1997 NISSAN SENTRA Battery

cWhenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye pro-
tectors (e.g., goggles or industrial
safety spectacles) and remove rings,
metal bands, or any other jewelry.
Do not lean over the battery when
jump starting.
cDo not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
cYour vehicle has an automatic en-
gine cooling fan. It could come on at
any time. Keep hands and other ob-
jects away from it.
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1.
If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their
batteries into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift
lever to Neutral (on automatic transmis-
sion models, move the lever to P). Switch
off all unnecessary electrical systems
(lights, heater, air conditioner, etc.).3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence
illustrated.
CAUTION
cAlways connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (þ) to body
ground (e.g., strut mounting bolt,
etc.Ðnot to the battery).
ACE0602
5-8
ZX

7Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance precautions .......................................7-2
Engine compartment check locations -
GA engine .............................................................7-3
Engine compartment check locations -
SR engine ..............................................................7-4
Engine cooling system ...........................................7-5
Checking engine coolant level ...............................7-5
Changing engine coolant .......................................7-6
Engine oil ...............................................................7-8
Checking engine oil level .......................................7-8
Changing engine oil ...............................................7-9
Changing engine oil filter .....................................7-10
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ......................7-11
Temperature conditions for checking ATF ...........7-12
Power steering fluid..............................................7-13
Brake fluid ............................................................7-14
Window washer fluid ............................................7-14
Battery ..................................................................7-15Jump starting ........................................................7-16
Drive belts ............................................................7-17
Spark plug replacement .......................................7-18
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................7-19
Wiper 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
Headlights ............................................................7-25
Headlight aiming adjustment ................................7-26
Bulb replacement .................................................7-26
Front fog light bulb replacement (if so
equipped) .............................................................7-31
Wheels and tires ..................................................7-32
ZX

When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take
care to prevent serious accidental injury to
yourself or damage to the vehicle. The
following are general precautions which
should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the gearshift
control lever to Neutral (N). For an
automatic transmission, move the
shift lever to P (Park).
cBe sure the ignition key is OFF when
performing any parts replacement or
repairs.
cBe sure to turn the ignition key to the
OFF or LOCK position. When the
ignition key is in the ON or ACC
position, the cooling fan may start to
operate suddenly even when the en-
gine is not running.cIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
cIt is advisable to remove ties and any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.,
before working on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases.
cNever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) sys-
tem, the fuel filter or fuel lines
should be serviced by a NISSAN
dealer because the fuel lines are
under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.
cNever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion is ON.
c
Avoid contact with used motor oil.
Improperly disposed motor oil and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the en-
vironment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section
gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner
to perform.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by your NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONS
7-2
ZX

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 antifreeze.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for
the mixture ratio.
CAUTION
Do not substitute engine antifreeze
coolant for windshield washer solution.
This may result in damage to the paint.cKeep the battery surface clean and dry.
Any corrosion should be washed off with
a solution of baking soda and water.
cMake certain the terminal connections
are clean and securely tightened.
cIf the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days
or longer, disconnect the negative (þ)
battery terminal cable to prevent dis-
charge.
WARNING
cDo not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by battery action is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention.
cWhen working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
cKeep the battery out of the reach of
children.
Type 1
1. To remove the cap, gently pry between
the battery cap and cover as illustrated.
Use a cloth to protect the battery case.
ADI0616
BATTERY
7-15
ZX

2. Check the fluid level in each cell.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only
distilled water to bring the level up to the
OK level indicator in each filler opening.
Do not overfill.Type 2
1. To remove the caps, use a screwdriver.
2. Check the fluid level in each cell.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only
distilled water to bring the level up to the
OK indicator in each filler opening.Do
not overfill.
JUMP STARTING
If jump starting is necessary, see the ``In
case of emergency'' section. If the engine
does not start by jump starting, the battery
may have to be replaced. Contact your
NISSAN dealer.
ADI0617ADI0641
7-16
ZX

HEADLIGHTS
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type
which uses a replaceable headlight (halo-
gen) bulb. A bulb can be replaced from
inside the engine compartment without re-
moving the headlight assembly.
CAUTION
cHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb
may break if the glass envelope is
scratched or the bulb is dropped.
cWhen handling the bulb, do not
touch the glass envelope.
Removing the headlight bulb
1. Open the engine hood.
2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
3. If removing the right-hand (passenger
side) headlight bulb, it is necessary to
first reposition the engine coolant reser-
voir.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from
the rear end of the bulb.
5. Push down spring retainer.6. Pull out the headlight bulb and socket as
an assembly. Do not shake or rotate the
bulb when removing it. Do not handle the
glass envelope.
Replacing the headlight bulb
1. Insert the bulb and socket assembly into
the headlight.
DO NOT TOUCH THE BULB.
2. Install the spring retainer.
3. Push the electrical connector into the
bulb plastic base until it snaps and stops.
4. If installing the right-hand (passenger
side) headlight bulb, be sure to reposition
the engine coolant reservoir.
5. Connect the negative (-) battery cable.
6. Close the engine hood.
CAUTION
cUse the same number and wattage
as originally installed:
Wattage 65/45
Bulb no. 9004
ADI0607
LIGHT BULBS
7-25
ZX

with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ``Park'' mecha-
nism ÐOn 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, such as 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* ÐCheck for
adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level* ÐCheck the cool-
ant level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hoses ÐCheck 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* ÐMake sure the brake
and clutch fluid level is between the MAX
and MIN lines on the reservoir.Battery* ÐCheck the fluid level in each
cell.
Engine drive belts* ÐMake sure no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level* ÐCheck the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait a few minutes
for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
Power steering fluid level* and lines Ð
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* Ð
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling.
Exhaust system ÐMake sure there are no
cracks, holes, loose joints or supports. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected by
a qualified individual. (See the carbon mon-
oxide warning in the ``Starting and driving''
section.)
Underbody ÐThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. Itis very important to remove these sub-
stances, otherwise rust forms on the floor
pan, 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 leaks ÐCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for awhile. 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

Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in the ready condition for
an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition
when it is driven through certain driving
patterns. Usually, the ready condition can
be obtained by ordinary usage of the ve-
hicle.
If a powertrain system component is re-
paired or the battery is disconnected, the
vehicle may be reset to a not ready condi-
tion. Before taking the I/M test, drive the
vehicle through the following pattern to set
the vehicle to the ready condition. If you
cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for
you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe man-
ner according to traffic conditions and
obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C.
Allow the engine to idle until the gaugeneedle points between the C and H (nor-
mal operating temperature).
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (89
km/h), then quickly release the accelera-
tor pedal completely and keep it released
for at least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for
a moment, then drive the vehicle at a
speed of 53 to 60 mph (85 to 96 km/h) for
at least 5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 at least one
more time.
If step 1, 2 or 3 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is
acceptable between steps. Do not stop the
engine until step 3 is completed.
READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) TEST
9-19
ZX