2002 NISSAN SENTRA trailer

WARNING
c
Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop the engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or sparks
near the vehicle when refueling.
cFuel may be under pressure. Turn the
cap one-half turn and wait for any ``hiss-
ing'' sound to stop to prevent fuel from
spraying out and possibly causing per-
sonal injury. Then remove the cap.
cDo not attempt to top off the fuel
tank after the fuel pump nozzle shuts
off automatically. Continued refuel-
ing may cause fuel overflow, result-
ing in fuel spray and possibly fire.
cUse only an original equipment type
fuel filler cap as a replacement. It has
a built-in safety valve needed for
proper operation of the fuel system
and emission control system. An in-
correct cap can result in a serious
malfunction and possible injury. It
could also cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to come on.Do not fill a portable fuel container in
the vehicle or trailer. Static electric-
ity can cause an explosion of flam-
mable liquid, vapor or gas in any
vehicle or trailer. To reduce the risk
of serious injury or death when fill-
ing portable fuel containers:
Ð Always place the container on
the ground when filling.
Ð Do not use electronic devices
while filling.
Ð Keep the pump nozzle in contact
with the container while you are
filling it.
Ð Use only approved portable fuel
containers for flammable liquid.
cNever pour fuel into the throttle body
to attempt to start your vehicle.
CAUTION
cIf fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid
paint damage.cTighten until the fuel filler cap clicks.
Failure to tighten the fuel filler cap
properly may cause the
mal-
function indicator lamp (MIL) to illu-
minate. If the
lamp illuminates
because 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 thelamp
does not turn off after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by
an authorized NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information, see the
``Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)''
in the ``Instruments and controls''
section earlier in this manual.
3-14Pre-driving checks and adjustments
ZX

WARNING
cDo not leave children, impaired
adults, or pets alone in your vehicle.
They could accidentally injure them-
selves or others through inadvertent
operation of the vehicle. Also, on
hot, sunny days, temperatures in a
closed vehicle could quickly become
high enough to cause severe or pos-
sibly fatal injuries to people or ani-
mals.
cClosely supervise children when
they are around cars to prevent them
from playing and becoming locked
in the trunk where they could be
seriously injured. Keep the car
locked, with the trunk closed, when
not in use, and prevent children's
access to car keys.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
cDo not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless car-bon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is
dangerous. It can cause uncon-
sciousness or death.
cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering the vehicle, drive with
all windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.
cDo not park the vehicle with the
engine running for any extended
length of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driv-
ing, otherwise exhaust gases could
be drawn into the passenger com-
partment. If you must drive with the
trunk lid open, follow these precau-
tions.
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation but-
ton (if so equipped) to off and the
fan control dial to 4 (high) to cir-
culate the air.cIf electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the trunk lid or
the body, follow the manufacturer's
recommendation to prevent carbon
monoxide entry into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body
should be inspected by a qualified
mechanic whenever:
a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
d.
You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission con-
trol device installed in the exhaust system.
Exhaust gases in the three-way catalyst are
burned at high temperatures to help reduce
pollutants.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN
STARTING AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
ZX

speed decreases by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and
release the ACCEL/RES switch. The ve-
hicle returns to the last set cruising speed
when the vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40
km/h).During the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km),
follow these recommendations for the future
reliability and economy of your new vehicle.
cAvoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow.
cDo not accelerate at full throttle in any
gear.
cAvoid quick starts.
cAvoid hard braking as much as possible.
cDo not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
cAccelerate slowly and smoothly. Main-
tain cruising speeds with a constant ac-
celerator position.
cDrive at moderate speeds on the high-
way. Driving at high speed lowers fuel
economy.
cAvoid unnecessary stopping and brak-
ing. Maintain a safe distance behind
other vehicles.
cUse a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high
gear as soon as possible.
cAvoid unnecessary engine idling.
SD1001M
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL
ECONOMY
5-16Starting and driving
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

WARNING
cThe spare tire should be used for
emergency use only. It should be
replaced with the standard tire at the
first opportunity to avoid possible
tire or differential damage.
cDrive carefully while the TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire is in-
stalled. Avoid sharp turns and
abrupt braking while driving.
cPeriodically check spare tire infla-
tion pressure. Always keep the pres-
sure of the TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire at 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 bar).
cWith the TEMPORARY USE ONLY
spare tire installed do not drive the
vehicle at speeds faster than 50 MPH
(80 km/h).
cWhen driving on roads covered with
snow or ice, the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire should be used on
the rear wheels and the original tire
used on the front wheels (drive
wheels). Use tire chains only on the
front (original) tires.cTire tread of the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire will wear at a faster
rate than the standard tire. Replace
the spare tire as soon as the tread
wear indicators appear.
cDo not use the spare tire on other
vehicles.
cDo not use more than one spare tire
at the same time.
cDo not tow a trailer when the TEM-
PORARY USE ONLY spare tire is
installed.CAUTION
c
Do not use tire chains on the TEMPO-
RARY USE ONLY spare tire. Tire
chains will not fit properly and may
cause damage to the vehicle.
cBecause the TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire is smaller than the
original tire, ground clearance is re-
duced. To avoid damage to the ve-
hicle, do not drive over obstacles.
Also, do not drive the vehicle
through an automatic car wash since
it might get caught.
8-48Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZX

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ........9-2
Fuel recommendation ........................................9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ...........9-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number ..............9-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ...............................9-7
Specifications .........................................................9-8
Engine ...............................................................9-8
Wheels and tires................................................9-9
Dimensions and weights ...................................9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ....................................................9-10
Vehicle identification ............................................9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate .................................................................9-10
Vehicle identification number (chassis
number) ...........................................................9-10
Engine serial number ......................................9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........................9-11
Emission control information label ..................9-12Tire placard......................................................9-12
Air conditioner specification label ....................9-12
Installing front license plate..................................9-13
Vehicle loading information ..................................9-14
Terms...............................................................9-14
Determining vehicle load capacity...................9-14
Loading tips .....................................................9-14
Towing a trailer.....................................................9-15
Maximum load limits ........................................9-15
Towing load/specification chart .......................9-16
Towing safety ..................................................9-16
Uniform tire quality grading ..................................9-19
Emission control system warranty .......................9-20
Reporting safety defects (US only) ......................9-20
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test (US only) .......................................................9-21
Owner's manual/service manual order
information .......................................................9-22
In the event of a collision ................................9-23
ZX

Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with
a high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter.
When replacing, use a genuine NISSAN oil
filter or its equivalent for the reason de-
scribed in ``Change intervals''.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other
than the specified quality, or oil and filter
change intervals longer than recommended
could reduce engine life. Damage to the
engine caused by improper maintenance or
use of incorrect oil and filter quality and/or
viscosity is not covered by the new NISSAN
vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality
engine oil when it was built. You do not have
to change the oil before the first recom-
mended change interval. Oil and filter
change intervals depend upon how you use
your vehicle.Operation under the following conditions
may require more frequent oil and filter
changes:
Ð repeated short distance driving at cold
outside temperatures,
Ð driving in dusty conditions,
Ð extensive idling,
Ð towing a trailer.
RECOMMENDED SAE
VISCOSITY NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for
all temperatures. SAE 10W-30, SAE
10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0ÉF (-18ÉC).
ATI1028
9-6Technical and consumer information
ZX

cOverloading can shorten the life of
the vehicle. Failures caused by over-
loading are not covered by the vehi-
cle's warranty.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
Remember that towing a trailer places ad-
ditional loads on your vehicle's engine, drive
train, steering, braking and other systems.
A Nissan Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only)
containing information on trailer towing abil-
ity and the special equipment required may
be obtained from an authorized NISSAN
dealer.MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed
1,000 lb (454 kg). The total trailer load
equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
Towing loads greater than 1,000 lb (454 kg)
or using improper towing equipment could
adversely affect vehicle handling, braking
and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is
not only related to the maximum trailer
loads, but also the places you plan to tow.
Tow weights appropriate for level highway
driving may have to be reduced on very
steep grades or in low traction situations (for
example, on slippery boat ramps).
WARNING
Vehicle damage and/or personal injury
resulting from improper towing proce-
dures are not covered by NISSAN war-
ranties. A NISSAN Trailer Towing Guide
(U.S. only) containing information on
trailer towing ability and the special
equipment required may be obtained
from an authorized NISSAN dealer.
TI1011M
TOWING A TRAILER
Technical and consumer information9-15
ZX