2001 NISSAN SENTRA MAIN

cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle
and trailer when parking. Parking on a
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

Your NISSAN is covered by the following
emission warranties.
For US
1) Emission Defects Warranty
2) Emission Performance Warranty
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found
with other vehicle warranties in your War-
ranty and Roadside Assistance Information
Booklet that comes with your NISSAN. If
you did not receive a Warranty and Road-
side Assistance Information Booklet, or it
has become lost, you may obtain a replace-
ment by writing to:
cNissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA. 90248-0191
cNissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
(NHTSA)in addition to no-
tifying NISSAN.
If
NHTSAreceives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However,
NHTSAcannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact
NHTSA, you may either call the
Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-
9393 (or 366-0123 in the Washington, D.C.
area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Depart-
ment of Transportation, Washington, D.C.
20590. You can also obtain other informa-
tion about motor vehicle safety from the
Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-800-NISSAN-1.
In Hawaii call (808) 836-0888.Due to legal requirements in some states
and Canadian provinces, your vehicle may
be required to be in the ready condition for
an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the
emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the ready condition
when it is driven through certain driving pat-
terns. Usually, the ready condition can be
obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired
or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle
may be reset to a not ready condition. Before
taking the I/M test, drive the vehicle through
the following pattern to set the vehicle to the
ready condition. If you cannot or do not want
to perform the driving pattern, an authorized
NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C.
Allow the engine to idle until the gauge
needle points between the C and H (nor-
mal operating temperature).
EMISSION CONTROL
SYSTEM WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY
DEFECTS (US only)READINESS FOR
INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
(I/M) TEST (US only)
10-20Technical and consumer information
ZX

2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelera-
tor pedal completely and keep it released
for at least 6 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for
a moment, then drive the vehicle at a
speed of 53 to 60 mph (86 to 96 km/h) for
at least 5 minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 mph (55
km/h) and maintain the speed for 20
seconds.
6. Repeat steps four through five at least
three times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 mph (88
km/h) and maintain the speed for at least
3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle [shift selector lever in
the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position].
9. Rev the engine up between 2,500 and
3,500 rpm and hold it for 3 consecutive
minutes, then release the accelerator
pedal completely.
10. Wait 5 seconds at idle.
11. Rev the engine up between 2,000 and3,000 rpm and maintain it for 5 consecu-
tive minutes.
12. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off.
13. Repeat steps one through twelve at
least one more time.
If step one through seven is interrupted,
repeat the preceding step. Any safe driving
mode is acceptable between steps. Do not
stop the engine until step seven is com-
pleted.
Technical and consumer information
10-21
ZX

For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Owner's Manualsfor the 2001
model year and prior, see an authorized
NISSAN dealer, or contact:
Dyment Distribution Services
20770 Westwood Road
Strongsville, OH 44136
1-800-247-5321
In Canada:
To purchase a copy of a Genuine NISSAN
Service Manual or Owner's Manual please
contact your nearest NISSAN Dealer. For the
phone number and location of a NISSAN
Dealer in your area call the NISSAN Customer
Service Information Center at 1-800-387-0122
and a bilingual NISSAN representative will
assist you.
Also available are genuine NISSAN Service
and Owner's Manuals for older NISSAN
models.
IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION
Unfortunately, accidents do occur. In this
unlikely event, there is some important in-
formation you should know.
Many insurance companies routinely autho-
rize the use of non-genuine collision parts in
order to cut costs, among other reasons.
Insist on the use of Genuine
Nissan/Infiniti Collision Parts!
If you want your vehicle to be restored using
parts made to Nissan's/Infiniti's original ex-
acting specifications þ if you want to help it
to last and hold its resale value, the solution
is simple.
Tell your insurance agent and
your repair shop to only use Genuine
Nissan/Infiniti Collision Parts.
Nissan
does not warrant non-Nissan parts, nor
does Nissan's warranty apply to damage
caused by a non-genuine part.
Using Genuine Nissan/Infiniti Parts can help
protect your personal safety, preserve your
warranty protection and maintain the resale
value of your vehicle. And if your vehicle
was leased, using Genuine Nissan/Infiniti
Parts may prevent or limit unnecessary ex-
cess wear and tear expenses at the end of
your lease.
Nissan/Infiniti designs its hoods with
crumple zones to minimize the risk that the
hood will penetrate the windshield of your
vehicle in an accident. Non-genuine (imita-
tion) parts may not provide such built in
safeguards. Also, non-genuine parts often
show premature wear, rust and corrosion.
Why should you take a chance?
In over 40 states, the law says you must be
advised if non-genuine parts are used to
repair your vehicle. And some states have
enacted laws that restrict insurance compa-
nies from authorizing the use of non-
genuine collision parts during the new ve-
hicle warranty. These laws help protect you,
so you can take action to protect yourself.
It's your right!
If you should need further information visit
us at:
www.nissandriven.com.
Technical and consumer information10-23
ZX

Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-6
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 .............................................. 10-2Changing engine coolant........................ 8-8
Changing 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 ........... 2-8
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 ............................................ 8-16Engine coolant ........................................ 8-6
Engine 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 ........................................ 3-13
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-13
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 ............................................... 3-15
Instrument brightness control .................... 2-17
Interior light ................................................ 2-27
Interior trunk lid release ............................. 3-12
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
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for
Children) System ....................................... 1-32
License plate
Installing the license plate .................. 10-13
Light
Air bag warning light ..................... 1-16, 2-9
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 ........................................... 2-27Light bulbs ............................................ 8-29
Low washer fluid warning light ............... 2-9
Spotlights (See map light) .................... 2-27
Trunk light ............................................. 2-28
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 ............. 3-13
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 ........................................ 2-25
Meters and gauges ...................................... 2-2
Mirror
Inside mirror.......................................... 3-15
Outside mirror control ........................... 3-16
Vanity mirror ......................................... 3-15
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 ................................ 3-16
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..................................... 2-24
Rear power windows ............................ 2-25
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 ................................. 2-25Rear 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 ................................. 2-9
Seats
Front seats.............................................. 1-2
Self-adjusting brakes ................................. 8-23
Service manual order form ...................... 10-22
Servicing air conditioner .............................. 4-9
Shift lock release ....................................... 5-10
Shifting
Automatic transmission .......................... 5-8
11-4
ZX