1997 NISSAN SENTRA brake

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 light
(automatic transmission only)Seat belt warning light
Charge warning lightorMalfunction 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:
,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 almost im-
mediately. Turn off the engine as soon
as it is safe to do so.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a problem with the
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
1-5
ZX

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.
WARNING
cIf the level is below the MINIMUM
mark on the brake fluid reservoir, do
not drive until the brake system has
been checked at a NISSAN dealer.
cYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is
on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed because driving it could
be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something wrong
with the anti-lock portion of the brake sys-
tem. Have the system checked by your
Nissan dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly
doing so may cause the ABS light to stay
on when there is nothing wrong). If the
light stays on, have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, theanti-lock function ceases, but the regular
braking system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
O/D OFFOverdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission
models only)
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is pushed to the OFF
position.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal lever switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
High beam indicator light
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
Cruise indicator light
(if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system.
1-7
ZX

Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch. Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
A chime sounds when the driver side door is
opened if the headlights or parking lights
are on (ignition switch is turned off).
Turn the headlight control switch off before
you leave the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear
warnings. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion,
whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed. Have the brakes checked as soon
as possible if the warning sound is heard.
orMalfunction indi-
cator light (MIL)
If the malfunction indicator light comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running,it may indicate a potential emission control
problem.
The malfunction indicator light will come on
in one of two ways:
1. Malfunction indicator light on steady - An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
2. Malfunction indicator light blinking - An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control sys-
tem. To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
cdo not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
c
avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
cavoid steep uphill grades.
cif possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and come on steady. Have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system, which
may affect your warranty coverage.
Some conditions may cause the malfunc-
tion indicator light to come on steady or
blink. Examples are as follows:
cvehicle ran out of fuel, which caused the
engine to misfire.
cfuel filler cap was left off or improperly
installed, allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere.
If you suspect that you experienced one or
both of the above conditions, drive the ve-
hicle to an authorized NISSAN dealer and
have the vehicle inspected. Avoid any un-
necessary diagnosis during the service by
informing the dealer of the conditions listed
above that may have occurred.
1-8
ZX

Lighting
Turn the switch to theposition:
The front clearance, tail, license plate and
instrument panel lights come on.
Turn the switch to the
position:
The headlights come on and all the other
lights remain on.
To select the high beam function, push the
lever forward. The high beam lights come
on and the indicator light illuminates. Pull it
back to select the low beam.
Passing signal
Pulling and releasing the lever flashes the
headlight high beams on and off.
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT
SYSTEM (for Canada)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a
reduced intensity when the engine is started
with the parking brake released. The day-
time running lights operate with the head-
light switch in the OFF position or in the
position. Turn the headlight switch
to theposition for full illumination
when driving at night.If the parking brake is applied before the
engine is started, the daytime running lights
do not illuminate. The daytime running lights
illuminate once the parking brake is re-
leased. The daytime running lights will re-
main on until the ignition switch is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle are
not on. It is necessary at dusk to turn
on your headlights. Failure to do so
could cause an accident injuring your-
self and others.
AIC0609
HEADLIGHT AND TURN
SIGNAL SWITCH
1-12
ZX

4Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................4-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................4-2
Three way catalyst .................................................4-2
Avoiding collision and rollover................................4-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................4-3
Ignition switch .........................................................4-4
Manual transmission ..............................................4-4
Automatic transmission ..........................................4-4
Before starting the engine ......................................4-5
Driving with automatic transmission
(if so equipped) ......................................................4-6
Driving with manual transmission ..........................4-9Starting the engine ...............................................4-11
Parking brake operation .......................................4-11
Cruise control (if so equipped) .............................4-12
Break-in schedule ................................................4-14
Increasing fuel economy ......................................4-14
Parking/parking on hills ........................................4-15
Power steering system .........................................4-16
Brake system........................................................4-17
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if so equipped) ....................................................4-17
Cold weather driving ............................................4-19
ZX

1) Move the shift lever into the P (Park)
position.
2) Turn the ignition key slightly in the ON
direction.
3) Turn the key toward the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition
switch, the shift lever cannot be moved from
P (Park).The shift lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ACC posi-
tion. The shift lever can also be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position in between LOCK
and ACC, although it does not show on the
key cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF the
steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked,
it must be turned about 1/8 of a turn coun-
terclockwise from the straight up position,
and the key must be removed from the
ignition.
To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. To unlock the steering wheel, insert
the key and turn it gently while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.WARNING
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
Key positions
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
OFF: (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, e.g., each time you
check engine oil.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
4-5
ZX

The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled by the A/T control
unit to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for
this transmission are shown on the following
pages. Follow these procedures for maximum
vehicle performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
cAfter starting the engine, fully depress
the foot brake pedal before shifting the
shift lever to the D, R, 2 or 1 position. Be
sure the vehicle is fully stopped before
attempting to shift the shift lever.
cKeep the foot brake pedal depressed and
shift into a driving gear.
c
Release the foot brake, then gradually
start the vehicle in motion.
The automatic transmission is designed
so the foot brake pedal MUST be de-
pressed before shifting from P to any drive
position while the ignition switch is ON.
The shift lever cannot be moved out of P
and into any of the other gear positions if
the ignition key is turned to LOCK or if
the key is removed.When the battery charge is low, the shift
lever can be moved if the ignition switch
is in the ACC position.
WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P or N to R, D, 2
or 1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose con-
trol and have an accident.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
cNever shift to P or R while the ve-
hicle is moving. This could cause an
accident.
cOn slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.
CAUTION
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
DRIVING WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
(if so equipped)
4-6
ZX

Shifting with automatic transmission
Push the button to shift into P, R or from D
to 2. All other positions can be selected
without pushing the button.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle
is parked or when starting the engine. Al-
ways be sure the vehicle is at a complete
stop. For maximum safety, depress the
brake pedal, then push in the shift lever
button and move the lever to the P position.
Apply the parking brake. When parking on a
hill, apply the parking brake first, then shift
the lever into the P position.
Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the shift lever still cannot be moved out of P
(Park), follow these instructions:
1. Shut the engine off and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the key and turn it clockwise to
the ACC position.
4.
Depress the brake pedal, move the shift
lever to N (Neutral) and start the engine.
5. Check stop lights operation.
WARNING
If the shift lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in
N (Neutral) should only be used until service
can be obtained. Never drive the vehicle if
the stop lights are not operating properly.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. With the
brake pedal depressed, push in the shift
lever button and move the lever to the R
position.
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is en-
gaged. The engine can be started in this
position. You may shift to N and restart a
stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
ASD0612
4-7
ZX