2 (Second gear):
Use this position for hill climbing or engine brak-
ing on downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds above
60 MPH (96 km/h) . Do not exceed 60 MPH (96
km/h) in the 2 position.
1 (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or driving slowing through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep
downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds above
31 MPH (50 km/h) . Do not exceed 31 MPH (50
km/h) in the 1 position.Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift selector lever
may not be moved from the P (Park) position even
with the brake pedal depressed and the shift
selector lever button pushed.
To move the shift selector lever, release the shift
lock and push the shift selector lever button. The
shift selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral) .
However, the steering wheel will be locked un-
less the ignition switch is turned to the ON posi-
tion.
To release the shift lock, complete the following
procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock cover
sA.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
slot, and push down
sB.
5. Push the shift selector lever button
sCand
move the shift selector lever to N (Neutral)
position
sDwhile holding down the shift
lock.
6. Turn the key to the ON position to unlock the
steering wheel. Now the vehicle may be
moved to the desired location.
WSD0044
Starting and driving5-9
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Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/10/02Ðdebbie
X
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCK
To prevent a door lock from freezing, apply de-
icer through the key hole. If the lock becomes
frozen, heat the key before inserting it into the key
hole.
ANTI-FREEZE
In the winter when it is anticipated that the tem-
perature will drop below 32°F (0°C) , check the
anti-freeze (ethylene glycol base) to assure
proper winter protection. For details, see ‘‘Engine
cooling system’’ in the ‘‘Maintenance and do-it-
yourself’’ section of this manual.
BATTERY
If the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain maxi-
mum efficiency, the battery should be checked
regularly. For details, see ‘‘Battery’’ in the ‘‘Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.For details, see ‘‘Changing engine coolant’’ in the
‘‘Maintenance and do-it-yourself’’ section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. 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.
3. Tire chains may be used.
Use of tire chains may be prohibited ac-
cording to location. Check the local laws
before installing tire chains. When install-
ing tire chains, make sure they are ofproper size for the tires on your vehicle
and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer’s suggestions.Use only
SAE Class “S” chains.Class “S”
chains are used on vehicles with re-
stricted 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 trac-
tion device (tire chains or cables) . The
minimum clearances are determined us-
ing the factory equipped tire size. 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 possibility of whipping action damage
to the fenders or underbody. If possible,
avoid fully loading your vehicle when us-
ing tire chains. In addition, drive at a re-
duced speed. Otherwise, your vehicle
may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely af-
fected.
Never install tire chains on spare tires. Do
not use tire chains on dry roads.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-20Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/20/02Ðcathy
X
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-7
Engine cooling system.............................8-9
Checking engine coolant level...................8-9
Changing engine coolant.......................8-10
Engine oil........................................8-12
Checking engine oil level.......................8-12
Changing engine oil...........................8-13
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-14
Automatic transmission fluid.......................8-15
Temperature conditions for checking.............8-16
Power steering fluid...............................8-18
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-18
Brake fluid....................................8-19
Clutch fluid...................................8-19
Window washer fluid.............................8-20
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-20
Battery..........................................8-20
Jump starting.................................8-22
Drive belts.......................................8-22
Spark plugs......................................8-23Replacing spark plugs.........................8-23
Air cleaner.......................................8-24
In-cabin Microfilter (if so equipped)..............8-25
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-28
Cleaning.....................................8-28
Replacing....................................8-28
Parking brake and brake pedal.....................8-29
Checking parking brake........................8-29
Checking brake pedal..........................8-29
Brake booster.................................8-30
Fuses...........................................8-31
Engine compartment...........................8-31
Passenger compartment.......................8-32
Keyfob battery replacement........................8-33
Lights...........................................8-34
Headlights....................................8-34
Fog lights (if so equipped)......................8-35
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-36
Wheels and tires.................................8-39
Tire pressure..................................8-39
Types of tires..................................8-40
Tire chains....................................8-41
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-42
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X
QG18DE engine
1. Engine oil filler cap
2. Spark plug caps
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model)
5. Air cleaner
6. Battery
7. Fuse/Fusible link holds
8. Radiator cap
9. Engine oil dipstick
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
11. Coolant reservoir
12. Power steering fluid reservoir
NOTE:
Engine cover removed for clarity.
WDI0024
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
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12/20/02Ðcathy
X
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
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2003 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
12/20/02Ðcathy
X