NISSAN SENTRA 2001 B15 / 5.G Owners Manual

TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKING
cThe fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range on the dipstick after the
following conditions have been met:
Ð The engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
Ð The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
Ð The automatic transmission fluid should
be warmed to between 122 and 176ÉF
(50 and 80ÉC).cThe fluid can be checked at fluid tem-
peratures of 86 to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstick
after the engine is warmed up and before
driving. However, the fluid should be
re-checked using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the shift
selector lever through each gear range.
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park)
after you have moved it through all
ranges.3. Check the fluid level with the engine
idling.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean
with lint-free paper.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the dipstick
tube as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the read-
ing. If the level is at the low side of either
range, add fluid through the dipstick tube.
WDI0019
8-14Do-it-yourself
ZX

CAUTION
DO NOT OVERFILL. Use ONLY Nissan
Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska)
or Canada NISSAN Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid. Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM
or equivalent may also be used. Out-
side the continental United States and
Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN
dealership for more information re-
garding suitable fluids, including rec-
ommended brand(s) of Dexron
TM
III/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission
Fluid.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in
hot weather, or if it is being used to pull
a trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot
be read. You should wait until the fluid
has cooled down (about 30 minutes) be-
fore checking fluid level.Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the side of the fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122 to 176ÉF (50 to
80ÉC) or using the COLD range on the side
of the fluid reservoir at fluid temperatures of
32 to 86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSFII or equivalent.
BRAKE FLUID
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
If the fluid is below the MIN line or the brake
warning light comes on, add Genuine Nis-
san Brake fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid up
to the MAX line. If fluid must be added
frequently, the system should be thoroughly
checked by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
ADI1135WDI0039
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-15
ZX

CLUTCH FLUID
Check the clutch fluid level in the reservoir
(manual transmission only). If the fluid level
is below the MIN line, add Genuine Nissan
Brake fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be thoroughly
checked by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
For further brake and clutch fluid specifica-
tion information, refer to ªCapacities and
recommended fuel/lubricantsº in the ªTech-
nical and consumer informationº section of
this manual.
WARNING
Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids
can damage the brake system and af-
fect the vehicle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, immediately wash the
surface with water.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir tank and pour the
window washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind-
shield washer antifreeze. Follow the manu-
facturer's instructions for the mixture ratio.
USA Only
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir peri-
odically. Perform the refilling operation
more often under driving conditions that
require an increased amount of window
washer fluid.
LDI0035WDI0040
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-16Do-it-yourself
ZX

Canada Only
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. Add a washer solvent to the
water for better cleaning. In the winter sea-
son, add a windshield washer antifreeze.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
the mixture ratio.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for windshield washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.cKeep the battery surface clean and dry.
Any corrosion should be washed off with
a solution of baking soda and water.
cMake certain the terminal connections
are clean and securely tightened.
cIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days
or longer, disconnect the negative (þ) bat-
tery terminal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention.
cWhen working on or near the battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.cBattery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead com-
pounds. Wash hands after handling.
cKeep the battery out of the reach of
children.
BATTERY
Do-it-yourself8-17
ZX

1. Remove the battery caps with a screw-
driver as shown.2. Check the fluid level in each cell.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only
distilled water to bring the level up to the
OK level indicator in each filler opening.
Do not overfill.
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see the ``In
case of emergency'' section of this owner's
manual. If the engine does not start by jump
starting, the battery may have to be re-
placed. Contact an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
WDI0020WDI0021
8-18Do-it-yourself
ZX

WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of
unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose,
have it replaced or adjusted by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for con-
dition and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule found in the``Maintenance'' section of this manual.
WDI0037
DRIVE BELTS
Do-it-yourself8-19
ZX

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 spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Platinum-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as conven-
tional type spark plugs because they last
much longer. Follow the maintenance
schedule, but do not reuse the spark plugs
by cleaning or regapping.
cAlways replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.1. On the 1.8L engine, disconnect the igni-
tion coil connectors. Remove the ignition
coil bolts.
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 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 spark
plug socket.
4. Fit the new plugs, one at a time, into the
spark plug socket and install them.Use
only the specified spark plugs.Turn
each plug several full turns by hand, then
tighten with the spark plug socket to the
correct torque. Do not overtighten.
Spark plug tightening torque:
14 to 22 ft-lb (20 to 29 Nzm)
DI1229MADI1100
SPARK PLUG
8-20Do-it-yourself
ZX

5. Holding the boot, reconnect each high
tension cable to its proper spark plug by
pushing it on until you feel a snap.
6. On the 1.8L engine, install the ignition
coil bolt.
Ignition coil bolt tightening torque:
33 to 44 in-lb (3.8 - 5.0 Nzm)
Connect the ignition coil connector.
The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned
and reused. Replace it according to the
maintenance intervals shown in the ``Main-
tenance'' section of this manual. When re-
placing the filter, wipe the inside of the air
cleaner housing and the cover with a damp
cloth.
WARNING
cOperating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops theflame if the engine backfires. If it
isn't there, and the engine backfires,
you could be burned. Do not drive
with the air cleaner removed and be
careful when working on the engine
with the air cleaner removed.
cNever pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with
the air cleaner removed. Doing so
could result in serious injury.
ADI0631
AIR CLEANER
Do-it-yourself8-21
ZX

CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if the wiper blade
chatters when running, wax or other mate-
rial 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 deter-
gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water.
If your windshield is still not clear aftercleaning the blades and using the wiper,
replace the blades.REPLACING
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the wind-
shield.
2. Push the tab, then move the wiper blade
down the wiper arm to remove.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper
arm until it clicks.
CAUTION
c
After wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position;
otherwise it may be damaged when
the hood is opened.
cMake sure the wiper blades contact
the glass; otherwise the arms may
be damaged from wind pressure.
ADI1022
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
8-22Do-it-yourself
ZX

When 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.
CHECKING PARK BRAKE
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 an authorized NISSAN dealer.
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
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 an authorized 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.
ADI0613
WDI0036DI1020M
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL
Do-it-yourself8-23
ZX