steering NISSAN SENTRA 2005 B15 / 5.G Owner's Guide

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 13–1/4 gal 11 gal 50 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change QG18DE 2–7/8 qt 2–3/8 qt 2.7
• API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II, or GF-III*2 *3 QR25DE 4–1/4 qt 3–1/2 qt 4.0
Without oil filter change QG18DE 2–5/8 qt 2–1/4 qt 2.5
QR25DE 4 qt 3–3/8 qt 3.8
Cooling system
With reservoir
Manual transmission: QR25DE 1–3/4 gal 1–1/2 gal 6.8
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water QG18DE 1–3/4 gal 1–1/2 gal 6.7
Automatic transmission: QR25DE 1–3/4 gal 1–1/2 gal 6.7
QG18DE 1–3/4 gal 1–1/2 gal 6.6
Manual transmission gear oil QG18DE 3–1/8 qt 2–5/8 qt 3.0 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
QR25DE 2–3/8 qt 2.0 qt 2.2 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid HQ Multi 75W-85 or equivalent
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level according to the instruc-
tions in the “Do-it-yourself” section.Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic
Transmission Fluid.*4
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*8
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent Dot 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricants — — — NISSAN A/C System Lubricant Type R or equivalent*6
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: For further details, see “Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.”
*4: DEXRON™ III/MERCON™ or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN dealership formore information regarding suitable fluids, including rec-
ommended brand(s) of DEXRON™ III/MERCON™ Automatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ III/MERCON™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage could
occur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result in
loss of control and cause personal
injury.
cOverloading not only can shorten the
life of your vehicle and the tire, but can
also cause unsafe vehicle handling and
longer braking distances. This may
cause a premature tire failure which
could result in a serious accident and
personal injury. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by the ve-
hicle’s warranty.WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only)is
available from a NISSAN dealer. This guide in-
cludes information on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required for proper towing.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the Towing Load/Specification
Chart found later in this section. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
Towing loads greater than specified or using
improper towing equipment could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also
the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced on very steep grades or in low traction
situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps) .
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures are not covered by
NISSAN warranties. A NISSAN Trailer
Towing Guide (U.S. only) containing infor-
mation on trailer towing ability and the
special equipment required may be ob-
tained from a NISSAN dealer.
TOWING A TRAILER
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Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available power-
type module/converter must be used to
provide power for all trailer lighting. This
unit uses the vehicle battery as a direct
power source for all trailer lights while
using the vehicle tail light, stoplight and
turn signal circuits as a signal source. The
module/converter must draw no more
that 15 milliamps from the stop and tail
lamp circuits. Using a module/converter
that exceeds these power requirements
may damage the vehicle’s electrical sys-
tem. See a reputable trailer dealer to ob-
tain the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. For assistance in hooking up
trailer lights, contact a NISSAN dealer or repu-
table trailer dealer.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have spe-
cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
c
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic transmission, first block the wheels and
apply the parking brake, and then move the
9-18Technical and consumer information
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transmission shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position. If you move the shift selector
lever to the P (Park) position before blocking
the wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles that you do tow, do
not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than
at intervals specified in the recommended
Maintenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this,
make a larger than normal turning radius
during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help sta-
bilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal pass-
ing. Remember, the length of the trailer must
also pass the other vehicle before you can
safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive
(automatic transmission) .
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced
braking efficiency.cIncrease your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
c
Do not use cruise control while towing a trailer.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
cWhen stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.
FLAT TOWING
Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This method
is sometimes used when towing a vehicle behind a
recreational vehicle, such as a motor home.
CAUTION
cFailure to follow these guidelines can
result in severe transmission damage.
cWhenever flat towing your vehicle, al-
ways tow forward, never backward.
Technical and consumer information9-19
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Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-14
Cup holders...................2-23
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-19
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-18
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-10
Drive belts....................8-21
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.................5-16
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-21
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-12
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13
Checking engine coolant level........8-8Checking engine oil level..........8-11
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil..................8-11
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Starting the engine..............5-6
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.........2-10
Event data recorders..............9-23
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-21
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Brake fluid..................8-17
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-18
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil..................8-11
Power steering fluid.............8-17
Window washer fluid............8-18
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-20
Folding rear seat.................1-4
Front seats....................1-2Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-16
Fuel filler cap................3-12
Fuel filler lid.................3-12
Fuel filler lid and cap............3-12
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever.......3-12
Fuel gauge..................2-8
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-29
Fusible links...................8-29
G
Gascap.....................3-12
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Fuel gauge..................2-8
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-3
Tachometer..................2-6
Trip computer.................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-24
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-21
Head restraints..................1-5
Headlight aiming adjustment..........8-33
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-18
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O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-12
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13
Checking engine oil level..........8-11
Engine oil..................8-11
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-10
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirrors.................3-15
Overdrive switch................5-10
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-24
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-24
P
Parking
Parking brake check............8-27
Parking brake operation..........5-13
Parking/parking on hills...........5-17
Power
Power door locks...............3-4
Power outlet.................2-22
Power rear windows............2-27
Power steering fluid.............8-17Power steering system...........5-17
Power windows...............2-26
Rear power windows............2-27
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-14, 1-27
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-6
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-32
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting...................6-9
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-20
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-17
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-13
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-22
Rear power windows..............2-27
Rear seat.....................1-4
Rear window defogger switch.........2-18
Recorders
Event data..................9-23
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country. . .9-9
Remote keyless entry system..........3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-21S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Child seat belts...........1-14, 1-27
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-21
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Seat belt
Child safety..................1-8
Infants and small children..........1-9
Injured Person................1-10
Larger children................1-9
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-6
Pregnant women..............1-10
Seat belt extenders.............1-13
Seat belt maintenance...........1-13
Seat belts...................1-6
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-13
Three-point type with retractor.......1-10
Seat belt warning light.............2-11
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat...................1-4
Security system (Nissan vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-16, 3-2, 5-5
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-28
Service manual order form...........9-24
Servicing air conditioner.............4-9
Shift lock release.................5-9
Shifting
Automatic transmission...........5-8
Manual transmission............5-11
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Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-13
Spark plug replacement............8-22
Speedometer...................2-3
Spotlights (See map light)...........2-30
SRS warning label...............1-42
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.............8-17
Power steering system...........5-17
Tilting steering wheel............3-14
Stop light....................8-35
Storage.....................2-23
Storage tray...................2-25
Sunglasses case................2-23
Sunroof.....................2-28
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-43, 2-11
Supplemental restraint system
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-32
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-32
Switch
Automatic power window switch.....2-27
Fog light switch...............2-20
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-21
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-18
Ignition switch................5-4
Overdrive switch..............5-10
Power door lock switch...........3-4
Rear window defogger switch.......2-18
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-17T
Tachometer....................2-6
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Engine oil pressure low/engine coolant
temperature high warning light.......2-10
Theft (Nissan vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start..............2-16, 3-2, 5-5
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-14
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-47
Tire chains..................8-44
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-38
Tire rotation.................8-45
Types of tires................8-44
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-20
Wheels and tires..............8-38
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-22
Towing
Flat towing..................9-19
Tow truck towing..............6-11
Trailer towing................9-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
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 computer...................2-5
Trip odometer...................2-4Trunk access through the rear seat.......1-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-10
Trunk light....................2-30
Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch)............2-18, 2-20
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-20
V
Vanity mirror...................3-14
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number).................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.................6-12
Vehicle security system.............2-13
Vehicle security system
(Nissan vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start..............2-16, 3-2, 5-5
Ventilators.....................4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-43, 2-11
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-9
Battery charge warning light........2-10
Brake warning light..............2-9
Door open warning light..........2-10
10-5
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