1997 NISSAN SENTRA index

ContentsInstruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio system
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and interior care
Do-it-yourself operations
Maintenance schedule
Technical and consumer information
Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

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

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
All models are designed to operate on
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
(Research octane number 91).
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control devices and systems, and
could also affect the warranty
coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this
will damage the three way catalyst.
Reformulated Gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing re-
formulated gasolines. These gasolines are
specially designed to reduce vehicle emis-
sions. NISSAN supports efforts towards
cleaner air and suggests that you use refor-
mulated gasoline when available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE andmethanol with or without advertising their
presence. NISSAN does not recommend
the use of fuels of which the oxygenate
content and the fuel compatibility for your
NISSAN cannot be readily determined. If in
doubt, ask your service station manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please
take the following precautions as the usage
of such fuels may cause vehicle performance
problems and/or fuel system damage.
cThe fuel should be unleaded and
have an octane rating no lower than
that recommended for unleaded
gasoline.
cIf an oxygenate-blend other than a
methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
cIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It
should also contain a suitable
amount of appropriate cosolvents
and corrosion inhibitors. If not prop-
erly formulated with appropriate co-
solvents and corrosion inhibitors,such methanol blends may cause
fuel system damage and/or vehicle
performance problems. At this time,
sufficient data is not available to en-
sure that all methanol blends are suit-
able for use in NISSAN vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine
stalling and hard hot-starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels,
immediately change to a non-oxygenate
fuel or a fuel with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during
refueling. Gasoline containing oxygen-
ates can cause paint damage.
After Market Fuel Additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of
any fuel additives (i.e., fuel injector cleaners,
octane boosters, intake valve deposit re-
movers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain ac-
tive solvents or similar ingredients that can
be harmful to the fuel system and engine.
Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should
use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating
9-3
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

10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ...................................................... 2-16
Air bag warning light .......................... 1-6, 2-22
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 7-19
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 3-5
Air conditioner specification label ......... 9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations.................. 9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
Servicing air conditioner ......................... 3-9
Air flow charts .............................................. 3-6
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............... 1-9
Anchor point locations ............................... 2-35
Antenna (manual) ...................................... 3-14
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 4-17
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 1-7
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 1-14
Audio system
AM-FM radio with cassette
player........................................... 3-11, 3-13
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 1-17
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 7-11
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6B
Battery........................................................ 7-15
Before starting the engine ........................... 4-5
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 7-17
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 4-17
Brake booster ....................................... 7-22
Brake fluid............................................. 7-14
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 7-26
Brake pedal .......................................... 7-21
Brake system ........................................ 4-17
Brake warning light ................................. 1-7
Brake wear indicators ................... 1-8, 7-22
Parking brake check ............................. 7-21
Parking brake operation ....................... 4-11
Break-in schedule ...................................... 4-14
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 1-5
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants...................................................... 9-2
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................ 9-13
Cassette player (See audio
system) ............................................. 3-11, 3-13
CB radio or car phone ............................... 3-15Check engine indicator light (See
malfunction indicator light) ........................... 1-8
Child restraints for infants and small
children ...................................................... 2-31
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 2-6
Cigarette lighter (accessory)
and ashtray ................................................ 1-14
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 6-2
Clock-radio ................................................. 3-11
Clutch
Clutch pedal.......................................... 7-23
Cold weather driving .................................. 4-19
Controls
Audio controls ....................................... 3-11
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 3-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 7-6
Checking engine coolant level ............... 7-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 1-3
Corrosion protection .................................... 6-5
Cruise control............................................. 4-12
Cup holder ................................................. 1-15
ZX