2000 NISSAN SENTRA automatic transmission

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
ZX

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
ZX

5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving ...................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................5-2
Three-way catalyst .................................................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover................................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .........................5-3
Ignition switch .........................................................5-4
Automatic transmission ..........................................5-4
Manual transmission ..............................................5-5
Key positions ..........................................................5-5
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS)
(if so equipped) ......................................................5-6
Before starting the engine ......................................5-6
Starting the engine .................................................5-7
Driving the vehicle ..................................................5-7
Automatic transmission (if so equipped) ................5-7
Manual transmission ............................................5-11
Parking brake .......................................................5-13
Cruise control (if so equipped) .............................5-14
Precautions on cruise control...............................5-14Cruise control operations .....................................5-14
Break-in schedule ................................................5-16
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-16
Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-17
Power steering .....................................................5-18
Brake system........................................................5-18
Braking precautions .............................................5-18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if so equipped) ....5-19
Cold weather driving ............................................5-20
Freeing a frozen door lock ...................................5-20
Anti-freeze ............................................................5-20
Battery ..................................................................5-20
Draining of coolant ...............................................5-20
Tire equipment .....................................................5-21
Special winter equipment .....................................5-21
Driving on snow or ice .........................................5-21
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ...................5-22
ZX

the influence of alcohol. Every year thou-
sands of people are injured or killed in
alcohol-related accidents. Although the lo-
cal laws vary on what is considered to be
legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most
people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don't mix!
And that is true for drugs, too (over-the-
counter, prescription, and illegal drugs). Do
not drive if your ability to operate your
vehicle is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or
some other physical condition.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models the igni-
tion lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the shift
selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift selector lever is in the P
(Park) position.
When the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the
key.1) Move the shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position.
2) Turn the ignition key slightly toward the
ON position.
3) Turn the key to the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
The shift lever is designed so it cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to OFF or if the key is removed from
the switch.
The shift selector lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF posi-
tion is indicated by a ``1'' on the key
cylinder. When the ignition is in OFF, the
steering wheel is not locked.
WSD0004
IGNITION SWITCH
5-4Starting and driving
ZX

1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park)
or N (Neutral). (P is recommended.)
The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
key is turned to LOCK or if the key is
removed.
The starter is designed not to operate
if the shift selector lever is in one of
the driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the selector lever to N (Neutral),
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor.
The starter is designed to operate
only when the clutch pedal is fully
depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but
fails to run, repeat the above procedure.
Ð If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold or hot weather, de-press and hold the accelerator pedal
to help start the engine.
Ð In the summer, when restarting the
engine within 30 minutes after it has
been stopped, keep the accelerator
pedal fully depressed while starting.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially
in cold weather.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(if so equipped)
WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive), 2
or 1. Always depress the brake pedal
until shifting is completed. Failure to
do so could cause you to lose con-
trol and have an accident.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a for-
ward or reverse gear before the en-
gine has warmed up.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This
could cause an accident.
CAUTION
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an
uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle
by depressing the accelerator pedal.
The foot brake should be used for
this purpose.
STARTING THE ENGINE DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-7
ZX

cDo not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
The automatic transmission in your vehicle
is electronically controlled to produce maxi-
mum power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for
this transmission are shown on the following
pages. Follow these procedures for maximum
vehicle performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
cAfter starting the engine, fully depress
the foot brake pedal before shifting the
shift selector lever to the D (Drive), R
(Reverse), 2 or 1 position. Be sure the
vehicle is at a complete stop before
attempting to shift the shift selector lever.
cKeep the foot brake pedal depressed
and shift into a driving gear.
c
Release the foot brake, then gradually
start the vehicle in motion.
The automatic transmission is designed so
the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is ON.
The shift selector lever cannot be moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to LOCK or if the key is removed.
The shift selector lever can be moved if
the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed.
Shifting
Push the button to shift into P (Park), R (Re-
verse) or from D (Drive) to 2. All other positions
can be selected without pushing the button.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Always
be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop. For
maximum safety, depress the brake pedal,
then push in the shift selector lever button
and move the lever to the P (Park) position.
Apply the parking brake. When parking on a
hill, apply the parking brake first, then shift
the lever into the P (Park) position.
Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the shift selector lever still cannot be moved
WSD0006
5-8Starting and driving
ZX

SR20DE engine models:
GEAR MPH (km/h)
1st 35 (55)
2nd 60 (95)
3rd 85 (135)
4th & 5th ÐWARNING
cBe sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.
cDo not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
cDo not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.
c
Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
To engage:pull the lever up.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. Manual transmission models:
Place the selector lever in the N (Neutral)
position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position.
3. While pulling up on the lever slightly,
push the button and lower completely.
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
ASD0603
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-13
ZX

PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROL
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The SET light in
the instrument panel then blinks to warn
the driver.
cIf the SET light in the instrument panel
blinks, turn the CRUISE ONzOFF switch
off and have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
cThe SET light in the instrument panel
may blink when the CRUISE ONzOFF
switch is turned ON while pushing theACCEL/RES, SET/COAST, or CANCEL
switch (located on the steering wheel).
To properly set the cruise control system,
perform the following steps in the order
indicated.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when
driving under the following conditions:
cWhen it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
cIn heavy traffic or in traffic that var-
ies in speed.
cOn winding or hilly roads.
cOn slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.).
cIn very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do
not shift into N (Neutral) without de-
pressing the clutch pedal when the
cruise control is set. Should this occur,depress the clutch pedal and turn the
main switch off immediately. Failure to
do so may cause engine damage.
CRUISE CONTROL
OPERATIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 30 to 90 MPH (48 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control,push the
CRUISE ONzOFF switch. The CRUISE
indicator light in the instrument panel comes
on.
To set cruising speed,accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. The SET
light in the instrument panel comes on. Take
your foot off the accelerator pedal. Your
vehicle maintains the set speed.
cTo pass another vehicle,depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-
ously set speed.
cThe vehicle may not maintain the set
WSD0009
CRUISE CONTROL
(if so equipped)
5-14Starting and driving
ZX