windshield NISSAN SENTRA 2003 B15 / 5.G User Guide

Parking brake*Check that the lever has the
proper travel and confirm that your vehicle is held
securely on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanismCheck that the lock release button
on the shift selector lever operates properly and
smoothly. On a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P position without applying any brakes.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir.
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.Automatic transmission fluid level*Check
the level after putting the selector lever in P with
the engine idling at operating temperature.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from theunderbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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QG18DE engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Spark plug caps
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
5. Air cleaner
6. Battery
7. Fuse/Fusible link holds
8. Radiator cap
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
11. Coolant reservoir
12. Power steering fluid reservoir
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
WDI0024
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
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QR25DE engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Spark plug caps
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
5. Air cleaner
6. Battery
7. Fuel/Fusible link holds
8. Radiator cap
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
11. Coolant reservoir
12. Power steering fluid reservoir
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
LDI0108
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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WINDOW WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir periodically.
Add window washer fluid when the light comes
on (if so equipped) .
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 washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio.Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of win-
dow washer fluid.
CAUTION
cDo not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for window washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
cDo not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.
cPre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concen-
trate and water.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 (-) battery ter-
minal cable to prevent discharge.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames or
electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas gener-
ated by the battery is explosive. 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 minutes
and seek medical attention.
cDo not operate the vehicle if the fluid in
the battery is low. Low battery fluid can
cause a higher load on the battery
which can generate heat, reduce bat-
tery life, and in some cases lead to an
explosion.
WDI0187
WINDOW WASHER FLUID BATTERY
8-20Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material 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 each blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer solution or a mild detergent. Then
rinse the blades with clear water. If your wind-
shield is still not clear after cleaning the blades
and using the wiper, replace the blades.
CAUTION
Worn windshield wiper blades can dam-
age the windshield and impair driver
vision.
REPLACING
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.
s1Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
s2Push the release tab, then move the wiper
blade down the wiper arm to remove.
s3Remove the wiper blade.4. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper
arm until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
cAfter 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 dam-
aged from wind pressure.
WDI0194
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
8-28Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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If you wax the surface of the hood, be careful not
to let wax get into the washer nozzle
s1. This may
cause clogging or improper windshield washer
operation. If wax gets into the nozzle, remove it
with a needle or small pin
s2.
CHECKING PARKING 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, see a NISSAN dealer.
c6 - 7 clicks under pulling force of 44 lb (196
N) .
CHECKING BRAKE PEDAL
With the engine running, check the distanceA
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
metal floor. If it is out of the range shown, see a
NISSAN dealer.
Distance A: under depressing force of 110
lb (490 N)
Automatic
TransmissionManual
Transmission
3 1/2 in (90 mm) or more
WDI0195
WDI0196WDI0197
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE PEDAL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-29
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A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is the best
source of service and repair information for your
vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illustrations
and step-by-step diagnostic and adjustment pro-
cedures, this manual is the same one used by the
factory trained technicians working at NISSAN
dealerships. Also available are genuine NISSAN
Owner’s Manuals, and genuine NISSAN Service
and Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models.
For USA
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manualsfor the 2000 model
year and later contact:
Tweddle Litho Company
1-800-639-8841
www.nissan-techinfo.com
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manualsfor the 1999 model
year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:
DDS Distribution Service, Ltd.
20770 Westwood Road
Strongsville, OH 44136
1-800-247-5321For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Owner’s Manualsfor the 2003 model
year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:
DDS Distribution Service, Ltd.
20770 Westwood Road
Strongsville, OH 44136
1-800-247-5321
For Canada
To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN Ser-
vice Manual or Owner’s Manual please contact
your nearest NISSAN dealer. For the phone num-
ber and location of a NISSAN dealer in your area
call the NISSAN Information Center at 1-800-
387-0122 and a bilingual NISSAN representa-
tive will assist you.
Also available are genuine NISSAN Service and
Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models.
IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION
Unfortunately, accidents do occur. In this unlikely
event, there is some important information you
should know.
Many insurance companies routinely authorize
the use of non-genuine collision parts in order to
cut costs, among other reasons.
Insist on the use of genuine NISSAN
collision parts!
If you want your vehicle to be restored using parts
made to NISSAN’s original exacting specifica-
tions – if you want to help it to last and hold its
resale value, the solution is simple.Tell your
insurance agent and your repair shop to
only use Genuine NISSAN Collision Parts.
NISSAN does not warrant non-NISSAN parts,
nor does NISSAN’s warranty apply to damage
caused by a non-genuine part.
Using Genuine NISSAN Parts can help protect
your personal safety, preserve your warranty pro-
tection and maintain the resale value of your
vehicle. And if your vehicle was leased, using
Genuine NISSAN Parts may prevent or limit un-
necessary excess wear and tear expenses at the
end of your lease.
NISSAN designs its hoods with crumple zones to
minimize the risk that the hood will penetrate the
windshield of your vehicle in an accident. Non-
genuine (imitation) parts may not provide such
built in safeguards. Also, non-genuine parts often
show premature wear, rust and corrosion.
OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION
9-20Technical and consumer information
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Ignition switch................5-4
Overdrive switch..............5-10
Rear window defogger switch.......2-16
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-15
T
Tachometer....................2-4
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-13
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-44
Tire chains..................8-41
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-39
Tire rotation.................8-42
Types of tires................8-40
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-17
Wheels and tires..............8-39
Towing
Flat towing..................6-12
Tow truck towing..............6-11
Trailer towing................9-14
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-15
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-10
Selector lever lock release..........5-9
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country).................9-9
Trip odometer...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat.......1-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever............3-9
Trunk light....................2-28Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch)............2-16, 2-17
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-17
V
Vanity mirror...................3-14
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) (Chassis num-
ber)........................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.................6-12
Vehicle security system.............2-11
Ventilators.....................4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-17, 2-9
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-7
Brake warning light..............2-7
Door open warning light...........2-8
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-19
Low fuel warning light............2-8
Seat belt warning light............2-8
Vehicle security system...........2-11
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-16
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-7Wheels and tires................8-39
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................9-9
Window washer fluid..............8-20
Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-25
Manual windows..............2-26
Power windows...............2-24
Rear power windows............2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch.....2-15
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-15
Wiper blades................8-28
10-5
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