1996 NISSAN SENTRA check engine

tuator is working, you may feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibra-
tion from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock
system is working properly. However, the
pulsation may indicate that road conditions
are hazardous and extra care is required
while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system consists of elec-
tronic sensors, electric pumps, and hydrau-
lic solenoids controlled by 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 is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any
malfunction, it switches the anti-lock brake
system OFF and turns on the ABS brake
warning light in the dashboard. The brake
system then operates normally, but without
anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check,
or while driving, take your vehicle to your
NISSAN dealer for repair at your earliest
convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent
accidents resulting from careless or
dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces, but re-
member that the stopping distance on
slippery surfaces will be longer than on
normal surfaces, even with the anti-
lock system. Stopping distances may
also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are using
tire chains. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for safety
of self and others rests in the hands of
the driver.
Tire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.
c
When installing a spare tire, make sure
it is the proper size and type as speci-
fied on the tire placard. For tire placard
location information, refer to ``Tire
placard'' in the Owner's Manual index.Refer to ``Wheels and tires'' in the ``Do-
it-yourself operations'' section of this
manual.
4-17
ZX

Freeing a frozen door lock
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole.
If the lock becomes frozen, heat the key
before inserting it into the key hole.
Anti-freeze
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check the anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base)
to assure proper winter protection. For de-
tails, see ``Engine cooling system'' in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
Battery
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Draining of coolant water
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
radiator and on the engine block. Refillbefore operating the vehicle. See ``Chang-
ing Engine Coolant'' in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section.
Tire equipment
1. The SUMMER tires are of a tread design
to provide superior performance on dry
pavement. However, the performance of
these tires will be substantially reduced
in snowy and icy conditions. If you oper-
ate your vehicle on snowy or icy roads,
NISSAN recommends the use of MUD &
SNOW or ALL SEASON TIRES on all
four wheels. Please consult your NIS-
SAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, stud-
ded tires may be used. However, some
provinces and states prohibit their use.
Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Snow chains may be used if desired.
Make sure they are of proper size for the
tires on your vehicle and are installedaccording to the chain manufacturer's
suggestions.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited
according to location. Check the local
laws before installing tire chains. When
installing tire chains, make sure they are
of proper size for the tires on your vehicle
and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer's suggestions.Use only
SAE Class ªSº chains.Use chain ten-
sioners when recommended by the tire
chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit.
Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the pos-
sibility of whipping action damage to the
fenders or underbody. If possible, avoid
fully loading your vehicle when using tire
chains. In addition, drive at a reduced
speed, otherwise, your vehicle may be
damaged and/or vehicle handling and
performance may be adversely affected.
Never install tire chains on T-type and
small size spare tires. Do not use the
chains on dry roads.
Special winter equipment
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
CAUTIONS
4-18
ZX

If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge read-
ing), or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect abnormal noise, etc., take the follow-
ing steps:
WARNING
To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while the
engine is still hot. When the radiator
cap is removed, pressurized hot water
will spurt out, possibly causing serious
injury.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake and move the
gearshift lever to Neutral (automatic
transmission to P).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioning. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
hot and fan control to high speed.
3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the ra-
diator before opening the hood. Wait until
no steam or coolant can be seen before
proceeding.4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. If engine overheating is caused by climb-
ing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine
at a fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm)
until the temperature gauge indication
returns to normal.
6. Visually check drive belts for damage or
looseness. Also check if the cooling fan
is running. The radiator hoses and radia-
tor should not leak water.
WARNING
cBe careful not to allow your hands,
hair or clothing to come into contact
with, or to get caught in, the running
fan, belts, or fan motor. The fan motor
can start at any time when the cool-
ant temperature is high.
cIf coolant is leaking, the water pump
belt is missing or loose, or the cool-
ing fan does not run, stop the engine.7. After the engine cools down, check the
coolant level in the reservoir tank with the
engine running. Add coolant to the res-
ervoir tank if necessary. Have your ve-
hicle repaired at the nearest NISSAN
dealer.
IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS
5-9
ZX

7 Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 7-2
Engine compartment check locations .................. 7-3
Engine cooling system ......................................... 7-5
Engine oil ............................................................ 7-8
Automatic transmission fluid .............................. 7-11
Power steering fluid............................................ 7-13
Brake fluid .......................................................... 7-13
Window washer fluid .......................................... 7-14
Battery ................................................................ 7-15
Drive belts .......................................................... 7-17
Spark plug replacement ..................................... 7-18
Air cleaner housing filter .................................... 7-19Wiper blades ...................................................... 7-20
Parking brake check........................................... 7-21
Brake pedal ........................................................ 7-21
Brake booster ..................................................... 7-22
Clutch pedal ....................................................... 7-23
Fuses .................................................................. 7-23
Light bulbs .......................................................... 7-25
Headlight aiming adjustment .............................. 7-26
Bulb replacement ............................................... 7-26
Wheels and tires ................................................ 7-32
ZX

ADI0620
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECK LOCATIONS
7-3
ZX

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so-
lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional cooling system addi-
tives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only an ethylene glycol
anti-freeze with the proper mixture ra-
tio. Examples are shown below:
Outside tempera-
ture down toAnti-
freezeSoft wa-
ter
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
The use of other types of coolant solu-
tions may damage your cooling system.
The radiator is equipped with a pressure
cap. Use a genuine NISSAN cap or its
equivalent when replacement is re-
quired.
Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could becaused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
Wait until the engine and radiator cool
down. See precautions in ``If your ve-
hicle overheats'' found in the ``In Case Of
Emergency'' section.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
With coolant reservoir
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX
level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check
the coolant level in the radiatorwhen the
engine is cold.If there is insufficient cool-
ant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
DI1210M
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
7-5
ZX

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have the cooling system
checked by your NISSAN dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
cMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by your NISSAN dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.cImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the
engine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
DI1211M
7-6
ZX

9. Stop the engine. After it completely
cools down, refill the radiator up to the
filler opening. Fill the reservoir tank up
to the MAX level.
10. Open and close the air release plug(s)
to release air. Then fill the radiator again
and install the radiator cap.
11. Check the drain plugs on the radiator
and the engine block for any sign of
leakage. Also check the air release plug
for any sign of leakage.CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.3. Turn off the engine.Wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the
oil level. It should be between the H and
L marks. If the oil level is below the L
mark, remove the oil filler cap and pour
recommended oil through the opening.
Do not overfill.
DI1249MDI1217MDI1251M
ENGINE OIL
7-8
ZX