1996 NISSAN SENTRA brake

tire placard affixed to the driver side
center pillar.
cRetighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been run for 600 miles
(1,000 km).
5. Securely store the spare tire and jacking
equipment in the vehicle.
WARNING
cAlways make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. The jack rod may
be used to securely tighten the hold-
down bolts. Such items can become
dangerous projectiles in an accident
or sudden stop.
cThe T-type spare tire and small size
spare tire are designed for emer-
gency use. See specific instructions
under the heading ``Wheels and
tires'' in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.To start your engine with a booster battery,
the instructions and precautions below must
be followed.
CAUTION
cIf done incorrectly, jump starting can
be hazardous.
cExplosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
c
Do not allow battery fluid to come into
contact with eyes, skin, cloth or painted
surfaces. Battery fluid is a corrosive
sulfuric acid solution which can cause
severe burns. If the fluid should come
into contact with anything, immediately
flush the contacted area with water.
cA battery rated at above 12 volts
should not be used for a booster.
cWhenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye protec-
tors (e.g., goggles or industrial safety
spectacles) and remove rings, metal
bands, or any other metal jewelry.
c
Keep battery out of the reach of chil-
dren.
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1.
If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their
batteries into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift
lever to Neutral (On automatic transmis-
sion models, move the lever to P). Switch
off all unnecessary electrical systems
(lights, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence
as illustrated.
CAUTION
cAlways connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (þ) to body
ground (e.g., strut mounting bolt, etc.
Ðnot to the battery).
JUMP STARTING
5-7
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

When towing your vehicle, all State (Provin-
cial in Canada) and local regulations for
towing must be followed. Incorrect towing
equipment could damage your vehicle.
Towing instructions are available from your
NISSAN dealer. Local service operators are
generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental
damage to your vehicle, NISSAN recom-
mends having a service operator tow your
vehicle. It is advisable to have the service
operator carefully read the following precau-
tions.
CAUTION
cWhen towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working condi-
tion. If any unit is damaged, a dolly
must be used.
cWhen towing with the front wheels on
the ground:
Turn the ignition key to the ``OFF''
position and secure the steering
wheel in a straight ahead position
with a rope or similar device. Never
place the ignition key in the ``LOCK''position. This will result in damage
to the steering lock mechanism.
Move the gearshift lever to the Neu-
tral (``N'') position.
On automatic transmission models,
to move the shift lever to the Neutral
(``N'') position turn the ignition key
to the ``ACC'' position.
After moving the shift lever to the
Neutral (``N'') position, be sure to
turn the ignition key to the ``OFF''
position.
cWhen towing with the rear wheels on
the ground, release the parking
brake.
On automatic transmission models,
to move the shift lever to the Neutral
(``N'') position, turn the ignition key
to the ``ACC'' position. After moving
the shift lever to the Neutral position,
be sure to turn the ignition key to the
``OFF'' position.
cAttach safety chains for all towing.NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off the
ground as illustrated.
cSpeed: Below 70MPH (115 km/h)
cDistance: Less than 500 miles (800
km)
CE1051
TOW TRUCK TOWING
5-10
ZX

Towing an automatic transmission
model with rear wheels raised (with
front wheels on the ground)
CAUTION
Never tow an automatic transmission
model with the rear wheels raised (with
the front wheels on the ground) as this
may cause serious and expensive dam-
age to the transmission. If it is neces-
sary to tow the vehicle with the rear
wheels raised, always use a towing
dolly under the front wheels.
If you have to tow an automatic
transmission model with four
wheels on ground
Observe the following restricted towing
speeds and distances.
cSpeed: Below 30 MPH (50 km/h)
cDistance: Less than 40 miles (65 km)
CAUTION
Never tow an automatic transmission
model from the rear (i.e., backward)
with four wheels on the ground as this
may cause serious and expensive dam-
age to the transmission.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle)
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structual members of the
vehicle.
cPulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pullon the vehicle at a sideways angle.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
CE1052
5-11
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

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
cPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. Move the gearshift
control lever to Neutral (N).
cBe sure the ignition key is OFF when
performing any parts replacement or
repairs.
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
cBe sure to turn the ignition key to the
OFF or LOCK position.
When the ignition key is in the ON or
ACC position, the cooling fan may
start to operate suddenly even when
the engine is not running.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans,
belts and any other moving parts.cIt is advisable to remove ties and any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.,
before working on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle, sup-
port it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized com-
ponent connector while the ignition is
on.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
cFailure to follow these or other com-
mon sense guidelines may lead to
serious injury or vehicle damage.cImproperly disposed motor oil and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid. Avoid contact with used motor
oil.
This ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section
gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner
to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by your NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
7-2
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

6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
CAUTION
cOil level should be checked regularly.
Operating with insufficient amount of
oil can damage the engine, and such
damage is not covered by warranty.
cIt is normal to add some oil between
oil maintenance intervals or during
the break-in period, depending on the
severity of operating conditions.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature, and then turn it off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the drain
plug.
4. Remove the oil filler cap.
5. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' in this section.
WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin
cancer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
DI1252MDI1221M
7-9
ZX