2003 NISSAN SENTRA Owners Manual

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......................9-6
Specifications.....................................9-7
Engine........................................9-7
Wheels and tires...............................9-8
Dimensions and weights........................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country...................................9-9
Vehicle identification...............................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate..........9-9
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number)...............................9-9
Engine serial number...........................9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label....................9-10Emission control information label...............9-11
Tire placard...................................9-11
Air conditioner specification label................9-11
Installing front license plate........................9-12
Vehicle loading information........................9-12
Terms........................................9-12
Determining vehicle load capacity...............9-13
Loading tips..................................9-13
Towing a trailer...................................9-14
Maximum load limits...........................9-14
Towing load/specification chart.................9-15
Towing safety.................................9-15
Uniform tire quality grading........................9-17
Emission control system warranty..................9-18
Reporting safety defects (US only).................9-18
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test.....9-19
Owner’s manual/service manual order information....9-20
In the event of a collision.......................9-20
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
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
• API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy
Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-1, GF-II & GF-III*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
Manual transmission: QR25DE 6–1/2 qt 5–3/8 qt 6.1
50% Genuine NISSAN Anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water 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 3–1/8 qt 2–5/8 qt 3.0 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85 only
RS5F51A,
RS6F51H2–3/8 qt 2.0 qt 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 Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid.*4
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*8
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent
Multi-purpose grease———NLGINo.2(Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant— — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system lubricants— — — NISSAN 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™ III/Mercon™ or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN dealership formore information regarding suitable fluids,
including recommended brand(s) of Dexron™ III/Mercon™ Automatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , Dexron™ III/Mercon™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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FUEL RECOMMENDATION
For 1.8L/2.5L engines
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
For SE-R SPEC V
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
For improved vehicle performance, NISSAN rec-
ommends the use of unleaded premium gasoline
with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI number
(Research octane number 96) .
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol system, and may also affect the war-
ranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a leaded
gasoline be used, because this will dam-
age the three-way catalyst.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing reformu-
lated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSANsupports efforts towards cleaner air and sug-
gests that you use reformulated gasoline when
available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing oxy-
genates such as ethanol, MTBE and methanol
with or without advertising their presence.
NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel com-
patibility for your NISSAN cannot be readily de-
termined. If in doubt, ask your service station
manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take
the following precautions as the usage of such
fuels may cause vehicle performance problems
and/or fuel system damage.
cThe fuel should be unleaded and have an
octane rating no lower than that recom-
mended for unleaded gasoline.
cIf an oxygenate-blend other than metha-
nol blend is used, it should contain no
more than 10% oxygenate. (MTBE may,
however, be added up to 15%.)
cIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (me-
thyl alcohol, wood alcohol) . It should
also contain a suitable amount of appro-
priate cosolvents and corrosion inhibi-tors. If not properly formulated with ap-
propriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are suit-
able for use in NISSAN vehicles.
If any driveability problems such as engine stall-
ing and difficult hot-starting are experienced after
using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately
change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a
low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any fuel
additives (for example, fuel injector cleaner, oc-
tane booster, intake valve deposit removers, etc.)
which are sold commercially. Many of these ad-
ditives intended for gum, varnish or deposit re-
moval may contain active solvents or similar in-
gredients that can be harmful to the fuel system
and engine.
Technical and consumer information9-3
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Octane rating tips
In most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number. How-
ever, you may use unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating as low as 85 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number in high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft
(1,219 m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New
Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada,
southern Idaho, western South Dakota, western
Nebraska, and the part of Texas which is directly
south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock.” (“Spark
knock” is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or enginedamage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
9-4Technical and consumer information
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ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose engine oil with the cor-
rect quality and viscosity to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. NISSAN recom-
mends the use of a low friction oil (energy con-
serving oil) in order to improve fuel economy and
conserve energy. Oils which do not have the
specified quality label should not be used as they
could cause engine damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Petro-
leum Institute (API) CERTIFICATION MARK onthe front of the container should be used. This
type of oil supersedes the existing API SG, SH, or
SJ and Energy ConservingI&IIcategories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the API CERTI-
FICATION MARK, use an API grade SG/SH,
Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL,
Energy Conserving oil. An oil with a single desig-
nation SG or SH, or in combination with other
categories (for example, SG/CC or SG/CD) may
also be used if one with the API CERTIFICATION
MARK cannot be found. An ILSAC grade GF-I,
GF-II & GF-III oil can also be used.NISSAN recommends mineral based oils. These
oils must, however, meet the API quality and SAE
viscosity ratings specified for your vehicle.
Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been
previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. The chart “Rec-
ommended SAE viscosity number” shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the expected
ambient temperatures. Choosing an oil viscosity
other than that recommended could cause seri-
ous engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals”.
WTI0033
Technical and consumer information9-5
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Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle warranty.
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 recommended 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:
crepeated short distance driving at cold outside
temperatures
cdriving in dusty conditions
cextensive idling
ctowing a trailer
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE 10W-40
viscosity oils may be used if the ambient
temperature is above 0°F (-18°C) .
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
NISSAN A/C system oil Type R or the exact
equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or lubri-
cant will cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and will require the
replacement of all air conditioner system
components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the
earth’s atmosphere, certain government regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
ATI1028
9-6Technical and consumer information
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ENGINE
ModelQG18DE QR25DE
TypeGasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement4-cylinder in-line 4-cylinder in-line
Bore x Stroke in (mm) 3.150 x 3.465 (80. x 88.0) 3.504 x 3.937 (89.0 x 100.0)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 107.94 (1,769) 151.8 (2488)
Firing order1–3–4–2 1–3–4–2
Idle speed rpm
Ignition timing degree (B.T.D.C.) at idle speed
degree/rpm See the “Emission Control label” on the underside of the hood.
CO percentage at idle speed
[No air]%
Platinum-tipped type Platinum-tipped type
Spark plug Hot PLFR4A-11 *1 PLFR4A-11 *1
Standard PLFR5A-11 *1 PLFR5A-11 *1
Cold PLFR6A-11 *1 PLFR6A-11 *1
Camshaft operationTiming chain Timing chain
Spark plug gap (Nominal) in (mm) 0.043 (1.1) 0.043 (1.1)
Generator belt size0.843 x 32.28, (21.4 x 820)
Width x Length in (mm) 0.843 x 44.09, (21.4 x 1,120)*2 0.843 x 88.46, (21.4 x 2247)
*1: Always check with the Parts Department at a NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information.
*2: With air conditioner
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
SPECIFICATIONS
Technical and consumer information9-7
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WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels
DimensionOffset
in (mm)
Road wheel
15” steel w/bolt-on cover 15 x 6JJ
15” aluminum alloy 15 x 6JJ 1.77 (45)
16” aluminum alloy 16 x 6JJ 1.77 (45)
17” aluminum alloy 17 x 7JJ 1.85 (47)
Conventional tire size
P195/60R/15 15 x 6JJ
P195/55R/16 16 x 6JJ
P215/45ZR17 17 x 7JJ
Spare tire size
T125/70*14 14 x 4T
T125/70*15 15 x 4T
T135/80*15 15 x 4T
*: “R” or “D” depending on tire manufacturer
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
SENTRA
Overall length in (mm) 177.5 (4508)
Overall width in (mm) 67.3 (1710)
Overall height in (mm) 55.5 (1410)
Front tread 15/16 inch in (mm) 58.1 (1475)
17 inch in (mm) 57.7 (1466)
Rear tread 15/16 inch in (mm) 57.3 (1455)
17 inch in (mm) 56.9 (1446)
Wheelbase in (mm) 99.8(2,535)
Gross vehicle
weight ratinglb (kg) See the “F.M.V.S.
S.certification la-
bel” on the center
pillar between the
driver’s side front
and rear doors.
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
9-8Technical and consumer information
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