1997 NISSAN SENTRA hood release

2Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Key .........................................................................2-2
Door locks ..............................................................2-2
Power door lock (if so equipped) ...........................2-3
Multi-remote control system (if so equipped).........2-3
Battery replacement ...............................................2-5
Child safety rear door lock (4-door only) ...............2-6
Hood release ..........................................................2-7................2-7
Glove box ...............................................................2-8
Trunk lid lock operation ..........................................2-8
Opener cancel lever for trunk lid (if so
equipped) ...............................................................2-9
Fuel filler lid lock operation ..................................2-10
Fuel filler cap ........................................................2-10
Front seats ...........................................................2-12
Seat adjustment ...................................................2-12
Tilting front seat (2-door model)...........................2-14
Head restraints .....................................................2-14
Rear seat ..............................................................2-15
Supplemental restraint system (supplemental
air bag system) (if so equipped) ..........................2-16Supplemental air bag system
(if so equipped) ....................................................2-20
Warning labels (if so equipped) ...........................2-22
Supplemental air bag warning light (if so
equipped) .............................................................2-22
Seat belts .............................................................2-24
Precautions on seat belt usage ...........................2-24
Child safety...........................................................2-26
3-point type with retractor ....................................2-27
2-point type without retractor (rear center lap
belt).......................................................................2-29
Seat belt extenders ..............................................2-30
Seat belt maintenance .........................................2-30
Child restraints for infants and small children......2-31
Top strap child restraint .......................................2-34
Tilting steering wheel ...........................................2-37
Outside mirror control...........................................2-38
Inside mirror .........................................................2-39
Vanity mirror (if so equipped)...............................2-39
ZX

1. Pull the hood lock release handles1
located below the instrument panel. The
hood springs up slightly.
2. Pull up on the lever
s2at the front of the
hood with your fingertips and raise the
hood.
3. Insert the support rod into the slot
marked with the arrow on the underside
of the hood.
4. When closing the hood, reset the support
rod to its original position, lower the hood
to approximately 12 inches above the
latch and release it. This allows proper
engagement of the hood latch.
WARNING
cMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the
hood to fly open and result in an
accident.
cIf you see steam or smoke coming
from the engine compartment, to
avoid injury do not open the hood.
SPA0004APD0618
HOOD RELEASE
2-7
ZX

and releases hydraulic pressure (like pump-
ing the brakes very quickly). While the ac-
tuator is working, you may feel a pulsation in
the brake pedal and hear a noise or vibra-
tion from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock
system is working properly. However, the
pulsation may indicate that road conditions
are hazardous and extra care is required
while driving.
Self-test feature
The anti-lock brake system is sophisticated,
with electronic sensors, electric pumps, and
hydraulic solenoids controlled by a com-
puter. The computer has a built-in diagnos-
tic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle at
a low speed in forward or reverse. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a ``clunk''
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of any malfunction. If the computer
senses any malfunction, it switches the anti-
lock brake system OFF and turns on the
ABS brake warning light in the dashboard.
The brake system then operates normally,
but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check orwhile driving, take your vehicle to your NIS-
SAN dealer for repair at your earliest con-
venience.
WARNING
cThe anti-lock brake system is a so-
phisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from care-
less or dangerous driving tech-
niques. It can help maintain vehicle
control during braking on slippery
surfaces, but remember that the
stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces, even with the anti-lock
system. Stopping distances may
also be longer on rough, gravel or
snow covered roads, or if you are
using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in
front of you. Ultimately, the respon-
sibility for safety of self and others
rests in the hands of the driver.
cTire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all 4 wheels.c
When installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. For tire
placard location information, refer to
``Tire placard'' in the Owner's Manual
index.
cRefer to ``Wheels and tires'' in the
``Do-it-yourself operations'' section
of this manual.
4-18
ZX

If you wax the surface of the hood, be
careful not to let wax get into the washer
nozzle. This may cause clogging or im-
proper windshield washer operation. If wax
gets into the nozzle, remove it with a needle
or small pin.From the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the
number of clicks is out of the range listed
above, see your NISSAN dealer.With the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and
the metal floor. If it is out of the range shown
above, see your NISSAN dealer.
Self-adjusting brakes
Your vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The front (and rear, if equipped) disc-type
brakes self-adjust every time the brake
pedal is applied. The rear drum-type brakes
also self-adjust every time the brake pedal
is applied.
If the brake pedal goes down farther thanADI0613
ADI0629DI1020M
PARKING BRAKE CHECK BRAKE PEDAL
7-21
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

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