ECU NISSAN SENTRA 2002 B15 / 5.G Owner's Guide

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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-23
ZX

1. Remove the glove box door by removing
the 2 lower hinge pins.2. Remove the 2 screws securing the glove
box frame.
3. Remove the 2 screws securing the glove
box door latch. Remove the latch by
pulling it down.
4. Remove the glove box frame by pulling it
away from the instrument panel to disen-
gage the retaining clips.5. Remove the filter cover from the intake
unit by disengaging the 2 hook tabs at
the bottom of the cover.
LDI0139LDI0140LDI0141
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-25
ZX

Replace the battery in the keyfob as follows:
1. Open the lid using a coin.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Install a new battery.Recommended battery: Sanyo CR2025 or
equivalent.
4.
Close the lid securely.
5. Press the LOCK button, then the UN-
LOCK button two or three times to check
the keyfob operation.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step five.
cAn improperly disposed battery can
hurt the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.
cThe keyfob is water-resistant; how-
ever, if it does get wet, immediately
wipe completely dry.
cThe operational range of the keyfob
extends to approximately 49 ft (15 m)
from the vehicle. This range may vary
with conditions.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer for com-
pliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference re-
ceived, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
WPD0023
KEYFOB BATTERY
REPLACEMENT
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-35
ZX

If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy
or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the
use of ``SNOW'' tires or ``ALL SEASON''
tires on all four wheels.
Snow tires
If snow tires are needed, it is necessary to
select tires equivalent in size and load rating
to the original equipment tires. If you do not,
it can adversely affect the safety and han-
dling of your vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may
not match the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum speed
rating of the tire.
If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy
or icy conditions, NISSAN recommends the
use of ``SNOW'' tires or ``ALL SEASON''
tires on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires. Skid and
traction capabilities of studded snow tires
on wet or dry surfaces may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of tire chains may be prohibited accord-
ing to location. Check the local laws before
installing tire chains. When installing tire
chains, make sure they are of proper size
for the tires on your vehicle and are installed
according to the chain manufacturer's sug-
gestions.Use only SAE class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by
the tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight
fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibil-
ity of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In ad-
dition, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or ve-
hicle handling and performance may be
adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on a TEMPORARY
USE ONLY spare tire. Do not use tire
chains on dry roads.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
front wheels and not on the rear wheels.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotation
Tire should be rotated every 7,500 miles
(12,000 km).
See ``Flat tire'' in the ``In case of emergency''
section for tire replacing procedures.
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel
nuts to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
80 ft-lb (108 Nzm)
ADI1115
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-45
ZX

WARNING
cIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside the vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these ar-
eas are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed.
cDo not allow people to ride in any
area of the vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
c
Be sure everyone in the vehicle is in a
seat with their seat belt properly fas-
tened.
TERMS
It is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:
cCurb Weight (actual weight of your ve-
hicle) - vehicle weight including: standard
and optional equipment, fluids, emer-
gency tools, and spare tire assembly.
This weightdoes notinclude passen-
gers and cargo.
cGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb
weight plus the combined weight of pas-
sengers and cargo.
cGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -maximum total weight (load) limit speci-
fied for the vehicle.
cGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) -
maximum weight (load) limit specified for
the front or rear axle.
DETERMINING VEHICLE LOAD
CAPACITY
The load capacity of this vehicle is deter-
mined by weight, not by available cargo
space. For example, a luggage rack, bike
carrier, cartop carrier or similar equipment
does not increase the load carrying capacity
of your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using
a commercial-grade scale, found at places
such as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain
elevator, or a scrap metal recycling facility.
1) Determine the curb weight of your ve-
hicle.
2) Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to de-
termine how much more weight your
vehicle can carry.
3) After loading (cargo and passengers),re-weigh your vehicle to determine if
either GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle
is exceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, re-
move cargo as necessary. If either the
front or rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the
load or remove cargo as necessary.
LOADING TIPS
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S.
Certification Label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo to help
prevent 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.
cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum
front and rear GAWRs. If you do,
parts of your vehicle can break, tire
damage could occur, or it can
change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of
control and cause personal injury.
VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION
9-14Technical and consumer information
ZX

Tongue load
Keep the tongue load between 9 and 11%
of the total trailer load. If the tongue load
becomes excessive, rearrange cargo to al-
low for proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle
weight/maximum gross axle weight
The gross vehicle weight of the towing
vehicle must not exceed the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) shown on the
F.M.V.S.S. certification label. The gross ve-
hicle weight equals the combined weight of
the unloaded vehicle, passengers, luggage,
hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed the
gross axle weight rating (GAWR) shown on
the F.M.V.S.S. certification label.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
CHART
TOWING LOAD / SPECIFICATION CHART
UNIT: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD110 (49)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is
available from your NISSAN dealer (Canada
only). Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle to help avoid personal
injury or property damage due to sway
caused by crosswinds, rough road surfaces
or passing trucks.
CAUTION
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
TI1012M
9-16Technical and consumer information
ZX

cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install
a trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
cRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (lo-
cated on the driver's side rear door
pillar).
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should be
in accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturers' specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached
to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or
axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/ or local regulations. When wiring the
vehicle for towing, connect the stop and tail
light pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloadedtrailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose- down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cBe certain your rear view mirrors con-
form to all federal, state or local regula-
tions. If not, install any mirrors required
for towing before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability, and braking performance are
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
Technical and consumer information
9-17
ZX

Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in the ready condition for
an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition
when it is driven through certain driving pat-
terns. Usually, the ready condition can be
obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle
may be reset to a not ready condition. Before
taking the I/M test, drive the vehicle through
the following pattern to set the vehicle to the
ready condition. If you cannot or do not want
to perform the driving pattern, an authorized
NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C.
Allow the engine to idle until the gauge
needle points between the C and H (nor-
mal operating temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelera-
tor pedal completely and keep it released
for at least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for
a moment, then drive the vehicle at a
speed of 53 to 60 mph (86 to 96 km/h) for
at least 5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55
km/h) and maintain the speed for 20
seconds.
6. Repeat steps four through five at least
three times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h) and maintain the speed for at least
3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle [shift selector lever in
the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position].
9. Rev the engine up between 2,500 and
3,500 rpm and hold it for 3 consecutive
minutes, then release the accelerator
pedal completely.
10. Wait 5 seconds at idle.
11. Rev the engine up between 2,000 and3,000 rpm and maintain it for 5 consecu-
tive minutes.
12. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
13. Repeat steps one through twelve at
least one more time.
If step one through seven is interrupted,
repeat the preceding step. Any safe driving
mode is acceptable between steps. Do not
stop the engine until step seven is com-
pleted.
READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) TEST (US only)
Technical and consumer information9-21
ZX

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................ 1-6
Air bag warning light .......................... 1-16, 2-9
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-24
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations.................. 9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Servicing air conditioner ......................... 4-9
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-6
Alarm system (See vehicle security
system) ...................................................... 2-11
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-34
Antenna...................................................... 4-19
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-19
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 2-7
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-20
Audio system
Compact Disc (CD) changer ................ 4-17
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-12
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-25Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-15
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-7
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................. 5-10
B
Battery........................................................ 8-19
Battery
Charge warning light .............................. 2-8
Battery replacement (See remote keyless
entry system) ............................................... 3-8
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-6
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 8-22
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-19
Brake booster ....................................... 8-30
Brake fluid............................................. 8-18
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-40
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-30
Brake system ........................................ 5-19
Brake warning light ................................. 2-8
Brake wear indicators ................. 2-11, 8-30
Parking brake check ............................. 8-29
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-13
Self-adjusting brakes ............................ 8-30
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-16
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-7Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-40
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................................................... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-20
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) ... 9-14
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-34
Child restraints ........................ 1-20, 1-25, 1-32
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and
ashtray ....................................................... 2-20
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clock .......................................................... 4-13
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-18
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-31
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-21
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
ZX

Service manual order form ........................ 9-22
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-9
Shift lock release ....................................... 5-10
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-8
Manual transmission............................. 5-12
Shoulder belt height adjustment ................ 1-23
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-23
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
Spotlights (See map light) ......................... 2-27
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-16
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Jump starting .......................................... 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting......................................... 6-10
Starting the engine ................................. 5-7
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-17
Power steering system ......................... 5-18
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-15
Stop light .................................................... 8-40
Storage ...................................................... 2-21
Sunglasses case........................................ 2-21
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-26
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................... 1-6
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-25
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-18
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-18
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-16Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch ................................... 5-11
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-16
Turn signal switch................................. 2-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-15
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-4
Three-way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-15
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire....................................... 6-3, 8-47
Tire chains ............................................ 8-45
Tire placard........................................... 9-12
Tire pressure ........................................ 8-43
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-45
Types of tires ........................................ 8-44
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-19
Wheels and tires................................... 8-43
Wheel/tire size ........................................ 9-9
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-11
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-16
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-15
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-7
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-11
Selector lever lock release ................... 5-10
Travel (See registering your vehicle inanother country)......................................... 9-10
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat ............ 1-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever ........................ 3-10
Trunk light .................................................. 2-28
Turn signal switch ...................................... 2-17
U
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-19
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights ................. 9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(chassis number) ....................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate .. 9-10
Vehicle loading information ....................... 9-14
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-13
Vehicle security system ............................. 2-11
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ..................... 1-16, 2-9
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-18
Vehicle security system ........................ 2-11
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-16
10-5
ZX