check oil NISSAN SENTRA 2023 Owners Manual

2.0L 4 cylinder (MR20DD engine model)
1. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-6)
2. Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluidreservoir (P. 8-10)
3. Fuse and relay box (P. 8-20)
4. Battery (P. 8-13)
5. Air cleaner (P. 8-17)
6. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-6)
7. Drive belt location (P. 8-15)
8. Windshield-washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-11)
9. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-5)
Refer to the page number indicated in
parentheses for operating details.
NOTE:
Your vehicle may not be equipped with
an engine cover.
LDI3477
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
0-8Illustrated table of contents

Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the charging sys-
tem is not functioning properly. Turn the
engine off and check the generator belt. If
the belt is loose, broken, missing, or if the
light remains on, have your vehicle serviced
immediately. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Engine oil pressure
warning light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure.
If the light flickers or comes on during nor-
mal driving, pull off the road in a safe area,
stop the engine immediatelyand call a
NISSAN dealer or other authorized repair
shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is
not designed to indicate a low oil level.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level. For
additional information, see “Engine oil”
(P. 8-6 ).
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Such damage is not cov-
ered by warranty. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or
blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate a potential emission control
malfunction.
The MIL may also come on steady if the
fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if the
vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least
3 gallons (11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
Af ter a few driving trips, the
light
should turn off if no other potential emis-
sion control system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds
when the engine is not running, it indicates
that the vehicle is not ready for an emission
control system inspection/maintenance test. For additional information, see “Readi-
ness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test”
(P. 10-24).
Operation
The MIL will come on in one of two ways:
• MIL on steady — An emission control sys-
tem malfunction has been detected.
Check the fuel-filler cap if the Loose Fuel
Cap warning appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display. If the fuel-filler cap is loose
or missing, tighten or install the cap and
continue to drive the vehicle. The
light should turn off af ter a few driving
trips. If thelight does not turn off
af ter a few driving trips, have the vehicle
inspected. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed
to the dealer.
• MIL blinking — An engine misfire has been detected which may damage the emis-
sion control system. To reduce or avoid
emission control system damage:– do not drive at speeds above 45 mph (72 km/h).
–
avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.
Instruments and controls2-11

Menu itemExplanation
Rear Door Alert Displays the available Rear Door Alert options. For additional information, see “Rear Door Alert” (P. 2-62).
Horn & Alert When selected, the alert is displayed and horn sounds.
Alert Only When selected, only the alert is displayed.
OFF When selected, no alert or horn will be active.
Maintenance
The maintenance menu allows the user to set reminders for various vehicle maintenance items.
WARNING
The tire replacement indicator is not a substitute for regular tire checks, including tire pressure checks. For additional informa-
tion, see “Changing wheels and tires” (P. 8-38). Many factors including tire inflation, alignment, driving habits and road conditions
affect tire wear and when tires should be replaced. Setting the tire replacement indicator for a certain driving distance does not
mean your tires will last that long. Use the tire replacement indicator as a guide only and always perform regular tire checks.
Failure to perform regular tire checks, including tire pressure checks could result in tire failure. Serious vehicle damage could
occur and may lead to a collision, which could result in serious personal injury or death.
Menu item Explanation
Maintenance Displays various maintenance reminder options.
Oil Control System Allows user to reset the current interval. This should only be done af ter completing oil change maintenance.
Oil and Filter Allows user to set a reminder at a specific interval or reset the current one.
Tire Allows user to set a reminder at a specific interval or reset the current one.
Other Allows user to set a reminder at a specific interval or reset the current one.
Instruments and controls2-23

Loose Fuel Cap
This warning appears when the fuel-filler
cap is not tightened correctly af ter the ve-
hicle has been refueled. For additional in-
formation, see “Fuel-filler cap” (P. 3-23)
Low Fuel
This warning appears when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon
as it is convenient, preferably before the
fuel gauge reaches 0 (Empty).There will be
a small reserve of fuel in the tank when
the fuel gauge needle reaches 0 (Empty).
Low Oil Pressure: See
Owner’s Manual
This warning appears in the message area
of the vehicle information display if low oil
pressure is detected. This gauge is not de-
signed to indicate low oil level. The low oil
pressure warning is not designed to indi-
cate a low oil level. Use the dipstick to
check the oil level. For additional informa-
tion, see “Engine oil” (P. 8-6).
Low Outside Temperature
This warning appears if the outside tem-
perature is below 37°F (3°C). The tempera-
ture can be changed to display in Celsius or
Fahrenheit. For additional information, see
“Settings” (P. 2-19).
Low Washer Fluid
This warning appears when the
windshield-washer fluid is at a low level.
Add windshield-washer fluid as necessary.
For additional information, see
“Windshield-washer fluid” (P. 8-11).
Outside Temperature
Display
The outside temperature display appears
in the center region of the vehicle informa-
tion display.
Power will turn off to save the battery
This message appears in the vehicle infor-
mation display af ter a period of time if the
ignition switch is in the ON position and if
the vehicle is in P (Park). For additional infor-
mation, see “Push-button ignition switch
positions” (P. 5-12).
Power turned off to save the battery
This message appears af ter the ignition
switch is automatically turned off. For addi-
tional information, see “Push-button igni-
tion switch positions” (P. 5-12).
Push brake and start
switch to drive
This indicator appears when the shif t lever
is in the P (Park) position.
This indicator means that the engine will
start by pushing the ignition switch with
the brake pedal depressed. You can start
the engine from any position of the ignition
switch.
Push clutch and start
switch to drive
This indicator appears when the shif t lever
is in the N (Neutral) position.
This indicator means that the engine will
start by pushing the ignition switch with
the clutch and brake pedal depressed. You
can start the engine from any position of
the ignition switch.
2-28Instruments and controls

WARNING
When the high fluid temperature pro-
tection mode operation occurs, vehicle
speed may be gradually reduced. The
reduced speed may be lower than
other traffic, which could increase the
chance of a collision. Be especially
careful when driving. If necessary, pull
to the side of the road at a safe place
and allow the transmission to return to
normal operation; or have it repaired if
necessary.
CVT (AT) Malfunction
Service now
This warning appears when there is a
problem with the CVT system. If this
warning comes on, have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Engine Oil Service due in – –
–km
This distance to oil change is displayed if
the distance to oil change is less than 100
km (62 miles).
Automatic Emergency
Braking with Pedestrian
Detection warning
indicator
This indicator appears along, with an au-
dible warning, when the system detects
the possibility of a forward collision.
For additional information, see “Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian
Detection” (P. 5-92) and “Intelligent Forward
Collision Warning (I-FCW)” (P. 5-106).
BSW/RCTA indicator
This indicator appears when the BSW sys-
tem is engaged.
For additional information, see “Blind Spot
Warning (BSW)” (P. 5-36).
BSW/RCTA System
Malfunction: See Owner’s
Manual
This warning appears when the Blind Spot
Warning/Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems
are not functioning properly. For additional
information, see “Blind Spot Warning (BSW)”
(P. 5-36) and “Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)”
(P. 5-48).
Cruise control indicator
This indicator shows the cruise control sys-
tem status.
When cruise control is activated, a green
circle will appear to indicate it is set. The
vehicle information display will also display
the speed the cruise control was set at. If
you accelerate past the set speed, the
speed will blink until you either cancel
cruise control or go back to the set speed. If
cruise control is on and canceled, the
speed will be displayed to show the speed
the vehicle will return to if the resume but-
ton is activated.
Currently not available
This message may appear when the Intel-
ligent Cruise Control (ICC) system is
engaged.
Under the following conditions, the ICC sys-
tem is automatically canceled:
• When the VDC operates
• When a wheel slips
• When the VDC system is turned off
The above system cannot be used in some
situations (VDC operates, wheel slip and
VDC system is off.)
2-30Instruments and controls

Menu itemExplanation
Horn beeps on lock Allows user to turn answer back horn on or off. When turned on, the horn will chirp and the hazard indicators
will flash once when locking the vehicle with the Intelligent Key.
Wipers Displays the available wiper options.
Speed Dependent Allows user to turn wiper with speed on or off.
Rear Door Alert Displays the available Rear Door Alert options.
Horn & Alert When selected, the alert is displayed and horn sounds.
Alert Only When selected, only the alert is displayed.
OFF When selected, no alert or horn will be active.
Maintenance
The maintenance menu allows the user to set reminders for various vehicle maintenance items.
WARNING
The tire replacement indicator is not a substitute for regular tire checks, including tire pressure checks. For additional informa-
tion, see “Changing wheels and tires” (P. 8-38). Many factors including tire inflation, alignment, driving habits and road conditions
affect tire wear and when tires should be replaced. Setting the tire replacement indicator for a certain driving distance does not
mean your tires will last that long. Use the tire replacement indicator as a guide only and always perform regular tire checks.
Failure to perform regular tire checks, including tire pressure checks could result in tire failure. Serious vehicle damage could
occur and may lead to a collision, which could result in serious personal injury or death.
Menu item Explanation
Maintenance Displays various maintenance reminder options.
Oil Control System Allows user to reset the current interval. This should only be done af ter completing oil change maintenance.
Oil and Filter Allows user to set a reminder at a specific interval or reset the current one.
Tire Allows user to set a reminder at a specific interval or reset the current one.
Other Allows user to set a reminder at a specific interval or reset the current one.
2-38Instruments and controls

CVT (AT) Malfunction
Service now
This warning appears when there is a
problem with the CVT system. If this
warning comes on, have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Engine hot Power reduced
This engine has a high fluid temperature
protection mode. If the fluid temperature
becomes too high (for example, climbing
steep grades in high temperatures with
heavy loads, such as when towing a trailer),
engine power and, under some conditions,
vehicle speed will be decreased automati-
cally to reduce the chance of engine dam-
age. Vehicle speed can be controlled with
the accelerator pedal, but the engine and
vehicle speed may be reduced.
WARNING
When the high fluid temperature pro-
tection mode operation occurs, vehicle
speed may be gradually reduced. The
reduced speed may be lower than
other traffic, which could increase the
chance of a collision. Be especially
careful when driving. If necessary, pull
to the side of the road at a safe place
and allow the engine to return to nor-
mal operation; or have it repaired if
necessary.
Engine Malfunction: Power Reduced
Service now
This warning appears when the engine is
not operating under normal conditions. If
this warning comes on, have the system
checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
Engine Malfunction Service now
This warning appears when there is a
problem with the engine. If this warning
appears, have the system checked. It is rec-
ommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
Engine Oil Service due in – –
–km
This distance to oil change is displayed if
the distance to oil change is less than 100
km (62 miles).
Engine Stalled: Stop safely
This message appears 30 seconds before
the vehicle is shut down due to an above
normal operating exhaust temperature.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) and
malfunction warning (red) will illuminate.
Have the system checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer im-
mediately for this service.
Automatic Emergency
Braking with Pedestrian
Detection warning
indicator
This indicator appears along, with an au-
dible warning, when the system detects
the possibility of a forward collision.
For additional information, see “Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian
Detection” (P. 5-92) and “Intelligent Forward
Collision Warning (I-FCW)” (P. 5-106).
Instruments and controls2-45

NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
will not allow the engine to start without
the use of the registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered
key (for example, when interference is
caused by another registered key, an auto-
mated toll road device or automatic pay-
ment device on the key ring), restart the
engine using the following procedure:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON posi-tion for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or LOCK position, and wait approximately
10 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de- vice (which may have caused the inter-
ference) separate from the registered
key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN
recommends placing the registered key on
a separate key ring to avoid interference
from other devices. • Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
• Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool- ant, brake and clutch fluid (if so equipped),
and windshield-washer fluid as fre-
quently as possible, or at least whenever
you refuel.
• Check that all windows and lights are clean.
• Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
• Lock all doors.
• Position seat and adjust head restraints/headrests.
• Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
• Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do likewise.
• Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is placed in the
ON position. For additional information,
see “Warning lights, indicator lights and
audible reminders” (P. 2-9). 1. Apply the parking brake.
2.
Continuously Variable Transmission
model:
Move the shif t lever to P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral). P (Park) is recommended.
The starter is designed not to operate
if the shif t lever is in any of the driving
positions.
Manual Transmission (M/T) model:
Move the shif t lever to N (Neutral). De-
press the clutch pedal to the floor.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully
depressed.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON posi- tion. Depress the brake pedal and the
clutch pedal (if so equipped) and push
the ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push
and release the ignition switch while de-
pressing the brake pedal with the igni-
tion switch in any position.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-14Starting and driving

WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface
and helps retain new vehicle appearance.
Polishing is recommended to remove
built-up wax residue and to avoid a weath-
ered appearance before re-applying wax.
It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer to assist you in choosing the proper
product.
• Wax your vehicle only af ter a thoroughwashing. Follow the instructions supplied
with the wax.
• Do not use a wax containing any abra- sives, cutting compounds or cleaners
that may damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compounding or aggressive pol-
ishing on a base coat/clear coat paint fin-
ish may dull the finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the surface of the paint to avoid last-
ing damage or staining. Special cleaning
products are available at a NISSAN dealer
or any automotive accessory store. It is
recommended that you visit a NISSAN
dealer for these products.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, it
is necessary to clean the underbody regu-
larly in order to prevent dirt and salt from
building up and causing the acceleration of
corrosion on the underbody and suspen-
sion. Before the winter period and again in
the spring, the underseal must be checked
and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASS
When cleaning the rear window, it may be
easier to clean if the inside high-mounted
stop light is removed first.
Be careful when removing the high-
mounted stop light to reduce the risk of
damaging the high-mounted stop light
wires.
To remove the high-mounted stop light:
1Push toward rear of vehicle.
2Lif t to remove.
WAI0005
Appearance and care7-3

•Clean water based stains by patting
the surface with a clean sof t cloth
dampened in warm water. Press a
clean dry cloth onto the surface to
remove as much dampness as pos-
sible and then let air dry.
• Clean oil based stains by patting the
surface with a clean sof t cloth damp-
ened in warm water. Press a clean dry
cloth onto the surface to remove as
much dampness as possible and
then let air dry.
FLOOR MATS (if so equipped)
WARNING
To avoid potential pedal interference
that may result in a collision, injury or
death:
• NEVER place a floor mat on top of
another floor mat in the driver front
position or install them upside down
or backwards.
• Use only Genuine NISSAN floor mats,
or equivalent floor mats, that are
specifically designed for use in your
vehicle model and model year. •
Properly position the mats in the
floorwell using the floor mat posi-
tioning hook. For additional informa-
tion, see "Floor mat installation"
(P. 7-6).
• Make sure the floor mat does not in-
terfere with pedal operation.
• Periodically check the floor mats to
make sure they are properly
installed.
• Af ter cleaning the vehicle interior,
check the floor mats to make sure
they are properly installed.
The use of Genuine NISSAN floor mats can
extend the life of your vehicle carpet and
make it easier to clean the interior. Mats
should be maintained with regular clean-
ing and replaced if they become exces-
sively worn.
Floor mat installation
Your vehicle is equipped with floor mat po-
sitioning hook(s). The number and shape of
the floor mat positioning hooks for each
seating position varies depending on the
vehicle.
LAI2139
7-6Appearance and care