2003 NISSAN SENTRA engine oil

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
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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”.
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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
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cCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce vehicle
speed. This combination will help stabilize the
vehicle. Never increase speed.
cBe careful when passing other vehicles. Pass-
ing while towing a trailer requires considerably
more distance than normal passing. Remem-
ber, the length of the trailer must also pass the
other vehicle before you can safely change
lanes.
cTo maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive
(automatic transmission) .
cAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking effi-
ciency.
When towing a trailer, transmission
oil/fluid should be changed more fre-
quently. For additional information, see the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
earlier in this manual.DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
Treadwear grade is a comparative rating based
on tire wear rate when tested under controlled
conditions on specified government test courses.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. However,
relative tire performance depends on actual driv-
ing conditions, and may vary significantly due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydroplan-
ing or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
Temperature grades are A (the highest) , B, and
C. They represent a tire’s resistance to heat
build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem-
perature can cause tire material to degenerate,
reducing tire life. Excessive temperatures can
lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds
to a performance level which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and B rep-
resent higher levels of performance on laboratory
test wheels than the minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information9-17
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D
Daytime running light system (Canada only). .2-18
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-16
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light.............2-8
Drive belts....................8-22
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-20
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-10
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-15
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-18
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10
Changing engine oil............8-13
Changing engine oil filter..........8-14
Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Checking engine oil level..........8-12
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-9
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......2-8Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Starting the engine..............5-6
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
Flashers (See hazard warning
flasher switch)..................2-19
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.................8-19
Engine coolant................8-9
Engine oil..................8-12
Power steering fluid.............8-18
Window washer fluid............8-20
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Folding rear seat.................1-4
Front fog light switch..............2-18
Front seats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-15
Fuel filler cap................3-12
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever.......3-12
Fuel gauge..................2-5
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuses......................8-31Fusible links...................8-31
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..............8-2
Glove box....................2-22
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-19
Head restraints..................1-5
Headlight aiming adjustment..........8-35
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-16
Headlights....................8-34
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Heater operation...............4-4
Hood release...................3-9
Horn.......................2-19
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-11, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-25
10-2
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Increasing fuel economy............5-15
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and
audible reminders)................2-7
Inside mirror...................3-14
Instrument brightness control.........2-18
Instrument panel.................2-2
Interior light...................2-27
Interior trunk lid release.............3-11
J
Jump starting...................6-7
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyless entry system (See remote keyless
entry system)...................3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-16
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for Children)
System......................1-33
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12Light
Air bag warning light.........1-17, 2-9
Brake light (See stop light).........8-36
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-7
Bulb replacement..............8-36
Charge warning light.............2-8
Front fog light switch............2-18
Headlight aiming adjustment........8-35
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-16
Headlights..................8-34
Interior light.................2-27
Light bulbs..................8-34
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-8
Spotlights (See map light).........2-28
Trunk light..................2-28
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-7
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Fuel filler lid lock opener lever.......3-12
Power door locks...............3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever..........3-9
Low fuel warning light..............2-8
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-25
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)........2-9
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-26
Map lights....................2-28
Meters and gauges................2-3
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-14
Outside mirror control...........3-15
Vanity mirror.................3-14
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
Multi-remote controller battery replacement .8-33
N
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system
(NVIS).................2-11, 3-2, 5-5
O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-4
Odometer.....................2-3
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine oil............8-13
Changing engine oil filter..........8-14
Checking engine oil level..........8-12
Engine oil..................8-12
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Outside mirror control.............3-15
Overdrive switch................5-10
10-3
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RECOMMENDED FUEL:
For 1.8L/2.5L engines
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at leat 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 leat 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
For improved performance, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of unleaded premium gasoline
with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI number
(Research octane number 96) .
CAUTION
cUsing a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect the
warranty coverage.
cUnder no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, because this
will damage the three-way catalyst.
For additional information, see “Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants in the “Technical
and consumer information” section.
RECOMMENDED ENGINE OIL:
cAPI Certification Mark
cAPI grade SG/SH Energy ConservingI&IIor
API grade SJ or SL Energy Conserving
cILSAC grade GF-1, GF-II & GF-III
c5W-30 Viscosity preferred
See “Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” in
the “Technical and consumer information” sec-
tion of this manual.
TIRE COLD PRESSURE:
See tire placard.
RECOMMENDED NEW VEHICLE
BREAK-IN PROCEDURE:
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of vehicle
use, follow the recommendations outlined in the
“BREAK-IN SCHEDULE” information found in
the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Follow these recommendations for the future re-
liability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure
to follow these recommendations may result in
vehicle damage or shortened engine life.
GAS STATION INFORMATION
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1. Engine coolant 8-8
2. Window washer fluid 8-19
3. Engine oil 8-11
4. Passenger supplemental air bag 1-6
5. Driver supplemental air bag 1-6
6. Spare tire 6-2
7. Fuel recommendation 9-3
8. Seat belts 1-18
9. Door locks 3-3
10. Seats 1-2
11. Fuel filler lid release 3-13
12. Trunk lid release 3-10
13. Meters and gauges 2-3
14. Hood release 3-10
15. Audio system 4-10, Heater/Air conditioner
4-2
WGS0014
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