2003 NISSAN SENTRA air conditioning

1. Fan control dial
2. Rear window defroster switch (if so
equipped)
3. Air flow control dial
4. Air conditioner button (if so equipped)
5. Air recirculation button (if so equipped)
6. Temperature control dial
CONTROLS
Fan control dial
The fan control dial turns the fan on and off, and
controls fan speed.
Air flow control dial
The air flow control dial allows you to select the
air flow outlets.
— Air flows from center and side
ventilators.
— Air flows from center and side
ventilators and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from foot outlets.
— Air flows from defroster outlets
and foot outlets.
— Air flows mainly from defroster
outlets.
The air flow control dial also has intermediate
positions which allow the air flow to be distrib-
uted between two of the icon positions on the air
flow control dial.
Temperature control dial
The temperature control dial allows you to adjust
the temperature of the outlet air.
Air recirculation button (if so
equipped)
NOTE:
The air recirculation feature is available
only on those vehicles equipped with air
conditioning.
ON position (Indicator light on):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Push the
button to the on position when:
cdriving on a dusty road.
cto prevent traffic fumes from entering the pas-
senger compartment.
cfor maximum cooling when using the air con-
ditioner.
OFF position (Indicator light off):
Outside air is drawn into the passenger compart-
ment and distributed through the selected outlet.
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Use the off position for normal heater or air con-
ditioner operation.
Air conditioner button (if so
equipped)
The button is provided only on vehicles equipped
with an air conditioner.
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired (1 - 4) position and push the
button to turn on the air conditioner. The indicator
light comes on when the air conditioner is oper-
ating. To turn off the air conditioner, push
the
button again.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Rear window defroster switch
For more information about the rear window de-
froster switch, see “Rear window defroster
switch” in the “Instruments and controls” section
of this manual.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air to the foot
outlets. Some air also flows from the defrost
outlets.1. Push the
button (if so equipped) to
the off position for normal heating.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center ventilators.
1. Push the
button (if so equipped) to
the off position.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode directs the air to the defrost outlets to
defrost/defog the windows.1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
cTo quickly remove ice or fog from the windows,
turn the fan control dial to 4 and the tempera-
ture control lever to the full HOT position.
cWhen the
position is selected, the air
conditioner automatically turns on (however,
the indicator light will not illuminate) if the
outside temperature is more than 36 - 37°F (2
- 3°C) . The air conditioning system will con-
tinue to operate until the fan control dial is
turned to OFF or the vehicle is shut off, even if
the air flow control dial is turned to a position
other than the
position. This dehumidi-
fies the air which helps defog the windshield.
The
mode automatically turns off, allow-
ing outside air to be drawn into the passenger
compartment to further improve the defogging
performance.
Bi-level heating
This mode directs cooler air from the side and
center vents and warmer air from the floor outlets.
When the temperature control dial is moved to
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the full hot or full cool position, the air between
the vents and the floor outlets is the same tem-
perature.
1. Push the
button (if so equipped) to
the off position.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to
the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Heating and defogging
This mode heats the interior and defogs the wind-
shield.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
cWhen the
position is selected,
thefunction automatically cancels.
Outside air is drawn into the passenger com-
partment to improve the defogging perfor-
mance.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position between the middle and the
hot position.cWhen the
position is selected, the air
conditioner automatically turns on (however,
the indicator light will not illuminate) if the
outside temperature is more than 36 - 37°F (2
- 3°C) . The air conditioning system will con-
tinue to operate until the fan control dial is
turned to OFF or the vehicle is shut off, even if
the air flow control dial is turned to a position
other than the
position. This dehumidi-
fies the air which helps defog the windshield.
The
mode automatically turns off, allow-
ing outside air to be drawn into the passenger
compartment to further improve the defogging
performance.
Operating tips
Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades
and air inlet in front of the windshield. This
improves heater operation.
AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION (if
so equipped)
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired (1 - 4) position, and push in the
button to activate the air conditioner. When the
air conditioner is on, cooling and dehumidifying
functions are added to the heater operation.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Cooling
This mode is used to cool and dehumidify the air.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Push the
button. The indicator light
comes on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
cFor quick cooling when the outside tempera-
ture is high, push the
button to the on
position (indicator light on) . Be sure to return
the
to the off position for normal cool-
ing.
Dehumidified heating
This mode is used to heat and dehumidify the air.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
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4. Push thebutton. The indicator light
comes on.
5. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Dehumidified defogging
This mode is used to defog the windows and
dehumidify the air.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
2. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
3. Push on the air conditioner button. The indi-
cator light comes on.
When the
,or positions in between
are selected, the air conditioner automatically
turns on (however, the indicator light will not
illuminate) if the outside temperature is more than
45°F (7°C) . The air conditioning system will con-
tinue to operate until the vehicle is shut OFF, even
if the air flow control dial is turned to a position
other than the
position. This dehumidifies
the air which helps defog the windshield.
The
mode automatically turns off, allowing
outside air to be drawn into the passenger com-
partment to further improve the defogging perfor-
mance.4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Operating tips
cKeep the windows and sunroof closed while
the air conditioner is in operation.
cAfter parking in the sun, drive for 2 or 3 min-
utes with the windows open to vent hot air
from the passenger compartment. Then, close
the windows. This allows the air conditioner to
cool the interior more quickly.
cThe air conditioning system should be
operated for approximately 10 minutes
at least once a month. This helps prevent
damage to the system due to lack of
lubrication.
cIf the engine coolant temperature gauge
indicates engine coolant temperature
over the normal range, turn the air con-
ditioner off. See “If your vehicle over-
heats” in the “In case of emergency”
section of this manual.
AIR FLOW CHARTS
The following charts show the button and dial
positions forMAXIMUM AND QUICKheating,
cooling or defrosting.The air recirculation
button should always be in the OFF posi-
tion for heating and defrosting.
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The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. See “Air conditioner system refrigerant
and lubricant recommendations” in the “Techni-
cal and consumer information” section of this
manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equipment.
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SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER
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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
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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.
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