2003 NISSAN SENTRA Owners Manual

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes an anti-theft steering
lock device.
The key can only be removed when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK position from ACC or ON
position, turn the key to OFF, push the key in, then
turn the key to LOCK.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the LOCK
position while driving. The steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle and could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal injury.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
OFF: (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking the
steering wheel.
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START: (4)This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the key. It automati-
cally returns to the ON position.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS) (if so equipped)
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS)
will not allow the engine to start without the use of
the registered NVIS key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered
NVIS key, it may be due to interference caused by
another NVIS key, an automated toll road device
or automated payment device on the key ring.
Restart the engine using the following proce-
dures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position and wait approximately 5 seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 again.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered NVIS key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,
NISSAN recommends placing the registered
NVIS key on a separate key ring to avoid interfer-
ence from other devices.
WSD0042
Starting and driving5-5
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

cMake sure the area around the vehicle is clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant,
brake and clutch fluid, and window washer
fluid as frequently as possible, or at least
whenever you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance and
condition. Also check tires for proper inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do
likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights when
the key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “Instruments and controls” section
of this manual.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
key is turned to the OFF position or if
the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector lever is in any of the
driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) . Depress
the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking
the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.cWhen the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/5 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
cWhen the engine is very hard to start
because it is flooded, depress the accel-
erator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it. Crank the engine for 5-6 seconds.
After cranking the engine, release the ac-
celerator pedal. Crank the enginewith
your foot off the accelerator pedalby
turning the ignition key to START. Release
the key when the engine starts. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the
above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise
the starter could be damaged.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-
onds after starting. Drive at moderate speed
for a short distance first, especially in cold
weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-6Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/18/02Ðskoniecz
X

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (if so
equipped)
WARNING
cDo not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , D (Drive) , 2 or 1.
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
cCold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
cNever shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.
CAUTION
cWhen stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brake should be used for this purpose.
cDo not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.The automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled to produce maximum
power and smooth operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before attempting to move
the shift selector lever out of the P (Park)
position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
move the shift selector lever into a driving
gear.
3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start
the vehicle in motion.
The automatic transmission is designed so
the foot brake pedal MUST be depressed
before shifting from P (Park) to any drive
position while the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
The shift selector lever cannot be moved
out of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned
to the LOCK position or if the key is re-
moved.The shift selector lever can be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ACC position. This
allows the vehicle to be moved if the bat-
tery is discharged. The shift selector lever
can also be moved if the ignition switch is
in the ON position and the foot brake pedal
is depressed.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving5-7
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

To move the selector lever:
: Depress the button to shift
: Shift without depressing button
Shifting
Push the shift selector lever button to shift into P
(Park) , R (Reverse) or from D (Drive) to 2. All
other positions can be selected without pushing
the button.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector
lever is in any position while the engine is
not running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal injury
or property damage.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped.The brake
pedal must be depressed and the selector
lever button pushed in to move the selector
lever from the N (Neutral) or any drive po-
sition to P (Park) .Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then shift the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed, but the shift se-
lector lever still cannot be moved out of P (Park) ,
follow these instructions.
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.3. Reinsert the key and turn it to the ACC
position.
4. Depress the foot brake pedal and move the
shift selector lever to N (Neutral) .
5. Start the engine.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in N
(Neutral) should only be used until service can be
obtained at a NISSAN dealership.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Make sure the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting R
(Reverse) position.The brake pedal must be
depressed and the selector lever button
pushed in to move the selector lever from P
(Park) , N (Neutral) or any drive position to R
(Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
WSD0043
5-8Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

2 (Second gear):
Use this position for hill climbing or engine brak-
ing on downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds above
60 MPH (96 km/h) . Do not exceed 60 MPH (96
km/h) in the 2 position.
1 (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or driving slowing through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep
downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds above
31 MPH (50 km/h) . Do not exceed 31 MPH (50
km/h) in the 1 position.Shift 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 depressed and the shift
selector lever button pushed.
To move the shift selector lever, release the shift
lock and push the shift selector lever button. The
shift selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral) .
However, the steering wheel will be locked un-
less the ignition switch is turned to the ON posi-
tion.
To release the shift lock, complete the following
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
sA.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
slot, and push down
sB.
5. Push the shift selector lever button
sCand
move the shift selector lever to N (Neutral)
position
sDwhile holding down the shift
lock.
6. Turn the key to the ON position to unlock the
steering wheel. Now the vehicle may be
moved to the desired location.
WSD0044
Starting and driving5-9
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

If the shift selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) , have a NISSAN dealer check the auto-
matic transmission system as soon as possible.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
Overdrive switch
Each time your vehicle is started, the transmis-
sion is automatically “reset” to overdrive ON.
ON: With the engine running and the
shift selector lever in the D (Drive)
position, the transmission upshifts
into Overdrive as vehicle speed
increases.
Overdrive does not engage until the engine
has reached operating temperature.
OFF: For driving up and down long
slopes where engine braking is nec-
essary push the Overdrive switch
once. The O/D OFF indicator light
in the instrument panel comes on at
this time.
When cruising at a low speed or climbing a
gentle slope, you may feel uncomfortable shift
shocks as the transmission shifts between third
gear and Overdrive repeatedly. In this case, de-
press the Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive
off. The O/D OFF indicator light in the instrument
panel comes on at this time.
When driving conditions change, depress the
Overdrive switch to turn the Overdrive on.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for ex-
tended periods of time with the Overdrive off.
This reduces fuel economy.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
WARNING
cDo not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
cDo not over-rev the engine when shift-
ing to a lower gear. This may cause a
loss of control or engine damage.
WSD0045
5-10Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X

CAUTION
cDo not rest your foot on the clutch pedal
while driving. This may cause clutch
damage.
cFully depress the clutch pedal before
shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.
cStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse) .
cWhen the vehicle is stopped with the
engine running (for example, at a stop
light) , shift to N (Neutral) and release
the clutch pedal with the foot brake
applied.
Shifting
To change gears, or when upshifting or down-
shifting, depress the clutch pedal fully, shift into
the appropriate gear, then release the clutch
slowly and smoothly.
To ensure smooth gear changes, fully depress
the clutch pedal before operating the shift lever. If
the clutch pedal is not fully depressed before the
transmission is shifted, a gear noise may be
heard. Transmission damage could occur.
On the 5-speed manual transmission, you cannot
shift directly from 5th gear into R (Reverse) . First
shift into N (Neutral) , then into R (Reverse) .If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (1st) , shift into N (Neutral) , then
release the clutch pedal. Depress the clutch
pedal again and shift into R (Reverse) or 1 (1st) .
Suggested upshift speeds
The following are suggested vehicle speeds for
shifting into a higher gear. These suggestions
relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance.
Actual upshift speeds will vary according to road
conditions, the weather and individual driving
habits.
5 - speed
WSD0046
6 - speed
WSD0047
Starting and driving5-11
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/18/02Ðskoniecz
X

For quick acceleration in low altitude areas (less
than 4,000 ft [1,219 m]) and normal accelera-
tion in high altitude areas (over 4,000 ft
[1,219 m]):
GEAR CHANGE MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
For quick acceleration in high altitude areas (over
4,000 ft [1,219 m]):
For QG18DE engine models:
Gear change MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (25)
2nd to 3rd 35 (55)
3rd to 4th 45 (75)
4th to 5th 50 (80)
For QR25DE engine models: 5-speed
GEAR CHANGE MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (65)
4th to 5th 45 (75)
For QR25DE engine models: 6-speed
GEAR CHANGE MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
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 accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed
(shown below) in any gear. For level road driving,
use the highest gear suggested for that speed.
Always observe posted speed limits, and drive
according to the road conditions, which will en-
sure 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 —
QR25DE engine models: 5-speed
GEAR CHANGE MPH (km/h)
1st 35 (55)
2nd 60 (95)
3rd 85 (35)
4th —
5th —
QR25DE engine models: 6-speed
GEAR CHANGE MPH (km/h)
1st 25 (45)
2nd 50 (80)
3rd 80 (130)
4th —
5th —
6th —
5-12Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X