tow NISSAN SENTRA 2000 B15 / 5.G Owners Manual

When using the fold down rear seatback,
the rear center seat belt retractor may lock
up and prevent folding down the seatback.
If the rear center seat belt retractor has
inadvertently locked up, push the seat belt
webbing toward the retractor as shown in
the above illustration. This will unlock the
seat belt retractor and allow the rear seat-
back to fold down.HEAD RESTRAINT ADJUST-
MENT
To raise the head restraint, pull it up. To
lower, push and hold the lock knob and
push the head restraint down.
WARNING
Head restraints should be adjusted
properly as they may provide significant
protection against injury in an accident.
Do not remove them. Check the adjust-
ment after someone else uses the seat.
Adjust the head restraints so the top is level
with the tops of your ears.
LRS0058PD1319WRS0002
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-5
ZX

Fastening the seat belts
1. Adjust the seat.
2. Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retrac-
tor and insert the tongue into the buckle
until you hear and feel the latch engage.
The retractor is designed to lock during
a sudden stop or on impact. A slow
pulling motion permits the belt to move,
and allows you some freedom of move-
ment in the seat.3. Position the lap belt portionlow and
snug on the hipsas shown.
4. Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the
retractor to take up extra slack.
The front passenger seat belt and the rear
three-point seat belts have a cinching
mechanism for child restraint installation. It is
referred to as the automatic locking mode.
When automatic locking mode is activated,
the seat belt cannot be withdrawn again
until the seat belt tongue is detached from
the buckle and fully retracted. Once re-
tracted, the seat belt is in the emergencylocking mode. For additional information,
see ``Child restraints'' later in this section.
The automatic locking mode should be
used only for child restraint installation.
During normal seat belt use by a passen-
ger, the automatic locking mode should
not be activated. If it is activated it may
cause uncomfortable seat belt tension.
ARS1052ARS1162
1-22Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

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 or
MIN mark on the brake fluid reser-
voir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked at an au-
thorized NISSAN 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.
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 regular
braking system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for
repair.
Low fuel warning light
This warning light comes on when the fuel in
the tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it
is convenient, 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).
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is in 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
(Blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Instruments and controls
2-9
ZX

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 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 properly. Have the system
checked by your authorized NISSAN
dealer.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If the indicator lamp comes on steady or
blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator lamp 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 closed tightly, and that the
vehicle has at least three gallons of fuel in
the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp
should turn off if no other potential emission
control system malfunction exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on
in one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator lamp 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
lamp should
turn off after a few driving trips. If the
lamp does not turn off after a few
driving trips, have the vehicle inspected
by an authorized NISSAN dealer. You do
not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator lamp blinking - An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control sys-
tem. To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
a) do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH(72 km/h).
b)
avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) avoid steep uphill grades.
d) if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp 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.
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX

To deactivate:Press and hold the LOCK
and UNLOCK buttonsfor at least three
seconds.
The hazard lights will quickly flash three
times to confirm that the horn beep feature
has been deactivated.
To activate:Press and hold the LOCK and
UNLOCK buttonsfor at least three sec-
onds once more.
The hazard lights will flash once and the
horn will sound once to confirm that the horn
beep feature has been reactivated.
Deactivating the horn feature does not si-
lence the horn if the alarm is triggered.
If the system does not operate as de-
scribed above, have it checked by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
SWITCH OPERATION
Push the lever down to operate the wiper.
Pull the lever toward you to operate the
washer. The ignition switch must be in the
ON position for the wipers or washer to be
activated. Operating the washer automati-cally cycles the wipers three times.
CAUTION
cDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
cDo not operate the washer if the
reservoir tank is empty.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer
solution may freeze on the windshield
and obscure your vision which may
lead to an accident. Warm the wind-
shield with the defroster before you
wash the windshield.
WIC0049
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-15
ZX

The sunroof only operates with the ignition
key in the ON position.
NOTE:
If the battery is discharged or is discon-
nected, the sunroof may not operate cor-
rectly, and must be reset.
From any sunroof position (full open, par-
tially open, closed, partially vented and
vented), push and hold the button in the
forward position until the sunroof vents in
the full-up position. This resets the sunroof
motor memory and now the sunroof will
operate correctly.
Sliding the sunroof
To open the sunroof, push the switch
toward DOWN/OPEN.
To close the sunroof, push the switch
toward UP/CLOSE.
Tilting the sunroof
Close the sunroof by pushing the switch
toward UP/CLOSE. Release the switch,
then push the UP/CLOSE switch to tilt the
sunroof up.
To tilt the sunroof down, push the switch
toward DOWN/OPEN.
Sun shade
Open and close the sun shade by sliding it
forward or backward.
WARNING
cIn an accident you could be thrown
from the vehicle through an open
sunroof. Always use seat belts and
child restraints.cDo not allow anyone to stand up or
extend any portion of their body out
of the sunroof opening while the
vehicle is in motion, or while the
sunroof is closing.
CAUTION
cRemove water drops, snow, ice or
sand from the sunroof before open-
ing.
cDo not place heavy objects on the
sunroof or surrounding area.
AIC1145
SUNROOF
(if so equipped)
Instruments and controls2-27
ZX

WARNING
cAlways have the doors locked while
driving. Along with the use of seat
belts, this provides greater safety in
the event of an accident by helping
to prevent persons from being
thrown from the vehicle. This also
helps keep children and others from
unintentionally opening the doors,
and will help keep out intruders.
cBefore opening any door, always
look for and avoid oncoming traffic.
c
Do not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches and controls.
Unattended children could become
involved in serious accidents.
LOCKING WITH KEY
Manual
To lock the door, turn the key towards the
front of the vehicle. To unlock, turn it to-
wards the rear.
Power (if so equipped)
If your vehicle is equipped with the theft
warning system,the power door lock sys-
tem allows you to lock or unlock all doors
simultaneously.
Turning the front door key to the front of the
vehicle locks all doors.
Turning the front door key one time to the
rear of the vehicle unlocks the corresponding
door. From that position, returning the key to
neutral (where the key can only be removed
and inserted) and turning it to the rear again
within 5 seconds unlocks all doors.
WPD0017WPD0018
DOORS
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-3
ZX

WARNING
c
The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They
may ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
c
Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three-way catalyst's ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause over-
rich fuel flow into the three-way cata-
lyst, causing it to overheat. Do not
keep driving if the engine misfires,
or if noticeable loss of performance
or other unusual operating condi-
tions are detected. Have the vehicleinspected promptly by an authorized
NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three-way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times.
Obey all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive
speed, high speed cornering, or sudden
steering maneuvers, because these driving
practices could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle.As with any vehicle, loss of
control could result in a collision withother vehicles or objects, or cause the
vehicle to rollover, particularly if the loss
of control causes the vehicle to slide
sideways.Be attentive at all times, and
avoid driving when tired. Never drive when
under the influence of alcohol or drugs
(including prescription or over-the-counter
drugs which may cause drowsiness). Al-
ways wear your seat belt as outlined in the
``Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag
systems'' section of this manual, and also
instruct your passengers to do so.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS
AND DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alco-
hol or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream
reduces coordination, delays reaction
time and impairs judgement. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likelihood
of being involved in an accident injuring
yourself and others. Additionally, if you
are injured in an accident, alcohol can
increase the severity of injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. How-
ever, you must choose not to drive under
Starting and driving
5-3
ZX

the influence of alcohol. Every year thou-
sands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol-related accidents. Although the lo-
cal laws vary on what is considered to be
legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that is true for drugs, too (over-the-
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs). Do
not drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models the igni-
tion lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the shift
selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift selector lever is in the P
(Park) position.
When the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the
key.1) Move the shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position.
2) Turn the ignition key slightly toward the
ON position.
3) Turn the key to the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to OFF or if the key is removed from
the switch.
The shift selector lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF posi-
tion is indicated by a ``1'' on the key
cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF, the
steering wheel is not locked.
WSD0004
IGNITION SWITCH
5-4Starting and driving
ZX

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 the legal speed limit
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).cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Main-
tain cruising speeds with a constant ac-
celerator position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the high-
way. Driving at high speed lowers fuel
economy.
cAvoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Maintain a safe distance behind
other vehicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and wastes fuel.
cKeep the front wheels in correct align-
ment. Improper alignment increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
cAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.
cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
SD1001M
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL
ECONOMY
5-16Starting and driving
ZX