2002 NISSAN SENTRA Trans

You will see various symbols in this manual.
They are used in the following ways:
WARNING
This is used to indicate the presence of
a hazard that could cause death or
serious personal injury. To avoid or
reduce the risk, the procedures must
be followed precisely.
CAUTION
This is used to indicate the presence of
a hazard that could cause minor or
moderate personal injury or damage to
your vehicle. To avoid or reduce the
risk, the procedures must be followed
carefully.If you see this symbol, it means ``Do not do
this'' or ``Do not let this happen.''
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING
WARNING
Engine Exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
2002 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
GARDENA, CALIFORNIA
All rights reserved. No part of this Owner's
Manual may be reproduced or stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or
by any means, electronic, mechanical, photo-
copying, recording or otherwise, without the
prior written permission of Nissan North
America, Inc., Gardena, California.
The inside pages of this manual contain
a minimum of 50% recycled fibers,
including 10% post-consumer fibers.
APD1005
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
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
forklift trucks, marine engines, boats and other
diversified products.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America. NISSAN's commit-
ment is nearly $4 billion dollars in capital invest-
ments in facilities across the continent.Some of the facilities include the Nissan Manu-
facturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle
styling design at Nissan Design America, Inc. in
San Diego, California, and engineering at Nissan
Technical Center North America in Farmington
Hills, Michigan. Additionally, NISSAN employs
nearly 18,000 people throughout the United
States, Canada, and Mexico. An additional
71,000 people work for the 1,500 NISSAN and
INFINITI dealers across North America.
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 suppli-
ers until you took delivery of your new NISSAN,
dozens of checks were made to ensure that only
the best job was being done in producing and
delivering your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great
care to ensure that when you take your NISSAN
to your dealer for maintenance, the service tech-
nician 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.
WFW0002
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orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light
(if so equipped)CRUISE main switch indicator light (if
so equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lightsorAnti-lock brake warning
light (if so equipped)Cruise SET switch 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
orAnti-lock brake
warning light
(if so equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate the anti-lock brake
system is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quicklydoing 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.
WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE
REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-7
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functioning properly. Have the system
checked by your authorized NISSAN
dealer.
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.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If this indicator lamp comes on steady or
blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also
come on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel.
Check to make sure the fuel filler cap is
installed and closed tightly, and that the
vehicle has at least three gallons of fuel in
the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp
should turn off if no other potential emission
control system malfunction exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on
in one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator lamp on steady - An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If
the fuel filler cap is loose or missing,
tighten or install the cap and continue to
drive the vehicle. The
lamp should
turn off after a few driving trips. If the
lamp does not turn off after a few
driving trips, have the vehicle inspected
by an authorized NISSAN dealer. You do
not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator lamp blinking - An
engine misfire has been detected which
may damage the emission control sys-
tem. To reduce or avoid emission control
system damage:
a) do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
b)
avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) avoid steep uphill grades.
d) if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop
blinking and come on steady. Have thevehicle inspected by an authorized NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
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.
2-10Instruments and controls
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A key number plate is supplied with your
keys. Record the key number and keep it in
a safe place (such as your wallet), not in the
vehicle. If you lose your keys, see an autho-
rized NISSAN dealer for duplicates by using
the key number. NISSAN does not record
key numbers so it is very important to keep
track of your key number plate.
A key number is only necessary when you
have lost all keys and do not have one to
duplicate from. If you still have a key, your
authorized NISSAN dealer can duplicate it.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS) KEYS (if so
equipped)
You can only start your vehicle using the
keys that are supplied by your NISSAN
dealer. Each key has a transponder chip in
the key head that is electronically registered
to your vehicle's NVIS. These keys can be
used for all of the key locks on your vehicle.
Never leave these keys in the vehicle.
New or duplicate keys can only be ob-
tained from your NISSAN dealer and
must be registered to the Nissan Vehicle
Immobilizer System (NVIS) componentsin your vehicle by an authorized NISSAN
dealer.
As many as 5 NVIS keys can be used with
one vehicle. You should bring all NVIS keys
that you have to your authorized NISSAN
dealer for registration. This is because the
registration process will erase the memory
of all key codes previously registered into
the Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System. Af-
ter the registration process, these compo-
nents will only recognize keys coded into
the Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
(NVIS) during registration. Any key that is
not given to your dealer at the time of
registration will no longer be able to start
your vehicle.
WPD0102
KEYS
3-2Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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RADIO
Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON and
press the power on switch to turn on the
radio. If you listen to the radio with the
engine not running, the key should be
turned to the ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter,
buildings, bridges, mountains and other ex-
ternal influences. Intermittent changes in
reception quality normally are caused by
these external influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the
vehicle may influence radio reception
quality.
Radio reception
Your NISSAN radio system is equipped with
state-of-the-art electronic circuits to en-
hance radio reception. These circuits are
designed to extend reception range, and to
enhance the quality of that reception.
However there are some general character-
istics of both FM and AM radio signals that
can affect radio reception quality in a mov-
ing vehicle, even when the finest equipment
is used. These characteristics are com-pletely normal in a given reception area,
and do not indicate any malfunction in your
NISSAN radio system.
Reception conditions will constantly change
because of vehicle movement. Buildings,
terrain, signal distance and interference
from other vehicles can work against ideal
reception. Described below are some of the
factors that can affect your radio reception.
FM RADIO RECEPTION
Range: FM range is normally limited to 25 to
30 miles (40 to 48 km), with monaural
(single channel) FM having slightly more
range than stereo FM. External influences
may sometimes interfere with FM station
reception even if the FM station is within 25
miles (40 km). The strength of the FM signal
is directly related to the distance between
the transmitter and receiver. FM signals
follow a line-of-sight path, exhibiting many
of the same characteristics as light. For
example they will reflect off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away
from a station transmitter, the signals will
tend to fade and/or drift.
Static and flutter: During signal interference
from buildings, large hills or due to antennaposition, usually in conjunction with in-
creased distance from the station transmit-
ter, static or flutter can be heard. This can
be reduced by adjusting the treble control
counterclockwise to reduce treble re-
sponse.
Multipath reception: Because of the reflec-
tive characteristics of FM signals, direct and
reflected signals reach the receiver at the
same time. The signals may cancel each
other, resulting in momentary flutter or loss
of sound.
AM RADIO RECEPTION
AM signals, because of their low frequency,
can bend around objects and skip along the
ground. In addition, the signals can be
bounced off the ionosphere and bent back
to earth. Because of these characteristics.
AM signals are also subject to interference
as they travel from transmitter to receiver.
Fading: Occurs while the vehicle is passing
through freeway underpasses or in areas
with many tall buildings. It can also occur for
several seconds during ionospheric turbu-
AUDIO SYSTEM
4-10Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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FM-AM RADIO WITH COMPACT
DISC PLAYER
Audio Main Operation
To turn the radio on, turn the ignition key to
ACC or ON. If you listen to the radio with theengine not running, turn the key to the ACC
position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter,
buildings, bridges, mountains, and other
external influences. Intermittent changes inreception quality normally are caused by
these external influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the
vehicle may influence radio reception
quality.
ONzOFF/VOL control knob
Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON, then push
the ONzOFF/VOL control knob. The mode
(radio or CD) which was playing immediately
before the system was turned off resumes
playing. When no CD is loaded, the radio
comes on. Pushing the ONzOFF/VOL button
again turns the system off.
Turn the ONzOFF/VOL control knob to the
right to increase volume or to the left to
decrease volume.
Adjusting tone quality and speaker bal-
ance
To adjust BAS/TRE or FAD/BAL
(Bass/Treble or Fader/Balance), press the
AUDIO button until the desired mode (BAS,
TRE, FAD, or BAL) appears in the display.
Press the
orbutton to adjust Bass
(BAS) and Treble (TRE) to the desired level.
Use the
orbutton also to adjust
Fader (FAD) or Balance (BAL) modes.
LHA0032
4-12Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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 ................................5-15
Break-in schedule ................................................5-16
Increasing fuel economy ......................................5-16
Parking/parking on hills ........................................5-17
Power steering .....................................................5-18
Brake system........................................................5-19
Braking precautions .........................................5-19
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if so equipped)................................................5-19
Cold weather driving ............................................5-21
Freeing a frozen door lock ..............................5-21
Anti-freeze .......................................................5-21
Battery .............................................................5-21
Draining of coolant ..........................................5-21
Tire equipment.................................................5-21
Special winter equipment ................................5-22
Driving on snow or ice.....................................5-22
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ..............5-22
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