2000 NISSAN SENTRA brake

EXPLANATION OF MAINTE-
NANCE ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found in the ``Do-it-
yourself'' section of this manual.
Emission control system maintenance
Drive belts* ÐCheck drive belts for wear,
fraying or cracking and also for proper ten-
sion. Replace any damaged drive belts.
Air cleaner filter ÐUnder normal driving
conditions, the air cleaner filter should be
replaced in accordance with the mainte-
nance schedule. However, driving the ve-
hicle in dusty areas may cause rapid clog-
ging of the element. Consequently, the
element may have to be replaced more
frequently.
EVAP vapor lines ÐCheck vapor lines and
connections for leaks, looseness or deteriora-
tion. If leaks are found, replace them.
Fuel lines ÐCheck the fuel hoses, piping
and connections for leaks, looseness or
deterioration. Replace any damaged parts.
Engine coolant* ÐDrain and flush the
cooling system.Engine oil & oil filter* ÐUnder normal
driving conditions, the engine oil and oil filter
should be replaced in accordance with the
maintenance schedule. However, under se-
vere driving conditions, they may have to be
replaced more frequently.
Spark plugs* ÐReplace with new plugs
having the correct heat range.
Intake & exhaust valve clearance Ð
Check and adjust the valve clearance.
Chassis and body maintenance
Brake lines & cables ÐCheck the brake
lines and hoses (including brake booster
vacuum hoses, connections & check valve)
and parking brake cables for proper attach-
ment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abrasion, de-
terioration, etc.
Brake pads, rotors, drums & linings Ð
Check these and the other brake compo-
nents for wear, deterioration and leaks. Un-
der severe driving conditions, they may
have to be inspected more frequently.
Manual & automatic transmission fluid*
ÐCheck the fluid level and visually inspect
for signs of leakage. Under severe drivingconditions, the fluid should be replaced at
the specified interval.
Steering gear & linkage, axle & suspen-
sion parts, and drive shaft boots Ð
Check for damage, looseness and leakage
of oil or grease. Under severe driving con-
ditions, inspection should be performed
more frequently.
Exhaust system ÐVisually check the ex-
haust pipes, muffler, and hangers for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, chafing, abra-
sion, deterioration, etc. Under severe driv-
ing conditions, inspection should be per-
formed more frequently.
Supplemental air bag and supplemental
side air bag (if so equipped) system Ð
Check the supplemental air bag system(s)
components for proper attachment, damage,
deformities, cracks, rust, etc. Work around and
on the supplemental air bag system should be
done by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
9-10Maintenance
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 QG18DE 2-7/8 qt 2-3/8 qt 2.7
cAPI Certification Mark *2 *3
cAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ, Energy
Conserving *2 *3
cILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II *2 *3 SR20DE 3-5/8 qt 3 qt 3.4
Without oil filter change QG18DE 2-5/8 qt 2-1/4 qt 2.5
SR20DE 3-3/8 qt 2-7/8 qt 3.2
Cooling system
With reservoir
Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent Manual transmission: SR20DE 7-3/16 qt 6 qt 6.8
QG18DE 7-1/8 qt 5-7/8 qt 6.7
Automatic transmission: SR20DE 7-1/8 qt 5-7/8 qt 6.7
QG18DE 7 qt 5-7/8 qt 6.6
Manual transmission gear oil RS5F70A/V 6-3/8 pt 5-1/4 pt 3.0 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 80W - 90 only
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 Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*4
Power steering fluidGenuine NISSAN PSF II or equivalent.*8
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
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 an authorized NISSAN dealership for more
information regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ªAir conditioner specification label.º
*7: For further details, see ``Changing engine oil.''
*8: Genuine NISSAN PSF, Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid, DexronŸ III/MerconŸ, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
10-2Technical and consumer information
ZX

cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install
a trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
cRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle
tires to the recommended cold tire pres-
sure indicated on the tire placard (lo-
cated on the driver's side rear door
pillar).
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should be
in accordance with the trailer and tire
manufacturers' specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between
your vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains
should be crossed and should be attached
to the hitch, not to the vehicle bumper or
axle. Be sure to leave enough slack in the
chains to permit turning corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with federal
and/ or local regulations. When wiring the
vehicle for towing, connect the stop and tail
light pickup into the vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking
system, make sure it conforms to federal
and/or local regulations and that it is prop-
erly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloadedtrailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if
it has an abnormal nose-up or nose- down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other pos-
sible causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
cBe certain your rear view mirrors con-
form to all federal, state or local regula-
tions. If not, install any mirrors required
for towing before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding
of the vehicle's behavior, you should prac-
tice turning, stopping and backing up in an
area which is free from traffic. Steering,
stability, and braking performance are
somewhat different than under normal driv-
ing conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to
prevent load shift while driving.
c
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.
c
Always block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
Technical and consumer information10-17
ZX

slope is not recommended; however, if
you must do so, and if your vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmission,
first block the wheels and apply the park-
ing brake, and then move the transmis-
sion shift selector lever into the P (Park)
position. If you move the shift selector
lever to the P (Park) position before block-
ing the wheels and applying the parking
brake, transmission damage could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, down-
shift the transmission to a lower gear
and reduce speed to reduce chances of
engine overloading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine temperature coolant rises
to an extremely high temperature when
the air conditioning system is on, turn off
the air conditioner. Coolant heat can be
additionally vented by opening the win-
dows, switching the fan control to high
and setting the temperature control to
the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than
normal circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle's
first 500 miles (800 km).cHave your vehicle serviced more often
than at intervals specified in the recom-
mended Maintenance Schedule.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels
will be closer to the inside of the turn
than your vehicle wheels. To compen-
sate for this, make a larger than normal
turning radius during the turn.
cCrosswinds and rough roads adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly
causing vehicle sway. When being
passed by larger vehicles, be prepared
for possible changes in crosswinds that
could affect vehicle handling. If swaying
does occur, firmly grip the steering
wheel, steer straight ahead, and imme-
diately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination helps to stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires
considerably more distance than normal
passing. Remember the length of the
trailer must also pass the other vehicle
before you can safely change lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency
and electrical charging performance, do
not use fifth gear (manual transmission)
or overdrive (automatic transmission).cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too
long or too frequently. This could cause
the brakes to overheat, resulting in re-
duced braking efficiency.
When towing a trailer, change the oil in
the transmission more frequently. For
additional information see the ``Mainte-
nance'' section earlier in this manual.
10-18Technical and consumer information
ZX

11 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) ........................................................ 1-6
Air bag warning light .......................... 1-16, 2-8
Air cleaner housing filter ............................ 8-21
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ........................ 4-5
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations ................ 10-7
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Servicing air conditioner ......................... 4-9
Air flow charts .............................................. 4-6
Alarm system (See theft warning) ............. 2-11
Anchor point locations ............................... 1-32
Antenna...................................................... 4-23
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).................... 5-19
Anti-lock brake warning light ....................... 2-9
Ashtray (See cigarette lighter and
ashtray) ...................................................... 2-20
Audio system
Compact Disc (CD) changer ................ 4-20
FM-AM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-15
Automatic
Automatic power window switch .......... 2-26Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-13
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-7
Transmission selector lever lock
release .................................................. 5-10
B
Battery........................................................ 8-17
Battery
Charge warning light .............................. 2-8
Battery replacement (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-8
Before starting the engine ........................... 5-6
Belts (See drive belts) ............................... 8-19
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .............. 5-19
Brake booster ....................................... 8-24
Brake fluid............................................. 8-15
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-33
Brake pedal .......................................... 8-23
Brake system ........................................ 5-18
Brake warning light ................................. 2-8
Brake wear indicators ................. 2-11, 8-24
Parking brake check ............................. 8-23
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-13
Self-adjusting brakes ............................ 8-23
Break-in schedule ...................................... 5-16
Bulb check/instrument panel ....................... 2-7Bulb replacement ....................................... 8-33
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants.................................................... 10-2
Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-23
Cargo net ................................................... 2-24
Cargo (See vehicle loading
information) .............................................. 10-14
Child restraint with top tether strap ........... 1-32
Child restraints ................................. 1-20, 1-25
Child safety rear door lock .......................... 3-4
Cigarette lighter (accessory) and
ashtray ....................................................... 2-20
Cleaning exterior and interior ...................... 7-2
Clock................................................. 4-11, 4-16
Clutch
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-16
Clutch pedal.......................................... 8-25
Cold weather driving .................................. 5-20
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-6
ZX

Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Corrosion protection .................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................. 5-14
Cup holders ............................................... 2-21
D
Daytime running light system (Canada
only) ........................................................... 2-17
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch .............. 2-16
Dimensions and weights............................ 10-9
Door locks .................................................... 3-3
Door open warning light .............................. 2-8
Drive belts .................................................. 8-19
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 5-20
Driving with automatic transmission ....... 5-7
Driving with manual transmission ......... 5-11
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
E
Economy - fuel........................................... 5-16
Emission control information label........... 10-12
Emission control system warranty ........... 10-20
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine coolant........................ 8-8Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-6
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine compartment check
locations .......................................... 8-4, 8-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-6
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-5
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-7
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Engine serial number ......................... 10-11
Engine specifications ............................ 10-8
Starting the engine ................................. 5-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
Explanation of maintenance items .............. 9-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-18
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-13
Brake fluid............................................. 8-15
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-16
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-6Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-15
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-16
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ................... 10-11
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-18
Front seats ................................................... 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-16
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-12
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-12
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-5
Fuel octane rating................................. 10-3
Fuel recommendation ........................... 10-3
Fuses ......................................................... 8-25
Fusible links ............................................... 8-25
G
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-5
Odometer ................................................ 2-3
Speedometer .......................................... 2-3
Tachometer............................................. 2-4
Trip odometer ......................................... 2-4
General maintenance .................................. 9-2
Glasses case ............................................. 2-21
Glove box................................................... 2-22
11-2
ZX

H
Hazard warning flasher switch .................. 2-18
Head restraints ............................................ 1-5
Headlight aiming adjustment ..................... 8-30
Headlight and turn signal switch ............... 2-16
Headlights .................................................. 8-29
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls ........ 4-3
Heater operation ..................................... 4-4
Hood release ............................................... 3-9
Horn ........................................................... 2-19
I
Ignition switch .............................................. 5-4
Immobilizer system ..................... 2-11, 3-2, 5-6
Increasing fuel economy............................ 5-16
Indicator lights and chimes (See warning/
indicator lights and chimes) ......................... 2-7
Inside mirror ............................................... 3-14
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-17
Interior light ................................................ 2-28
J
Jump starting ............................................... 6-8K
Key ............................................................... 3-2
Keyless entry system (See multi-remote
control system) ............................................ 3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label ....... 10-12
Emission control information label...... 10-12
Engine serial number ......................... 10-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label .............. 10-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................... 10-10
Warning labels (for SRS) ..................... 1-16
License plate
Installing the license plate .................. 10-13
Light
Air bag warning light ..................... 1-16, 2-8
Brake light (See stop light) ................... 8-33
Bulb check/instrument panel .................. 2-7
Bulb replacement.................................. 8-33
Charge warning light .............................. 2-8
Front fog light switch ............................ 2-18
Headlight aiming adjustment ................ 8-30
Headlight and turn signal switch .......... 2-16
Headlights ............................................. 8-29
Interior light ........................................... 2-28
Light bulbs ............................................ 8-29
Low washer fluid warning light ............... 2-8Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-28
Trunk light ............................................. 2-29
Warning/indicator lights and chimes ...... 2-7
Lock
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Door locks............................................... 3-3
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-12
Power door locks .................................... 3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever ................... 3-10
M
Maintenance
General maintenance ............................. 9-2
Inside the vehicle.................................... 9-3
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Outside the vehicle ................................. 9-2
Periodic maintenance schedules ............ 9-5
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-24
Under the hood and vehicle ................... 9-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ............... 2-10
Manual windows ........................................ 2-26
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-14
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-15
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-14
Multi-remote control system ........................ 3-5
11-3
ZX

N
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS) ......................................... 2-11, 3-2, 5-6
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating) ...... 10-3
Odometer ..................................................... 2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants .............................................. 10-2
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-10
Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-12
Checking engine oil level ....................... 8-9
Engine oil ................................................ 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ................................... 10-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................... 10-5
Opener lever for trunk lid........................... 3-10
Outside mirror control ................................ 3-15
Overdrive switch ........................................ 5-10
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats ...................... 6-10
Owner's manual order form ..................... 10-22
Owner's manual/service manual order
information ............................................... 10-22P
Parking
Parking brake check ............................. 8-23
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-13
Parking/parking on hills ........................ 5-17
Periodic maintenance schedules ................. 9-5
Power
Power door locks .................................... 3-4
Power socket ........................................ 2-19
Power steering fluid .............................. 8-15
Power steering system ......................... 5-18
Power windows..................................... 2-25
Rear power windows ............................ 2-26
Precautions
Maintenance precautions ....................... 8-2
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-18
Precautions when starting and driving ... 5-2
Push starting .............................................. 6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio ......................... 4-23
Compact Disc (CD) changer ................ 4-20
FM-AM radio with cassette player ........ 4-10
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player .................................................... 4-15
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test................................................... 10-20
Rear power windows ................................. 2-26Rear window defogger switch ................... 2-16
Refrigerant recommendation ..................... 10-7
Registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................... 10-10
Remote keyless entry system
(See multi-remote control system) .............. 3-5
Reporting safety defects (USA) ............... 10-20
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock ..................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (USA) .......... 10-20
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment................ 1-2
Rear seat adjustment ............................. 1-4
Seat belt
Precautions on seat belt usage............ 1-18
Seat belt extenders .............................. 1-24
Seat belt maintenance.......................... 1-24
Seat belts.............................................. 1-18
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........... 1-24
Three-point type with retractor ............. 1-21
Seat belt warning light ................................. 2-8
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 1-2
Security systems (see theft warning) ........ 2-11
Self-adjusting brakes ................................. 8-23
Service manual order form ...................... 10-22
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-9
Shift lock release ....................................... 5-10
11-4
ZX