1996 NISSAN SENTRA ratio

Foreword
Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you understand the operation and maintenance of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of
driving pleasure. Please read through this manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate ``Warranty Information Booklet'' explains details about the warranties covering your vehicle.
Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best. When you require any service or have any questions, he will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to him.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these five important driving rules to help ensure a safe and
complete trip for you and your passengers!
cNEVER drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
cALWAYS observe posted speed limits and never drive too
fast for conditions.
cALWAYS use your seat belts and appropriate child restraint
systems.
cALWAYS provide information about the proper use of ve-
hicle safety features to all occupants of the vehicle.
cALWAYS review this Owner's Manual for important safety
information.
1996 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA
All rights reserved. No part of this Owner's Manual may be reproduced
or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Nissan North America, Inc.
NOTES ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN
THIS OWNER'S MANUAL
This owner's manual contains descriptions and operating
instructions for all systems, features and optional equipment
that might appear in any model of this vehicle built for any
destination in North America, including the continental United
States, Canada and Hawaii. Therefore, you may very well find
information in this manual that does not apply to your vehicle.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified. Modification could affect its
performance, safety or durability, and may even violate govern-
mental regulations. In addition, damage or performance prob-
lems resulting from modifications may not be covered under
NISSAN warranties.
All information, specifications and illustrations in this manual are
those in effect at the time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right to
change specifications or design without notice and without obligation.
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
ZB13-DX

Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new Nissan is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economi-
cal transportation. Your vehicle is the product of
a successful worldwide company that manufac-
tures cars and trucks in over 20 countries and
distributes them in 150 nations.
Nissan vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and Nissan affiliates world
wide, collectively growing to become the fourth
largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars
and trucks, Nissan also makes textile machinery,
forklift trucks, marine engines, boats and other
products.
Nissan has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America, starting with the
opening of Nissan Motor Corporation in U.S.A. in1960 and continuing with the production of some
cars and trucks at one of the world's most
modern manufacturing facilities in Smyrna, Ten-
nessee, vehicle styling at Nissan Design Interna-
tional in San Diego, California, and engineering
at Nissan Research and Development in Farm-
ington Hills, Michigan.
Nissan Motor Corporation in U.S.A. and its deal-
ers employ about 50,000 Americans.
Nissan is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc. and its
200 dealers and suppliers employ approximately
4,000 people. These include company employ-
ees and the staffs of Nissan dealers all across
Canada. In addition, many Canadians work for
companies that supply Nissan and Nissan deal-
ers with materials and services ranging fromoperation of port facilities and transportation ser-
vices, to the supply of lubricants, parts and
accessories.
Nissan pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new Nissan,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. Nissan also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your Nissan to
your dealer for maintenance, the service techni-
cian will perform his work according to the quality
standards that have been established by the
factory.
Safety has also been built into your Nissan. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the belts every time
you drive the vehicle.
AFW0001
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
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NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE PROGRAM
NISSAN CARES ...
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with
your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist
you with all your automobile sales and service needs.
However, if there is something that your NISSAN
dealer cannot assist you with or you would like to
provide NISSAN directly with comments or questions,
please contact our (NISSAN's) Consumer Affairs De-
partment using our toll-free number:
For U.S. mainland customers
1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-7261)
For Hawaii customers
(808) 531-0231 (Oahu Number)
For Canada customers
1-800-387-0122
The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for the following infor-
mation:
Ð Your name, address, and telephone number
Ð Vehicle identification number (on dashboard)
Ð Date of purchase
Ð Current odometer reading
Ð Your NISSAN dealer's name
Ð Your comments or questionsOR
You can write to NISSAN with the information on the left at:
For U.S. mainland and Alaska customers
Nissan Motor Corporation in U.S.A.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, California 90247
For Hawaii customers
Nissan Motor Corporation in Hawaii
2880 Kilihau St.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96819
For Canada customers
Nissan Canada Inc.
P.O. Box 1709, Station ``B''
Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 4H6
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.
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ContentsInstruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio system
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and interior care
Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance schedule
Technical and consumer information
Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

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
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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
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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
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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
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