2002 NISSAN SENTRA Transmission

cAlways attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSAN
NISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (front) wheels off theground or place the vehicle on a flat bed
truck as illustrated.
CAUTION
cNever tow automatic transmission
models with the front wheels on the
ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward), as this may
cause serious and expensive dam-
age to the transmission. If it is nec-
essary to tow the vehicle with the
rear wheels raised, always use tow-
ing dollies under the front wheels.
cWhen towing automatic transmis-
sion models with the front wheels on
towing dollies, or when towing
manual transmission models with
the front wheels on the ground:
cTurn the ignition key to the OFF
position, and secure the steer-
ing wheel in a straight ahead
position with a rope or similar
device. Never secure the steer-
ing wheel by turning the igni-
tion key to the LOCK position.
This may damage the steering
lock mechanism.
cMove the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position.
ACE0511
6-12In 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

warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and
that the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly
and in sufficient quantity when operating the
heater or air conditioner.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free-
play, hard steering or strange noises.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to
ensure they operate smoothly and all
latches lock securely in every position.
Check that the head restraints move up and
down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched posi-
tions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat
belt system (e.g., buckles, anchors, adjust-
ers and retractors) operate properly and
smoothly, and are installed securely. Check
the belt webbing for cuts, fraying, wear or
damage.Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal
does not catch or require uneven effort.
Keep the floor mat away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*Make sure the pedal oper-
ates smoothly and check that it has the
proper free travel.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull
the vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has
the proper distance under it when de-
pressed fully. Check the brake booster func-
tion. Be certain to keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.
Parking brake*Check that the lever has
the proper travel and confirm that your
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill
with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission P (Park) posi-
tion mechanismCheck that the lock re-
lease button on the selector lever operates
properly and smoothly. On a fairly steep hill
check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in the P position without
applying any brakes.Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (e.g., each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Additional information on the following
items with an ``*'' is found later in this
section.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there
is adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Engine oil level*Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level surface with
the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid level is be-
tween the MIN and MAX lines on the reser-
voir.
Power steering fluid level* and lines
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Automatic transmission fluid level*
Check the level after putting the selector
lever in P with the engine idling at operating
temperature.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

cIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.,
before working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it
is supported only by a jack. If it is
necessary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by an authorized NISSAN
dealer because the fuel lines are
under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.
cNever connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized compo-
nent while the ignition switch is in
the ON position.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.c
Avoid contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant, and/or
other vehicle fluids can damage the
environment. Always conform to lo-
cal regulations for disposal of ve-
hicle fluid.
This ``Maintenance and do-it-yourself'' sec-
tion gives instructions regarding only those
items which are relatively easy for an owner
to perform.
A genuine NISSAN service manual is also
available. See ``Owner's Manual/Service
Manual order information'' in the ``Technical
and consumer information'' section.
You should be aware that incomplete or
improper servicing may result in operating
difficulties or excessive emissions, and
could affect your warranty coverage.If in
doubt about any servicing, have it done
by an authorized NISSAN dealer.
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting sur-
face with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old gasket mate-
rial remaining on the mounting surface of
the engine.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with
clean engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resis-
tance is felt, then tighten an additional
2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.9. Turn the engine off and wait several
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine
oil if necessary.WARNING
cWhen the engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away
from any moving parts such as the
cooling fan and drive belts.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poi-
sonous and should be stored care-
fully in marked containers out of the
reach of children.
WDI0113LDI0018
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
ZX

TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
FOR CHECKING
cThe fluid level should be checked using
the HOT range on the dipstick after the
following conditions have been met:
Ð The engine should be warmed up to
operating temperature.
Ð The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
Ð The automatic transmission fluid should
be warmed to between 122 and 176ÉF
(50 and 80ÉC).cThe fluid can be checked at fluid tem-
peratures of 86 to 122ÉF (30 to 50ÉC)
using the COLD range on the dipstick
after the engine is warmed up and before
driving. However, the fluid should be
re-checked using the HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
set the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the shift
selector lever through each gear range.
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park)
after you have moved it through all
ranges.3. Check the fluid level with the engine
idling.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean
with lint-free paper.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the dipstick
tube as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the read-
ing. If the level is at the low side of either
range, add fluid through the dipstick tube.
WDI0133
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

CAUTION
DO NOT OVERFILL. Use ONLY Nissan
Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska)
or Canada NISSAN Automatic Trans-
mission Fluid. Dexron
TMIII/MerconTM
or equivalent may also be used. Out-
side the continental United States and
Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN
dealership for more information re-
garding suitable fluids, including rec-
ommended brand(s) of Dexron
TM
III/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission
Fluid.
NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in
hot weather, or if it is being used to pull
a trailer, the accurate fluid level cannot
be read. You should wait until the fluid
has cooled down (about 30 minutes) be-
fore checking fluid level.Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the side of the fluid reservoir
at fluid temperatures of 122 to 176ÉF (50 to
80ÉC) or using the COLD range on the side
of the fluid reservoir at fluid temperatures of
32 to 86ÉF (0 to 30ÉC).
CAUTION
cDO NOT OVERFILL.
cRecommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSFII or equivalent.
WDI0137WDI0138
POWER STEERING FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-17
ZX