2004 NISSAN SENTRA automatic transmission fluid

Warning
lightName Page
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light2-9
or
Brake warning
light2-9
Charge warning
light2-10
Door open
warning light2-10
Engine oil pres-
sure light2-10
Low fuel warn-
ing light2-10
Warning
lightName Page
Low windshield
washer fluid
warning light
(if so equipped)2-10
Seat belt warn-
ing light and
chime2-11
Supplemental
air bag warning
light2-11
Indicator
lightName Page
CRUISE main
switch indicator
light (if so
equipped)2-11
Indicator
lightName Page
Cruise SET
switch indicator
light (if so
equipped)2-11
High beam in-
dicator light
(blue)2-11
Malfunction
indicator lamp
(MIL)2-11
Overdrive off
indicator light
(automatic
transmission
models only)2-11
Turn
signal/hazard
indicator lights2-12
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents0-9
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Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
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cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cCheck fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, 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 re-
minders” 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.cIf the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/5 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
key and the accelerator pedal when the
engine starts.
cIf the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5-6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accel-
erator pedal. Crank the enginewith your
foot off the accelerator pedalby turn-
ing 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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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................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................8-8
Changing engine coolant........................8-9
Engine oil........................................8-11
Checking engine oil level.......................8-11
Changing engine oil...........................8-12
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-13
Automatic transmission fluid.......................8-14
Temperature conditions for checking.............8-15
Power steering fluid...............................8-17
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-17
Brake fluid....................................8-18
Clutch fluid...................................8-18
Window washer fluid.............................8-19
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-19
Battery..........................................8-19
Jump starting.................................8-21
Drive belts.......................................8-21
Spark plugs......................................8-22Replacing spark plugs.........................8-22
Air cleaner.......................................8-23
In-cabin Microfilter (if so equipped)..............8-24
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-27
Cleaning.....................................8-27
Replacing....................................8-27
Parking brake and brake pedal.....................8-28
Checking parking brake........................8-28
Checking brake pedal..........................8-28
Brake booster.................................8-29
Fuses...........................................8-30
Engine compartment...........................8-30
Passenger compartment.......................8-31
Battery replacement..............................8-32
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
Tire labeling...................................8-42
Types of tires..................................8-45
Tire chains....................................8-45
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-46
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Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Automatic transmission fluid level*Check
the level after putting the selector lever in P with
the engine idling at operating temperature.
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and linesCheck
the level when the fluid is cold, with the engine
off. Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
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When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. For manual transmission
models, move the shift lever to N (Neu-
tral) . For automatic transmission mod-
els, move the selector lever to P (Park) .
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
cNever leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
c
Your 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 theengine is not running. To avoid injury,al-
ways disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should beserviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
cAvoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
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CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the mounting surface of the
engine.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
WARNING
cWhen the engine is running, keep
hands, jewelry and clothing away from
any moving parts such as the cooling
fan and drive belts.
cAutomatic transmission fluid is poison-
ous and should be stored carefully in
marked containers out of the reach of
children.
QR25DE engine
WDI0180
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
8-14Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
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TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS FOR
CHECKING
cThe fluid level should be checked using the
HOT range on the dipstick after the following
conditions have been met:
– The engine should be warmed up to op-
erating temperature.
– The vehicle should be driven at least 5
minutes.
– The automatic transmission fluid should
be warmed to 122 - 176°F (50 - 80°C) .cThe fluid can be checked at fluid tempera-
tures of 86 - 122°F (30 - 50°C) using the
COLD range on the dipstick after the engine
is warmed up and before driving. However,
the fluid should be re-checked using the
HOT range.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and then move the shift
selector lever through each gear range, end-
ing in P (Park) .
3. Check the fluid level with the engine idling.
QG18DE engine
WDI0181
QR25DE engine
WDI0182
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-15
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X

4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with
lint-free paper.
5. Reinsert the dipstick into the dipstick tube
as far as it will go.
6. Remove the dipstick and note the reading. If
the automatic transmission fluid level is
within the normal operating range
sB,no
additional fluid is required. If the fluid level is
low
sAadd fluid through the dipstick tube.
CAUTION
DO NOT OVERFILL. Use ONLY Genuine
Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and
Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Automatic
Transmission Fluid. DEXRON™
III/MERCON™ or equivalent may also be
used. Outside the continental United
States and Alaska contact a NISSAN deal-
ership for more information regarding
suitable fluids, including recommended
brand(s) of DEXRON™ III/MERCON™ au-
tomatic transmission fluid.NOTE:
If the vehicle has been driven for a long
time at high speeds, or in city traffic in hot
weather, or if it is being used to pull a
trailer, the fluid level cannot be read accu-
rately. You should wait until the fluid has
cooled down (about 30 minutes) before
checking fluid level.
WDI0183
8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X