1997 NISSAN SENTRA wiper blades

desired position between the middle and
the hot position.
cIf it is difficult to defog the windshield
glass, turn the air conditioner on (if so
equipped). This helps dehumidify the air.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger
compartment to improve the defogging per-
formance.
Bi-level heating
This mode directs cooler air from the side
and center vents and warmer air from the
floor outlets. When the temperature control
dial is moved to the full hot or full cool
position, the air between the vents and the
floor outlets is the same temperature.
1. Push the air recirculation button (if so
equipped) to the OFF position.
2. Move the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control dial to the
the desired position.
Heating and defogging
This mode heats the interior and defogs the
windshield.
1. Push the air recirculation button (if so
equipped) to the OFF position.
2. Move the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position between the middle and
the hot position.
Operating tips
cClear snow and ice from the wiper
blades and air inlet in front of the
windshield. This improves heater op-
eration.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION
(if so equipped)
Start the engine, move the fan control dial to
the desired (1 to 4) position, and push in the
air conditioner button to activate the air
conditioner. When the air conditioner is on,
cooling and dehumidifying functions areadded to the heater operation.
The air conditioner cooling function op-
erates only when the engine is running.
Cooling
This mode is used to cool and dehumidify.
1. Push the air recirculation button to the
OFF position.
2. Move the air control dial to the
po-
sition.
3. Move the fan control dial to the desired
position.
4. Push on the air conditioner button. The
indicator light comes on.
5. Move the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
cFor quick cooling when the outside tem-
perature is high, push the air recirculation
button to the ON position. Be sure to
return the air recirculation button to the
OFF position for normal cooling.
Dehumidified heating
This mode is used to heat and dehumidify
the air.
3-5
ZX

Special winter equipment
It is recommended that the following items
be carried in the vehicle during winter:
1. A scraper and stiff-bristled brush to re-
move ice and snow from the windows
and wiper blades.
2. A sturdy, flat board to be placed under
the jack to give it firm support.
3. A shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-
drifts.
4. Extra window washer fluid to refill the
reservoir tank.
Driving on snow or ice
WARNING
cWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick
and very hard to drive on. The ve-
hicle will have a lot less traction or
``grip'' under these conditions. Try to
avoid driving on wet ice until the
road is salted or sanded.cWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels
will lose even more traction.
c
Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
cDo not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep
snow clear of the exhaust pipe and
from around your vehicle.
Engine block heater/Engine heater
(if so equipped)
An engine block heater/engine heater to
assist extreme cold temperature starting is
available through your NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
4-20
ZX

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

CLEANING
If your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if the wiper blade
chatters when running, wax or other mate-
rial may be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your
windshield is clean if beads do not form
when rinsing with clear water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth
soaked in a washer solution or a mild deter-
gent. Then rinse the blade with clear water.
If your windshield is still not clear aftercleaning the blades and using the wiper,
replace the blades.
REPLACEMENT
1. Pull the wiper arm away from the wind-
shield.
2. Push the tab, then move the wiper blade
down.
3. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper
arm until a click sound is heard.
CAUTION
cAfter wiper blade replacement, re-
turn the wiper arm to its original
position.
cOtherwise it may be damaged when
the engine hood is opened.
cMake sure the wiper blade contacts
the glass, otherwise the arm may be
damaged from wind pressure.
ADI0650
WIPER BLADES
7-20
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

Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 1-12
Ignition switch ......................................... 4-4
Overdrive switch ..................................... 4-8
Rear window defogger switch .............. 1-11
Windshield wiper and washer
switch .................................................... 1-10
T
Tachometer .................................................. 1-3
Theft warning ............................................... 1-9
Three way catalyst....................................... 4-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 2-37
Timing chain ................................................ 9-8
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 5-2
Spare tire....................................... 5-3, 7-35
Tire chains ............................................ 7-33
Tire placard........................................... 9-12
Tire pressure ........................................ 7-32
Tire rotation .......................................... 7-33
Types of tires ........................................ 7-32
Uniform tire quality grading .................. 9-17
Wheels and tires................................... 7-32
Wheel/tire size ........................................ 9-9
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 5-11
Towing load/specification chart ............ 9-15
Trailer towing ........................................ 9-14
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 7-11
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 4-6Driving with manual transmission ........... 4-9
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)......................................... 9-10
Trip odometer .............................................. 1-3
Trunk lid lock opener lever .......................... 2-8
Trunk light .................................................. 1-19
U
Uniform tire quality grading ....................... 9-17
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 2-39
Vehicle dimensions and weights ................. 9-9
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number) ....................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ........................................................... 9-10
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 5-12
Ventilators .................................................... 3-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ..................... 1-6, 2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 1-14
Theft warning .......................................... 1-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 2-22
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 1-5
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ...... 9-9Wheels and tires ........................................ 7-32
Wheel/tire size ............................................. 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country ...................................... 9-10
Window washer fluid.................................. 7-14
Windows
Locking passengers' windows .............. 1-16
Manual windows ................................... 1-16
Power windows..................................... 1-16
Rear power windows ............................ 1-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 1-10
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer
switch .................................................... 1-10
Wiper blades......................................... 7-20
10-5
ZX