ignition NISSAN SENTRA 1998 B14 / 4.G Owners Manual

REAR SEAT
Interior trunk access
(if so equipped)
The trunk can be accessed from the rear
seat for loading and unloading, as shown.
WARNING
cNever allow anyone to ride in the
luggage area or on the rear seat
when it is in the fold-down position.
Use of these areas by passengers
without proper restraints couldresult in serious injury in an accident
or sudden stop.
c
Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
cWhen returning the seatbacks to the
upright position, be certain they are
completely secured in the latched
position.This Supplemental Restraint System sec-
tion contains important information concern-
ing the driver and passenger supplemental
air bags. The Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem Air Bag can help reduce impact force to
the driver and to the front passenger in
certain frontal collisions. The supplemental
air bags are designed tosupplementthe
crash protection provided by the driver and
front passenger seat belts and arenot a
substitutefor them. The seat belts should
always be correctly worn and the driver and
front passenger seated a suitable distance
from the steering wheel and instrument
panel. (See ``Seat belts'' for instructions and
precautions on seat belt usage.)
The supplemental air bags operate only
when the ignition switch is in the ON or
START position.
ARS1022
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM (AIR BAG SYSTEM)
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-5
ZX

The driver supplemental air bag is located in
the center of the steering wheel; the front
passenger supplemental air bag is mounted in
the dashboard above the glove box.
These systems are designed to meet op-
tional certification requirements under U.S.
regulations. They are also permitted in
Canada. The optional certification allows air
bags to be designed to inflate somewhat
less forcefully than previously.However, all
of the information, cautions and warn-
ings in this manual still apply and must
be followed.
The supplemental air bag system is de-signed to inflate in higher severity frontal
collisions, although it may inflate if the
forces in another type of collision are similar
to those of a higher severity frontal impact. It
may not inflate in certain frontal collisions.
Vehicle damage (or lack of it) is not always
an indication of proper supplemental air bag
operation.
When the supplemental air bag inflates, a
fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by
the release of smoke. This smoke is not
harmful and does not indicate a fire, but
care should be taken to not unintentionally
inhale it, as it may cause irritation andchoking. Those with a history of breathing
trouble should get fresh air promptly.
The supplemental air bags, along with the
use of seat belts, help to cushion the impact
force on the face and chest of the occupant.
They can help save lives and reduce seri-
ous injuries. However, an inflating supple-
mental air bag may cause facial abrasions
or other injuries. Supplemental air bags do
not provide restraint to the lower body.
Seat belts should be correctly worn, and the
driver and passenger seated upright as far
as practical away from the steering wheel or
dashboard. Since the supplemental air bag
inflates quickly in order to help protect the
occupant, the force of the supplemental air
bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if
the occupant is too close to or is against the
supplemental air bag module during inflation.
The supplemental air bag deflates quickly
after a collision.
The supplemental air bags operate only
when the ignition switch is in the ON or
START position.
APD0644
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
SYSTEM
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-9
ZX

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 system 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 an authorized NISSAN dealer if
damaged.
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 performing 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.
1-12Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

cDo not wear the belt inside out or
twisted. Doing so may reduce its
effectiveness.
cDo not allow more than one person
to use the same belt.
cNever carry more people in the ve-
hicle than there are seat belts.
cIf the seat belt warning lamp glows
continuously while the ignition is
turned ON with all doors closed and
all seat belts fastened, it may indi-
cate a malfunction in the system.
Have the system checked by an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer.
c
All seat belt assemblies including re-
tractors and attaching hardware
should be inspected after any colli-
sion at an authorized NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN recommends that all seat
belt assemblies in use during a colli-
sion be replaced unless the collision
was minor and the belts show no
damage and continue to operate
properly. Seat belt assemblies not in
use during a collision should also be
inspected and replaced if either dam-
age or improper operation is noted.
1-14Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature over the normal range,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely pos-
sible. If the engine is overheated, con-
tinued operation of the vehicle may
seriously damage the engine. See the
``In case of emergency'' section for the
immediate action required.The gauge indicates theapproximatefuel
level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during brak-
ing, turning, acceleration, or going up or
down hills.
The gauge needle remains in approximately
the same position, even after the ignition
key is turned to OFF.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers E (Empty).CAUTION
If the vehicle is driven with the fuel level
very low, the malfunction indicator
light may come on. Refuel as soon as
possible. After driving for a while, the
light should remain off. If the light re-
mains on, have the vehicle inspected
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
For additional information, see the
``Malfunction indicator light (MIL)'' later
in this section.
AIC1035AIC0606
FUEL GAUGE
2-4Instruments and controls
ZX

orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)Cruise indicator light
(if so equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsorAnti-lock brake warning
light (if so equipped)Air bag warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)O/D OFFOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Seat belt warning light
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator lightLow 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,,,
If equipped, the following lights come on
briefly and then go 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 an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
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'' section
of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost im-
mediately. Turn off the engine as soon
as it is safe to do so.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a problem with the
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls2-5
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 an authorized NISSAN dealer immedi-
ately.
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 (Empty).
There will be a small reserve of fuel remain-
ing in the tank when the fuel gauge reaches
E (Empty).
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 ªSeats, restraints
and supplemental air bag systemsº 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
supplemental air bag system needs servic-
ing and your vehicle must be taken to an
authorized NISSAN dealer:
1. The supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on and remain on for 7seconds 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 (air bag system)
may not function properly. For additional
details see ``Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem'' in the ``Seats, restraints and supple-
mental air bag systems'' section of this
manual.
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 (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary.
See the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
manual.
2-6Instruments and controls
ZX

orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position, 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 fluid'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cIf the level is below the MINIMUM
mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do
not drive until the brake system has
been checked at an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer.
cYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is
on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed because driving it could
be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire 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 is wrong
with the anti-lock portion of the brake sys-
tem. Have the system checked by an autho-
rized 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 checked
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases, but the regularbraking system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for
repair.
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.
Instruments and controls
2-7
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
leaving 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.
Malfunction indicator 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 may also
come on steady or blink if the fuel filler cap
has not been closed tightly or if the fuel tank
is nearly empty. Check to make sure the
fuel cap is secure and that you have at least
three gallons of fuel in the fuel tank.
After driving for a while, the light should
remain off if no other potential emission
control system problem exists.
Operation
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.
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.
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX

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.
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 the hood, trunk lid and all doors.
4. Push the
button on the multi-remote
controller. All the doors lock. The hazard
lights flash twice and the horn beeps
once to indicate all doors are locked.c
When thebutton is pushed with all
doors locked, the hazard lights flash twice
and the horn beeps once as a reminder that
the doors are already locked. The horn may
or may not beep once. Refer to ``silencing
the horn beep feature'' later in this section.
The system can be activated even if the
windows are open.
5.
Confirm that the SECURITY indicator
light comes on. The SECURITY light
glows for about 30 seconds and then
begins to flash once every three seconds.
The system is now activated. If, during
this 30-second time period, the door is
unlocked by the key or the multi-remote
controller, or the ignition key is turned to
ACC or ON, the system will not activate.
cIf the key is turned slowly when lock-
ing the door, the system may not acti-
vate. Furthermore, if the key is turned
excessively to the unlock position, the
system may be deactivated when the
key is removed. If the indicator light
fails to glow for 30 seconds, unlock
the door once and lock it again.
cEven when the driver and/or passen-
gers are in the vehicle, the system will
IC0005
THEFT WARNING
(if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-9
ZX