1996 NISSAN SENTRA ignition

CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature over the normal range,
stop the vehicle as soon as safely pos-
sible. If the engine is overheated, con-
tinued operation of the vehicle may
seriously damage the engine. See the
``In case of emergency'' section for the
immediate action required.Fuel Gauge
The gauge indicates theapproximatefuel
level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during brak-
ing, turning, acceleration, or going up or
down hills.
The gauge needle remains in approximately
the same position, even after the ignition
key is turned to OFF.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers Empty (E).
AIC0605MAIC0606
FUEL GAUGE
1-4
ZX

orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(For Canada)Cruise indicator light
(if so equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsorAnti-lock brake warning
light (if so equipped)Air bag warning light
(if so equipped)
High beam indicator light (Blue)O/D OFFOverdrive off indicator lightSeat belt warning light
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator light
Low fuel warning light
(if so equipped)
Door ajar warning light
(if so equipped)Engine oil pressure warning light
Checking bulbs
Apply the parking brake and turn the ignition
key to ON without starting the engine. The
following lights will come on:
,or,,or,,
If equipped, the following lights come on
briefly and then go off:
,O/D OFF,or
If any light fails to come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an opencircuit in the electrical system. Have the
system repaired promptly.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call a NISSAN
dealer or other authorized repair shop.
The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use
the dipstick to check the oil level.See``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a problem with the
charging system. Turn the engine off and
check the generator belt. If the belt is loose,
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
1-5
ZX

broken, or missing, or if the light remains on,
see your NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Low fuel warning light
(If so equipped)
This light comes on when the fuel in the tank
is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is con-
venient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches E.
There should be a small reserve of fuel
remaining in the tank when the fuel gauge
reaches E.
Door ajar warning light
(If so equipped)
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or back door are not closed securely
while the ignition key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
seat belts. The light illuminates wheneverthe ignition key is turned to ON, and re-
mains illuminated until the driver's seat belt
is fastened. At the same time, the chime
sounds for about seven seconds unless the
driver's seat belt is securely fastened.
Refer to ªSeat beltsº in the ªPre-driving
checks and adjustmentsº section for pre-
cautions on seat belt usage.
Air bag warning light
(If so equipped)
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the air bag light illuminates for
about 7 seconds and then turns off. This
means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
air bag needs servicing and your vehicle
must be taken to your nearest authorized
NISSAN dealer:
1. The air bag light does not come on and
remain on for 7 seconds and then go off
as described above.
2. The air bag light flashes intermittently or
remains on.
3. The air bag light does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supple-mental Restraint System (Air bag system)
may not function properly. For additional
details on the Supplemental Restraint Sys-
tem (Air bag system), see the ``Pre-driving
checks and adjustments'' section.
Low washer fluid warning
light (For Canada)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary.
See the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
The light comes on when the parking brake is
applied, and also warns of a low brake fluid
level. If the light comes on while the engine is
running with the parking brake not applied,
stop the vehicle and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake
fluid as necessary. See ``Brake and
clutch fluid'' in the ``Do-it-yourself opera-
tions'' section.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
1-6
ZX

WARNING
cIf you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station for
repairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be
dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will require
greater pedal effort as well as pedal
travel.
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(If so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong
with the anti-lock portion of the brake sys-
tem. Have the system checked by your
Nissan dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly
doing so may cause the ABS light to stay
on when there is nothing wrong). If the
light stays on, have the system checkedby your NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases, but the regular
braking system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driv-
ing, contact your NISSAN dealer for re-
pair.
O/D OFFOverdrive off indicator light
(Automatic transmission
models only)
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is pushed to the OFF
position.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal lever switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
High beam indicator light
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
Cruise indicator light
(If so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch. Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime sounds when the driver side door is
opened if the headlights or parking lights
are on (ignition switch is turned off).
Turn the headlight control switch off before
you leave the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion,
whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed. Have the brakes checked as soon
as possible if the warning sound is heard.
1-7
ZX

Malfunction indicator light
If the MIL comes on or blinks while the
engine is running, it may indicate a potential
emission control problem.
CAUTION
cContinued operation without having
the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, re-
duced fuel economy, and possible
damage to the emission control sys-
tem which may affect your warranty
coverage.
cAlthough the vehicle is still drive-
able, see your nearest NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible. To avoid
system damage, do not drive at
speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h). If
possible, avoid hard acceleration or
deceleration.The theft warning system provides visual
and audio alarm signals if parts of the
vehicle are disturbed.
How to activate the theft warning
system
1. Close all windows.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Close all doors, hood and trunk lid. Lock
all doors by pressing the
buttonon the
multi-remote controller.At this time,
the turn signal lights blink twice, indicat-
ing all doors are locked.The system can be activated even if the
windows are open.
4. Confirm that the SECURITY indicator
light in the instrument cluster illuminates.
cThe SECURITY light stays on for about
30 seconds and then begins to flash
once every three seconds. The system is
now activated.
The theft warning system is NOT activated if
one of the following occurs:
cThe door is unlocked or the ignition key is
turned to the ACC or ON position during
the 30 seconds in which the SECURITY
light stays on.
cThe SECURITY light blinks at a steady
1/2 second on - 1/2 second off rate
because a door, the trunk, or the hood is
open and the key is not in the ACC or ON
position. When the ignition key is turned
to the ACC or ON position, the SECU-
RITY light turns off.Theft warning system operation
The theft warning system emits the follow-
ing alarm:
cThe headlights blink and the horn sounds
IC0005
THEFT WARNING
(If so equipped)
1-8
ZX

intermittently. In addition, the starter mo-
tor does not operate.
cThe alarm automatically turns off after 2
to 3 minutes. However, the alarm reacti-
vates if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by
unlocking a door or trunk lid with the key
or by pressing the
buttonon the
multi-remote controller.
The alarm is activated by:
copening the door or trunk lid without
using the key (even if the door is un-
locked by releasing the door inside lock
switch) or opening the trunk lid by oper-
ating the opener lever.
copening the hood.
How to stop the alarm
The alarm stops only by unlocking a door or
the trunk lid with the key or by pressing
the
buttonon the multi-remote control-
ler.The alarm does not stop if the ignition
switch is turned to ACC or ON position.
If the system does not operate as de-
scribed above, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.Push the lever down to operate the wiper.
Pull the lever toward you to operate the
washer. The ignition switch must be in the
ON position for the wipers or washer to be
activated. Operating the washer automati-
cally cycles the wipers several times.CAUTION
cDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
cDo not operate the washer if the res-
ervoir tank is empty.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer
solution may freeze on the windshield
and obscure your vision. Warm the
windshield with the defroster before
you wash the windshield.
AIC0629
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCH
1-9
ZX

The cigarette lighter operates when the
ignition switch is in the ACC or ON position.
Push the lighter in all the way. When the
lighter is heated, it springs out.
Return the lighter to its original position after
use.
CAUTION
The cigarette lighter socket is a power
source for the cigarette lighter element
only. The use of the cigarette lighter
socket as a power source for any other
accessory is not recommended.
WARNING
The cigarette lighter should not be
used while driving in order that full
attention may be given to the driving
operation.To open, pull the cup holder.
To close, push the cup holder in fully.
The cup holder and the ashtray cannot be
used at the same time. Close the ashtray
before using the cup holder.
WARNING
cThe driver should not pull out the cup
holder or remove or insert cups into
the cup holder while driving in order
that full attention may be given to the
driving operation.cAvoid abrupt starting and braking
when the cup holder is being used to
prevent spilling the drink. If the liquid
is hot, it can scald you or your pas-
senger.
AIC0087
CUP HOLDER
1-14
ZX

MANUAL WINDOW OPERATION
(If so equipped)
The side windows can be opened or closed
by turning the hand crank on each door. To
open the window, turn the crank counter-
clockwise. To close the window, turn the
crank clockwise.The power windows operate only when the
ignition key is in the ON position.
To open the window, lightly tap the driver
side button until the desired position is
reached. To close the window, lift the switch
upward. The driver side control panel is
equipped with switches to open or close all
the windows.
Locking passengers' windows
When the window lock button is depressed,
only the driver side window can be opened
or closed. Push it again to cancel the win-
dow lock function.The passenger side switch opens or closes
only the corresponding window. To open
the window, push the switch downward. To
close the window, lift the switch upward.
WARNING
cMake sure that all passengers have
their hands, etc. inside the vehicle
before closing the windows.
cDo not leave children unattended in-
side the vehicle. They could unknow-
ingly activate switches.
AIC0630AIC0612AIC0613
POWER WINDOWS
(If so equipped)
1-15
ZX