1999 NISSAN SENTRA power steering fluid

increases wear on the brake linings and
pads, and reduces gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down
a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and could
result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
cWhile driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.
cIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
The anti-lock brake system controls the
brakes at each wheel so the wheels do not
lock when braking abruptly or when braking
on slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing wheel
lockup, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the System
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not oper-
ate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10
km/h). The speeds vary according to road
conditions. When the anti-lock system
senses that one or more wheels are close to
locking up, the actuator (under the hood)
rapidly applies and releases hydraulic pres-
sure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).While the actuator is working, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a
noise or vibration 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-test or
while driving, take the vehicle to an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer for repair.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
5-18Starting and driving
ZX

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations -
GA engine .............................................................8-3
Engine compartment check locations -
SR engine ..............................................................8-4
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-5
Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-5
Changing engine coolant .......................................8-6
Engine oil ...............................................................8-8
Checking engine oil level .......................................8-8
Changing engine oil ...............................................8-9
Changing engine oil filter .....................................8-10
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ......................8-11
Temperature conditions for checking ATF ...........8-12
Power steering fluid..............................................8-13
Brake fluid ............................................................8-14
Window washer fluid ............................................8-14
Battery ..................................................................8-15Jump starting ........................................................8-16
Drive belts ............................................................8-17
Spark plug replacement .......................................8-18
Air cleaner housing filter ......................................8-19
Wiper blades ........................................................8-21
Parking brake check.............................................8-22
Brake pedal ..........................................................8-22
Brake booster .......................................................8-23
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-24
Fuses and fusible links.........................................8-24
Light bulbs ............................................................8-26
Headlights ............................................................8-26
Headlight aiming adjustment ................................8-27
Bulb replacement .................................................8-27
Front fog light bulb replacement (if so
equipped) .............................................................8-32
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-33
ZX

NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in
hot weather, or if it is being used to pull
a trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot
be read. You should wait until the fluid
has cooled down (about 30 minutes) be-
fore checking fluid level.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the side of the fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122 to 176ÉF (50 to
80ÉC) or using the COLD range on the side
of the fluid reservoir at fluid temperatures of
32 to 86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).
CAUTION
cDo not overfill.
cRecommended fluid is type
DEXRON
TMIII or equivalent.
ADI0611
POWER STEERING FLUID
Do-it-yourself8-13
ZX

Parking brake* ÐCheck that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ``Park'' mecha-
nism ÐOn a fairly steep hill check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector
lever in the P (Park) position without apply-
ing any brakes.
UNDER THE HOOD AND VEHICLE
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically, such as each time
you check the engine oil or refuel.
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Windshield washer fluid* ÐCheck for
adequate fluid in the tank.
Engine coolant level* ÐCheck the cool-
ant level when the engine is cold.
Radiator and hoses ÐCheck the front of
the radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks, de-
formation, rot or loose connections.Brake fluid level* ÐMake sure the brake
fluid level is between the MIN and MAX
lines on the reservoir.
Battery* ÐCheck the fluid level in each
cell.
Engine drive belts* ÐMake sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level* ÐCheck the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface, with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Power steering fluid level* and lines Ð
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level* Ð
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P (Park) with the engine idling at
operating temperature.Exhaust system ÐMake sure there are no
cracks, holes, loose joints or supports. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, immedi-
ately have the exhaust system inspected by
an authorized NISSAN dealer. (See the
carbon monoxide warning in the ``Starting
and driving'' section of this manual.)
Underbody ÐThe underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control dust. It
is very important to remove these sub-
stances, from the underbody, otherwise rust
may form on the floor pan, frame, fuel lines
and exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly flushed
with plain water, especially those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulate.
See the ``Appearance and care'' section of
this manual.
Fluid leaks ÐCheck under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for awhile. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use is
normal. If you should notice any leaks or if
gasoline fumes are evident, check for the
cause and have it corrected immediately by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
9-4Maintenance
ZX

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 13-1/4 gal 11 gal 50 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and refill
With oil filter change GA16DE 3-1/8 qt 2-5/8 qt 3.0
cAPI Certification Mark *2 *3
cAPI grade SG/SH, Energy Conserving II or API grade SJ, Energy Con-
serving *2 *3
cILSAC grade GF-II *2 *3 SR20DE 3-5/8 qt 3 qt 3.4
Without oil filter change GA16DE 2-7/8 qt 2-3/8 qt 2.7
SR20DE 3-3/8 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.2
Cooling system
With reservoir
50% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized water or Distilled water Manual transmission: SR20DE 6-1/2 qt 5-1/2 qt 6.2
GA16DE 5-1/2 qt 4-5/8 qt 5.2
Automatic transmission: SR20DE 6-1/2 qt 5-1/2 qt 6.2
GA16DE 6 qt 5 qt 5.7
Manual transmission gear oilRS5F31A 6-1/8 - 6-3/4 pt 5-1/8 - 5-5/8 pt 2.9 - 3.2
API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 80W - 90 only
RS5F32V 7-7/8 - 8-1/4 pt 6-1/2 - 6-7/8 pt 3.7 - 3.9
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section.Nissan Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Genuine Nissan Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid (Canada).*4
Power steering fluidType DEXRON
TMIII or equivalent.
Brake fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Complex)
Air conditioning system refrigerant Ð Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricantsNissan A/C System Lubricant Type R or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation.''
*2: For further details, see ``Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.''
*3: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.''
*4: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact a Nissan dealership for more information
regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your Nissan dealer.
*6: For further details, see ªAir conditioner specification label.º
*7: For further details, see ``Changing engine oil.''
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
10-2Technical and consumer information
ZX

Corrosion protection .................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................. 5-13
Cup holder ................................................. 2-15
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only) ............................................ 2-12
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-11
Dimensions and weights............................ 10-9
Door ajar warning light ................................ 2-6
Door locks .................................................... 3-2
Drive belts .................................................. 8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 5-19
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-9
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-15
Emission control information label........... 10-12
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-19
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-5
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-6
Changing engine oil................................ 8-9Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-5
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-8
Engine compartment check locations ... 8-3,
8-4
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-3
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-5
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Engine serial number ......................... 10-11
Engine specifications ............................ 10-8
Starting the engine ............................... 5-11
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-14
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-11
Brake fluid............................................. 8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-5
Engine oil ................................................ 8-8
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-13
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-14F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 10-11
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-13
Front seats ................................................... 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-15
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-12
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-12
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-4
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-3
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-3
Fuses ......................................................... 8-24
Fusible links ............................................... 8-24
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-3
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-4
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer............................................. 2-3
Trip odometer ......................................... 2-3
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
Glove box................................................... 3-10
H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-14
Head restraints ............................................ 1-4
Headlight aiming adjustment ..................... 8-27
11-2
ZX

Engine oil ................................................ 8-8
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Opener lever for trunk lid........................... 3-10
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-14
Overdrive switch ................................... 5-8, 5-9
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual order form ..................... 10-21
Owner's manual/service manual order
forms ........................................................ 10-21
P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-22
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-12
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-16
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-13
Power windows..................................... 2-16
Rear power windows ............................ 2-17
Power Lock
Power door locks .................................... 3-3
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-13
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting .............................................. 6-10R
Radio
AM-FM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
AM-FM radio with cassette player and
compact disc player.............................. 4-20
AM-FM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-15
CB radio or car phone .......................... 4-27
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test ........................................................... 10-20
Rear power windows ................................. 2-17
Rear seat ..................................................... 1-5
Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-11
Refrigerant recommendation ..................... 10-7
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-10
Remote keyless entry system (See
multi-remote control system) ....................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-19
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-8
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-19
Seat adjustment ........................................... 1-2
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-13
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-21
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-21
Seat belts.............................................. 1-13Shoulder belt height adjustment ........... 1-18
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-16
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-6
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 1-2
Rear seat ................................................ 1-5
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-9
Shift lock release ......................................... 5-5
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-7
Manual transmission............................. 5-10
Shoulder belt height adjustment ................ 1-18
Spark plug replacement............................. 8-18
Speedometer ............................................... 2-3
SRS warning label ..................................... 1-11
Starting
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-5
Jump starting .......................................... 6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting......................................... 6-10
Starting the engine ............................... 5-11
Steering
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-13
Tilting steering wheel............................ 3-14
Stop light .................................................... 8-27
Sunroof ...................................................... 2-18
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).................... 1-6
Switch
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-17
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-13
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-14
11-4
ZX

Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-12
Ignition switch ......................................... 5-4
Overdrive switch.............................. 5-8, 5-9
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-11
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-11
T
Tachometer .................................................. 2-3
Theft warning ............................................... 2-9
Three way catalyst....................................... 5-2
Tilting steering wheel ................................. 3-14
Tire
Flat tire.................................................... 6-2
Spare tire....................................... 6-2, 8-36
Tire chains ............................................ 8-34
Tire placard......................................... 10-12
Tire pressure ........................................ 8-33
Tire rotation .......................................... 8-34
Types of tires ........................................ 8-33
Uniform tire quality grading ................ 10-18
Wheels and tires................................... 8-33
Wheel/tire size ...................................... 10-9
Towing
Tow truck towing .................................. 6-11
Towing load/specification chart .......... 10-16
Trailer towing ...................................... 10-15
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-11
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-6
Driving with manual transmission ........... 5-9
Selector lever lock release ..................... 5-5Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country)....................................... 10-10
Trip odometer .............................................. 2-3
Trunk access through the rear seat ............ 1-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever ........................ 3-10
Trunk light .................................................. 2-19
Tuning ........................................................ 4-11
U
Uniform tire quality grading ..................... 10-18
V
Vanity mirror .............................................. 3-15
Vehicle dimensions and weights ............... 10-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(chassis number) ..................................... 10-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate ......................................................... 10-10
Vehicle recovery ........................................ 6-12
Ventilators .................................................... 4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light ..................... 1-11, 2-6
Hazard warning flasher switch ............. 2-14
Theft warning .......................................... 2-9
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-11
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-5Weights (See dimensions and weights) .... 10-9
Wheels and tires ........................................ 8-33
Wheel/tire size ........................................... 10-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle
in another country .................................... 10-10
Window washer fluid.................................. 8-14
Windows
Locking passengers' windows .............. 2-16
Manual windows ................................... 2-16
Power windows..................................... 2-16
Rear power windows ............................ 2-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........ 2-11
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch ... 2-11
Wiper blades......................................... 8-21
11-5
ZX