NISSAN SENTRA 2003 B15 / 5.G Owners Manual

Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” 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 patterns. 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, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
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 - 60 MPH (86 - 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 4 through 5 at least three
times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission se-
lector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast one more time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
Technical and consumer information9-19
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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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Why should you take a chance?
In over 40 states, the law says you must be
advised if non-genuine parts are used to repair
your vehicle. And some states have enacted laws
that restrict insurance companies from authoriz-
ing the use of non-genuine collision parts during
the new vehicle warranty. These laws help pro-
tect you, so you can take action to protect your-
self.
It’s your right!
If you should need further information visit us at:
www.nissanusa.com.
Technical and consumer information9-21
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9-22Technical and consumer information
MEMO

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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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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MEMO