1996 NISSAN SENTRA engine

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little
different. When refilling, follow the procedure instructed in the ``Do-it-yourself
operations'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 13-1/4 gal 11 gal 50Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil (Refill)
With oil filter GA16DE 3-3/8 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.2
API SG or SH and Energy Conserving
II*2
API Certification Mark *2 SR20DE 3-5/8 qt 3 qt 3.4
Without oil filter GA16DE 3 qt 2-1/2 qt 2.8
SR20DE 3-3/8 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.2
Cooling system
With reservoir
GA16DE5-1/2 qt,
6 qt*64-5/8 qt,
5 qt*65.2, 5.7*6
Anti-freeze coolant
(Ethylene glycol base) SR20DE6-1/2 qt,
6-1/2 qt*65-1/2 qt,
5-1/2 qt*66.2, 6.2*6
Reservoir 3/4 qt 5/8 qt 0.7
Manual transmission gear oil 4 3-3/8 3.8 API GL-4*3
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper oil level
according to the instructions in the
``Do-it-yourself operations''
section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Genuine Nissan Automatic
Transmission Fluid (Canada).*4
Power steering fluid Type DEXRON
TMII or equivalent
Brake fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or
equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant Ð Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*7
Air conditioning system lubricantsNissan A/C System Lubricant
Type R or equivalent*7
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommenda-
tion''.
*2: For further details, see ``Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation''.
*3: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE
viscosity number''.
*4: Dexronž III/Merconž or equivalent may also
be used. Outside the Continental United States
and Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for more
information regarding suitable fluids, including
recommended brand(s) of Dexronž III/Merconž
or Dexronž IIE/Merconž Automatic Transmis-
sion Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your
NISSAN dealer.
*6: Automatic transmission models.
*7: For further details, see ªAir conditioner speci-
fication labelº.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
9-2
ZX

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
All models are designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
(Research octane number 91).
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control devices and systems, and could
also affect the warranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three way catalyst.
Reformulated Gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing re-
formulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. NISSAN supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggests that you use refor-
mulated gasoline when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and
methanol with or without advertising theirpresence. Nissan does not recommend the
use of fuels of which the oxygenate content
and the fuel compatibility for your NISSAN
cannot be readily determined. If in doubt,
ask your service station manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage
of such fuels may cause vehicle performance
problems and/or fuel system damage.
cThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.
cIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should
contain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
cIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable amount
of appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors, such methanol
blends may cause fuel system dam-
age and/or vehicle performance prob-lems. At this time, sufficient data is
not available to ensure that all metha-
nol blends are suitable for use in Nis-
san vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels,
immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygen-
ates can cause paint damage.
After Market Fuel Additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any fuel additives (i.e., fuel injector cleaner,
octane booster, intake valve deposit remov-
ers, etc.) which are sold commercially. Many
of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active sol-
vents or similar ingredients that can be
harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should
use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index). How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with
9-3
ZX

an octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-
Knock Index) in high altitude areas (over
4,000 ft [1,219 m]) such as: Colorado, Mon-
tana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, north-
eastern Nevada, southern Idaho, western
South Dakota, western Nebraska, and that
part of Texas which is directly south of New
Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ``spark knock.'' (``Spark
knock'' is a metallic rapping noise.) If
severe, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady
speed on level roads, have your dealer
correct the condition. Failure to correct
the condition is misuse of the vehicle, for
which NISSAN is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing results in knocking,
after-run and/or overheating. This in turn
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
damage to the engine. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-
hicle checked at a NISSAN dealer or other
competent service facility.However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
no cause for concern, because you get
the greatest fuel benefit when there is
light spark knock for a short time under
heavy engine load.
9-4
ZX

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct quality
and viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory en-
gine life and performance. Nissan recom-
mends the use of a low friction oil (energy
conserving oil) in order to improve fuel
economy and conserve energy. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.
Only those engine oils with the AmericanPetroleum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION
MARK on the front of the container should
be used. This type of oil supersedes the
existing API SG or SH and Energy Conserv-
ing II categories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the CER-
TIFICATION MARK, an API SG or SH and
Energy Conserving II oil with API Service
Symbol may be used. An oil with a single
designation SG or SH, or in combination
with other categories (for example, SG/CC
or SG/CD) may also be used if one with the
API CERTIFICATION MARK cannot be
found.Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be
used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils
must however, meet the API quality and
SAE viscosity ratings specified for your ve-
hicle. Do not mix mineral based and syn-
thetic type oils in the engine at the same
time.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used
and maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness
changes with temperature. Because of this,
it is important to select the engine oil viscos-
ity based on the temperatures at which the
vehicle will be operated before the next oil
change. The chart ``Recommended SAE
viscosity number'' shows the recommended
oil viscosities for the expected ambient tem-
peratures. Choosing an oil viscosity other
than that recommended could cause seri-
ous engine damage.
ATI0645
9-5
ZX

Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-
quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use the genuine oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in
``Change intervals''.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other
than the specified quality, or oil and filter
change intervals longer than recommended
could reduce engine life. Damage to en-
gines caused by improper maintenance or
use of incorrect oil and filter quality and/or
viscosity is not covered by the new NISSAN
vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have
to change the oil before the first recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend upon how you use
your vehicle. Operation under the following
conditions may require more frequent oil
and filter changes:
Ð repeated short distance driving at cold
outside temperatures,Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,
Ð towing a trailer.
9-6
ZX

ModelGA16DE SR20DE
TypeGasoline, 4-cycle Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 4-cylinder in-line 4-cylinder in-line
Bore ý Stroke in (mm) 2.992 ý 3.465 (76.0 ý 88.0) 3.386 ý 3.386 (86.0 ý 86.0)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 97.39 (1,596) 121.92 (1,998)
Firing order1-3-4-2 1-3-4-2
Idle speed rpm
See the ``Emission Control label'' on the underside of the hood. Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.)
degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed
[No air] %
Platinum-tipped type
(Standard for SR20DE)Conventional type
Spark plug Hot BKR4E-11 BKR5E
Standard BKR5E-11 PFR5B-11 BKR6E
Cold BKR6E-11 PFR6B-11, PFR7B-11 BKR7E
Camshaft operation Timing chain Timing chain
Spark plug gap in (mm) 0.039 to 0.043 (1.0 to 1.1) Ð 0.031 to 0.035 (0.8 to 0.9)
Generator belt size
Width ý Length in (mm)0.843 x 32.28
(21.4 x 820)
0.843 x 44.09
(21.4 x 1,120)*20.559 x 32.68
(14.2 x 830)
0.843 x 40.75
(21.4 x 1,035)*2
*1: With power steering *2: With air conditioner
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
ENGINE
9-9
ZX

When planning to travel in another coun-
try,you should first find out if the fuel
available is suitable for your vehicle's en-
gine.
Using fuel with too low an octane/cetane
rating may cause engine damage. All gaso-
line vehicles must be operated with un-
leaded engine gasoline. Therefore, avoid
taking your vehicle to areas where appropri-
ate fuel is not available.
When transferring the registration of
your vehicle to another country, state,
province or district,it may be necessary to
modify the vehicle to meet local laws and
regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle
emission control and safety standards vary
according to the country, state, province or
district; therefore, vehicle specifications
may differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into
another country, state, province or dis-
trict and registered, its modifications,
transportation, and registration are the
responsibility of the user. NISSAN is not
responsible for any inconvenience that
may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUM-
BER PLATE
The vehicle identification number plate is
attached to the top of the instrument panel
on the driver's side. This number is the
identification for your vehicle and is used in
the vehicle registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (Chassis number)
The chassis number is stamped as shown.
TI1050MATI0605
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE
IN ANOTHER COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
9-11
ZX

ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER
The engine serial number is stamped on the
engine as shown.
F.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION
LABEL
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(F.M.V.S.S.) certification label is affixed as
shown. This label contains valuable vehicle
information, such as: Gross Vehicle Weight
Ratings (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR), month and year of manufacture,
Vehicle Identification Number, (VIN), etc.
Review it carefully.
ATI0608TI1032-AATI0606
9-12
ZX