1996 NISSAN SENTRA Drive belts

4. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gasket
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
5. Coat the rubber gasket on the new filter
with clean engine oil.
6. Screw in the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
7. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.8. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.WARNING
cWhen engine is running, keep hands
and clothing away from any moving
parts such as cooling fan and drive
belts.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
DI1154ADI0614
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
7-11
ZX

WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is ``OFF''.
1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of
unusual wear, cuts, fraying or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose,
have it replaced or adjusted by your
NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for con-
dition and tension in accordance with the
maintenance schedule in this manual.
ADI0627
DRIVE BELTS
7-17
ZX

with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ``Park'' mecha-
nismOn a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the P position without applying any
brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND
VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g. each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check for ad-
equate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.
Brake fluid level*Make sure the brake and
clutch fluid level is between the ``MAX'' and``MIN'' lines on the reservoir.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell.
Engine drive belts*Make sure no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold and
the engine is turned off. Check the lines for
proper attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the sound
of the exhaust seems unusual or there is a
smell of exhaust fumes, immediately locate
the trouble and correct it. (See the carbon
monoxide warning in the ``Starting and driv-
ing'' section.)
UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust forms on the floorpan, frame, fuel lines and around the ex-
haust system. At the end of winter, the
underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accu-
mulate. See the ``Appearance and interior
care'' section for additional information.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately.
8-4
ZX

SCHEDULE 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months,
whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km ý 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive belts See NOTE (1).I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (2). [R] [R]
Idle rpm (GA16DE engine)I* I*
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)*.
Engine coolant See NOTE (4)*.R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use Nissan PREMIUM type or equivalent)RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (GA16DE engine)[R] [R]
(SR20DE engine) (PLATINUM-TIPPED type) See NOTE (5)*.[R]
Intake & exhaust valve clearance (GA16DE engine) See NOTE (6)*.
NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(3) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where ambient temperatures are either extremely low or extremely
high, the filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(4) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(5) Original equipment platinum-tipped plugs should be replaced at 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Conventional spark plugs can be used but should be
replaced at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) intervals. (See ``Technical and consumer Information'' section for details.)
(6) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
* Maintenance items and intervals with ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such
maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
8-6
ZX

SCHEDULE 2
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months, whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
(km ý 1,000) (12) (24) (36) (48) (60) (72) (84) (96)
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive belts See NOTE (1).I*
Air cleaner filter[R] [R]
Idle rpm (GA16DE engine)I* I*
Vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (2)*.
Engine coolant See NOTE (3)*.R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use Nissan PREMIUM type or equivalent)RRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (GA16DE engine)[R] [R]
(SR20DE engine) (PLATINUM-TIPPED type) See NOTE (4)*.[R]
Intake & exhaust valve clearance (GA16DE engine) See NOTE (5)*.
NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If vehicle is operated under extremely adverse weather conditions or in areas where outside temperatures are either extremely low or extremely high, the
filters might become clogged. In such an event, replace them immediately.
(3) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(4) Original equipment platinum-tipped plugs should be replaced at 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Conventional spark plugs can be used but should be replaced
at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) intervals. (See ``Technical and consumer information'' section for details.)
(5) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
* Maintenance items and intervals with ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such maintenance in
order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
8-8
ZX

EXPLANATION OF MAINTE-
NANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts*Check drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace the drive belts if found dam-
aged.
Air cleaner filterUnder normal driving con-
ditions, the air cleaner filter should be re-
placed in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. However, driving the vehicle in
dusty areas may cause more rapid clogging
of the element. Consequently, the element
may have to be replaced more frequently.
Idle rpmInspection and adjustment should
be made with a tachometer to ensure
accuracy.
Vapor linesCheck vapor lines and connec-
tions for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace them.
Fuel linesCheck the fuel hoses, pipingand connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. Replace any parts if they are
damaged.
Fuel filterIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are ei-
ther extremely low or extremely high, the
filter might become clogged. In such an
event, replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant*Drain and flush the cool-
ing system.
Engine oil & oil filter*Under normal driving
conditions, the engine oil and oil filter should
be replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, under severe
driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs*Replace with new plugs hav-
ing the correct heat range.
Intake & exhaust valve clearanceCheck
and adjust the valve clearance.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cablesCheck the brake lines
and hoses (including brake booster vacuum
hoses, connections & check valve) and
parking brake cables for proper attachment,leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, deteriora-
tion, etc.
Brake pads, discs, drums & linings
Check these and the other neighboring
brake components for wear, deterioration
and leaks. Under severe driving conditions,
they may have to be inspected more fre-
quently.
Manual & automatic transmission gear
oil*Check the oil level and visually inspect
for signs of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the oil
should be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspen-
sion parts, and drive shaft bootsCheck
for damage, looseness and leakage of oil or
grease. Under severe driving conditions,
more frequent inspection should be per-
formed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front sus-
pension ball jointsCheck the ball joints for
damage, looseness and grease leakage.
Exhaust systemVisually check the ex-
haust pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abra-
sion, deterioration, etc. Under severe
8-10
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

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