so equipped)
Start the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (1 to 4) position, and push the
air conditioner button to turn on the air
conditioner. The indicator light comes on
when the air conditioner is on. To turn off the
air conditioner, push the button again.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct hot air mainly
from the floor outlets. A small amount of air
also flows from the defrost vents.
1. Push the air recirculation button (if so
equipped) to the OFF position for normal
heating.
2. Move the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control dial to thedesired position between the middle and
the hot position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air from the side
and center vents.
1. Push the air recirculation button (if so
equipped) to the OFF position.
2. Move the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode is used to defrost/defog the
windows.
1. Push the air recirculation button (if so
equipped) to the OFF position.
2. Move the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control dial to the
3-4
ZX

desired position between the middle and
the hot position.
cIf it is difficult to defog the windshield
glass, turn the air conditioner on (if so
equipped). This helps dehumidify the air.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging per-
formance.
Bi-level heating
This mode directs cooler air from the side
and center vents and warmer air from the
floor outlets. When the temperature control
dial is moved to the full hot or full cool
position, the air between the vents and the
floor outlets is the same temperature.
1. Push the air recirculation button (if so
equipped) to the OFF position.
2. Move the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control dial to the
the desired position.
Heating and defogging
This mode heats the interior and defogs the
windshield.
1. Push the air recirculation button (if so
equipped) to the OFF position.
2. Move the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position between the middle and
the hot position.
Operating tips
cClear snow and ice from the wiper
blades and air inlet in front of the
windshield. This improves heater op-
eration.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION
(if so equipped)
Start the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (1 to 4) position, and push in the
air conditioner button to activate the air
conditioner. When the air conditioner is on,
cooling and dehumidifying functions areadded to the heater operation.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
Cooling
This mode is used to cool and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the
OFF position.
2. Move the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
cFor quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, push the air recirculation
button to the ON position. Be sure to
return the air recirculation button to the
OFF position for normal cooling.
Dehumidified heating
This mode is used to heat and dehumidify
the air.
3-5
ZX

1. Push the air recirculation button to the
OFF position.
2. Move the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows
and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the
OFF position.
2. Move the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
Operating tips
cKeep windows and sunroof closed while
the air conditioner is in operation.
cAfter parking in the sun, drive for two or
three minutes with the windows open to
vent hot air from the passenger compart-
ment. Then, close the windows. This
allows the air conditioner to cool the
interior more quickly.
cThe air conditioning system should be
operated for about ten minutes at
least once a month. This helps pre-
vent damage to the system due to lack
of lubrication.
cIf the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, turn
the air conditioner off. See ``If your
vehicle overheats'' in the ``In case of
emergency'' section for additional in-
formation.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and
dial positions forMAXIMUM AND QUICK
heating, cooling or defrosting.The air recir-
culation switch should always be in the
OFF position for heating and defrosting.
3-6
ZX