2000 NISSAN SENTRA oil

If the oil filter is to be changed, remove
and replace it at this time. See ``Chang-
ing engine oil filter'' later in this section.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The
engine oil may be hot.
Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a
new washer. Securely tighten the drain
plug with a wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb (29 to 39 Nzm)
Do not overtighten.
7. Refill engine with recommended oil
through the oil filler opening then install
the oil filler cap securely.
See the ``Technical and consumer infor-
mation'' section for drain and refill capac-
ity.
The drain and refill capacity depends on
the oil temperature and drain time. Use
these specifications for reference only.
Always use the dipstick to determine
when the proper amount of oil is in the
engine.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage
around the drain plug and oil filter. Cor-
rect as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level with the
dipstick. Add engine oil if necessary.
WARNING
cProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
cTry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
cKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
DI1151
Do-it-yourself8-11
ZX

CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
apply the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil
filter.
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter
wrench. Then remove the oil filter by
turning it by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The
engine oil may be hot.5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old gasket mate-
rial remaining on the mounting surface of
the engine.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with
clean engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.
LDI0017DI1154
8-12Do-it-yourself
ZX

WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGS
Platinum-tipped spark plugs
It is not necessary to replace platinum-
tipped spark plugs as frequently as conven-
tional type spark plugs because they last
much longer. Follow the maintenance
schedule, but do not reuse the spark plugs
by cleaning or regapping.
cAlways replace spark plugs with rec-
ommended or equivalent ones.1. On the 1.8L engine, disconnect the igni-
tion coil connectors. Remove the ignition
coil bolts.
2. Disconnect the spark plug cables from
the spark plugs.
When disconnecting, always hold the
boots, not the cables. Mark all cables to
identify their original locations.
3. Remove the spark plugs with a spark
plug socket.
The plug socket has a rubber seal that
holds the spark plug so it does not fall
when it is pulled out. Make sure each
spark plug is snugly fitted into the spark
plug socket.
4. Fit the new plugs, one at a time, into the
spark plug socket and install them.Use
only the specified spark plugs.Turn
each plug several full turns by hand, then
tighten with the spark plug socket to the
correct torque. Do not overtighten.
Spark plug tightening torque:
14 to 22 ft-lb (20 to 29 Nzm)
DI1229MADI1100
SPARK PLUG
8-20Do-it-yourself
ZX

5. Holding the boot, reconnect each high
tension cable to its proper spark plug by
pushing it on until you feel a snap.
6. On the 1.8L engine, install the ignition
coil bolt.
Ignition coil bolt tightening torque:
33 to 44 in-lb (3.8 - 5.0 Nzm)
Connect the ignition coil connector.
The air cleaner filter should not be cleaned
and reused. Replace it according to the
maintenance intervals shown in the ``Main-
tenance'' section of this manual. When re-
placing the filter, wipe the inside of the air
cleaner housing and the cover with a damp
cloth.
WARNING
cOperating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you or
others to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops theflame if the engine backfires. If it
isn't there, and the engine backfires,
you could be burned. Do not drive
with the air cleaner removed and be
careful when working on the engine
with the air cleaner removed.
cNever pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with
the air cleaner removed. Doing so
could result in serious injury.
ADI0631
AIR CLEANER
Do-it-yourself8-21
ZX

Adjusting the headlight aim
Before performing aiming adjustment, make
sure of the following:
a. Use an aiming wall screen.
b. Keep all of the tires inflated to the correct
pressure.
c. Place the vehicle and screen on level
ground.
d. See that the vehicle is unloaded (except
for full levels of coolant, engine oil and
fuel, and that the spare tire, jack, and
tools are stored). Have the driver or anequivalent weight placed in the driver's
seat.
1. Open the hood. Turn headlamp low
beam on.
2. Adjust the vertical aim by turning the
adjustment screw.
cCover the opposite lamp and ensure the
fog lamps (if so equipped) are turned off.
cAdjust beam pattern until cutoff line is
positioned at the same height off ground
as bulb center (on H-line).
LDI0027
8-30Do-it-yourself
ZX

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR
LIGHTS
ItemWattage
(W)Bulb
No.*
Headlamp 65/55
9007(HB5)
Parking and turn signal
lamp8/273157NA
or
3157 AK
Fog light 55 H3
Map light (if so equipped) 8 68
Interior light 8 68
Rear combination lamp
Turn 27 1156A
Stop/tail 27/8 1157
High-mounted stoplight
Inside 18 921
Spoiler (if so
equipped)See an
authorized
NISSAN
dealer for
assistance
License plate light 5 194
Backup lamp 18 921
Trunk light 3.4 158
*: Always check with the Parts Department at an
authorized NISSAN dealer for the latest parts
information.
WDI0038
Do-it-yourself8-33
ZX

has the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
tion. Be certain to keep the floor mat 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
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission ``P position''
mechanism ÐOn a fairly steep hill check
that your vehicle is held securely with the
selector lever in the P (Park) position with-
out applying 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 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.Brake and (if so equipped) clutch fluid
levels* ÐMake sure the brake and clutch
fluid level is between the MIN and MAX
lines on each reservoir.
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 shift selec-
tor lever in P (Park) with the engine idling at
operating temperature.
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.
Engine drive belts* ÐMake sure the drive
belts are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Battery* ÐCheck the fluid level in each
cell.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 car-
bon 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 accumulated.
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

Schedule 1
Abbreviations: R = Replace I = Inspect. Correct or replace if necessary. [ ]: At the mileage intervals only
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONMAINTENANCE INTERVAL
Perform at number of miles,
kilometers or months,
whichever comes first.Miles ý 1,000 3.75 7.5 11.25 15 18.75 22.5 26.25 30 33.75 37.5 41.25 45 48.75 52.5 56.25 60
(km ý 1,000) (6) (12) (18) (24) (30) (36) (42) (48) (54) (60) (66) (72) (78) (84) (90) (96)
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48
Emission control system maintenance
Drive belts See NOTE (1)I*
Air cleaner filter See NOTE (2) [R] [R]
EVAP vapor linesI* I*
Fuel linesI* I*
Fuel filter See NOTE (3)*
Engine coolant See NOTE (4)R*
Engine oilRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter (Use part No. 15208-65F01 or 15208-9E000 or equivalent)RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Spark plugs (QG18DE engine) (PLATINUM-TIPPED type) See NOTE (5) Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km)
(SR20DE engine) (PLATINUM-TIPPED type) See NOTE (5) Replace every 105,000 miles (169,000 km)
Intake & exhaust valve clearance (QG18DE engine) See NOTE (6)*
NOTE: (1) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
(2) If operating mainly in dusty conditions, more frequent maintenance may be required.
(3) Maintenance-free item.
(4) After 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months, replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
(5) Original equipment platinum-tipped plugs should be replaced at 105,000 miles (169,000 km). For SR engine, conventional spark plugs can be
used but should be replaced at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) intervals. (See ªTechnical and consumer informationº section for details.)
(6) If valve noise increases, inspect valve clearance.
* Maintenance items and intervals with an ``*'' are recommended by NISSAN for reliable vehicle operation. The owner need not perform such
maintenance in order to maintain the emission warranty or manufacturer recall liability. Other maintenance items and intervals are required.
9-6Maintenance
ZX