1996 NISSAN SENTRA washer fluid

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

1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
Driving on snow or ice
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have a lot less traction or ``grip'' under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
cWhatever the condition, drive with
caution and accelerate gently. If accel-
erated too fast, the drive wheels will
spin and will lose even more traction.
cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
Engine block heater
WARNING
Do not use your heater (if so equipped)
with an ungrounded electrical system
or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. You
can be injured by an electrical shock if
you use an ungrounded connection.
4-19
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

cDo not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, wash with water.
For USA
Fill the window washer fluid reservoir peri-
odically. Perform the refilling operation
more often under driving conditions that
require an increased amount of window
washer fluid.
To fill the window washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir tank and pour the
window washer fluid into the tank opening.
Add a washer solvent to the water for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a wind-
shield washer anti-freeze. Follow the manu-
facturer's instructions for the mixture ratio.
Canada Only
Add fluid when the low washer fluid warning
light comes on. Add a washer solvent to the
water for better cleaning. In the winter sea-
son, add a windshield washer anti-freeze.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
the mixture ratio.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine anti-freeze
coolant for windshield washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.
ADI0618
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
7-14
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

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

Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Push starting ................................................ 5-8
Q
Quick reference (See gas station information)
R
Radio
AM-FM radio ......................................... 3-11
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 3-13
CB radio or car phone .......................... 3-18
Rear seat ................................................... 2-15
Rear window defogger switch ................... 1-10
Refrigerant recommendation ....................... 9-8
Registering your vehicle in
another country .......................................... 9-11
Remote keyless entry system (See multi-
remote control system)
Reporting safety defects (USA) ................. 9-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-7
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............ 9-19
Seat adjustment ......................................... 2-13
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 2-22
Seat belt extenders .............................. 2-27Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-27
Seat belts.............................................. 2-22
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........... 2-25
2-point type without retractor
(rear center lap belt) ............................. 2-26
3-point type with retractor..................... 2-23
Seats
Front seats............................................ 2-13
Rear seat .............................................. 2-15
Service manual order form ........................ 9-20
Shifting ......................................................... 4-7
Spark plug replacement............................. 7-18
Speedometer ............................................... 1-3
SRS warning label ..................................... 2-20
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 4-5
Jump starting .......................................... 5-7
Precautions when starting and driving ... 4-2
Push starting........................................... 5-8
Starting the engine ............................... 4-11
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 7-13
Tilting steering wheel............................ 2-34
Sun roof ..................................................... 1-16
Supplemental restraint system
(Air bag system) (If so equipped) .............. 2-15
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-16
Front fog light switch ............................ 1-12
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-13
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-11
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4Overdrive switch ..................................... 4-8
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-10
Windshield wiper and washer switch ..... 1-9
T
Tachometer .................................................. 1-3
Theft warning ............................................... 1-8
Three way catalyst....................................... 4-2
Tilting front seat ......................................... 2-14
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 2-34
Timing chain ................................................ 9-9
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 5-2
Tire chains ............................................ 7-33
Tire placard........................................... 9-13
Tire pressure ........................................ 7-32
Tire rotation .......................................... 7-33
Types of tires ........................................ 7-32
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-18
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 9-10
Wheels and tires................................... 7-32
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 5-10
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-15
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-16
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid ................. 7-11
Driving with automatic
transmission............................................ 4-6
10-4
ZX