2003 NISSAN SENTRA ECU

original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires have lower speed ratings
than factory equipped tires and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle speed. Never ex-
ceed the maximum speed rating of the tire.
If you install snow tires, they must be the same
size, brand, construction and tread pattern on all
four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some U.S. states and
Canadian provinces prohibit their use. Check
local, state and provincial laws before installing
studded tires. Skid and traction capabilities of
studded snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINS
Tire chains/cables cannot be installed on
P215/45ZR17 size tires. Installation of tire
chains/cables on P215/45ZR17 size tires
will cause damage to the vehicle. If you
plan to use tire chains/cables, you should
install P195/55R16 size tires on your ve-
hicle.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited according to
location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make surethey are the proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions.Use only SAE
class “S” chains.Class9S9chains are used on
vehicles with restricted wheel well clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class “S” chains are de-
signed to meet the minimum clearances between
the tire and the closest vehicle suspension or
body component required to accommodate the
use of a winter traction device (tire chains or
cables) . The minimum clearances are determined
using the factory equipped tires. Other types may
damage your vehicle. Use chain tensioners when
recommended by the tire chain manufacturer to
ensure a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain
must be secured or removed to prevent the pos-
sibility of whipping action damage to the fenders
or underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading your
vehicle when using tire chains. In addition, drive
at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle may
be damaged and/or vehicle handling and perfor-
mance may be adversely affected.
Tire chains must be installed only on the
front wheels and not on the rear wheels.
Never install tire chains on a TEMPORARY USE
ONLY spare tire.Do not use tire chains on dry roads. Driving with
chains in such conditions can cause damage to
the various mechanisms of the vehicle due to
some overstress.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-41
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cGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the front
or rear axle.
DETERMINING VEHICLE LOAD
CAPACITY
The load capacity of this vehicle is determined by
weight, not by available cargo space. For ex-
ample, a luggage rack, bike carrier, cartop carrier
or similar equipment does not increase load car-
rying capacity of your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using a
commercial-grade scale, found at places such as
a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain elevator, or a
scrap metal recycling facility.
1. Determine the curb weight of your vehicle.
2. Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to deter-
mine how much more weight your vehicle
can carry.3. After loading (cargo and passengers) , re-
weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is ex-
ceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, remove
cargo as necessary. If either the front or rear
GAWR is exceeded, shift the load or remove
cargo as necessary.
LOADING TIPS
cThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or GAWR
as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. certification la-
bel.
cDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. Do not place cargo higher than
the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or col-
lision, unsecured cargo could cause
personal injury.cDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage could
occur, or it can change the way your
vehicle handles. This could result in
loss of control and cause personal
injury.
cOverloading can shorten the life of the
vehicle. Failures caused by overloading
are not covered by the vehicle’s
warranty.
Technical and consumer information9-13
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Maximum gross vehicle
weight/maximum gross axle weight
The gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) shown on the F. M. V. S. S. certification
label. The gross vehicle weight equals the com-
bined weight of the unloaded vehicle, passen-
gers, luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and any
other optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed the gross axle
weight rating (GAWR) shown on the F. M. V. S. S.
certification label.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION
CHART
TOWING LOAD / SPECIFICATION CHART
UNIT: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM TOWING
LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM TONGUE
LOAD110 (49)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitch
Choose a proper hitch for your vehicle and trailer.
A genuine NISSAN trailer hitch is available from
your NISSAN dealer (Canada only) . Make sure
the trailer hitch is securely attached to the ve-
hicle, to help avoid personal injury or property
damage due to sway caused by crosswinds,
rough road surfaces or passing trucks.
CAUTION
cDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
cThe hitch should not be attached to or
affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.cDo not modify the vehicle exhaust sys-
tem, brake system, etc. to install a
trailer hitch.
cTo reduce the possibility of additional
damage if your vehicle is struck from
the rear, where practical, remove the
hitch and/or receiver when not in use.
cAfter the hitch is removed, seal the bolt
holes to prevent exhaust fumes, water
or dust from entering the passenger
compartment.
cRegularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
cWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the tire placard.
cTrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturer’s
specifications.
Safety chains
Always use suitable safety chains between your
vehicle and the trailer. Safety chains should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not
TI1012M
Technical and consumer information9-15
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to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chains to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup into
the vehicle electrical circuit.
Trailer brakes
If your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level posi-
tion when a loaded and/or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an
abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes of
either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.cBe certain your rear view mirrors conform to all
federal, state or local regulations. If not, install
any mirrors required for towing before driving
the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate speed.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic transmission, first block the wheels and
apply the parking brake, and then move the
transmission shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position. If you move the shift selector
lever to the P (Park) position before blocking
the wheels and applying the parking brake,
transmission damage could occur.cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower gear
and use the engine braking effect. When go-
ing up a long grade, downshift the transmis-
sion to a lower gear and reduce speed to
reduce chances of engine overloading and/or
overheating. However, for long steep grades,
do not stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving
above 35 MPH (56 km/h) .
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely high
temperature when the air conditioner system
is on, turn off the air conditioner. Coolant heat
can be additionally vented by opening the win-
dows, switching the fan control to high and
setting the temperature control to the HOT
position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cHave your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended Main-
tenance Schedule in the “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide”.
cWhen making a turn, your trailer wheels will be
closer to the inside of the turn than your vehicle
wheels. To compensate for this, make a larger
than normal turning radius during the turn.
9-16Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system)......................1-6
Air bag warning light...........1-17, 2-9
Air cleaner housing filter............8-24
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubrication recommendations........9-6
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Servicing air conditioner...........4-9
Air flow charts..................4-6
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-11
Anchor point locations.............1-35
Antenna.....................4-19
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-7
Audible reminders................2-10
Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-17
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-15
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-12
Radio....................4-10
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-25
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-15Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Transmission selector lever lock release . .5-9
B
Battery......................8-20
Charge warning light.............2-8
Battery replacement
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-8
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-22
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-18
Brake booster................8-30
Brake fluid..................8-18
Brake light (See stop light).........8-36
Brake pedal.................8-29
Brake system................5-18
Brake warning light..............2-7
Brake wear indicators........2-10, 8-30
Parking brake check............8-29
Parking brake operation..........5-13
Self-adjusting brakes............8-30
Break-in schedule................5-15
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-7
Bulb replacement................8-36
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants. .9-2Car phone or CB radio.............4-19
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD changer (See audio system)........4-17
CD player (See audio system).........4-15
Check engine indicator light
(See malfunction indicator light).........2-9
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-34
Child restraints.......1-20, 1-21, 1-25, 1-33
Precautions on child restraints.......1-25
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-10
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock......................4-13
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-19
Coin box.....................2-22
Cold weather driving..............5-20
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-15
Console box...................2-23
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-10
Checking engine coolant level........8-9
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-5
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-13
Cup holders...................2-21
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Ignition switch................5-4
Overdrive switch..............5-10
Rear window defogger switch.......2-16
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-15
T
Tachometer....................2-4
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-13
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-3, 8-44
Tire chains..................8-41
Tire placard.................9-11
Tire pressure................8-39
Tire rotation.................8-42
Types of tires................8-40
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-17
Wheels and tires..............8-39
Towing
Flat towing..................6-12
Tow truck towing..............6-11
Trailer towing................9-14
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-15
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-10
Selector lever lock release..........5-9
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country).................9-9
Trip odometer...................2-4
Trunk access through the rear seat.......1-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever............3-9
Trunk light....................2-28Turn signal switch (See headlight and
turn signal switch)............2-16, 2-17
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-17
V
Vanity mirror...................3-14
Vehicle identification...............9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) (Chassis num-
ber)........................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. . . .9-9
Vehicle loading information...........9-12
Vehicle recovery.................6-12
Vehicle security system.............2-11
Ventilators.....................4-2
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-17, 2-9
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-7
Brake warning light..............2-7
Door open warning light...........2-8
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-19
Low fuel warning light............2-8
Seat belt warning light............2-8
Vehicle security system...........2-11
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-16
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-7Wheels and tires................8-39
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................9-9
Window washer fluid..............8-20
Windows
Locking passengers’ windows.......2-25
Manual windows..............2-26
Power windows...............2-24
Rear power windows............2-25
Windshield wiper and washer switch.....2-15
Wiper
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-15
Wiper blades................8-28
10-5
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