2000 NISSAN SENTRA maintenance

Foreword
Welcome to the growing family of new
NISSAN owners. This vehicle is delivered
to you with confidence. It was produced
using the latest techniques and strict quality
control.
This manual was prepared to help you
understand the operation and maintenance
of your vehicle so that you may enjoy many
miles (kilometers) of driving pleasure.
Please read through this manual before
operating your vehicle.
In the U.S., a separate Warranty Informa-
tion and Maintenance Log Booklet and
in Canada, a Warranty and Roadside
Assistance Information Booklet ex-
plains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle and vehicle mainte-
nance schedules. Additionally, a
separate Customer Care/Lemon Law
Booklet (U.S. only) will explain how to
resolve any concerns you may have with
your vehicle, as well as clarify your
rights under your state's lemon law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your ve-
hicle best. When you require any service or
have any questions, they will be glad to
assist you with the extensive resources
available to them.READ FIRST Ð THEN DRIVE SAFELY
Before driving your vehicle please read this
owner's manual carefully. This will ensure
familiarity with controls and maintenance
requirements, assisting you in the safe op-
eration of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
cNEVER drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
cALWAYS observe posted speed lim-
its and never drive too fast for con-
ditions.
c
ALWAYS use your seat belts and
appropriate child restraint systems.
Pre-teen children should be seated
in the rear seat.
cALWAYS provide information about
the proper use of vehicle safety fea-
tures to all occupants of the vehicle.
c
ALWAYS review this owner's manual
for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification could affect its perfor-
mance, safety or durability, and may
even violate governmental regulations.
In addition, damage or performance
problems resulting from modifications
may not be covered under NISSAN
warranties.
WHEN READING THE MANUAL
This manual includes information for all
options available on this model. Therefore,
you may find some information that does
not apply to your vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustra-
tions in this manual are those in effect at the
time of printing. NISSAN reserves the right
to change specifications or design without
notice and without obligation.
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
ZX

Welcome To The World Of NISSAN
Your new NISSAN is the result of our dedication
to produce the finest in safe, reliable and eco-
nomical transportation. Your vehicle is the prod-
uct of a successful worldwide company that
manufactures cars and trucks in over 17 coun-
tries and distributes them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufac-
tured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was
founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN
affiliates world wide, collectively growing to be-
come the fifth largest automaker in the world. In
addition to cars and trucks, NISSAN also makes
textile machinery, forklift trucks, marine engines,
boats and other products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing in-
vestment in North America, starting with the open-
ing of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. in 1960 and
continuing with the production of some cars and
trucks at one of the world's most modern manu-
facturing facilities, Nissan Motor Manufacturing
Corporation U.S.A. in Smyrna, Tennessee, ve-
hicle styling at Nissan Design International in
San Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan
Research and Development in Farmington Hills,
Michigan.
NISSAN and its dealers employ about 60,000
Americans.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 140 dealers employ approxi-
mately 4,500 people. These include company
employees and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all
across Canada. In addition, many Canadians
work for companies that supply NISSAN and
NISSAN dealers with materials and services
ranging from operation of port facilities and trans-portation services, to the supply of lubricants,
parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the indus-
try in improving both performance and fuel effi-
ciency through new engine designs and the use
of synthetic materials to reduce vehicle weight.
The company has also developed ways to build
quality into its vehicles at each stage of the
production process, both through extensive use
of automation and Ð most importantly Ð
through an awareness thatpeopleare the cen-
tral element in quality control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers
until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, doz-
ens of checks were made to ensure that only the
best job was being done in producing and deliver-
ing your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to
ensure that when you take your NISSAN to your
dealer for maintenance, the service technician will
perform his work according to the quality standards
that have been established by the factory.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our
customer, with a vehicle that is built with quality
and craftsmanship Ð a product that we can be
proud to build and you can be proud to own.
AFW0001
ZX

Table of
ContentsSeats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
Instruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and care
Do-it-yourself
Maintenance
Technical and consumer information
Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

1 Seats, restraints and supplemental air
bag systems
Seats ......................................................................1-2
Front seat adjustment ............................................1-2
Rear seat adjustment .............................................1-4
Head restraint adjustment ......................................1-5
Supplemental restraint system ...............................1-6
Precautions on supplemental restraint system ......1-6
Supplemental air bag warning labels ...................1-16
Supplemental air bag warning light......................1-16
Seat belts .............................................................1-18
Precautions on seat belt usage ...........................1-18
Child safety...........................................................1-20Pregnant women ..................................................1-20
Injured persons ....................................................1-21
Three-point type seat belt with retractor ..............1-21
Seat belt extenders ..............................................1-24
Seat belt maintenance .........................................1-24
Child restraints .....................................................1-25
Precautions on child restraints .............................1-25
Installation on rear seat center or outboard
positions ...............................................................1-26
Top tether strap child restraint .............................1-32
Installation on front passenger seat .....................1-33
ZX

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 front air bag and supplemen-
tal side air bag needs servicing:
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.
Under these conditions, the supplemental
front air bag or supplemental side air bag
may not operate properly. It must be
checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to
the nearest authorized NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemental
front air bag or supplemental side air bag
system will not operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental air bag modules are de-
signed to inflate on a one-time-only basis.
As a reminder, unless it is damaged, the
supplemental air bag light remains illumi-
nated after inflation has occurred. Repair
and replacement of the supplemental air
bag system should be done only by an
authorized NISSAN dealer.
After a supplemental air bag inflates, the
instrument panel assembly should be re-
placed by an authorized NISSAN dealer if
damaged.
To ensure long-term functioning, the
supplemental air bag system must be
inspected 10 years after the date of manu-
facture as noted on the certification label
located on the driver side front pillar.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental air bag system
and related parts should be pointed out to
the person performing the maintenance.
The ignition key should always be in the
LOCK position when working under the
hood or inside the vehicle.
WARNING
cOnce the supplemental front air bag
or supplemental side air bag has
inflated, the air bag module will not
function again and must be re-
placed. The air bag module should
be replaced by an authorized NIS-
SAN dealer. The air bag module can-
not be repaired.
cThe supplemental front air bag and
supplemental side air bag systems
should be inspected by an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer if there is anyWRS0034
Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems1-17
ZX

Shoulder belt height adjustment
(For front seats)
The shoulder belt anchor height should be
adjusted to the position best for you. (See
``Precautions on seat belt usage'' earlier in
this section.) To adjust, pull out the adjust-
ment button and move the shoulder belt
anchor to the desired position, so the belt
passes over the center of the shoulder. The
belt should be away from your face and
neck, but not falling off your shoulder. Re-
lease the adjustment button to lock the
shoulder belt anchor into position.
WARNING
cAfter adjustment, release the adjust-
ment button and try to move the
shoulder belt anchor up and down to
make sure it is securely fixed in
position.
cThe shoulder belt anchor height
should be adjusted to the position
best for you. Failure to do so may
reduce the effectiveness of the en-
tire restraint system and increase
the chance or severity of injury in an
accident.
SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, because of body size or driving position,
it is not possible to properly fit the lap-
shoulder belt and fasten it, an extender is
available which is compatible with the in-
stalled seat belts. The extender adds ap-
proximately 8 inches (200 mm) of length
and may be used for either the driver or front
passenger seating position. See an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer for assistance if the
extender is required.
WARNING
cOnly NISSAN seat belt extenders,
made by the same company which
made the original equipment seat
belts, should be used with NISSAN
seat belts.
cPersons who can use the standard
seat belt should not use an extender.
Such unnecessary use could result
in serious personal injury in the
event of an accident.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
cTo clean the seat belt webbings,apply
a mild soap solution or any solution
recommended for cleaning upholstery or
carpet. Then wipe with a cloth and allow
the seat belts to dry in the shade. Do not
allow the seat belts to retract until they
are completely dry.
cIf dirt builds up in the shoulder belt
guideof the seat belt anchors, the seat
belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoul-
der belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
c
Periodically check to see that the seat
belt and metal components,such as
LRS0026
1-24Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems
ZX

ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.
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, it may be due to interference
caused 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 again.
4. Restart the engine while holding the de-
vice (which may have caused the inter-ference) separate from the registered
NVIS key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,
NISSAN recommends placing the regis-
tered NVIS key on a separate key ring to
avoid interference from other devices.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, for example, each
time you check engine oil.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
c
Check the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See ``Warning/indicator lights and chimes''
in the ``Instrument and controls'' section.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
5-6Starting and driving
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