1996 NISSAN SENTRA Engine

re-weigh your vehicle to determine if
either GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle
is exceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, re-
move cargo as necessary. If either the
front or rear GAWR is exceeded, shift the
load or remove cargo as necessary.
Loading Tips
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S.
Certification Label.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
CAUTION
cProperly secure all cargo to help
prevent it from sliding or shifting. In
a sudden stop or collision, unse-
cured cargo could cause personal
injury.
cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum
front and rear GAWRs. If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, or it
can change the way your vehicle
handles. This could result in loss of
control and cause personal injury.cOverloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle. Failures caused by
overloading are not covered by your
warranty.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer places ad-
ditional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
ANissan Trailer Towing Guideis avail-
able from your NISSAN dealer. This guide
includes information on trailer towing ability
and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
TI1011M
TRAILER TOWING
9-15
ZX

cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, down-
shift the transmission to a lower gear
and reduce speed to reduce chances of
engine overloading and/or overheating.
c
If the engine temperature coolant rises to
an extremely high temperature when the
air conditioning system is on, turn off the
air conditioner. Coolant heat can be addi-
tionally vented by opening the windows,
switching the fan control to high and set-
ting 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 (800 km).
cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn
than your vehicle wheels. To compen-
sate for this, make a larger than normal
turning radius during the turn.cCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and imme-
diately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. 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 fifth 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 re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change the oil in
the transmission more frequently.
See the Maintenance Schedule.DOT Quality Grades: All passenger car tires
must conform to Federal Safety Require-
ments in addition to these grades.
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on tire wear rate when tested under
controlled conditions on specified govern-
ment test courses. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1-1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary signifi-
cantly from the norm due to variations in
driving habits, service practices and differ-
ences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction A, B and C
Traction grades are A (the highest), B and C.
They represent a tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under controlled con-
ditions, on specified government test sur-
faces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked
with a C may have poor traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your
vehicle tires is based on straight line
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
9-18
ZX

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint system)
Air bag warning light (If so equipped) ....... 2-20
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 7-19
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 3-5
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-13
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
Servicing air conditioning ....................... 3-9
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations.......................... 9-8
Air flow charts .............................................. 3-6
Anchor point locations ............................... 2-32
Antenna (manual) ...................................... 3-17
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................. 4-16
Audio system
AM-FM radio ........................................ 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-13
Automatic
Automatic power window switch ......... 1-16
Automatic transmission fluid ................. 7-11
Driving with an automatic
transmission............................................ 4-6B
Battery........................................................ 7-15
Belts (See drive belts)
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 4-16
Brake fluid............................................. 7-13
Brake booster ....................................... 7-22
Brake wear indicators ................... 1-7, 7-22
Brake pedal .......................................... 7-21
Parking brake check ............................. 7-21
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Break-in schedule ...................................... 4-13
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 1-5
Bulb replacement ....................................... 7-26
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ............................................... 9-2
Cassette player (See audio system)
CB radio or car phone ............................... 3-18
Child restraints for infants and
small children ............................................. 2-28
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-7
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and ashtray . 1-13
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 6-2
Clock-radio ................................................. 3-13Clutch pedal ............................................... 7-23
Cold weather driving cautions ................... 4-18
Controls
Audio controls ............................. 3-10, 3-13
Heater and air conditioner ...................... 3-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-6
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ....... 1-3
Corrosion protection .................................... 6-5
Cruise control............................................. 4-12
Cup holder ................................................. 1-14
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 1-11
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-10
Dimensions and weights............................ 9-10
Door locks .................................................... 2-2
Freeing a frozen door lock ................... 4-18
Drive belts .................................................. 7-17
Driving
Cold weather driving cautions .............. 4-18
ZX

Driving with automatic
transmission............................................ 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-9
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-16
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
E
Economy-fuel ............................................. 4-14
Emission control information label............. 9-13
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-19
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-6
Changing engine oil................................ 7-9
Changing engine oil filter...................... 7-10
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-5
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-8
Engine compartment check
locations ......................................... 7-3, 7-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ....... 1-3
Engine cooling system ........................... 7-5
Engine oil ................................................ 7-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-5
Engine serial number ........................... 9-12
Engine specifications .............................. 9-9
Starting the engine ............................... 4-11
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 4-2F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)
Flat tire ......................................................... 5-2
Fluid (Checking)
Automatic transmission fluid ................. 7-11
Brake fluid............................................. 7-13
Engine coolant ........................................ 7-5
Engine oil ................................................ 7-8
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-13
Window washer fluid ............................ 7-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-12
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-12
Front seats ................................................. 2-13
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 4-14
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 2-11
Fuel filler lid lock operation .................. 2-11
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-3
Fuses ......................................................... 7-23
G
Gas station information............................ 10-10
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-3
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4Odometer ................................................ 1-3
Speedometer .......................................... 1-3
Tachometer............................................. 1-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 1-3
Gear selection (See shifting)
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Glove box..................................................... 2-9
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-13
Head restraints .......................................... 2-14
Headlight aiming adjustment ..................... 7-26
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-11
Headlights .................................................. 7-25
Heater and air conditioner
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
Heater operation ..................................... 3-4
Hood release ............................................... 2-8
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Increasing fuel economy .......................... 4-14
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes)
Inside mirror ............................................... 2-35
Instrument brightness control .................... 1-12
Interior light ................................................ 1-17
10-2
ZX

J
Jump starting ............................................... 5-7
K
Key ............................................................... 2-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system)
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-13
Emission control information label........ 9-13
Engine serial number ........................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S. Certification label ............... 9-12
Vehicle identification number plate ...... 9-11
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-20
License plate
Installing license plate .......................... 9-14
Light
Air bag warning light............................. 2-20
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 1-5
Bulb replacement.................................. 7-26
Front fog light switch ............................ 1-12
Headlight aiming adjustment ................ 7-26
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-11
Headlights ............................................. 7-25
Interior light ........................................... 1-17
Light bulbs ............................................ 7-25Trunk light ............................................ 1-17
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-5
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-7
Door locks............................................... 2-2
Fuel filler lid lock operation .................. 2-11
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Trunk lid lock operation .......................... 2-9
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 8-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-27
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Manual antenna ......................................... 3-17
Meters and gauges ...................................... 1-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 2-35
Outside mirror control ........................... 2-34
Vanity mirror ......................................... 2-35
Multi-remote control system ........................ 2-4
O
Octane rating (See fuel)
Odometer ..................................................... 1-3Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.......................................... 9-2
Changing engine oil................................ 7-9
Changing engine oil filter...................... 7-10
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-8
Engine oil ................................................ 7-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Opener lever for trunk lid............................. 2-9
Outside mirror control ................................ 2-34
Overdrive switch .......................................... 4-8
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ........................ 5-9
Owner's manual order form ....................... 9-20
P
Parking
Parking brake check............................ 7-21
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 4-15
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 8-5
Power
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-13
Power windows..................................... 1-15
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-22
Precautions when driving ..................... 4-16
10-3
ZX

Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Push starting ................................................ 5-8
Q
Quick reference (See gas station information)
R
Radio
AM-FM radio ......................................... 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-13
CB radio or car phone .......................... 3-18
Rear seat ................................................... 2-15
Rear window defogger switch ................... 1-10
Refrigerant recommendation ....................... 9-8
Registering your vehicle in
another country .......................................... 9-11
Remote keyless entry system (See multi-
remote control system)
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................. 9-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-7
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............ 9-19
Seat adjustment ......................................... 2-13
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-22
Seat belt extenders .............................. 2-27Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-27
Seat belts.............................................. 2-22
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........... 2-25
2-point type without retractor
(rear center lap belt) ............................. 2-26
3-point type with retractor..................... 2-23
Seats
Front seats............................................ 2-13
Rear seat .............................................. 2-15
Service manual order form ........................ 9-20
Shifting ......................................................... 4-7
Spark plug replacement............................. 7-18
Speedometer ............................................... 1-3
SRS warning label ..................................... 2-20
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Jump starting .......................................... 5-7
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Push starting........................................... 5-8
Starting the engine ............................... 4-11
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-13
Tilting steering wheel............................ 2-34
Sun roof ..................................................... 1-16
Supplemental restraint system
(Air bag system) (If so equipped) .............. 2-15
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-16
Front fog light switch ............................ 1-12
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-13
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-11
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4Overdrive switch ..................................... 4-8
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-10
Windshield wiper and washer switch ..... 1-9
T
Tachometer .................................................. 1-3
Theft warning ............................................... 1-8
Three way catalyst....................................... 4-2
Tilting front seat ......................................... 2-14
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 2-34
Timing chain ................................................ 9-9
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 5-2
Tire chains ............................................ 7-33
Tire placard........................................... 9-13
Tire pressure ........................................ 7-32
Tire rotation .......................................... 7-33
Types of tires ........................................ 7-32
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-18
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 9-10
Wheels and tires................................... 7-32
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 5-10
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-15
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-16
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid ................. 7-11
Driving with automatic
transmission............................................ 4-6
10-4
ZX

Recommended fuel:
Unleaded gasoline, at least 87 AKI (RON 91).
For further information on items such as gaso-
hol, see ``Fuel recommendation'' in the ``Tech-
nical and consumer information'' section.
Recommended engine oil:
cAPI SG or SH and Energy Conserving II
cAPI Certification Mark
c
SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures.
See ``Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion'' in the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section.
Tire cold pressure:
See tire placard affixed to the driver side
center pillar.
Recommended new vehicle
break-in procedure:
During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of
vehicle use, follow the recommendations out-
lined in the ªBREAK-IN SCHEDULE Informa-
tion found in the ªStarting and Drivingº section
of this Owner's Manual. Follow these recom-
mendations for the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow
these recommendations may result in vehicle
damage or shortened engine life.
AGS0600
GAS STATION INFORMATION QUICK REFERENCE
ZX