brakes NISSAN SENTRA 2013 B17 / 7.G Owners Manual

SPORT mode indicator light (ifso equipped)
The SPORT mode indicator light illuminates
when the SPORT mode is turned ON. See “Sport
mode” in the “Starting and driving” section for the
use of the SPORT mode switch.
Turn signal/hazard indicatorlights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
Vehicle Dynamic Control(VDC) off indicator light
This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle
Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF.
This indicates the Vehicle Dynamic Control has
been turned off.
Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch
again or restart the engine and the system will
operate normally. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) system” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion of this manual.
The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on
when you place the ignition switch in the ON position. The light will turn off after about 2 sec-
onds if the system is operational. If the light stays
on or comes on along with the
indicator light
while you are driving, have the Vehicle Dynamic
Control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is
operating, you might feel slight vibration or hear
the system working when starting the vehicle or
accelerating, but this is normal.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch placed in the OFF posi-
tion, a chime sounds when the driver’s door is
opened if the headlights or parking lights are on. Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.
NISSAN Intelligent Key® door buzzer
(if so equipped)
The Intelligent Key door buzzer sounds if any one
of the following improper operations is found.
● The ignition switch is not returned to the
LOCK position when locking the doors.
● The Intelligent Key is left inside the vehicle
when locking the doors.
● The Intelligent Key is taken outside the ve-
hicle when operating the vehicle.
● Any doors are not closed securely when
locking the doors.
When the buzzer sounds, be sure to check both
the vehicle and the Intelligent Key. See “NISSAN
Intelligent Key®” in the “Pre-driving checks and
adjustments” section.
Parking brake reminder chime
A chime sounds if the parking brake is set and the
vehicle is driven. The chime will stop if the parking
brake is released or the vehicle speed returns to
zero.
2-20Instruments and controls

1. Remain calm and do not overreact.
2. Do not apply the brakes.
3. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheelwith both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
4. When appropriate, slowly release the accel- erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
5. If there is nothing in the way, steer the ve- hicle to follow the road while vehicle speed
is reduced. Do not attempt to drive the ve-
hicle back onto the road surface until vehicle
speed is reduced.
6. When it is safe to do so, gradually turn the steering wheel until both tires return to the
road surface. When all tires are on the road
surface, steer the vehicle to stay in the ap-
propriate driving lane.
● If you decide that it is not safe to return the
vehicle to the road surface based on vehicle,
road or traffic conditions, gradually slow the
vehicle to a stop in a safe place off the road.RAPID AIR PRESSURE LOSS
Rapid air pressure loss or a “blow-out” can occur
if the tire is punctured or is damaged due to
hitting a curb or pothole. Rapid air pressure loss
can also be caused by driving on under-inflated
tires.
Rapid air pressure loss can affect the handling
and stability of the vehicle, especially at highway
speeds.
Help prevent rapid air pressure loss by maintain-
ing the correct air pressure and visually inspect
the tires for wear and damage. See “Wheels and
tires” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section of this manual. If a tire rapidly loses air
pressure or “blows-out” while driving, maintain
control of the vehicle by following the procedure
below. Please note that this procedure is only a
general guide. The vehicle must be driven as
appropriate based on the conditions of the ve-
hicle, road and traffic.
WARNING
The following actions can increase the
chance of losing control of the vehicle if
there is a sudden loss of tire air pressure.
Losing control of the vehicle may cause a
collision and result in personal injury. ●
The vehicle generally moves or pulls in
the direction of the flat tire.
● Do not rapidly apply the brakes.
● Do not rapidly release the accelerator
pedal.
● Do not rapidly turn the steering wheel.
1. Remain calm and do not over react.
2. Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands and try to hold a straight
course.
3. When appropriate, slowly release the accel- erator pedal to gradually slow the vehicle.
4. Gradually steer the vehicle to a safe location off the road and away from traffic if possible.
5. Lightly apply the brake pedal to gradually stop the vehicle.
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers and either contact a roadside emergency service
to change the tire or see “Changing a flat
tire” in the “In case of emergency” section of
this manual.
Starting and driving5-7

You may hear a sound when the steering wheel is
operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunc-
tion.
If the electric power steering warning lightPS
illuminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not func-
tioning properly and may need servicing. Have
the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, there will be
no power assist for the steering but you will still
have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater
steering effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
For additional information see “Power steering
warning light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section. The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at 2 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
brake 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.
WARNING
●
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
● If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
effect of the parking brake is weakened or when-
ever the parking brake shoes and/or drum/rotors
are replaced, in order to assure the best brake
performance.
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-30Starting and driving

This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
●The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is respon-
sible for safety.
● Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the specified size of tires on all four
wheels. – When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See “Tire and
Loading Information label” in the
“Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
– For detailed information, see “Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping
distances.
Self-test feature
The ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and 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 pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a
malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates the
ABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Normal operation
The ABS operates at speeds above3-6MPH(5
- 10 km/h). The speed varies according to road
conditions.
Starting and driving5-31

When the ABS senses that 1 or more wheels are
close to locking up, the actuator rapidly applies
and releases hydraulic pressure. This action is
similar to pumping the brakes very quickly. You
may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise from under the hood or feel a vibration from
the actuator when it is operating. This is normal
and indicates that the ABS is operating properly.
However, the pulsation may indicate that road
conditions are hazardous and extra care is re-
quired while driving.The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system uses
various sensors to monitor driver inputs and ve-
hicle motion. Under certain driving conditions,
the VDC System helps to perform the following
functions:
● Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
● Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
● Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following condi-
tions:
– understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steer-
ing input)
– oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions)
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss of
vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the
indi-
cator in the instrument panel flashes so note the
following: ●
The road may be slippery or the system may
determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
● You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
● Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See “Slip indicator light” and ”Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light” in the ”Instru-
ments and controls” section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
indicator light comes on in the instrument panel.
The VDC system automatically turns off when the
indicator light is off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The
indicator illuminates to indi-
cate the VDC system is off.
When the VDC switch is used to turn off the
system, the VDC system still operates to prevent
one drive wheel from slipping by transferring
power to a non slipping drive wheel. The
indicator flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off and the
indicator will not
flash.
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM
5-32Starting and driving

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance ..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items .........8-2
Maintenance precautions ...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations ................8-6
Engine cooling system .............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................8-8
Engine oil .........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid
(if so equipped) .................................. 8-11
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ..............8-12
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-12
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-12
Battery .......................................... 8-13
Jump starting ................................. 8-15
Variable voltage control system .....................8-15
Drive belt ........................................ 8-16
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-16
Replacing spark plugs ......................... 8-16Air cleaner
....................................... 8-17
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-17
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-18
Cleaning ..................................... 8-18
Replacing .................................... 8-18
Brakes .......................................... 8-20
Fuses ........................................... 8-20
Engine compartment ........................... 8-21
Passenger compartment .......................8-22
Battery replacement .............................. 8-24
Keyfob (if so equipped) ........................ 8-24
NISSAN Intelligent Key® (if so equipped) ........8-25
Lights ........................................... 8-26
Headlights .................................... 8-26
Fog lights (if so equipped) ......................8-27
Exterior

and interior lights ....................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-30
Tire pressure . . . ............................... 8-30
Tire labeling ................................... 8-33
Types of tires .................................. 8-36
Tire chains .................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-37

When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)* When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation* Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Tires* Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance If the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheel alignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
● For additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet.
Windshield Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades* Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal. Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
Brakes Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
P (Park) position mechanism On a fairly
steep hill, check that the vehicle is held securely
with the shift selector in the P (Park) position
without applying any brakes.
Parking brake Check the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see a NISSAN dealer.
Seats Check seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc., to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints or
headrests move up and down smoothly and the
locks (if so equipped) hold securely in all latched
positions.
Seat belts Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3

If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer.
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 (if so
equipped) self-adjust every time the parking
brake is applied.
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 may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light tomoderate stops is normal and does not affect the
function or performance of the brake system.
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”.
Two types of fuses are used. Type
Ais used in
the fuse boxes in the engine compartment. Type
Bis used in the passenger compartment fuse
box.
Type A fuses are provided as spare fuses. They
are stored in the passenger compartment fuse
box.
Type A fuses can be installed in the engine com-
partment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes.
LDI0455
BRAKES FUSES
8-20Maintenance and do-it-yourself

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........5-31
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-34
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-41
Side and curtain (See supplemental
side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag system) ...............1-47
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-49
Airbagwarninglight...........1-49,2-17
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-17
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-18
Air conditioner service ...........4-26
Air conditioner specification label .....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-15,4-24
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-26
Airflowcharts..................4-19
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-21
Anchor point locations .............1-20
Antenna.....................4-65
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-13
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-31
Armrests .....................1-4
Audible reminders ...............2-20 Audio system
..................4-26
Bluetooth®audio..............4-60
Compact disc (CD) player . .4-37, 4-42, 4-48
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD)
player ....................4-35
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..............4-40,4-45
Audio System iPod®Player.............4-54,4-57
Audio system Radio ....................4-26
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-64
USB interface ............4-51,4-53
Autolight switch .................2-25
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-39
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-18
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-31
Automatic door locks ..............3-6
AUXjack..............4-38,4-43,4-50
B
Battery ......................8-13
Chargewarninglight............2-14
Before starting the engine ...........5-14
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-16
Block heater Engine ....................5-35
Bluetooth®audio................4-60 Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system
..................4-66,4-81
Boosterseats..................1-30
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-31
Brakefluid..................8-12
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-28
Brake system ................5-30
Brake warning light .............2-13
Brake wear indicators ........2-20,8-20
Parking brake operation ..........5-21
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-20
Brakes ......................8-20
Break-inschedule ...............5-26
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-9
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-27
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-13
Bulbreplacement................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargonet....................2-37
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CarphoneorCBradio.............4-66
CDcareandcleaning .............4-63
CD player (See audio system) . .4-37, 4-42, 4-48
Child restraints .......1-15,1-15,1-16,1-18
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-16,1-22,1-27,1-30

Phone, Bluetooth® hands-free
system...................4-66,4-81
PowerPower door locks ...............3-5
Power outlet .................2-30
Power rear windows .............2-39
Power steering system ...........5-29
Power windows ...............2-37
Rear power windows ............2-39
Precautions Maintenanceprecautions...........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints .........1-16,1-22,1-27,1-30
Precautionsonseatbeltusage........1-8
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-34
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Programmable features ..............4-5
Push starting ...................6-10
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-66
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..................4-35
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..............4-40,4-45
Steering wheel audio control switch ....4-64
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test .....................9-19
Rear power windows ..............2-39
Rearseat......................1-4
RearViewMonitor.................4-9
Rear window defroster switch .........2-24Recorders
Eventdata..................9-19
Refrigerant recommendation ...........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country . . .9-9
Reporting safety defects (US only) .......9-18
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Child seat belts .....1-16,1-22,1-27,1-30
Reporting safety defects (US only) .....9-18
Seat adjustment Frontmanualseatadjustment ........1-2
Rear seat adjustment .............1-4
Seatback pockets ................2-32
Seat belt Childsafety..................1-15
Infants and small children ..........1-15
Injured Person ................1-11
Largerchildren................1-16
Precautions on seat belt usage ........1-8
Pregnant women ...............1-11
Seatbeltextenders .............1-14
Seatbeltmaintenance............1-14
Seatbelts ...................1-8
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-14
Three-point type with retractor .......1-11
Seat belt warning light ..............2-17
Seats Adjustment ...................1-2
Frontseats...................1-2
Heatedseats.................2-29
Manual front seat adjustment .........1-2
Rearseat....................1-4 Security indicator light
..............2-19
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start .....2-22,3-4,5-10,5-14
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-20
Service manual order form ...........9-20
Servicing air conditioner .............4-26
Setting button ...................4-5
Shifting Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT).....................5-17
Manual transmission .............5-20
Shiftlockrelease.................5-18
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........1-14
Side air bag system (See supplemental
side air bag and curtain side-impact air
bag system) ...................1-47
Spark plug replacement .............8-16
Speedometer ...................

2-3
Spotlights(Seemaplight) ...........2-43
SRSwarninglabel................1-49
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-14
Jump starting .................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Push starting .................6-10
Starting the engine ..........5-14,5-15
Steering Power steering system ...........5-29
Steering wheel audio control switch ......4-64
Stoplight.....................8-28
Storage......................2-31
Storage tray ...................2-32
Sunglasses case .................2-33
Sunglasses holder ................2-33
Sunroof (see Moonroof) .............2-40
Sun visors ....................3-29
10-5