
cDo not fill a portable fuel container in
the vehicle or trailer. Static electricity
can cause an explosion of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or
trailer. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death when filling portable fuel
containers:
– Always place the container on the
ground when filling.
– Do not use electronic devices when
filling.
– Keep the pump nozzle in contact
with the container while you are fill-
ing it.
– Use only approved portable fuel con-
tainers for flammable liquid.
CAUTION
cIf fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid paint
damage.cTighten until the fuel filler cap clicks.
Failure to tighten the fuel filler cap
properly may cause the
mal-
function indicator lamp (MIL) to illumi-
nate. If the
lamp illuminates be-
cause 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 the
lamp
does not turn off after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer.
cFor additional information, see the
“Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)” in
the “Instruments and Controls” section
earlier in this manual.
TILT OPERATION
Pull the lock lever downsAand adjust the steer-
ing wheel up or down
sBto the desired position.
Push the lock lever up firmly to lock the steering
wheel in place.
WARNING
Do not adjust the steering wheel while
driving. You could lose control of your
vehicle and cause an accident.
WPD0123
STEERING WHEEL
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-15
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

the vehicle outside of any metal or large building
for satellite radio to receive all of the necessary
data.
No satellite radio reception is available and “NO
SAT” is displayed when the SAT band option is
selected unless optional satellite receiver and
antenna are installed (retrofit unavailable without
factory satellite radio pre-wiring) , and an XMTor
SIRIUS™ satellite radio service subscription is
active.
Satellite radio performance may be affected if
cargo carried on the roof blocks the satellite radio
signal.
If possible, do not put cargo over the satellite
antenna.
AUDIO OPERATION PRECAUTIONS
Compact disc (CD) player
cOnly use high quality 4.7 inches (12 cm)
round discs that have the “COMPACTdisc DIGITAL AUDIO” logo on the disc
or packaging.
cDuring cold weather or rainy days, the
player may malfunction due to the hu-
midity. If this occurs, remove the CD
and dehumidify or ventilate the player
completely.
cThe player may skip while driving on
rough roads.
cThe CD player sometimes cannot func-
tion when the compartment tempera-
ture is extremely high. Decrease the
temperature before use.
cDo not expose the CD to direct sun-
light.
cCDs that are in poor condition or are
dirty, scratched or covered with finger-
prints may not work properly.
cThe following CDs may not work prop-
erly:
cCopy control compact discs (CCCD)
cRecordable compact discs (CD-R)
cRewritable compact discs (CD-RW)
LHA0099
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-11
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

cDo not use the following CDs as they
may cause the CD player to malfunc-
tion:
c3.1 in (8 cm) discs with an adapter
cCDs that are not round
cCDs with a paper label
cCDs that are warped, scratched, or
have abnormal edges
1. RADIO button
2. Scan button
3. ON·OFF/Volume control knob
4. CD insert slot
5. Audio button
6. CD eject button7. AUX Jack
8. Radio manual tuning buttons/clock set
buttons/seek buttons
9. Clock button
10. CAT (category for satellite radio) button
11. FF button
LHA0477
4-12Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

Adjusting tone quality and speaker balance
To adjust BAS/TRE or FAD/BAL (Bass/Treble or
Fader/Balance) , press the AUDIO button until
the desired mode (BAS, TRE, FAD, or BAL) ap-
pears in the display. Press the
orbutton to adjust Bass (BAS) and Treble (TRE) to
the desired level. Use theorbutton
also to adjust Fader (FAD) or Balance (BAL)
modes. Fader (FAD) adjusts the sound level be-
tween the front and rear speakers and Balance
(BAL) adjusts the sound between the right and
left speakers.
Clock operation
Pressing the clock button alternates the clock
and the radio/CD player options in the display.
Clock set
1. Press and hold the CLOCK button for more
than 1.5 seconds to enter clock set mode.
2. Tap the CLOCK button to set hours “H”,
then use the
orbuttons to ad-
just.
3. Tap the CLOCK button again to set minutes
“M”, then use the
orbuttons to
adjust.4. Tap the CLOCK button again to exit clock
set mode.
Clock priority mode
In this mode the clock is shown in the display. If
any radio or CD functions are activated, the radio
or CD display illuminates for 10 seconds then
returns to the clock mode.
NOTE:
After clock adjustment, the radio is in the
clock priority mode.
FM/AM/SAT radio operation
FM/AM/SAT band select
Push the RADIO button to change from AM to
FM and SAT (Satellite) (if so equipped) recep-
tion.
No Satellite radio reception is available and “NO
SAT” will be displayed when the SAT band option
is selected unless optional satellite receiver and
antenna were factory installed (retrofit unavail-
able without factory satellite radio pre-wiring) ,
and an XMTor Sirius™ satellite radio service
subscription is active.
The FM stereo indicator, ST, illuminates during
FM stereo reception. When the stereo broadcast
signal is weak, the radio automatically changes
from stereo to monaural reception.
TUNE/SEEK buttons
WARNING
The radio should not be tuned while driv-
ing so full attention may be given to ve-
hicle operation.
Push the
orbutton for less than 0.5
seconds for manual tuning.
SEEK tuning
Push the
orbutton for more than
1.5 seconds to seek through the frequencies.
SEEK tuning begins from low to high frequen-
cies, or high to low frequencies depending on
which button is pushed, and stops at the next
broadcasting station. Once the highest broad-
casting station is reached, the radio continues in
the SEEK mode at the lowest broadcasting sta-
tion.
SCAN button
Push the SCAN tuning button. SCAN illuminates
in the display. SCAN tuning begins from low to
high frequencies. SCAN tuning stops at each
broadcasting station for 5 seconds. Pushing the
button again during this 5 second period stops
SCAN tuning and the radio remains tuned to that
station.
4-14Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

ANTENNA
The antenna cannot be shortened, but can be
removed. When you need to remove the antenna,
turn the antenna rod counterclockwise.
To install the antenna rod, turn the antenna clock-
wise. Tighten the antenna rod to specification
using a suitable tool such as an open-end
wrench. The antenna rod tightening specification
is 3.4 - 3.6 N·m (30 - 32 in-lb) . Do not use pliers
to tighten the antenna as they can leave marks on
the antenna surface. The antenna rod cannot be
hand tightened to the proper specification.
CAUTION
Always properly tighten the antenna rod
during installation or the antenna rod may
break during vehicle operation.When installing a CB, ham radio or car phone in
your NISSAN, be sure to observe the following
cautions, otherwise the new equipment may ad-
versely affect the MFI (Multiport Fuel Injection)
system and other electronic parts.
WARNING
cA cellular telephone should not be used
while driving so full attention may be
given to vehicle operation. Some juris-
dictions prohibit the use of cellular tele-
phones while driving.
cIf you must make a call while your ve-
hicle is in motion, the hands free cellu-
lar phone operational mode (if so
equipped) is highly recommended. Ex-
ercise extreme caution at all times so
full attention may be given to vehicle
operation.
cIf a conversation in a moving vehicle
requires you to take notes, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop your
vehicle before doing so.
CAUTION
cKeep the antenna as far away as pos-
sible from the Engine Control Module
(ECM) .cKeep the antenna wire more than 8 in
(20 cm) away from the Multiport Fuel
Injection harness. Do not route the an-
tenna wire next to any harness.
cAdjust the antenna standing-wave ratio
as recommended by the manufacturer.
cConnect the ground wire from the CB
radio chassis to the body.
cFor details, consult a NISSAN dealer.
CAR PHONE OR CB RADIO
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-17
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

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).....................5-14
Precautions on cruise control...................5-14Cruise control operations.......................5-14
Break-in schedule................................5-15
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-16
Parking/parking on hills............................5-17
Power steering...................................5-18
Brake system....................................5-18
Brake precautions.............................5-18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
(if so equipped)...............................5-19
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................................5-21
Special winter equipment.......................5-21
Driving on snow or ice.........................5-22
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-22
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

WARNING
cOn hot, sunny days, temperatures in a
closed vehicle could quickly become
high enough to cause severe or possi-
bly fatal injuries to people or animals.
Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support of
others in your vehicle. Unattended pets
should not be left alone either.
cClosely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously in-
jured. Keep the car locked, with the rear
seatback and trunk lid securely latched
when not in use, and prevent children’s
access to car keys.
EXHAUST GAS (carbon monoxide)
WARNING
cDo not breathe exhaust gases; they
contain colorless and odorless carbon
monoxide. Carbon monoxide is danger-
ous. It can cause unconsciousness or
death.cIf you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all win-
dows fully open, and have the vehicle
inspected immediately.
cDo not run the engine in closed spaces
such as a garage.
cDo not park the vehicle with the engine
running for any extended length of time.
cKeep the trunk lid closed while driving,
otherwise exhaust gases could be
drawn into the passenger compart-
ment. If you must drive with the trunk lid
open, follow these precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the
air recirculation but-
ton (if so equipped) to off and the fan
control dial to 4 (high) to circulate
the air.
cIf electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer through
the seal on the trunk lid or the body,
follow the manufacturer’s recommen-
dation to prevent carbon monoxide en-
try into the vehicle.
cThe exhaust system and body should be
inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:a. The vehicle is raised for service.
b. You suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering into the passenger
compartment.
c. You notice a change in the sound of
the exhaust system.
d. You have had an accident involving
damage to the exhaust system, un-
derbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE-WAY CATALYST
The three-way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the three-way catalyst are burned at
high temperatures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
cThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, animals
or flammable materials away from the
exhaust system components.
cDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry grass,
waste paper or rags. They may ignite
and cause a fire.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING
5-2Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models, the ignition
lock is designed so the key cannot be turned to
LOCK position and removed until the shift selec-
tor lever is moved to the P (Park) position.
When removing the key from the ignition, make
sure the shift selector lever is in the P (Park)
position.
If the selector lever is not returned to P (Park)
position, the key cannot be moved to the LOCK
position.
When the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the key.1. Move the shift selector lever into the P (Park)
position.
2. Turn the ignition key slightly toward the ON
position.
3. Turn the key to the LOCK position.
4. Remove the key.
The shift selector lever is designed so it cannot
moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned to OFF
position or if the key is removed from the switch.
The shift selector lever can be moved if the
ignition switch is in the ON position and the
foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
When the ignition is in the OFF position,
the steering wheel is not locked.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.
To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove or turn the key to the LOCK
position while driving. The steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to lose
control of the vehicle and could result in
serious vehicle damage or personal injury.
WSD0041
IGNITION SWITCH
5-4Starting and driving
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X