2003 NISSAN SENTRA fuel

After a few driving trips, thelamp 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 thelamp does not turn off
after a few driving trips, have the vehicle in-
spected by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need
to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator lamp blinking — An en-
gine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected by
a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission mod-
els only)
This light comes on when the overdrive function
is OFF.
The automatic transmission overdrive function is
controlled by the overdrive switch.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch in the OFF position, a
chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened if
the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.
2-10Instruments and controls
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3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys .............................................3-2
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS)
keys (if so equipped)............................3-2
Doors............................................3-3
Locking with key................................3-3
Locking with inside lock knob....................3-4
Locking with power door lock switch (if so
equipped).....................................3-4
Child safety rear door lock.......................3-5
Remote keyless entry system (if so equipped).........3-5
How to use remote keyless entry system..........3-5
Battery replacement............................3-8
Hood............................................3-9
Trunk lid..........................................3-9Opener operation...............................3-9
Key operation.................................3-11
Interior trunk lid release........................3-11
Fuel filler lid......................................3-12
Opener operation..............................3-12
Fuel filler cap..................................3-12
Steering wheel...................................3-13
Tilt operation..................................3-13
Sun visors.......................................3-14
Vanity mirror (if so equipped)....................3-14
Mirrors..........................................3-14
Inside mirror..................................3-14
Outside mirrors...............................3-15
Outside mirror remote control...................3-15
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OPENER OPERATION
The fuel filler opener lever is located on the out-
side of the driver’s seat
s1. To open the fuel filler
lid, pull the opener lever up. To lock, close the fuel
filler lid securely.
FUEL FILLER CAP
The fuel filler cap is a ratcheting type. Turn the
cap counterclockwise to remove. To tighten, turn
the cap clockwise until ratcheting clicks are
heard.
WARNING
cGasoline 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 a third 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 refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a 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 emis-
sion control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury. It could also cause the
malfunction indicator lamp to come on.
cNever pour fuel into the throttle body to
attempt to start your vehicle.
WPD0121WPD0180
FUEL FILLER LID
3-12Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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cDo not fill a portable fuel container in
the vehicle or trailer. Static electricity
can cause an explosion of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or
trailer. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death when filling portable fuel
containers:
– Always place the container on the
ground when filling.
– Do not use electronic devices when
filling.
– Keep the pump nozzle in contact
with the container while you are fill-
ing it.
– Use only approved portable fuel con-
tainers for flammable liquid.
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 illumi-
nate. If the
lamp illuminates be-
cause 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 a
NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information, see the
“Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)” in
the “Instruments and Controls” section
earlier in this manual.
TILT OPERATION
Pull the lock lever downsAand adjust the steer-
ing wheel up or down
sBto the desired position.
Push the lock lever up firmly to lock the steering
wheel in place.
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving. You could lose control of your
vehicle and cause an accident.
WPD0123
STEERING WHEEL
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-13
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cA new disc may be rough on the inner and
outer edges. Remove the rough edges by rub-
bing the inner and outer edges with the side of
a pen or pencil as illustrated.
ANTENNA
The antenna cannot be shortened, but can be
removed. When you need to remove the antenna,
turn the antenna rod counterclockwise.
To install the antenna rod, turn the antenna clock-
wise. Tighten the antenna rod to specification
using a suitable tool such as an open-end
wrench. The antenna rod tightening specification
is 3.4 - 3.6 N·m (30 - 32 in-lb) . Do not use pliers
to tighten the antenna as they can leave marks on
the antenna surface. The antenna rod cannot be
hand tightened to the proper specification.
CAUTION
Always properly tighten the antenna rod
during installation or the antenna rod may
break during vehicle operation.When installing a CB, ham radio or car phone in
your NISSAN, be sure to observe the following
cautions, otherwise the new equipment may ad-
versely affect the MFI (Multiport Fuel Injection)
system and other electronic parts.
WARNING
cA cellular telephone should not be used
while driving so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation. Some juris-
dictions prohibit the use of cellular tele-
phones while driving.
cIf you must make a call while your ve-
hicle is in motion, the hands free cellu-
lar phone operational mode (if so
equipped) is highly recommended. Ex-
ercise extreme caution at all times so
full attention may be given to vehicle
operation.
cIf a conversation in a moving vehicle
requires you to take notes, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop your
vehicle before doing so.
CAUTION
cKeep the antenna as far away as pos-
sible from the Engine Control Module
(ECM) .
cKeep the antenna wire more than 8 in
(20 cm) away from the Multiport Fuel
Injection harness. Do not route the an-
tenna wire next to any harness.
cAdjust the antenna standing-wave ratio
as recommended by the manufacturer.
cConnect the ground wire from the CB
radio chassis to the body.
cFor details, consult a NISSAN dealer.
CAR PHONE OR CB RADIO
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-19
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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)................................5-5
Before starting the engine..........................5-6
Starting the engine................................5-6
Driving the vehicle.................................5-7
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)...........5-7
Manual transmission...........................5-10
Parking brake....................................5-13
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-13
Precautions on cruise control...................5-13Cruise control operations.......................5-14
Break-in schedule................................5-15
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-15
Parking/parking on hills............................5-16
Power steering...................................5-17
Brake system....................................5-18
Brake precautions.............................5-18
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
(if so equipped)...............................5-18
Cold weather driving..............................5-20
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-20
Anti-freeze....................................5-20
Battery.......................................5-20
Draining of coolant water.......................5-20
Tire equipment................................5-20
Special winter equipment.......................5-21
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-21
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-21
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CAUTION
cDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously re-
duce the three-way catalyst’s ability to
help reduce exhaust pollutants.
cKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if notice-
able loss of performance or other un-
usual operating conditions are
detected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly by a NISSAN dealer.
cAvoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
cDo not race the engine while warming it
up.
cDo not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss of
control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times. Obey
all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive speed,
high speed cornering, or sudden steering ma-
neuvers, because these driving practices could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle.As with
any vehicle, loss of control could result in a
collision with other vehicles or objects, or
cause the vehicle to roll over, particularly if
the loss of control causes the vehicle to
slide sideways.Be attentive at all times, and
avoid driving when tired. Never drive when under
the influence of alcohol or drugs (including pre-
scription or over-the-counter drugs which may
cause drowsiness) . Always wear your seat belt
as outlined in the “Seats, restraints and supple-
mental air bag systems” section of this manual,
and also instruct your passengers to do so.
Seat belts help reduce the risk of injury in colli-
sions and rollovers.In a rollover crash, an
unbelted person is significantly more likely
to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of alcohol
or drugs. Alcohol in the bloodstream re-
duces coordination, delays reaction time
and impairs judgement. Driving after
drinking alcohol increases the likelihood
of being involved in an accident injuring
yourself and others. Additionally, if you
are injured in an accident, alcohol can
increase the severity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. However,
you must choose not to drive under the influence
of alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents. Al-
though the local laws vary on what is considered
to be legally intoxicated, the fact is that alcohol
affects all people differently and most people
underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! And
that is true for drugs, too (over-the-counter, pre-
scription, and illegal drugs) . Don’t drive if your
ability to operate your vehicle is impaired by alco-
hol, drugs, or some other physical condition.
Starting and driving5-3
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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
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