maintenance NISSAN SENTRA 2003 B15 / 5.G Owners Manual

Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilome-
ters) of driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
explains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle. The “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide” explains details
about maintaining and servicing your ve-
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle
best. When you require any service or have any
questions, they will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to them.Before driving your vehicle please read this Own-
er’s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity
with controls and maintenance requirements, as-
sisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RE-
MINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and complete trip for
you and your passengers!
cNEVER drive under the influence of al-
cohol or drugs.
cALWAYS observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for conditions.
cALWAYS use your seat belts and appro-
priate child restraint systems. Preteen
children should be seated in the rear
seat.
cALWAYS provide information about the
proper use of vehicle safety features to
all occupants of the vehicle.
cALWAYS review this owner’s manual for
important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification could affect its
performance, safety or durability, and
may even violate governmental
regulations. In addition, damage or per-
formance problems resulting from
modifications may not be covered un-
der NISSAN warranties.
FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY
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The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.

Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical
transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a suc-
cessful worldwide company that manufactures cars
and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes them
in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world-
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth largest
automaker in the world. In addition to cars and
trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks, marine
engines, boats and other diversified products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing in-
vestment in North America. NISSAN’s commitment
is over $6 billion dollars in capital investments in
facilities across the continent. Some of the facilities
include the Nissan Manufacturing facility in Smyrna,
Tennessee, vehicle styling design at Nissan DesignAmerica, Inc. in San Diego, California, and engineer-
ing at Nissan Technical Center North America in
Farmington Hills, Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN
employs nearly 19,000 people throughout the
United States, Canada, and Mexico. An additional
60,000 people work for the 1,250 NISSAN and
INFINITI dealers across North America.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its suppli-
ers and over 150 dealers employ approximately
4,500 people. These include company employees
and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all across Canada.
In addition, many Canadians work for companies
that supply NISSAN and NISSAN dealers with ma-
terials and services ranging from the operation of
port facilities and transportation services, to the
supply of lubricants, parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and com-
puters in automobiles, and has led the industry inimproving both performance and fuel efficiency
through new engine designs and the use of syn-
thetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The com-
pany has also developed ways to build quality into its
vehicles at each stage of the production process,
both through extensive use of automation and —
most importantly — through an awareness that
people
are the central element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers
until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, dozens
of checks were made to ensure that only the best job
was being done in producing and delivering your
vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to ensure that
when you take your NISSAN to your dealer for
maintenance, the service technician will perform his
work according to the quality standards that have
been established by NISSAN.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As you
know, seat belts are an integral part of the safety
systems that will help protect you and your passen-
gers in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.
We urge you to use the seat belts every time you
drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement re-
flects our major goal: to provide you, our customer,
with a vehicle that is built with quality and craftsman-
ship — a product that we can be proud to build and
you can be proud to own.
WFW0002
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF NISSAN
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Table of
ContentsSeats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
Instruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and care
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Technical and consumer information
Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air
bag systems
Seats............................................1-2
Front manual seat adjustment....................1-2
Folding rear seat...............................1-4
Head restraint adjustment.......................1-5
Supplemental restraint system......................1-6
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system........................................1-6
Supplemental air bag warning labels.............1-16
Supplemental air bag warning light..............1-17
Seat belts.......................................1-18
Precautions on seat belt usage..................1-18
Child safety...................................1-20
Pregnant women..............................1-21Injured persons................................1-21
Three-point type seat belt with retractor..........1-22
Seat belt extenders............................1-25
Seat belt maintenance.........................1-25
Child restraints...................................1-25
Precautions on child restraints..................1-25
Installation on rear seat center or outboard
positions.....................................1-27
LATCH~lower anchors and tether for children!
system..........................................1-33
Top tether strap child restraint..................1-34
Installation on front passenger seat..............1-35
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SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHT
The supplemental air bag warning light,
displayingin the instrument panel, moni-
tors the circuits of the supplemental front air
bags, pre-tensioner seat belt and supplemental
side air bag (if so equipped) systems. The circuits
monitored by the supplemental air bag warning
light are the diagnosis sensor unit, crash zone
sensor, supplemental air bag modules, pre-
tensioner seat belts and all related wiring.
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning lightilluminates 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 and pre-tensioner seat belt systems need
servicing:
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.
Under these conditions, the supplemental front
air bag, supplemental side air bag or pre-
tensioner seat belt systems may not operate
properly. It must be checked and repaired. Take
your vehicle to the nearest NISSAN dealer.
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 will not operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental front air bags, pre-tensioner
seat belts and supplemental side air bags (if soequipped) are designed to inflate on a one-time-
only basis. As a reminder, unless it is damaged,
the supplemental air bag warning light remains
illuminated after inflation has occurred. Repair
and replacement of these supplemental air bag
systems should be done only by a NISSAN
dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the ve-
hicle, the supplemental front air bags, supple-
mental side air bags (if so equipped) , pre-
tensioner seat belts and related parts should be
pointed out to the person performing the mainte-
nance. The ignition key should always be in the
LOCK position when working under the hood or
inside the vehicle.
WARNING
cOnce a supplemental front air bag or
supplemental side air bag has inflated,
the air bag module will not function
again and must be replaced. Addition-
ally, if any of the supplemental front air
bags inflate, the activated pre-
tensioner seat belts must also be re-
placed. The air bag module and pre-
tensioner seat belt system should be
replaced by a NISSAN dealer. The air
bag module and pre-tensioner seat belt
system cannot be repaired.
LRS0100
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-17
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WARNING
cAfter adjustment, release the adjust-
ment button and try to move the shoul-
der belt anchor up and down to make
sure it is securely fixed in position.
cThe shoulder belt anchor height should
be adjusted to the position best for you.
Failure to do so may reduce the effec-
tiveness of the entire restraint system
and increase the chance or severity of
injury in an accident.
SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, because of body size or driving position, it is
not possible to properly fit the lap-shoulder belt
and fasten it, an extender is available which is
compatible with the installed seat belts. The ex-
tender adds approximately 8 inches (200 mm) of
length and may be used for either the driver or
front passenger seating position. See a NISSAN
dealer for assistance if an extender is required.
WARNING
cOnly NISSAN seat belt extenders, made
by the same company which made the
original equipment seat belts, should
be used with NISSAN seat belts.cAdults and children who can use the
standard seat belt should not use an
extender. Such unnecessary use could
result in serious personal injury in the
event of an accident.
cNever use seat belt extenders to install
child restraints. If the child restraint is
not secured properly, the child could be
seriously injured in a collision or a sud-
den stop.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
cTo clean the seat belt webbing,apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpet.
Then wipe with a cloth and allow the seat belts
to dry in the shade. Do not allow the seat belts
to retract until they are completely dry.
cIf dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide
of the seat belt anchors, the seat belts may
retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide
with a clean, dry cloth.
cPeriodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal components,such as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires and
anchors, work properly. If loose parts, deterio-
ration, cuts or other damage on the webbing is
found, the entire seat belt assembly should be
replaced.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD
RESTRAINTS
WARNING
cInfants and small children should al-
ways be placed in an appropriate child
restraint while riding in the vehicle.
Failure to use a child restraint can re-
sult in serious injury or death.
ARS1098
CHILD RESTRAINTS
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-25
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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
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cDo not allow anyone to stand up or
extend any portion of their body out of
the sunroof opening while the vehicle is
in motion or while the sunroof is
closing.
CAUTION
cRemove water drops, snow, ice or sand
from the sunroof before opening.
cDo not place heavy objects on the sun-
roof or surrounding area.
The interior light has a three-position switch and
operates regardless of ignition switch position.
cWhen the switch is in the ON position
s1, the
interior light illuminates, regardless of door
position.
cWhen the switch is in the center O or DOOR
position, the interior light illuminates by open-
ing a door.
cWhen the switch is in the OFF position
s2, the
interior light does not illuminate, regardless of
door position.For information regarding the interior light bulb
replacement, refer to “Bulb replacement” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
CAUTION
Do not use for extended periods of time
with the engine stopped. This could result
in a discharged battery.
WIC0264
INTERIOR LIGHT
Instruments and controls2-27
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To turn the map lights on, press the switches. To
turn them off, press the switches again.
CAUTION
Do not use for extended periods of time
with the engine stopped. This could result
in a discharged battery.The light illuminates when the trunk lid is opened.
When the trunk lid is closed, the light goes off.
For bulb replacement procedures, refer to “Bulb
replacement” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
WIC0305
MAP LIGHTS (if so equipped) TRUNK LIGHT
2-28Instruments and controls
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lem, but indicates that the system is functioning
properly. However, the pulsation may indicate
that road conditions are hazardous and extra care
is required while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors and hydraulic solenoids controlled by a
computer. The computer has a built-in diagnostic
feature that tests the system each time you start
the engine and move the vehicle at a low speed in
forward or reverse. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a ‘‘clunk’’ noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not
an indication of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-lock
brake system off and turns on the ABS brake
warning light on the instrument panel. The brake
system then operates normally, but without anti-
lock assistance.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function will not operate, but the standard
vehicle brake system will continue to operate
normally. The ABS brake warning light will then
come on.
If the light comes on during the self-test or while
driving, take the vehicle to a NISSAN dealer for
repair.
WARNING
cThe anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with the anti-lock brake
system. Stopping distances may also
be longer on rough, gravel or snow cov-
ered roads, or if you are using tire
chains. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness. Always
maintain a safe distance from the ve-
hicle in front of you. Ultimately, the re-
sponsibility for safety of self and others
rests in the hands of the driver.
cTire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the speci-
fied size of tires on all four wheels.cWhen installing a spare tire, make sure
it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the tire placard. For tire placard
location information, refer to “Tire plac-
ard” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
cRefer to “Wheels and tires” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
Starting and driving5-19
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