tow NISSAN SENTRA 2004 B15 / 5.G User Guide

cHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
sC
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the cen-
ter of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, especially
in sharp turns and at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned off
while driving, the power assist for the
steering will not work. Steering will be
much harder to operate.The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brakes and pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
5-18Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

6 In case of emergency
Flat tire...........................................6-2
Changing a flat tire.............................6-2
Jump starting.....................................6-7
Push starting......................................6-9If your vehicle overheats...........................6-10
Towing your vehicle...............................6-11
Towing recommended by NISSAN..............6-11
Vehicle recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle).........6-12
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

CAUTION
cAlways connect positive (1) to positive
(1) and negative (2) to body ground (for
example, strut mounting bolt, engine
lift bracket, etc.) — not to the battery.
cMake sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that the cable clamps do
not contact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and
let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster ve-
hicle at about 2,000 rpm, and start the en-
gine of the vehicle being jump started.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine does
not start right away, turn the key off and
wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying again.
7. After starting the engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable.8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped) . Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.
WARNING
cAutomatic transmission models cannot
be push-started or tow-started. At-
tempting to do so may cause transmis-
sion or other vehicle damage.
cThree-way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing. The
three-way catalyst may be damaged.
cNever try to start the vehicle by towing
it. When the engine starts, the forward
surge could cause the vehicle to collide
with the tow vehicle.
PUSH STARTING
In case of emergency6-9
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must be
followed. Incorrect towing equipment could dam-
age your vehicle. Towing instructions are avail-
able from a NISSAN dealer. Local service opera-
tors are generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to your
vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a service
operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have
the service operator carefully read the following
precautions:
WARNING
cNever ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
cNever get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any unit is damaged, dollies must be
used.
cAlways attach safety chains before
towing.For information about towing your vehicle behind
a recreational vehicle (RV) , refer to “Flat towing”
in the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be towed
with the driving (front) wheels off the ground or
place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as illustrated.
ACE0511
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-11
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

CAUTION
cNever tow automatic transmission
models with the front wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward) , as this may
cause serious and expensive damage to
the transmission. If it is necessary to
tow the vehicle with the rear wheels
raised always use towing dollies under
the front wheels.cWhen towing automatic transmission
models with the front wheels on towing
dollies, or when towing manual trans-
mission models with the front wheels
on the ground:
cTurn the ignition key to the OFF po-
sition, and secure the steering wheel
in a straight-ahead position with a
rope or similar device. Never secure
the steering wheel by turning the ig-
nition key to the LOCK position. This
may damage the steering lock
mechanism.
cMove the gearshift lever to the N
(Neutral) position.
cWhen towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the rear
wheels on the ground (if you do not use
towing dollies): Always release the
parking brake.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a stuck
vehicle)
WARNING
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.cDo not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode and
result in serious injury. Parts of your
vehicle could also overheat and be
damaged.
CAUTION
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the vehicle recovery hooks or
main structural members of the vehicle.
Otherwise, the vehicle body will be
damaged.
cPulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the sus-
pension, steering, brake or cooling
systems.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never
pull the vehicle at an angle.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control System
(if so equipped) .
ACE1001
6-12In case of emergency
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

2. Make sure the area in front and behind the
vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear
an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back-
ward.
cShift back and forth between R (reverse)
and D (drive) .
cApply the accelerator as little as possible
to maintain the rocking motion.
cRelease the accelerator pedal before
shifting between R and D.
cDo not spin the tires above 35 mph (55
km/h) .
5. If the vehicle can not be freed after a few
tries, contact a professional towing service
to remove the vehicle.
In case of emergency6-13
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, it is
necessary to clean the underbody regularly in
order to prevent dirt and salt from building up and
causing the acceleration of corrosion on the un-
derbody and suspension. Before the winter pe-
riod and again in the spring, the underseal must
be checked and, if necessary, retreated.
GLASS
When cleaning the rear window, it may be easier
to clean if the high-mounted stop light is removed
first.
Be careful when removing the high-mounted
stop light to reduce the risk of damaging the
high-mounted stop light wires.
To remove the high-mounted stop light:
s1Push toward rear of vehicle.
s2Lift to remove.
The high-mounted stop light must be properly
reinstalled before driving your vehicle.Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust film
from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass to
become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inside of the windows,
do not use sharp-edged tools, abrasive
cleaners or chlorine-based disinfectant
cleaners. They could damage the electri-
cal conductors, radio antenna elements or
rear window defroster elements.
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS
Wash the wheels regularly, especially during win-
ter months in areas where road salt is used. If not
removed, road salt could discolor the wheels.
CHROME PARTS
Clean all chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.
WAI0005
Appearance and care7-3
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

cTire tread of the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire will wear at a faster rate
than the standard tire. Replace the
spare tire as soon as the tread wear
indicators appear.
cDo not use the spare tire on other
vehicles.
cDo not use more than one spare tire at
the same time.
cDo not tow a trailer when the TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire is installed.
CAUTION
cDo not use tire chains on a TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire. Tire chains
will not fit properly and may cause dam-
age to the vehicle.
cBecause the TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire is smaller than the original
tire, ground clearance is reduced. To
avoid damage to the vehicle, do not
drive over obstacles. Also, do not drive
the vehicle through an automatic car
wash since it may get caught.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-49
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.........9-2
Fuel recommendation...........................9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation...........9-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number............9-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and lubri-
cant recommendations..........................9-6
Specifications.....................................9-7
Engine........................................9-7
Wheels and tires...............................9-8
Dimensions and weights........................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in an-
other country......................................9-9
Vehicle identification...............................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate..........9-9
Vehicle identification number (chassis num-
ber)...........................................9-9
Engine serial number...........................9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label....................9-10
Emission control information label...............9-11Tire placard...................................9-11
Air conditioner specification label................9-11
Installing front license plate........................9-12
Vehicle loading information........................9-12
Terms........................................9-12
Vehicle load capacity..........................9-13
Loading tips..................................9-14
Towing a trailer...................................9-15
Maximum load limits...........................9-15
Towing load/specification chart.................9-16
Towing safety.................................9-16
Flat towing....................................9-19
Uniform tire quality grading........................9-19
Emission control system warranty..................9-20
Reporting safety defects (US only).................9-21
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test.....9-21
Event data recorders..............................9-22
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-23
In the event of a collision.......................9-24
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
04/01/04Ðpattie
X

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
For 1.8L/2.5L engines
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
For SE-R SPEC V
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
For improved vehicle performance, NISSAN rec-
ommends the use of unleaded premium gasoline
with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI number
(Research octane number 96) .
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol system, and may also affect the war-
ranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a leaded
gasoline be used, because this will dam-
age the three-way catalyst.
Gasoline specifications
NISSAN recommends using gasoline that meets
the World-Wide Fuel Charter specifications
where it is available. Many of the automobilemanufacturers developed this specification to
improve emission system and vehicle perfor-
mance. Ask your service station manager if the
gasoline meets the World-wide Fuel Charter
specifications.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing reformu-
lated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSAN
supports efforts towards cleaner air and sug-
gests that you use reformulated gasoline when
available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing oxy-
genates such as ethanol, MTBE and methanol with
or without advertising their presence. NISSAN
does not recommend the use of fuels of which the
oxygenate content and the fuel compatibility for
your NISSAN cannot be readily determined. If in
doubt, ask your service station manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take
the following precautions as the usage of such
fuels may cause vehicle performance problems
and/or fuel system damage.
cThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.cIf an oxygenate-blend other than
methanol blend is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
cIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol) . It
should also contain a suitable amount
of appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors, such methanol
blends may cause fuel system damage
and/or vehicle performance problems.
At this time, sufficient data is not avail-
able to ensure that all methanol blends
are suitable for use in NISSAN ve-
hicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine stall-
ing and difficult hot-starting are experienced after
using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately
change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a
low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Technical and consumer information9-3
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X