1997 NISSAN SENTRA Light

CAUTION
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
Passenger compartment
If any electrical equipment does not oper-
ate, check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the head-
light switch are OFF.
2. Open the fuse box cover.3. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
5. If a new fuse also opens, have the elec-
trical system checked and repaired by
your NISSAN dealer.
ADI0655
7-24
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

Replacement procedures
All other lights are either type A, B, C or D.
When replacing a bulb, first remove the lens
and/or cover.
MDI0006
7-28
ZX

FRONT FOG LIGHT BULB
REPLACEMENT (if so equipped)
1. Use a Phillip's head screwdriver to re-
move the trim plate and the anchoring
screws on the fog lamp assembly.
2. Move the fog lamp assembly towards the
center of the vehicle and pull out to
expose the rear of the assembly.
3. Remove the retaining ring from the fog
lamp assembly.
4. Remove the bulb cover.
5. Lift the spring retainer.
6. Remove the fog lamp bulb.
ADI0651
7-31
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

of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index). How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-
Knock Index) in high altitude areas (over
4,000 ft [1,219 m]) such as: Colorado, Mon-
tana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, north-
eastern Nevada, southern Idaho, western
South Dakota, western Nebraska, and that
part of Texas which is directly south of New
Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy ``spark knock.'' (``Spark
knock'' is a metallic rapping noise.) If
severe, this can lead to engine damage. If
you detect a persistent heavy spark
knock even when using gasoline of the
stated octane rating, or if you hear steady
spark knock while holding a steady
speed on level roads, have your dealer
correct the condition. Failure to correct
the condition is misuse of the vehicle, for
which NISSAN is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing results in knocking,
after-run and/or overheating. This in turn
may cause excessive fuel consumption or
damage to the engine. If any of the above
symptoms are encountered, have your ve-hicle checked at a NISSAN dealer or other
competent service facility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is
not a cause for concern, because you
get the greatest fuel benefit when there
is light spark knock for a short time
under heavy engine load.
9-4
ZX