2000 NISSAN SENTRA Owners Manual

Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers E (Empty).
CAUTION
cIf the vehicle runs out of fuel, the
malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon
as possible. After a few driving trips,
the
lamp should turn off. If the
lamp remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information, see the
``Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)''
later in this section.
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orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(Canada only)CRUISE ONzOFF switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsorAnti-lock brake warning
light (if so equipped)Cruise SET indicator light
(if so equipped)
High beam indicator light (Blue)Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)Supplemental air bag warning light
Charge warning lightMalfunction indicator lampSeat belt warning light and chime
Door open warning lightEngine oil pressure warning lightLow fuel warning light
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking
brake and turn the ignition key to the ON
position without starting the engine. The
following lights will come on:
,,or,,,
If equipped, the following lights come on
briefly and then go off:
or
If any light fails to come on, it may
indicate a burned-out bulb or an open
circuit in the electrical system. Have thesystem repaired promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If
the light flickers or comes on during normal
driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop
the engineimmediatelyand call an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
The oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Usethe dipstick to check the oil level.See
``Engine oil'' in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section
of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the oil pres-
sure warning light on could cause seri-
ous damage to the engine almost im-
mediately. Turn off the engine as soon
as it is safe to do so.
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Instruments and controls2-7
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Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate a problem with the
charging system. Turn the engine off and
check the generator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, or missing, or if the light remains on,
see an authorized NISSAN dealer immedi-
ately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
are not closed securely while the ignition
key is ON.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten
the seat belts. The light illuminates and the
chime sounds (for about five seconds)
whenever the ignition key is turned to the
ON position, and the light remains illumi-
nated until the driver's seat belt is fastened.Refer to ªSeat beltsº in the ªSeats, restraints
and supplemental air bag systemsº section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag
warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates for about 7 seconds and
then turns off. This means the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental air bag and supplemental
side air bag need servicing and your vehicle
must be taken to an authorized NISSAN
dealer:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
remains on after approximately 7 sec-
onds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
does not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the supple-
mental restraint system may not function
properly. For additional details see ``Supple-
mental restraint system'' in the ``Seats, re-straints and supplemental air bag systems''
section of this manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental front air bag or supple-
mental side air bag system (if so
equipped) will not operate in an acci-
dent.
Low washer fluid warning
light (Canada only)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is
at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary.
See the ``Do-it-yourself'' section of this
manual.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking
brake and the foot brake systems.
When the ignition key is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake
is applied, and also warns of a low brake
fluid level. If the light comes on while the
engine is running with the parking brake not
applied, stop the vehicle and perform the
following:
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1.Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See ``Brake fluid'' in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cIf the level is below the MINIMUM or
MIN mark on the brake fluid reser-
voir, do not drive until the brake
system has been checked at an au-
thorized NISSAN dealer.
cYour brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is
on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your ve-
hicle towed.
cPressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate something is wrong
with the anti-lock portion of the brake sys-
tem. Have the system checked by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly
doing so may cause the ABS light to stay
on when there is nothing wrong). If the
light stays on, have the system checked
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function ceases, but the regular
braking system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact an authorized NISSAN dealer for
repair.
Low fuel warning light
This warning light comes on when the fuel in
the tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it
is convenient, preferably before the fuel
gauge reaches E (Empty).There will be a small reserve of fuel remain-
ing in the tank when the fuel gauge reaches
E (Empty).
INDICATOR LIGHTS
Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission only)
This light comes on when the overdrive
switch is in the OFF position.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn
signal lever switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is
turned on.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight
high beam is on and goes out when the low
beam is selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Instruments and controls
2-9
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Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control
main switch is pushed. The light goes out
when the main switch is pushed again.
When the cruise main switch indicator light
comes on, the cruise control system is
operational.
Cruise SET indicator light
(if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed
is controlled by the cruise control system. If
the light blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate the cruise control system is not
functioning properly. Have the system
checked by your authorized NISSAN
dealer.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If the indicator lamp comes on steady or
blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also
come on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.Check to make sure the fuel filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the
vehicle has at least three gallons of fuel in
the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp
should turn off if no other potential emission
control system malfunction exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on
in one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator lamp on steady - An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If
the fuel filler cap is loose or missing,
tighten or install the cap and continue to
drive the vehicle. The
lamp should
turn off after a few driving trips. If the
lamp does not turn off after a few
driving trips, have the vehicle inspected
by an authorized NISSAN dealer. You do
not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator lamp blinking - An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control sys-
tem. To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
a) do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH(72 km/h).
b)
avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) avoid steep uphill grades.
d) if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop
blinking and come on steady. Have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
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CHIMES
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver's side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition
switch. Remove the key and take it with you
when leaving the vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch in the OFF position,
a chime sounds when the driver's side door
is opened if the headlights or parking lights
are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before
leaving the vehicle.
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have an audible wear
warning. When a brake pad requires re-
placement, it makes a high pitched scraping
sound when the vehicle is in motion,
whether or not the brake pedal is de-
pressed. Have the brakes checked as soon
as possible if the warning sound is heard.Your vehicle has two types of security sys-
tems:
cNissan Vehicle Immobilizer System±
NVIS (if so equipped)
cTheft warning (if so equipped)
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS) (if so equipped)
The Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(NVIS) will not allow the engine to start
without the use of a registered NVIS key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered
NVIS key (for example, when interference iscaused by another NVIS key, an automated
toll road device or automated payment de-
vice on the key ring), restart the engine
using the following procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or
LOCK position, and wait approximately 5
seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de-
vice (which may have caused the inter-
ference) separate from the registered
NVIS key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, Nissan
recommends placing the registered NVIS
key on a separate key ring to avoid interfer-
ence from other devices.
Statement related to section 15 of FCC
rules for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System (CONT ASSY - IMMOBILIZER,
ANT ASSY - IMMOBILIZER)
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions;
IC0005
SECURITY SYSTEMS
Instruments and controls2-11
ZX

(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, includ-
ing interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EX-
PRESSLY APPROVED BY THE MANU-
FACTURER FOR COMPLIANCE COULD
VOID THE USER'S AUTHORITY TO OP-
ERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
Security indicator light (Nissan Ve-
hicle Immobilizer System)
The security indicator light is located on the
instrument panel near the windshield.
The security indicator light blinks every 3
seconds whenever the ignition switch is in
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This func-
tion indicates the Nissan Vehicle Immobi-
lizer System (NVIS) is operational.
If the NVIS is malfunctioning, the light will
remain on while the ignition key is in the ON
position.If the light still remains on and/or the
engine will not start, see your Nissan
dealer for NVIS service as soon as pos-
sible. Please bring all NVIS keys that you
have when visiting your authorized NIS-
SAN dealer for service.
THEFT WARNING (if so equipped)
The theft warning system provides visual
and audio alarm signals if parts of the
vehicle are disturbed.
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Security indicator light (Theft warn-
ing)
The security indicator light is located on the
instrument panel near the windshield.
The security indicator light shows the status
of the theft warning system.
The light operates whenever the ignition
switch is in the LOCK, OFF, or ACC posi-
tion.
The theft warning system has four phases.
For each phase the operation of the security
indicator light is different.
How to arm the theft warning sys-
tem
1. Close all windows.(The system can be
armed even if the windows are open).
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Close the hood, trunk lid and all doors.
Lock all doors. The doors can be locked
with the key or with the multi-remote
controller.
Multi-remote controller operation:
cPush the LOCK button on the multi-
remote controller. All doors lock. The
hazard lights flash twice and the horn
beeps once to indicate all doors are
locked.
cWhen the LOCK button is pushed with
all doors locked, the hazard lights
flash twice and the horn beeps once
as a reminder that the doors are al-
ready locked.
The horn may or may not beep once.
Refer to ``Silencing the horn beep fea-
ture'' later in this section.
4.
Confirm that the SECURITY indicator light
comes on. The SECURITY light stays on
for about 30 seconds. The theft warning
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