warning NISSAN SENTRA 2003 B15 / 5.G Owner's Guide

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
The gauge indicates the engine coolant tempera-
ture. The engine coolant temperature is within the
normal range
s1when the gauge needle points
between the C and the H on the gauge.
The engine coolant temperature varies with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant tem-
perature over the normal range, stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible. If the
engine is overheated, continued opera-
tion of the vehicle may seriously damage
the engine. See the “In case of emer-
gency” section for immediate action
required.
FUEL GAUGE
The gauge indicates theapproximatefuel level
in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hills.
The gauge needle returns to E (Empty) after the
ignition key is turned to OFF.
The low fuel warning light comes on when the
amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge regis-
ters E (Empty) .
Type A
WIC0233
Type B
WIC0234
Type A
WIC0235
Instruments and controls2-5
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

orAnti-lock brake warning light (if
so equipped)Low fuel warning lightCruise SET switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light (if so equipped)High beam indicator light (Blue)
Charge warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Door open warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive off indicator light (automatic trans-
mission models only)
Engine oil pressure warning lightCRUISE main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
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 the system 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 a NISSAN dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly do-
ing so may cause the ABS light to stay on
when there is nothing wrong) . If the light
stays on, have the system checked by a
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 a NISSAN dealer for repair.orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-7
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

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 “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
brake system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cYour vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition key is in the OFF position
and the engine is not running. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the negative
battery cable before working near the
fan.
cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a 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 in the ON
position.
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 engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer.The engine 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 “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the fuel
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is conve-
nient, preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty) .There will be a small reserve of fuel
in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E (Empty) .
Low washer fluid warning light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is at a
low level. Add washer fluid as necessary. See the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2-8Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition key is turned to the ON or START position
and remains illuminated until the driver’s seat belt
is fastened. At the same time, the chime sounds
for about 7 seconds unless the driver’s seat belt
is securely fastened.
Refer to “Seat belts” in the “Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systems” section for pre-
cautions 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 system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
bag or pre-tensioner seat belt systems need ser-
vicing and your vehicle must be taken to a
NISSAN dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.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 supplemental
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 supplemen-
tal 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 supplemental side air bag
system (if so equipped) or pre-tensioner
seat belt system will not operate in an
accident.
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 switch 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 functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are 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 malfunction.
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 3 gallons of fuel
in the fuel tank.
Instruments and controls2-9
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

After a few driving trips, thelamp 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 thelamp does not turn off
after a few driving trips, have the vehicle in-
spected by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need
to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator lamp blinking — An en-
gine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected by
a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission mod-
els only)
This light comes on when the overdrive function
is OFF.
The automatic transmission overdrive function is
controlled by the overdrive switch.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s 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 door is opened if
the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.
2-10Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

1. Low speed
2. High speed
3. Wash1. Intermittent
2. Low speed
3. High speed
4. Wash
5. Intermittent control
6. Mist
SWITCH OPERATION
The ignition switch must be in the ON position for
the wipers or washer to be activated.
Push the lever down to operate the windshield
wipers. Pull the lever toward you to operate the
washer.cIntermittent (if so equipped) — intermittent
wiper operation.
cLow speed — continuous low speed opera-
tion.
cHigh speed — continuous high speed opera-
tion.
cWash — pull the lever toward you to operate
the washer function. Operating the washer
automatically cycles the wipers several times.
cIntermittent control — intermittent wiper op-
eration can be adjusted from 1-19 seconds by
turning the time control knob.
cMist — push the lever up to activate the mist
feature.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solu-
tion may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to an
accident. Warm the windshield with the
defroster before you wash the windshield.
CAUTION
cDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
Type A
WIC0239
Type B
WIC0240
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER
SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-15
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

Instrument brightness control
The instrument brightness control operates when
the headlight switch is in theorposition.
Turn the control to adjust the brightness of instru-
ment panel lights.
Daytime running light system (Canada
only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a re-
duced intensity when the engine is started with
the parking brake released. The daytime running
lights operate with the headlight switch in the
OFF position or in the
position. Turn theheadlight switch to the
position for full
illumination when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the engine is
started, the daytime running lights do not illumi-
nate. The daytime running lights illuminate when
the parking brake is released. The daytime run-
ning lights will remain on until the ignition switch
is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system is
active, tail lights on your vehicle are not
on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on your
headlights. Failure to do so could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.
To turn the front fog lights on, rotate the switch to
the
position.
To turn them off, rotate the switch to the OFF
position.
The headlight switch must be in the
posi-
tion (low beam headlights on) for the fog lights to
operate. The fog lights automatically turn off
whenever the highbeam headlight function is se-
lected.
WIC0246WIC0247
FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if so equipped)
2-18Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

Push the switch on to warn other drivers when
you must stop or park under emergency condi-
tions. All turn signal lights flash.
WARNING
cIf stopping for an emergency, be sure to
move the vehicle well off the road.
cDo not use the hazard warning flashers
while moving on the highway unless
unusual circumstances force you to
drive so slowly that your vehicle might
become a hazard to other traffic.cTurn signals do not work when the haz-
ard warning flasher lights are on.
The flashers will operate with the ignition switch
in any position.
Some state laws may prohibit the use of
the hazard warning flasher switch while
driving.
To sound the horn, push the center pad area of
the steering wheel.
WARNING
Do not disassemble the horn. Doing so
could affect proper operation of the
supplemental front air bag system. Tam-
pering with the supplemental front air bag
system may result in serious personal
injury.
WIC0248WIC0249
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
SWITCHHORN
Instruments and controls2-19
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

SUNGLASSES HOLDER (if so
equipped)
To open the sunglasses holder, push and release.
WARNING
The sunglasses case should not be used
while driving so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation.
CAUTION
cDo not use for anything other than
sunglasses.cDo not leave sunglasses in the sun-
glasses holder while parking in direct
sunlight. The heat may damage the
sunglasses.
CUP HOLDERS
Front
The right side cup holder has an adapter that can
be removed to accommodate larger cups. Twist
the adapter to remove it.
WARNING
The cup holder should not be used while
driving so full attention may be given to
vehicle operation.
WIC0253WIC0303
STORAGE
Instruments and controls2-21
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

Rear (if so equipped)
To open, pull the cup holder out fully. To close,
push the cup holder in fully.
CAUTION
cAvoid abrupt starting and braking when
the cup holder is being used to prevent
spilling the drink. If the liquid is hot, it
can scald you or your passenger.
cUse only soft cups in the cup holder.
Hard objects can injure you in an
accident.
GLOVE BOX
Open the glove box by pulling the handle.
WARNING
Keep glove box lid closed while driving to
help prevent injury in an accident or a
sudden stop.
COIN BOX
WARNING
The coin box should not be used while
driving so full attention may be given to
vehicle operation.
WIC0254WIC0255WIC0256
2-22Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X