2003 NISSAN SENTRA parking brake

orAnti-lock brake warning light (if
so equipped)Low fuel warning lightCruise SET switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
orBrake warning lightLow washer fluid warning light (if so equipped)High beam indicator light (Blue)
Charge warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Door open warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive off indicator light (automatic trans-
mission models only)
Engine oil pressure warning lightCRUISE main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and turn the ignition key to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
,,or,,,
If equipped, the following lights come on briefly
and then go off:
or
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
a burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock brake
warning light (if so
equipped)
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the anti-lock brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by a NISSAN dealer.
Turn off the engine, and start it again by
slowly turning the ignition key (quickly do-
ing so may cause the ABS light to stay on
when there is nothing wrong) . If the light
stays on, have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.If an abnormality occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function ceases, but the regular braking
system continues to operate.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact a NISSAN dealer for repair.orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls2-7
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When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is applied,
and also warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
brake system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
cYour vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition key is in the OFF position
and the engine is not running. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the negative
battery cable before working near the
fan.
cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are not
closed securely while the ignition key is in the ON
position.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer.The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See “Engine
oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” sec-
tion of this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the fuel
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is conve-
nient, preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty) .There will be a small reserve of fuel
in the tank when the fuel gauge needle
reaches E (Empty) .
Low washer fluid warning light
(if so equipped)
This light comes on when the washer fluid is at a
low level. Add washer fluid as necessary. See the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2-8Instruments and controls
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After a few driving trips, thelamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:
cMalfunction indicator lamp on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has been
detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If the fuel
filler cap is loose or missing, tighten or install
the cap and continue to drive the vehicle.
The
lamp should turn off after a few
driving trips. If thelamp does not turn off
after a few driving trips, have the vehicle in-
spected by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need
to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.
cMalfunction indicator lamp blinking — An en-
gine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected by
a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your
vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive off indicator light
(automatic transmission mod-
els only)
This light comes on when the overdrive function
is OFF.
The automatic transmission overdrive function is
controlled by the overdrive switch.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.
Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Light reminder chime
With the ignition switch in the OFF position, a
chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened if
the headlights or parking lights are on.
Turn the headlight control switch off before leav-
ing the vehicle.
2-10Instruments and controls
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Instrument brightness control
The instrument brightness control operates when
the headlight switch is in theorposition.
Turn the control to adjust the brightness of instru-
ment panel lights.
Daytime running light system (Canada
only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a re-
duced intensity when the engine is started with
the parking brake released. The daytime running
lights operate with the headlight switch in the
OFF position or in the
position. Turn theheadlight switch to the
position for full
illumination when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the engine is
started, the daytime running lights do not illumi-
nate. The daytime running lights illuminate when
the parking brake is released. The daytime run-
ning lights will remain on until the ignition switch
is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system is
active, tail lights on your vehicle are not
on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on your
headlights. Failure to do so could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.
To turn the front fog lights on, rotate the switch to
the
position.
To turn them off, rotate the switch to the OFF
position.
The headlight switch must be in the
posi-
tion (low beam headlights on) for the fog lights to
operate. The fog lights automatically turn off
whenever the highbeam headlight function is se-
lected.
WIC0246WIC0247
FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if so equipped)
2-18Instruments and controls
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5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-3
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-3
Ignition switch.....................................5-4
Automatic transmission..........................5-4
Manual transmission............................5-5
Key positions..................................5-5
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS)
(if so equipped)................................5-5
Before starting the engine..........................5-6
Starting the engine................................5-6
Driving the vehicle.................................5-7
Automatic transmission (if so equipped)...........5-7
Manual transmission...........................5-10
Parking brake....................................5-13
Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-13
Precautions on cruise control...................5-13Cruise control operations.......................5-14
Break-in schedule................................5-15
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-15
Parking/parking on hills............................5-16
Power steering...................................5-17
Brake system....................................5-18
Brake precautions.............................5-18
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
(if so equipped)...............................5-18
Cold weather driving..............................5-20
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-20
Anti-freeze....................................5-20
Battery.......................................5-20
Draining of coolant water.......................5-20
Tire equipment................................5-20
Special winter equipment.......................5-21
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-21
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-21
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cMake sure the area around the vehicle is clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant,
brake and clutch fluid, and window washer
fluid as frequently as possible, or at least
whenever you refuel.
cCheck that all windows and lights are clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance and
condition. Also check tires for proper inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do
likewise.
cCheck the operation of warning lights when
the key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “Instruments and controls” section
of this manual.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the shift selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park) and into any of
the other gear positions if the ignition
key is turned to the OFF position or if
the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector lever is in any of the
driving positions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) . Depress
the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking
the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.cWhen the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little
(approximately 1/5 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
cWhen the engine is very hard to start
because it is flooded, depress the accel-
erator pedal all the way to the floor and
hold it. Crank the engine for 5-6 seconds.
After cranking the engine, release the ac-
celerator pedal. Crank the enginewith
your foot off the accelerator pedalby
turning the ignition key to START. Release
the key when the engine starts. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the
above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise
the starter could be damaged.
4. Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-
onds after starting. Drive at moderate speed
for a short distance first, especially in cold
weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-6Starting and driving
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To move the selector lever:
: Depress the button to shift
: Shift without depressing button
Shifting
Push the shift selector lever button to shift into P
(Park) , R (Reverse) or from D (Drive) to 2. All
other positions can be selected without pushing
the button.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector
lever is in any position while the engine is
not running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal injury
or property damage.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped.The brake
pedal must be depressed and the selector
lever button pushed in to move the selector
lever from the N (Neutral) or any drive po-
sition to P (Park) .Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then shift the selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed, but the shift se-
lector lever still cannot be moved out of P (Park) ,
follow these instructions.
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.3. Reinsert the key and turn it to the ACC
position.
4. Depress the foot brake pedal and move the
shift selector lever to N (Neutral) .
5. Start the engine.
These instructions for starting the vehicle in N
(Neutral) should only be used until service can be
obtained at a NISSAN dealership.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Make sure the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting R
(Reverse) position.The brake pedal must be
depressed and the selector lever button
pushed in to move the selector lever from P
(Park) , N (Neutral) or any drive position to R
(Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
WSD0043
5-8Starting and driving
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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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