1996 NISSAN SENTRA Automatic fuel

4 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ................. 4-2
Ignition switch ....................................................... 4-4
Before starting the engine .................................... 4-5
Driving with automatic transmission..................... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........................ 4-9
Starting the engine ............................................. 4-11
Parking brake operation ..................................... 4-11
Cruise control (If so equipped)........................... 4-12
Break-in schedule............................................... 4-13
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 4-14
Parking/parking on hills ...................................... 4-15
Precautions when driving ................................... 4-16
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (If so equipped).. 4-16
Cold weather driving cautions ............................ 4-18
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

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

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

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