check engine NISSAN SENTRA 2006 B15 / 5.G Owner's Guide

Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front (and rear, if so equipped) disc-type
brakes self-adjust every time the brake pedal is
applied. The rear drum-type brakes also self-
adjust every time the brake pedal is applied.
If the brake pedal goes down farther than normal,
it may be due to a lack of adjustment of the rear
drum brakes. To adjust, apply the parking brake
several times.
WARNING
See a NISSAN dealer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.
Brake pad wear indicators
The disc brake pads on your vehicle have audible
wear indicators. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, a high pitched scraping or screech-
ing sound will be heard when the vehicle is in
motion. The noise will be heard whether or not the
brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the wear indicator
sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise maybe heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect the
function or performance of the brake system.
The rear drum brakes (if so equipped) do not
have audible wear indicators. Should you ever
hear an unusually loud noise from the rear drum
brakes, have them inspected as soon as possible
by a NISSAN dealer.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For more information regarding
brake inspections, see the appropriate mainte-
nance schedule information in the “NISSAN Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide”.
BRAKE BOOSTER
Check the brake booster function as follows:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake
pedal movement (distance of travel) remains
the same from one pedal application to the
next, continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keep the pedal depressed for about
30 seconds. The pedal height should not
change.4. Run the engine for one minute without de-
pressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradually
with each depression as the vacuum is re-
leased from the booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer.
8-28Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than specified on the
fuse box cover. This could damage the
electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not come on,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight
switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood.3. Remove the fuse box cover by pushing the
tab and lifting the cover up.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. The
fuse puller is located in the center of the fuse
block in the passenger compartment.
5. If the fuse is open
sA, replace it with a new
fuse
sB.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
Fusible links
If the electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace with only genuine NISSAN parts.
WDI0199WDI0452
FUSES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-29
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

HEADLIGHTS
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb. A
bulb can be replaced from inside the engine
compartment without removing the headlight as-
sembly.
CAUTION
cHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
cWhen handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.
cDO NOT TOUCH THE BULB
cUse the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Wattage 65/55Bulb No. H13/9008*
*: Always check with the Parts Depart-
ment at a NISSAN dealer for the latest
parts information.
cDo not leave the bulb out of the head-
light reflector for a long period of time
as dust, moisture and smoke may enter
the headlight body and affect the per-
formance of the headlight.cAiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is
necessary, contact a NISSAN dealer.
LDI0347
LIGHTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-33
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

Removing the headlight bulb
1. Open the engine hood.
2. Disconnect the battery cables.
3. If removing the driver’s side headlight bulb,
remove the battery and cover.
4. Disconnect the bulb connector. Pull back
the red tab and take off the connector.
5. Rotate the bulb counterclockwise and re-
move.
sA.
6. Pull out the headlight bulb and socket as an
assembly. Do not shake or rotate the bulb
when removing it. Do not touch the glass
envelope
sB.
Replacing the headlight bulb
Install in the reverse order of removal.
DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB.
CAUTION
Aiming is not necessary after replacing
the bulb. When aiming adjustment is nec-
essary, contact a NISSAN dealer.
Adjusting the headlight aim
If the headlights need aiming adjustment, please
see a NISSAN dealer.
FOG LIGHTS (if so equipped)
Replacing the fog light bulb
CAUTION
cHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb may
break if the glass envelope is scratched
or the bulb is dropped.
cWhen handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.
cUse the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Wattage 55 Bulb No. H11*
*: Always check with the Parts Depart-
ment at a NISSAN dealer for the latest
parts information.
cDo not leave the bulb out of the fog light
for a long period of time as dust, mois-
ture and smoke may enter the fog light
body and affect the performance of the
fog light.
LDI0348
8-34Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

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.
E–85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) . Do
not use E-85 in your vehicle. U.S. government
regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square, orange
and black label with the common abbreviation or
the appropriate percentage for that region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock.” (“Spark
knock” is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
CAUTION
cYour vehicle is not designed to run on
E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle
not specifically designed for E-85 fuel
can damage fuel system components
and is not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.
cE-85 is a mixture of approximately 85%
fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline.
cU.S. government regulations require
ethanol dispensing pumps to be identi-
fied by a small, square, orange and
black label with the common abbrevia-
tion or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
9-4Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

ENGINE
ModelQG18DE QR25DE
TypeGasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement4-cylinder in-line 4-cylinder in-line
Bore x Stroke in (mm) 3.150 x 3.465 (80. x 88.0) 3.504 x 3.937 (89.0 x 100.0)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 107.94 (1769) 151.8 (2488)
Firing order1–3–4–2 1–3–4–2
Idle speed rpm
Ignition timing degree (B.T.D.C.) at idle speed
degree/rpm See the “Emission Control Information label” on the underside of the
hood.
CO percentage at idle speed
[No air]%
Platinum-tipped type Platinum-tipped type
Spark plug Hot PLFR4A-11 *1 PLFR4A-11 *1
Standard PLFR5A-11 *1 PLFR5A-11 *1
Cold PLFR6A-11 *1 PLFR6A-11 *1
Camshaft operationTiming chain Timing chain
Spark plug gap (Nominal) in (mm) 0.043 (1.1) 0.043 (1.1)
Generator belt size0.843 x 32.28 (21.4 x 820)
Width x Length in (mm) 0.843 x 43.7 (21.4 x 1110) *2 0.843 x 88.46 (21.4 x 2247)
*1: Always check with the Parts Department at a NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information.
*2: With air conditioner
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
SPECIFICATIONS
Technical and consumer information9-7
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

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.
cAlways 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
automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, andthen move the transmission shift selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion 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) .
Technical and consumer information9-19
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

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.
cDo 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.
cDO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground (flat towing) . Doing so WILL
DAMAGE internal transmission parts
due to lack of transmission lubrication.
cFor emergency towing procedures refer
to “Towing recommended by NISSAN”
in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Automatic Transmission
To tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.
Manual Transmission
cAlways tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
9-20Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

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, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Turn the ignition switch ON without starting
the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and then
blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test condition is
9not ready9. If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is9ready.9If the
MIL indicates the vehicle is in a9not ready9con-
dition, 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 10 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 9
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 10 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 information9-23
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-31
Air bag warning light...........1-42, 2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-23
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
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) .2-13
Anchor point locations.............1-23
Antenna.....................4-20
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-9
Audible reminders................2-12
Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-18
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-13
Radio....................4-10
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-27
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-10
B
Battery......................8-19
Charge warning light............2-10
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-21
Booster seats..................1-27
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-18
Brake booster................8-28
Brake fluid..................8-17
Brake light (See stop light).........8-35
Brake pedal.................8-27
Brake system................5-18
Brake warning light..............2-9
Brake wear indicators........2-12, 8-28
Parking brake check............8-27
Parking brake operation..........5-13
Self-adjusting brakes............8-28
Break-in schedule................5-15
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-19
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-35C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-20
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-19
CD changer (See audio system)........4-18
CD player (See audio system).........4-16
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-23
Child restraints........1-8, 1-9, 1-14, 1-22
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-14, 1-27
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-23
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-12
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock......................4-14
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-18
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Coin box.....................2-24
Cold weather driving..............5-20
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-16
Console box...................2-24
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X