2000 NISSAN SENTRA air condition

erates normally, but without anti-lock assis-
tance.
If the light comes on during the self-test or
while driving, take the vehicle to an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING
c
The 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 stop-
ping distance on slippery surfaces
will be longer than on normal sur-
faces, even with the anti-lock brake
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 dis-
tance from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the responsibility for
safety of self and others rests in the
hands of the driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may
also affect braking effectiveness.cWhen replacing tires, install the
specified tire size on all four 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 ``Technical and
consumer information'' section of
this manual.
cFor additional information, refer to
``Wheels and tires'' in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR
LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key be-
fore inserting it in the key hole.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC),
check the anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base)
to assure proper winter protection. For de-
tails, see ``Engine cooling system'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during
extremely cold weather conditions, the bat-
tery fluid may freeze and damage the bat-
tery. To maintain maximum efficiency, the
battery should be checked regularly. For
details, see ``Battery'' in the ``Do-it-yourself''
section of this manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT
If the vehicle is to be left outside without
anti-freeze, drain the cooling system by
opening the drain valves located under the
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-20Starting and driving
ZX

cWhenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye pro-
tectors (for example, goggles or in-
dustrial safety spectacles) and
remove rings, metal bands, or any
other jewelry. Do not lean over the
battery when jump starting.
cDo not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
cYour vehicle has an automatic en-
gine cooling fan. It could come on at
any time. Keep hands and other ob-
jects away from it.
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1.
If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their
batteries into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the selec-
tor lever to N (Neutral) (on automatic
transmission models, move the shift se-
lector lever to P (Park)). Switch off all
unnecessary electrical systems (lights,heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Cover the battery with an old cloth to
reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence
illustrated.
CAUTION
c
Always connect positive (+) to positive
(+) and negative (þ) to body ground (for
example, strut mounting bolt, engine
lift bracket, etc.)Ðnot to the battery.
ACE1013
In case of emergency6-9
ZX

cMake sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that the cable clamps do
not contact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
and let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster
vehicle at about 2,000 rpm, and start the
engine of the vehicle being jump started.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged
for more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before
trying again.
7. After starting the engine, carefully dis-
connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable.
8. Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be con-
taminated with corrosive acid.
CAUTION
cAutomatic transmission models can-
not be push started. This may cause
transmission damage.
cThree way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing.
The three way catalyst may be dam-
aged.
cNever try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it. When the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge read-
ing), or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect abnormal noise, etc., take the follow-
ing steps.
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never remove the radiator
cap while the engine is still hot.
When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake and move the
selector lever to N (Neutral) (manual
transmission) or the shift selector lever to
P (Park) (automatic transmission).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
ZX

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-2
Engine compartment check locations -
QG engine .............................................................8-4
Engine compartment check locations -
SR engine ..............................................................8-5
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-6
Checking engine coolant level ...............................8-6
Changing engine coolant .......................................8-8
Engine oil ...............................................................8-9
Checking engine oil level .......................................8-9
Changing engine oil .............................................8-10
Changing engine oil filter .....................................8-12
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-13
Temperature conditions for checking ...................8-14
Power steering fluid..............................................8-15
Brake fluid ............................................................8-15
Clutch fluid............................................................8-16
Window washer fluid ............................................8-16
Battery ..................................................................8-17
Jump starting ........................................................8-18
Drive belts ............................................................8-19
Spark plug ............................................................8-20Replacing spark plugs ..........................................8-20
Air cleaner ............................................................8-21
Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-22
Cleaning ...............................................................8-22
Replacing .............................................................8-22
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-23
Checking park brake ............................................8-23
Checking brake pedal ..........................................8-23
Brake booster .......................................................8-24
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-25
Checking clutch pedal ..........................................8-25
Fuses ....................................................................8-25
Engine compartment ............................................8-25
Passenger compartment ......................................8-27
Multi-remote controller battery replacement ........8-28
Lights ....................................................................8-29
Headlights ............................................................8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped) ...................................8-32
Exterior and interior lights ....................................8-33
Wheels and tires ..................................................8-36
Tire pressure ........................................................8-36
Types of tires........................................................8-37
ZX

CHECKING CLUTCH PEDAL
Press the pedal by hand and be sure the
free travel is within the limits shown above.
If free travel is out of the range shown
above, see an authorized NISSAN dealer.
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than specified on the fuse box
cover. This could damage the electrical
system or cause a fire.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
If any electrical equipment does not come
on, check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the head-
light switch are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood.3. Remove the fuse box cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
The fuse puller is located in the center of
the fuse block in the passenger compart-
ment.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new
fuse.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the elec-
trical system checked and repaired by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
Fusible links
If there is electrical equipment that does not
operate and fuses are in good condition,
check the fusible links. If any of these
fusible links are melted, replace with only
genuine NISSAN parts.WDI0045LDI0034
CLUTCH PEDAL FUSES
Do-it-yourself8-25
ZX

Your new NISSAN has been designed to
have minimum maintenance requirements
with longer service intervals to save you
both time and money. However, some day-
to-day and regular maintenance is essential
to maintain your NISSAN's good mechani-
cal condition, as well as its emission and
engine performance.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure
the specified periodic maintenance, as well
as general maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one
who can ensure that your vehicle receives
proper maintenance. You are a vital link in
the maintenance chain.
General maintenance
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal
day-to-day operation of the vehicle. They
are essential if your vehicle is to continue to
operate properly. It is your responsibility to
perform these maintenance procedures
regularly as prescribed.
These checks or inspections can be done
by yourself, a qualified technician or, if you
prefer, an authorized NISSAN dealer.Periodic maintenance
The maintenance items listed under peri-
odic maintenance are required to be ser-
viced at regular intervals.
However, under severe driving conditions,
additional or more frequent maintenance is
required.
Where to go for service
If maintenance service is required or your
vehicle appears to malfunction, have the
systems checked and tuned by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists who are kept up to date with the
latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership
training programs. They are completely
qualified to work on NISSAN vehiclesbe-
forethey work on your vehicle, rather than
after they have worked on it.
You can be confident that an authorized
NISSAN dealer's service department per-
forms the best job to meet the maintenance
requirements on your vehicle Ð in a reliable
and economical way.During the normal day-to-day operation of
the vehicle, general maintenance should be
performed regularly as prescribed in this
section. If you detect any unusual sounds,
vibrations or smells, be sure to check for the
cause or have an authorized NISSAN
dealer do it promptly. In addition, you should
notify an authorized NISSAN dealer if you
think repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the precautions in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
EXPLANATION OF MAINTE-
NANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be performed from time to time, unless
otherwise specified.
Tires* ÐCheck the pressure with a gauge
periodically when at a service station, in-
cluding the spare, and adjust to the speci-
MAINTENANCE
PRECAUTIONSGENERAL MAINTENANCE
9-2Maintenance
ZX

fied pressure if necessary. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Wheel nuts* ÐWhen checking the tires,
make sure no wheel nuts are missing, and
check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
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 a 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 hood operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubri-
cate 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 that use road salt orother corrosive materials, check lubrication
frequently.
Lights* ÐMake sure the headlamps, stop-
lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other
lights are all operating properly and installed
securely. Also check headlamp aim.
INTERIOR MAINTENANCE
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 an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
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 inthe 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 and
down smoothly and the locks hold securely
in all latched positions.
Seat belts ÐCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (For example buckles, anchors,
adjusters 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 mat 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 and booster* ÐCheck the
pedal for smooth operation and make sure it
Maintenance
9-3
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