2002 NISSAN SENTRA parking brake

Selector lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift selector
lever may not be moved from the P (Park)
position even with the brake pedal de-
pressed and the shift selector lever button
pushed.
To move the shift selector lever, release the
shift lock and push shift selector lever but-
ton. The shift selector lever can be moved to
N (Neutral). However, the steering wheel
will be locked unless the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position.
To release the shift lock, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the lock position
and remove the key
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cover.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
slot, and push down.
5. Push the shift selector lever button and
move the shift selector lever to N (Neu-
tral) position while holding down the shift
lock.
If the shift selector lever cannot be movedout of P (Park), take your vehicle to an
authorized NISSAN dealership as soon as
possible.
Accelerator downshift
in D position
For rapid passing or hill climbing while driv-
ing, fully depress the accelerator pedal to
the floor. This shifts the transmission down
into third gear, second gear or first gear,
depending on vehicle speed.
WSD0008
5-10Starting and driving
ZX

3rd to 4th 40 (65)
4th to 5th 45 (75)
5th to 6th 50 (80)
Suggested maximum speed in each
gear
Downshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to acceler-
ate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested
speed (shown below) in any gear. For level
road driving, use the highest gear sug-
gested for that speed. Always observe
posted speed limits, and drive according to
the road conditions, which will ensure safe
operation. Do not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear as it may cause
engine damage or loss of vehicle control.
QG18DE engine models:
GEAR MPH (km/h)
1st 30 (50)
2nd 55 (90)
3rd 85 (135)
4th & 5th ÐQR25DE engine models: 5-Speed
GEAR MPH (km/h)
1st 35 (55)
2nd 60 (95)
3rd 85 (135)
4th & 5th Ð
QR25DE engine models: 6-Speed
GEAR MPH (km/h)
1st 25 (45)
2nd 50 (80)
3rd 80 (130)
4th, 5th, 6th Ð
WARNING
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.
PARKING BRAKE
Starting and driving5-13
ZX

cKeep your engine tuned up.
cFollow the recommended periodic main-
tenance schedule.
cKeep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure. Low tire pressure increases
tire wear and wastes fuel.
cKeep the front wheels in correct align-
ment. Improper alignment increases tire
wear and lowers fuel economy.
cAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only
when necessary.
cWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is
more economical to use the air condi-
tioner and leave the windows closed to
reduce drag.
WARNING
Do not park the vehicle over flammable
materials such as dry grass, waste pa-
per or rags. They may ignite and cause
a fire.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Manual transmission models:
Place the selector lever in the R (Re-
verse) position. When parking on an up-
hill grade, place the selector lever in 1
(First) gear.Automatic transmission models:
Move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position.
WARNING
cSafe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and
the transmission placed into P (Park)
for automatic transmission models
or in an appropriate gear for manual
transmission models. Failure to do
so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result
MSD0002
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
Starting and driving5-17
ZX

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the
parking brake. Shift the manual transmis-
sion into R (Reverse), or the automatic
transmission into P (Park).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and
to signal professional road assistance
personnel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the ve-
hicle and stand in a safe place, away
from traffic and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
cMake sure the parking brake is se-
curely applied and the manual trans-
mission is shifted into R (Re-verse), or the automatic transmis-
sion into P (Park).
cNever change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
cNever change tires if oncoming traf-
fic is close to your vehicle. Wait for
professional road assistance.
Blocking wheels
Place suitable blocks at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the
flat tire to prevent the vehicle from rolling
when it is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the ve-
hicle may move and result in personal
injury.
MCE0001
FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
ZX

cWhenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye pro-
tectors (for example, goggles or in-
dustrial safety spectacles) and
remove rings, metal bands, or any
other jewelry. Do not lean over the
battery when jump starting.
cDo not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.
cYour vehicle has an automatic en-
gine cooling fan. It could come on at
any time. Keep hands and other ob-
jects away from it.
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1.
If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their
batteries into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the selec-
tor lever to N (Neutral) (on automatic
transmission models, move the shift se-
lector lever to P (Park)). Switch off all
unnecessary electrical systems (lights,heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Cover the battery with an old cloth to
reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence
illustrated.
CAUTION
c
Always connect positive (+) to positive
(+) and negative (þ) to body ground (for
example, strut mounting bolt, engine
lift bracket, etc.)Ðnot to the battery.
ACE1013
In case of emergency6-9
ZX

cMake sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that the cable clamps do
not contact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
and let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster
vehicle at about 2,000 rpm, and start the
engine of the vehicle being jump started.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged
for more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before
trying again.
7. After starting the engine, carefully dis-
connect the negative cable and then the
positive cable.
8. Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to
cover the vent holes as it may be con-
taminated with corrosive acid.
CAUTION
cAutomatic transmission models can-
not be push started. This may cause
transmission damage.
cThree way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing.
The three way catalyst may be dam-
aged.
cNever try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it. When the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by
an extremely high temperature gauge read-
ing), or if you feel a lack of engine power,
detect abnormal noise, etc., take the follow-
ing steps.
WARNING
cDo not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause a vehicle fire.
cTo avoid the danger of being
scalded, never remove the radiator
cap while the engine is still hot.
When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.
cDo not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road,
apply the parking brake and move the
selector lever to N (Neutral) (manual
transmission) or the shift selector lever to
P (Park) (automatic transmission).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE
OVERHEATS
6-10In case of emergency
ZX

When towing automatic or manual
transmission models with the rear
wheels on the ground (if you do not
use towing dollies): Always release
the parking brake.VEHICLE RECOVERY (freeing a
stuck vehicle)
cTow chains or cables must be attached
only to the main structural members of
the vehicle.
cPulling devices should be routed so they
do not touch any part of the suspension,
steering, brake or cooling systems.
cAlways pull the cable straight out from
the front or rear of the vehicle. Never pull
the vehicle at an angle.
cPulling devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use in
vehicle towing or recovery.
cStand clear of a stuck vehicle.
WARNING
Do not spin your tires at high speed. This
could cause them to explode and result
in serious injury. Parts of your vehicle
could also overheat and be damaged.
CE1052
In case of emergency6-13
ZX

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements .....................................8-2
General maintenance .............................................8-3
Explanation of general maintenance
items ..................................................................8-3
Maintenance precautions .......................................8-5
Engine compartment check locations -
QG engine .............................................................8-7
Engine compartment check locations -
QR engine .............................................................8-8
Engine cooling system ...........................................8-9
Checking engine coolant level ..........................8-9
Changing engine coolant ................................8-10
Engine oil .............................................................8-12
Checking engine oil level ................................8-12
Changing engine oil ........................................8-13
Changing engine oil filter.................................8-14
Automatic transmission fluid ................................8-15
Temperature conditions for checking ..............8-16
Power steering fluid..............................................8-17
Brake and clutch fluid...........................................8-18
Brake fluid........................................................8-18
Clutch fluid .......................................................8-18Window washer fluid ............................................8-19
Battery ..................................................................8-19
Jump starting ...................................................8-21
Drive belts ............................................................8-22
Spark plug ............................................................8-23
Replacing spark plugs .....................................8-23
Air cleaner ............................................................8-24
Cabin air filter (if so equipped) ........................8-24
Windshield wiper blades ......................................8-28
Cleaning ..........................................................8-28
Replacing .........................................................8-28
Parking brake and brake pedal ............................8-29
Checking park brake .......................................8-29
Checking brake pedal .....................................8-30
Brake booster ..................................................8-30
Clutch pedal .........................................................8-31
Checking clutch pedal .....................................8-31
Fuses ....................................................................8-31
Engine compartment .......................................8-31
Passenger compartment .................................8-34
Keyfob battery replacement .................................8-35
Lights ....................................................................8-36
ZX