1997 NISSAN SENTRA Headlight

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

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

cAiming is not necessary after replac-
ing the bulb.
cDo not leave the bulb out of the
headlight reflector for a long period
of time as dust, moisture, and smoke
may enter the headlight body and
affect the performance of the head-
light.
Before adjusting the headlights, make sure
all of the tires are properly inflated, the
vehicle is on level ground and there is no
excess weight in the vehicle that would
affect the level of the vehicle.
First, open the hood.
The vertical adjustment bolt is behind the
headlight. Turn the adjustment bolt clock-
wise to raise the headlight beam. Turn the
adjustment bolt counterclockwise to lower
the headlight beam.
The horizontal adjustment bolt is also be-
hind the headlight. Turn the adjustment boltclockwise to turn the headlight beam left,
and turn it counterclockwise to turn the
headlight beam right.
BULB REPLACEMENT
ItemWattage
(W)Bulb No.
Front combination light 27/8 1157NA
Rear combination light
Turn signal 27 1156
Stop/Tail 27/8 1157
Back-up (Sentra) 13 912
Back-up (200SX) 27 1156
License plate light 5 168
High-mounted stop
light13 912
Trunk lid-mounted
stop light13 912
Front fog lamp 35H3
(Special)
Interior light 8
Trunk light 3.4 158
ADI0619
HEADLIGHT AIMING
ADJUSTMENT
7-26
ZX

WARNING
cAfter rotating the tires, adjust the tire
pressure.
cRetighten the wheel nuts after the
wheels have been run for the first
600 miles (1,000 km) (also in cases of
a flat tire, etc.).
cDo not include the T-type spare tire
in the tire rotation.
Tire wear and damage
WARNING
c
Tires should be periodically inspected
for wear, cracking, bulging, or objects
caught in the tread. If excessive wear,
cracks, bulging, or deep cuts are
found, the tire should be replaced.
cThe original tires have a built-in
tread wear indicator. When the wear
indicator is visible, the tire should be
replaced.
c
Improper service for a T-type spare tiremay result in serious personal injury. If
it is necessary to repair the T-type
spare tire, contact your NISSAN dealer.
Changing tires and wheels
When replacing a tire, use the same size,
speed rating and load carrying capacity as
originally equipped. Recommended types
and sizes are shown in ``Wheels and tires'' in
the ``Technical and consumer information''
section.
WARNING
cThe use of tires other than those
recommended, or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construc-
tion (bias, bias-belted or radial), or
tread patterns can adversely affect
the ride, braking, handling, ground
clearance, body-to-tire clearance,
snow chain clearance, speedometer
calibration, headlight aim and
bumper height. Some of these ef-
fects may lead to accidents and
could result in serious personal
injury.MDI0004
7-34
ZX

Tire rotation* ÐTires should be rotated
every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Wheel alignment and balance ÐIf the
vehicle should pull to either side while driv-
ing on a straight and level road, or if you
detect uneven or abnormal tire wear, there
may be a need for wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing
may be needed.
Windshield wiper blades* ÐCheck for
cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Doors and engine hood ÐCheck that all
doors and the engine hood operate prop-
erly. Also ensure that all latches lock se-
curely. Lubricate hinges, latches, rollers and
links if necessary. Make sure the secondary
latch keeps the hood from opening when
the primary latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or
other corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights* ÐMake sure the headlights, stop
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlight aim.INSIDE THE VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked on a regular basis, such as
when performing periodic maintenance,
cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Warning lights and chimes ÐMake sure
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer* ÐCheck
that the wipers and washer operate properly
and that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster ÐCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheel ÐCheck for changes in
the steering conditions, such as excessive
freeplay, hard steering or strange noises.
Seats ÐCheck seat position controls such
as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up anddown smoothly and the locks hold securely
in all latched positions.
Seat belts ÐCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g., buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.
Accelerator pedal ÐCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mats away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal* ÐMake sure the pedal
operates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
Brakes ÐCheck that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal* ÐCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed
fully. Check the brake booster function. Be
certain to keep floor mats away from the
pedal.
Parking brake* ÐCheck that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
8-3
ZX

D
Daytime running light system (Canada
only) ........................................................... 1-12
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-11
Dimensions and weights.............................. 9-9
Door ajar warning light ................................ 1-6
Door locks .................................................... 2-2
Drive belts .................................................. 7-17
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 4-19
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-9
Precautions when starting and
driving ..................................................... 4-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 4-14
Emission control information label............. 9-12
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-18
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 ....................... 7-8Engine 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 pressure warning light ........... 1-5
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-5
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
Engine specifications .............................. 9-8
Starting the engine ............................... 4-11
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 4-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 1-14
Flat tire ......................................................... 5-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 6-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 7-11
Brake fluid............................................. 7-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
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 ..................... 9-11
Front fog light switch ................................. 1-13
Front seats ................................................. 2-12Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 4-14
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 2-10
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 2-10
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-3
Fuses ......................................................... 7-23
Fusible links ............................................... 7-23
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-3
Fuel gauge.............................................. 1-4
Speedometer .......................................... 1-3
Tachometer............................................. 1-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 1-3
General maintenance .................................. 8-2
Glove box..................................................... 2-8
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 1-14
Head restraints .......................................... 2-14
Headlight aiming adjustment ..................... 7-26
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 1-12
Headlights .................................................. 7-25
10-2
ZX

Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
Heater operation ..................................... 3-4
Heater operation .......................................... 3-4
Hood release ............................................... 2-7
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 4-4
Increasing fuel economy............................ 4-14
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 1-5
Inside mirror ............................................... 2-39
Instrument brightness control .................... 1-13
Interior light ................................................ 1-18
J
Jump starting ............................................... 5-7
K
Key ............................................................... 2-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 2-3L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-12
Emission control information label........ 9-12
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................ 9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ...................................................... 9-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-22
License plate
Installing the license plate .................... 9-13
Light
Air bag warning light ..................... 1-6, 2-22
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 7-26
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 1-5
Front fog light switch ............................ 1-13
Headlight aiming adjustment ................ 7-26
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-12
Headlights ............................................. 7-25
Interior light ........................................... 1-18
Light bulbs ............................................ 7-25
Trunk light ............................................. 1-19
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-5
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 2-6
Door locks............................................... 2-2
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 2-10
Power door lock...................................... 2-3
Trunk lid lock opener lever ..................... 2-8
Luggage (See vehicle loading
information ................................................. 9-13M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 8-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 7-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 8-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 8-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 2-30
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator light ............................ 1-8
Manual antenna ......................................... 3-14
Manual windows ........................................ 1-16
Meters and gauges ...................................... 1-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 2-39
Outside mirror control ........................... 2-38
Vanity mirror ......................................... 2-39
Multi-remote control system ........................ 2-3
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ........ 9-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine oil................................ 7-9
Changing engine oil filter...................... 7-10
Checking engine oil level ....................... 7-8
Engine oil ................................................ 7-8
10-3
ZX

Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-12
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 4-8
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-11
Windshield wiper and washer
switch .................................................... 1-10
T
Tachometer .................................................. 1-3
Theft warning ............................................... 1-9
Three way catalyst....................................... 4-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 2-37
Timing chain ................................................ 9-8
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 5-2
Spare tire....................................... 5-3, 7-35
Tire chains ............................................ 7-33
Tire placard........................................... 9-12
Tire pressure ........................................ 7-32
Tire rotation .......................................... 7-33
Types of tires ........................................ 7-32
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-17
Wheels and tires................................... 7-32
Wheel/tire size ........................................ 9-9
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 5-11
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-15
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-14
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 7-11
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-9
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)......................................... 9-10
Trip odometer .............................................. 1-3
Trunk lid lock opener lever .......................... 2-8
Trunk light .................................................. 1-19
U
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-17
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 2-39
Vehicle dimensions and weights ................. 9-9
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ....................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ........................................................... 9-10
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 5-12
Ventilators .................................................... 3-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ..................... 1-6, 2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-14
Theft warning .......................................... 1-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-22
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-5
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ...... 9-9Wheels and tires ........................................ 7-32
Wheel/tire size ............................................. 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country ...................................... 9-10
Window washer fluid.................................. 7-14
Windows
Locking passengers' windows .............. 1-16
Manual windows ................................... 1-16
Power windows..................................... 1-16
Rear power windows ............................ 1-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-10
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer
switch .................................................... 1-10
Wiper blades......................................... 7-20
10-5
ZX