check engine light NISSAN SENTRA 2001 B15 / 5.G Owners Manual

2 Instruments and controls
Meters and gauges ................................................2-2
Speedometer and odometer .............................2-3
Tachometer (if so equipped) .............................2-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ...................2-5
Fuel gauge ........................................................2-5
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ......................2-7
Checking bulbs ..................................................2-7
Warning lights ....................................................2-7
Indicator lights ...................................................2-9
Chimes.............................................................2-11
Security systems ..................................................2-11
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS) (if so equipped)....................................2-11
Vehicle security system (if so equipped) ........2-12
Windshield wiper and washer switch ...................2-15
Switch operation ..............................................2-15
Rear window defogger switch ..............................2-16
Headlight and turn signal switch ..........................2-16
Headlight control switch ..................................2-16
Turn signal switch............................................2-17Fog light switch (if so equipped) ..........................2-18
Hazard warning flasher switch .............................2-18
Horn ......................................................................2-19
Power socket ........................................................2-19
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray ............2-20
Storage .................................................................2-21
Glasses case (if so equipped).........................2-21
Cup holders .....................................................2-21
Glove box ........................................................2-22
Coin box ..........................................................2-22
Console box (if so equipped) ..........................2-23
Instrument panel storage ................................2-23
Windows ...............................................................2-24
Power windows (if so equipped) .....................2-24
Manual windows ..............................................2-25
Sunroof (if so equipped).......................................2-26
Interior light...........................................................2-27
Map lights (if so equipped)...................................2-27
Trunk light (if so equipped) ..................................2-28
ZX

orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)CRUISE main switch indicator light (if
so equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsorAnti-lock brake warning
light (if so equipped)Cruise SET indicator light
(if so equipped)
High beam indicator light (Blue)Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Supplemental air bag warning light
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator lampSeat belt warning light and chime
Door open warning lightEngine oil pressure warning lightLow fuel warning light
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake and turn the ignition key to the ON
position 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 open
circuit in the electrical system. Have thesystem repaired promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock brake
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quicklydoing 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.
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls2-7
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 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.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging system
is not functioning properly. 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 immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is ON.
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.
2-8Instruments and controls
ZX

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).
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.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
your seat belts. The light illuminates when-
ever the ignition key is turned to ON or
START and the light remains illuminated
until the driver's seat belt is 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 supplemental
front air bag, supplemental side air bag and
pre-tensioner seat belt systems are opera-
tional.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental
side air bag or pre-tensioner seat belt sys-
tems need servicing and your vehicle must
be taken to an authorized NISSAN dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supple-
mental restraint system (air bag system)
and/or the pre-tensioner seat belts may not
function properly. For additional details see
``Supplemental restraint system'' in the``Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag
systems'' section of this manual.WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental front air bag or supple-
mental side air bag system (if so
equipped) will not operate in an acci-
dent.
INDICATOR LIGHTS
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
Instruments and controls
2-9
ZX

functioning properly. Have the system
checked by your authorized NISSAN
dealer.
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.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If this 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 thevehicle 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.
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.
2-10Instruments and controls
ZX

CHIMES
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver's 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
With the ignition switch in the OFF position,
a chime sounds when the driver's side door
is opened if the headlights or parking lights
are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before
leaving the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have an audible wear
warning. 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.Your vehicle has two types of security sys-
tems:
cNissan Vehicle Immobilizer System±
NVIS (if so equipped)
cVehicle security system (if so equipped)
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS) (if so equipped)
The Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(NVIS) will not allow the engine to start
without the use of a registered NVIS key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered
NVIS key (for example, when interference iscaused by another NVIS key, an automated
toll road device or automated payment de-
vice on the key ring), restart the engine
using the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position, and wait approximately 5
seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de-
vice (which may have caused the inter-
ference) separate from the registered
NVIS key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, Nissan
recommends placing the registered NVIS
key on a separate key ring to avoid interfer-
ence from other devices.
Statement related to section 15 of FCC
rules for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System (CONT ASSY - IMMOBILIZER,
ANT ASSY - IMMOBILIZER)
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions;
IC0005
SECURITY SYSTEMS
Instruments and controls2-11
ZX

1. Pull the hood lock release handles1
located below the driver side instrument
panel. The hood will spring up slightly.
2. Push the lever to the left
s2at the front
of the hood with your fingertips and raise
the hood.
3. Insert the support rod into the slot
marked with the arrow on the underside
of the hood.
4. When closing the hood, return the sup-
port rod to its original position, lower the
hood to approximately 12 inches above
the latch and release it. This allows
proper engagement of the hood latch.
WARNING
cMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the
hood to fly open and result in an
accident.
cIf you see steam or smoke coming
from the engine compartment, to
avoid injury do not open the hood.
WPD0030WPD0020
HOOD
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-9
ZX

START: (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS) (if so equipped)
The Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(NVIS) will not allow the engine to start
without the use of a registered NVIS key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered
NVIS key, it may be due to interference
caused by another NVIS key, an automated
toll road device or automated payment de-
vice on the key ring. Restart the engine
using the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position and wait approximately 5
seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 again.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de-
vice (which may have caused the inter-
ference) separate from the registered
NVIS key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,NISSAN recommends placing the regis-
tered NVIS key on a separate key ring to
avoid interference from other devices.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, for example, 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.
c
Check the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See ``Warning/indicator lights and chimes''
in the ``Instrument and controls'' section.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
5-6Starting and driving
ZX

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The SET light in
the instrument panel then blinks to warn
the driver.
cIf the SET light in the instrument panel
blinks, turn the CRUISE ONzOFF switch
off and have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
cThe SET light in the instrument panel
may blink when the CRUISE ONzOFF
switch is turned ON while pushing theACCEL/RES, SET/COAST, or CANCEL
switch (located on the steering wheel).
To properly set the cruise control system,
perform the following steps in the order
indicated.
WARNING
Do not use 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 var-
ies in speed.
cOn winding or hilly roads.
cOn slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.).
cIn very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do
not shift into N (Neutral) without de-
pressing the clutch pedal when the
cruise control is set. Should this occur,depress the clutch pedal and turn
the main switch off immediately.
Failure to do so may cause engine
damage.
CRUISE CONTROL
OPERATIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 to 90 MPH (40 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the
CRUISE ONzOFF switch. The CRUISE
indicator light in the instrument panel comes
on.
To set cruising speed,accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. The SET
light in the instrument panel comes on. Take
your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your
vehicle maintains the set speed.
cTo pass another vehicle,depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-
ously set speed.
cThe vehicle may not maintain the set
WSD0009
CRUISE CONTROL
(if so equipped)
5-14Starting and driving
ZX

erates normally, but without anti-lock assis-
tance.
If the light comes on during the self-test or
while driving, take the vehicle to an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING
c
The anti-lock brake system is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from care-
less or dangerous driving tech-
niques. It can help maintain vehicle
control during braking on slippery
surfaces, but remember that the stop-
ping distance on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces, even with the anti-lock brake
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 of tires may
also affect braking effectiveness.cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified tire size on all four wheels.
c
When installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
``Tire placard'' in the ``Technical and
consumer information'' section of
this manual.
cFor additional information, refer to
``Wheels and tires'' in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR
LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be-
fore inserting it in the key hole.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check the anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base)
to assure proper winter protection. For de-
tails, see ``Engine cooling system'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself''
section of this manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-20Starting and driving
ZX