2002 NISSAN SENTRA power steering fluid

The brake system has two separate hydrau-
lic circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you
will still have braking at two wheels.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using
engine vacuum. If the engine stops, you can
stop the vehicle by depressing the brake
pedal. However, greater foot pressure on
the brake pedal will be required to stop the
vehicle and stopping distance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. This overheats the brakes,
increases wear on the brake linings and
pads, and reduces gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down
a slope or long grade. Overheated brakes
may reduce braking performance and could
result in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
cWhile driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.
cIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven
through water, the brakes may get wet. As a
result, your braking distance will be longer
and the vehicle may pull to one side during
braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal
to heat up the brakes. Do this until the
brakes return to normal. Avoid driving the
vehicle at high speeds until the brakes
function correctly.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
The anti-lock brake system controls the
brakes at each wheel so the wheels do not
lock when braking abruptly or when braking
on slippery surfaces. The system detects the
rotation speed at each wheel and varies the
brake fluid pressure to prevent each wheel
from locking and sliding. By preventing wheel
lockup, the system helps the driver maintain
steering control and helps to minimize swerv-
ing and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.
Normal operation
The anti-lock brake system does not oper-
ate at speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10
km/h). The speeds vary according to road
conditions. When the anti-lock system
senses that one or more wheels are close to
BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving5-19
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

1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Spark plug caps
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
5. Air Cleaner
6. Battery
7. Fuse/Fusible link holds
8. Radiator cap
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
11. Coolant reservoir
12. Power steering fluid reservoir
* Engine cover removed for clarity
WDI0024
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECK LOCATIONS -
QG ENGINE
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
ZX

1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Spark plug caps
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
5. Air Cleaner
6. Battery
7. Fuse/Fusible link holds
8. Radiator cap
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
11. Coolant reservoir
12. Power steering fluid reservoir
*Engine cover removed for clarity
LDI0108
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CHECK LOCATIONS -
QR ENGINE
8-8Maintenance 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

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the ``Do-it-yourself'' section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 13-1/4 gal 11 gal 50 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and refill
With oil filter change QG18DE 2-7/8 qt 2-3/8 qt 2.7
cAPI Certification Mark *2 *3
cAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ, Energy
Conserving *2 *3
cILSAC grade GF-I & GF-II *2 *3 QR25DE 4-1/8 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.9
Without oil filter change QG18DE 2-5/8 qt 2-1/4 qt 2.5
QR25DE 3-7/8 qt 3-1/4 qt 3.7
Cooling system
Without reservoir
50% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water Manual transmission: QR25DE 6-1/2 qt 5-3/8 qt 6.1
QG18DE 6-3/8 qt 5-1/4 qt 6.0
Automatic transmission: QR25DE 6-3/8 qt 5-1/4 qt 6.0
QG18DE 6-1/4 qt 5-1/4 qt 5.9
Manual transmission gear oil RS5F70A/V 6-3/8 pt 5-1/4 pt 3.0 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W - 85 only
RS5F51A, RS6F51H 4-7/8 qt 4 pt 2.3
Automatic transmission fluid
Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the
``Do-it-yourself'' section.NISSAN Matic `D' (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN
Automatic Transmission Fluid.*4
Power steering fluidGenuine NISSAN PSF II or equivalent.*8
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant Ð Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricantsNISSAN A/C System Lubricant Type R or equivalent*6
*1: For further details, see ``Fuel recommendation.''
*2: For further details, see ``Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.''
*3: For further details, see ``Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.''
*4: Dexron
TMIII/MerconTMor equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN dealership for more
information regarding suitable fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DexronTMIII/MerconTMAutomatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see ªAir conditioner specification label.º
*7: For further details, see ``Changing engine oil.''
*8: Genuine NISSAN PSF, Canada NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid, DexronŸ III/MerconŸ, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
ZX

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.............................. 9-9
Door locks .................................................... 3-3
Door open warning light .............................. 2-8
Drive belts .................................................. 8-22
Driving
Cold weather driving............................. 5-21
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............. 9-12
Emission control system warranty ............. 9-20
Engine
Before starting the engine ...................... 5-6
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Changing engine coolant...................... 8-10
Changing engine oil.............................. 8-13Changing engine oil filter...................... 8-14
Checking engine coolant level ............... 8-9
Checking engine oil level ..................... 8-12
Engine compartment check
locations .......................................... 8-7, 8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge ........ 2-5
Engine cooling system ........................... 8-9
Engine oil .............................................. 8-12
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation ..................................... 9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light ........... 2-8
Engine oil viscosity ................................. 9-5
Engine serial number ........................... 9-11
Engine specifications .............................. 9-8
Starting the engine ................................. 5-7
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................. 5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher
switch) ........................................................ 2-18
Flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Floor mat positioning aid ............................. 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ...... 8-15
Brake fluid............................................. 8-18
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Clutch fluid ............................................ 8-18
Engine coolant ........................................ 8-9
Engine oil .............................................. 8-12Power steering fluid .............................. 8-17
Window washer fluid ............................ 8-19
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ..................... 9-11
Front fog light switch ................................. 2-18
Front seats ................................................... 1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................ 9-2
Fuel economy ....................................... 5-16
Fuel filler cap ........................................ 3-13
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever ............. 3-13
Fuel gauge.............................................. 2-5
Fuel octane rating................................... 9-3
Fuel recommendation ............................. 9-3
Fuses ......................................................... 8-31
Fusible links ............................................... 8-32
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 .................................. 8-3
Glove box................................................... 2-22
10-2
ZX