1997 NISSAN SENTRA cooling

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

The engine cooling system is filled at the
factory with a high-quality, year-round, anti-
freeze coolant solution. The anti-freeze so-
lution contains rust and corrosion inhibitors,
therefore additional cooling system addi-
tives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only an ethylene glycol
anti-freeze with the proper mixture ratio
of 50% anti-freeze and 50% distilled
water. The use of other types of coolant
solutions may damage your cooling
system.
Outside tempera-
ture down toAnti-
freezeDistilled
water
ÉC ÉF
þ35 þ30 50% 50%
WARNING
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Wait until the en-
gine and radiator cool down. Seriousburns could be caused by high pres-
sure fluid escaping from the
radiator.
cSee precautions in ``If your vehicle
overheats'' found in the ``In case of
emergency'' section.
cThe radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. Use a genuine NISSAN cap
or its equivalent when replacement
is required.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
With coolant reservoir
Check the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level
is below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX
level. If the reservoir tank is empty, check
the coolant level in the radiatorwhen the
engine is cold.If there is insufficient cool-
ant in the radiator, fill the radiator with
coolant up to the filler opening and also add
it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
DI1210M
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
7-5
ZX

If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
cMajor cooling system repairs should be
performed by your NISSAN dealer. The
service procedures can be found in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.cImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine over-
heating.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
DI1211M
7-6
ZX

1. Move the heater or air conditioner tem-
perature control dial to the maximum hot
position.
2. Open the radiator drain plug. Open the
drain plug on the engine block.3. Open the radiator cap to drain the cool-
ant.
4. Flush the cooling system by running
fresh water through the radiator.
5. Close the drain plugs on the radiator and
the engine block securely.
6. See the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section for cooling system ca-
pacity. Fill the radiator slowly with the
proper mixture of coolant and water. Fill
the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
7. Open and close the air release plug(s) to
release air. Then fill the radiator again
and install the radiator cap.
8. Start the engine, and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature.
Then race the engine 2 or 3 times under
no load. Watch the coolant temperature
gauge for signs of overheating.
ADI0632
ADI0615
7-7
ZX

Additional information on the following
items with ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself operations'' section.
Emission control system
maintenance
Drive belts* ÐCheck drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper tension.
Replace the drive belts if found damaged.
Air cleaner filter ÐUnder normal driving
conditions, the air cleaner filter should be
replaced in accordance with the maintenance
schedule. However, driving the vehicle in
dusty areas may cause more rapid clogging
of the element. Consequently, the element
may have to be replaced more frequently.
Vapor lines ÐCheck vapor lines and con-
nections for failure or looseness. If leaks are
found, replace them.
Fuel lines ÐCheck the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. Replace any parts if they are
damaged.
Fuel filter ÐIf the vehicle is operated under
extremely adverse weather conditions or in
areas where ambient temperatures are ei-
ther extremely low or extremely high, thefilter might become clogged. In such an
event, replace the filter immediately.
Engine coolant* ÐDrain and flush the
cooling system.
Engine oil & oil filter* ÐUnder normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs* ÐReplace with new plugs
having the correct heat range.
Intake & exhaust valve clearance Ð
Check and adjust the valve clearance.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cables ÐCheck the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.
Brake pads, discs, drums & linings Ð
Check these and the other neighboring brake
components for wear, deterioration and
leaks. Under severe driving conditions, they
may have to be inspected more frequently.
Manual & automatic transmission fluid*
ÐCheck the fluid level and visually inspect
for signs of leakage.
Under severe driving conditions, the fluid
should be replaced at the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspen-
sion parts, and drive shaft boots Ð
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, more frequent inspection should be
performed.
Steering linkage ball joints & front sus-
pension ball joints ÐCheck the ball joints
for damage, looseness and grease leakage.
Exhaust system ÐVisually check the ex-
haust pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abra-
sion, deterioration, etc. Under severe
driving conditions, inspection should be per-
formed more frequently.
Supplemental air bag system (if so
equipped) ÐCheck the supplemental air
bag system components for proper attach-
ment, damage, deformities, cracks, rust,
etc. Work around and on the supplemental
air bag system should be done by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
EXPLANATION OF
MAINTENANCE ITEMS
8-10
ZX

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the ``Do-it-yourself operations'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended specifications
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 13-1/4 gal 11 gal 50 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil (Refill)
With oil filter GA16DE 3-3/8 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.2
API SG or SH and Energy Conserving II*2
API Certification Mark *2 SR20DE 3-5/8 qt 3 qt 3.4
Without oil filter GA16DE 3 qt 2-1/2 qt 2.8
SR20DE 3-3/8 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.2
Cooling system
With reservoir
Antifreeze coolant
(Ethylene glycol base) Manual transmission: SR20DE 6-1/2 qt 5-1/2 qt 6.2
GA16DE 5-1/2 qt 4-5/8 qt 5.2
Automatic transmission: SR20DE 6-1/2 qt 5-1/2 qt 6.2
GA16DE 6 qt 5 qt 5.7
Manual transmission gear oilRS5F31A 6-1/8 - 6-3/4 pt 5-1/8 - 5-5/8 pt 2.9 - 3.2
API GL-4*3
RS5F32V 7-7/8 - 8-1/4 pt 6-1/2 - 6-7/8 pt 3.7 - 3.9
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine Nissan Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid (Canada).*4
Power steering fluidType DEXRON
TMIIE, DEXRONTMIII or equivalent.
Brake fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant Ð Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricantsNissan A/C System Lubricant Type R or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation.''
*2: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.''
*3: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE viscosity number.''
*4: Dexronž III/Merconž or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for more information
regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of Dexronž III/Merconž or Dexronž IIE/Merconž Automatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your Nissan dealer.
*6: For further details, see ªAir conditioner specification label.º
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
9-2
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