maintenance NISSAN SENTRA 2008 B16 / 6.G Repair Manual

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.........9-2
Fuel recommendation...........................9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendations..........9-5
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............................9-6
Specifications.....................................9-7
Engine........................................9-7
Wheels and tires...............................9-8
Dimensions and weights........................9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................................9-10
Vehicle identification..............................9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate.........9-10
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number)..............................9-10
Engine serial number...........................9-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Emission control information label...............9-12
Tire and loading information label................9-12Air conditioner specification label................9-12
Installing front license plate........................9-13
Vehicle loading information........................9-13
Terms........................................9-13
Vehicle load capacity..........................9-14
Loading tips..................................9-16
Measurement of weights.......................9-16
Towing a trailer...................................9-17
Maximum load limits...........................9-17
Towing load/specification.......................9-20
Towing safety.................................9-20
Flat towing....................................9-24
Uniform tire quality grading........................9-24
Emission control system warranty..................9-25
Reporting safety defects (US only).................9-26
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test.....9-26
Event Data Recorders (EDR).......................9-27
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-28
In the event of a collision.......................9-28
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly 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 14-1/2 gal 12-1/8 gal 55.0 See “Fuel recommendation” later in this section.
Engine oil *5
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change MR20DE 4-1/8 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.9
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1
• Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *1 QR25DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.3
Without oil filter
changeMR20DE 3-7/8 qt 3-1/8 qt 3.6
QR25DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
Cooling system
With reservoir
MR20DE 1-7/8 gal 1-1/2 gal 7.0
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
QR25DECVT 1-7/8 gal 1-5/8 gal 7.1
MT 1-7/8 gal 1-1/2 gal 6.9
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 *2
Manual transmission gear oil
MR20DE — — — ELF XT4447 M+ 75W-80 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-80
QR25DE —— — Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API
GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Brake and clutch fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section *6Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3 *3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a) *4
Air conditioning system oil — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *4
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or
equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*2:Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT transmission, which is not covered by
the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*3: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*4: For further details, see “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations.”
*5: For further details, see “Engine Oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
*6: See your NISSAN dealer for service.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality
and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. See9Capacities
and recommended fuel/lubricants9earlier in this
section. NISSAN recommends the use of an
energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel
economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and ApprovalCommittee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label should not
be used as they could cause engine damage.Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been
previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. Choosing an oil
viscosity other than that recommended could
cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals”.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
WTI0183
Technical and consumer information9-5
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Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:
crepeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
cdriving in dusty conditions
cextensive idling
ctowing a trailer
cstop and go commuting
Refer to the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil, NISSAN
A/C system oil Type S or the exact equiva-
lents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replace-
ment of all air conditioner system
components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the
earth’s atmosphere, certain government regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
9-6Technical and consumer information
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5. Drive slowly until the vehicle and trailer are
clear from the blocks.
6. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
7. Have someone retrieve and store the blocks.
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 (805 km) 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.
Do the following if the trailer begins to sway:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal to
allow the vehicle to coast and steer as
straight ahead as the road conditions allow.
This combination will help stabilize the ve-
hicle.
– Do not correct trailer sway by steering or
applying the brakes.
2. When the trailer sway stops, gently apply the
brakes and pull to the side of the road in a
safe area.
3. Try to rearrange the trailer load so it is bal-
anced as described earlier in this section.
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.
cDownshift the transmission to a lower gear
for engine braking when driving down steep
or long hills. This will help slow the vehicle
without applying the brakes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
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.
cSome states or provinces have specific
regulations and speed limits for vehicles that
are towing trailers. Obey the local speed
limits.
cCheck your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.
Technical and consumer information9-23
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If you believe that your vehicle has a de-
fect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immedi-
ately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addi-
tion to notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Ve-
hicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-
327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go
to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Washington, D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information
about motor vehicle safety from
http://www.safercar.gov.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-800-NISSAN-1.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
“not ready”. If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is “ready”. If the
MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready” con-
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.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only)READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
9-26Technical and consumer information
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Fog light switch.................2-22
Folding rear seat............1-3, 1-4, 1-5
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-50
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-20
Fuel gauge..................2-5
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-24
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-24
Fuel economy setting..............4-4
Fuses......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-24
G
Gascap.....................3-24
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-6
Fuel gauge..................2-5
g-force gauge.................2-5
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-3
Tachometer..................2-4
Trip odometer.................2-4
General maintenance..............8-2
g-force gauge...................2-5
Glove box....................2-27
Glove box lock.................2-27H
Hands-free phone system, BluetoothT. . . .4-37
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-22
Head restraints..................1-8
Active Head Restraint............1-7
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-19
Headlight control switch............2-19
Headlights....................8-28
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-7
Heater operation...............4-9
Hood release..................3-22
Horn.......................2-23
I
Ignition switch..................5-6
Immobilizer system..........2-16, 3-2, 5-9
Important vehicle information label.......9-11
In-cabin microfilter...............8-20
Increasing fuel economy............5-20
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-8
Inside mirror...................3-27
Instrument brightness control.........2-21
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-21
Intelligent Key system..............3-10
Key operating range............3-12
Key operation................3-13
Mechanical key................3-3
Remote keyless entry operation......3-16Troubleshooting guide...........3-21
Warning signals...............3-21
Interior light...................2-36
Interior trunk lid release.............3-23
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-25
J
Jump starting...................6-8
K
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-25
Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)........3-16
Without Intelligent Key system
(See remote keyless entry system).....3-6
Keys, Except Intelligent Key...........3-2
Keys, For Intelligent Key system.........3-3
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-12
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-11
Emission control information label.....9-12
Engine serial number............9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-11
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate.....................9-10
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-58
10-3
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Language setting.................4-5
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers
for CHildren) System..............1-25
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-13
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-58, 2-12
Brake light (See stop light).........8-29
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-8
Bulb replacement..............8-29
Charge warning light.............2-9
Fog light switch...............2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-19
Headlight control switch..........2-19
Headlights..................8-28
Interior light.................2-36
Light bulbs..................8-28
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-12
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-52
Security indicator light...........2-14
Spotlights (See map light).........2-37
Trunk light..................2-37
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-8
Lights
Map lights..................2-37
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Door locks..................3-4
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-24
Glove box lock...............2-27
Power door locks...............3-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-23
Low fuel warning light.............2-11
Low tire pressure warning light........2-11Low washer fluid warning light.........2-12
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-13
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-23
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-13
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-33
Map lights....................2-37
Map pocket...................2-24
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-21
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-27
Outside mirror control...........3-27
Vanity mirror.................3-26
Moonroof....................2-33
N
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-16, 3-2, 5-9
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control.............3-27
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-28
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-28
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-17
Parking/parking on hills...........5-21
Phone, BluetoothThands-free system. . . .4-37
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-23
Power rear windows............2-32
Power steering system...........5-22
Power windows...............2-30
Rear power windows............2-32
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints............1-23, 1-32, 1-38
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-9
10-4
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Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-43
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Programmable features.............4-5
Push starting..................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-36
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-32
FM/AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-21
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer................4-29
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-25
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-35
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-26
Rear center seat belt..............1-18
Rear power windows..............2-32
Rear seat................1-3, 1-4, 1-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-19
Recorders
Event data..................9-27
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Remote keyless entry system..........3-6
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-26
Resetting average speed............4-4
Resetting the fuel economy...........4-4
Resetting trip time................4-4S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-23, 1-32, 1-38
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-26
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-12
Infants and small children.........1-12
Injured Person................1-13
Larger children...............1-12
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-9
Pregnant women..............1-13
Rear center seat belt............1-18
Seat belt extenders.............1-22
Seat belt maintenance...........1-23
Seat belts...................1-9
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-22
Three-point type with
retractor............1-13, 1-16, 1-20
Seat belt warning light.............2-12
Seatback pockets................2-25
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat..............1-3, 1-4, 1-5
Security indicator light.............2-14
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-16, 3-2, 5-9
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-21
Service manual order form...........9-28
Servicing air conditioner............4-14Setting button..................4-5
Shift lock release................5-14
Shifting
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)....................5-12
Manual transmission............5-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-22
Side air bag system
(See supplemental side air bag and
curtain side-impact air bag system)......1-55
Spark plug replacement............8-18
Speedometer...................2-3
Spotlights (See map light)...........2-37
SRS warning label...............1-58
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine..............5-9
Steering
Power steering system...........5-22
Tilting steering wheel............3-26
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-35
Stop light....................8-29
Storage.....................2-24
Storage tray...................2-24
Sunglasses case.............2-26, 2-28
Sunglasses holder...............2-26
Sunroof (see Moonroof)............2-33
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-58
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-58, 2-12
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-50
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-58
10-5
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