check engine light NISSAN SENTRA 2003 B15 / 5.G User Guide

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher amperage
rating than specified on the fuse box
cover. This could damage the electrical
system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not come on,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood.3. Remove the fuse box cover by pushing the
tab and lifting the cover up.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. The
fuse puller is located in the center of the fuse
block in the passenger compartment.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new fuse.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
Fusible links
If the electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace with only genuine NISSAN parts.
WDI0199WDI0200
FUSES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-31
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HEADLIGHTS
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb. A
bulb can be replaced from inside the engine
compartment without removing the headlight as-
sembly.
CAUTION
cHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
cWhen handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.
cDO NOT TOUCH THE BULB
cUse the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Wattage 65/55Bulb No. HB5/9007*
*: Always check with the Parts Depart-
ment at a NISSAN dealer for the latest
parts information.
cDo not leave the bulb out of the head-
light reflector for a long period of time
as dust, moisture and smoke may enter
the headlight body and affect the per-
formance of the headlight.cAiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is
necessary, contact a NISSAN dealer.
WDI0202
LIGHTS
8-34Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number. How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number in high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft
(1,219 m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New
Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada,
southern Idaho, western South Dakota, western
Nebraska, and the part of Texas which is directly
south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock.” (“Spark
knock” is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or enginedamage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
9-4Technical and consumer information
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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 properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level posi-
tion when a loaded and/or unloaded trailer 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 possible causes of
either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.cBe certain your rear view mirrors conform to all
federal, state or local regulations. 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 practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic transmission, first block the wheels and
apply the parking brake, and then move the
transmission shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position. If you move the shift selector
lever to the P (Park) position before blocking
the wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower gear
and use the engine braking effect. When go-
ing up a long grade, downshift the transmis-
sion to a lower gear and reduce speed to
reduce chances of engine overloading and/or
overheating. However, for long steep grades,
do not stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely high
temperature when the air conditioner system
is on, turn off the air conditioner. Coolant heat
can be additionally vented by opening the win-
dows, switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the HOT
position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended Main-
tenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will be
closer to the inside of the turn than your vehicle
wheels. To compensate for this, make a larger
than normal turning radius during the turn.
9-16Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)......................1-6
Air bag warning light...........1-17, 2-9
Air cleaner housing filter............8-24
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-11
Anchor point locations.............1-35
Antenna.....................4-19
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-7
Audible reminders................2-10
Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-17
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-15
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-12
Radio....................4-10
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-25
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-15Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock release . .5-9
B
Battery......................8-20
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).......5-18
Brake booster................8-30
Brake fluid..................8-18
Brake light (See stop light).........8-36
Brake pedal.................8-29
Brake system................5-18
Brake warning light..............2-7
Brake wear indicators........2-10, 8-30
Parking brake check............8-29
Parking brake operation..........5-13
Self-adjusting brakes............8-30
Break-in schedule................5-15
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-7
Bulb replacement................8-36
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants. .9-2Car phone or CB radio.............4-19
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD changer (See audio system)........4-17
CD player (See audio system).........4-15
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light).........2-9
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-34
Child restraints.......1-20, 1-21, 1-25, 1-33
Precautions on child restraints.......1-25
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-10
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock......................4-13
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-19
Coin box.....................2-22
Cold weather driving..............5-20
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-15
Console box...................2-23
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
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
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-13
Cup holders...................2-21
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D
Daytime running light system (Canada only). .2-18
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-16
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light.............2-8
Drive belts....................8-22
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-20
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-10
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-15
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-18
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10
Changing engine oil............8-13
Changing engine oil filter..........8-14
Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Checking engine oil level..........8-12
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Engine cooling system............8-9
Engine oil..................8-12
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light......2-8Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Starting the engine..............5-6
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning
flasher switch)..................2-19
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-15
Brake fluid..................8-18
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-19
Engine coolant................8-9
Engine oil..................8-12
Power steering fluid.............8-18
Window washer fluid............8-20
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Folding rear seat.................1-4
Front fog light switch..............2-18
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-15
Fuel filler cap................3-12
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever.......3-12
Fuel gauge..................2-5
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-31Fusible links...................8-31
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Fuel gauge..................2-5
Odometer...................2-3
Speedometer.................2-3
Tachometer..................2-4
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-22
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-19
Head restraints..................1-5
Headlight aiming adjustment..........8-35
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-16
Headlights....................8-34
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Heater operation...............4-4
Hood release...................3-9
Horn.......................2-19
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-11, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-25
10-2
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Increasing fuel economy............5-15
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders)................2-7
Inside mirror...................3-14
Instrument brightness control.........2-18
Instrument panel.................2-2
Interior light...................2-27
Interior trunk lid release.............3-11
J
Jump starting...................6-7
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system (See remote keyless
entry system)...................3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-16
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for Children)
System......................1-33
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12Light
Air bag warning light.........1-17, 2-9
Brake light (See stop light).........8-36
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-7
Bulb replacement..............8-36
Charge warning light.............2-8
Front fog light switch............2-18
Headlight aiming adjustment........8-35
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-16
Headlights..................8-34
Interior light.................2-27
Light bulbs..................8-34
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-8
Spotlights (See map light).........2-28
Trunk light..................2-28
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-7
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever.......3-12
Power door locks...............3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever..........3-9
Low fuel warning light..............2-8
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-25
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-9
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-26
Map lights....................2-28
Meters and gauges................2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-14
Outside mirror control...........3-15
Vanity mirror.................3-14
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
Multi-remote controller battery replacement .8-33
N
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS).................2-11, 3-2, 5-5
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-13
Changing engine oil filter..........8-14
Checking engine oil level..........8-12
Engine oil..................8-12
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control.............3-15
Overdrive switch................5-10
10-3
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Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-20
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-20
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-29
Parking brake operation..........5-13
Parking/parking on hills...........5-16
Power
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-20
Power steering fluid.............8-18
Power steering system...........5-17
Power windows...............2-24
Rear power windows............2-25
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child restraints.......1-25
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-18
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-6
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting...................6-9
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-19
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-17FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-12
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-19
Rear power windows..............2-25
Rear seat.....................1-4
Rear window defogger switch.........2-16
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system..........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-18
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-18
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage......1-18
Seat belt extenders.............1-25
Seat belt maintenance...........1-25
Seat belts..................1-18
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-24
Three-point type with retractor.......1-22
Seat belt warning light..............2-9
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat...................1-4
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-30
Service manual order form...........9-20Servicing air conditioner.............4-9
Shift lock release.................5-9
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-8
Manual transmission............5-11
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-24
Spark plug replacement............8-23
Speedometer...................2-3
Spotlights (See map light)...........2-28
SRS warning label...............1-16
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Jump starting.................6-7
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting.................6-9
Starting the engine..............5-6
Steering
Power steering fluid.............8-18
Power steering system...........5-17
Tilting steering wheel............3-13
Stop light....................8-36
Storage.....................2-21
Storage tray...................2-23
Sunglasses case................2-21
Sunroof.....................2-26
Supplemental restraint system
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.....................1-6
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.......2-19
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-16
10-4
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