
Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilome-
ters) of driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
explains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle. The “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide” explains details
about maintaining and servicing your ve-
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle
best. When you require any service or have any
questions, they will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to them.Before driving your vehicle please read this Own-
er’s Manual carefully. This will ensure familiarity
with controls and maintenance requirements, as-
sisting you in the safe operation of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RE-
MINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and complete trip for
you and your passengers!
cNEVER drive under the influence of al-
cohol or drugs.
cALWAYS observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for conditions.
cALWAYS use your seat belts and appro-
priate child restraint systems. Preteen
children should be seated in the rear
seat.
cALWAYS provide information about the
proper use of vehicle safety features to
all occupants of the vehicle.
cALWAYS review this owner’s manual for
important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLE
This vehicle should not be modified.
Modification could affect its
performance, safety or durability, and
may even violate governmental
regulations. In addition, damage or per-
formance problems resulting from
modifications may not be covered un-
der NISSAN warranties.
FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
X 

Table of
ContentsIllustrated table of contents
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
Instruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and care
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Technical and consumer information
Index
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 

1. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/ turn sig-
nal switch (P. 2-18)
2. Meters/gauges (P. 2-3)
3. Windshield wiper/washer switch (P. 2-17)
4. Heater/air conditioner control (P. 4-2)
5. Storage compartment (P. 2-25)
6. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-20)
7. Center ventilators (P. 4-2)
8. Pasenger supplemental air bag (P. 1-6)
9. Glove box (P. 2-24)
10. Pocket (P. 2-23)
11. Power outlet/cigarette lighter (P. 2-21,
P. 2-22)
12. Power outlet (if so equipped) (P. 2-21)
13. Audio system (if so equipped) (P. 4-10)
14. Cruise control and main set switch
(if so eqipped) (P. 2-20)
15. Tilt steering lock lever (P. 3-15)
16. Trunk release Type B (P. 3-11)
17. Fuel filler lid opening lever (P. 3-14)
18. Driver supplemental air bag (P. 1-6)
19. Hood release lever (P. 3-11)
20. Fuse box cover/coin holder (P. 8-30, 2-25)
21. Trunk release Type A (P. 3-11)
22. Instrument brightness control switch (P. 2-19)
23. Outside mirror electric control type switch
(if so equipped) (P. 3-17)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.WIC0433
INSTRUMENT PANEL
0-6Illustrated table of contents
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Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
04/02/04Ðskoniecz
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When the supplemental front air bag inflates, a
fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by the
release of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and
does not indicate a fire. Care should be taken to
not inhale it, as it may cause irritation and chok-
ing. Those with a history of a breathing condition
should get fresh air promptly.
Supplemental front air bags, along with the use of
seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on
the face and chest of the front occupants. They
can help save lives and reduce serious injuries.
However, an inflating front air bag may cause
facial abrasions or other injuries. Front air bags
do not provide restraint to the lower body.
Seat belts should be correctly worn and the
driver and passenger seated upright as far as
practical away from the steering wheel or instru-
ment panel. The supplemental front air bags in-
flate quickly in order to help protect the front
occupants. Because of this, the force of the front
air bag inflating can increase the risk of injury if
the occupant is too close to, or is against, the
front air bag module during inflation.
The front air bags deflate quickly after a collision.
The supplemental front air bags operate
only when the ignition switch is in the ON
or START position.After turning the ignition key to the ON
position, the supplemental air bag warning
light illuminates. The supplemental air bag
warning light will turn off after about 7
seconds if the system is operational.
WARNING
cDo not place any objects on the steer-
ing wheel pad or on the instrument
panel. Also, do not place any objects
between any occupant and the steering
wheel or instrument panel. Such ob-
jects may become dangerous projec-
tiles and cause injury if the supplemen-
tal front air bag inflates.
cImmediately after inflation, several
front air bag system components will be
hot. Do not touch them; you may se-
verely burn yourself.
cNo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the supplemental air bag system. This is
to prevent accidental inflation of the
supplemental air bag or damage to the
supplemental air bag system.cDo not make unauthorized changes to
your vehicle’s electrical system, sus-
pension system or front end structure.
This could affect proper operation of
the supplemental front air bag system.
cTampering with the supplemental front
air bag system may result in serious
personal injury. Tampering includes
changes to the steering wheel and the
instrument panel assembly by placing
material over the steering wheel pad
and above the instrument panel or by
installing additional trim material
around the air bag system.
cWork on and around the supplemental
front air bag system should be done by
a NISSAN dealer. Installation of electri-
cal equipment should also be done by a
NISSAN dealer. The Supplemental Re-
straint System (SRS) wiring should not
be modified or disconnected. Unautho-
rized electrical test equipment and
probing devices should not be used on
the air bag system.
cA cracked windshield should be re-
placed immediately by a qualified re-
pair facility. A cracked windshield could
affect inflation of the supplemental air
bag system.
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags1-13
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
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cThe SRS wiring harness connectors are
yellow for easy identification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the supplemental front air
bag system and guide the buyer to the appropri-
ate sections in this Owner’s Manual.
Supplemental side-impact air bag sys-
tem (if so equipped)
The supplemental side-impact air bags are lo-
cated in the outside of the seatback of the front
seats. The supplemental side air bag (on the
driver or front passenger seat) is designed to
inflate in higher severity side collisions, although
it may inflate if the forces in another type of
collision are similar to those of a higher severity
side impact. It is designed to inflate on the side
where the vehicle is impacted. It may not inflate in
certain side collisions. Vehicle damage (or lack of
it) is not always an indication of proper supple-
mental side air bag operation.When the supplemental side air bag inflates, a
fairly loud noise may be heard, followed by re-
lease of smoke. This smoke is not harmful and
does not indicate a fire. Care should be taken to
not inhale it, as it may cause irritation and chok-
ing. Those with a history of a breathing condition
should get fresh air promptly.
Supplemental side air bags, along with the use of
seat belts, help to cushion the impact force on
the head and chest of the front occupants. They
can help save lives and reduce serious injuries.
However, an inflating side air bag may cause
abrasions or other injuries. Side air bags do not
provide restraint to the lower body.
The seat belts should be correctly worn and the
driver and passenger seated upright as far as
practical away from the supplemental side air
bag. The side air bag inflates quickly in order to
help protect the front occupants. Because of this,
the force of the side air bag inflating can increase
the risk of injury if the occupant is too close to, or
is against, the side air bag module during infla-
tion. The side air bag will deflate quickly after a
collision.
The supplemental side air bags operate
only when the ignition switch is in the ON
or START position.
LRS0020
1-14Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
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cWork around and on the pre-tensioner
system should be done by a NISSAN
dealer. Installation of electrical equip-
ment should also be done by a NISSAN
dealer. Unauthorized electrical test
equipment and probing devices should
not be used on the pre-tensioner seat
belt system.
cIf you need to dispose of the pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, contact a
NISSAN dealer. Correct pre-tensioner
disposal procedures are set forth in the
appropriate NISSAN Service Manual.
Incorrect disposal procedures could
cause personal injury.
The front seat pre-tensioner seat belt system
activates in conjunction with the supplemental air
bag systems. Working with the seat belt retrac-
tor, it helps tighten the seat belt when the vehicle
becomes involved in certain types of collisions,
helping to restrain front seat occupants.
The pre-tensioner is encased with the seat belt’s
retractor. These seat belts are used the same as
conventional seat belts.
When the pre-tensioner seat belt activates,
smoke is released and a loud noise may be heard.
This smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a
fire. Care should be taken not to inhale it, as it maycause irritation and choking. Those with a history
of a breathing condition should get fresh air
promptly.
If any abnormality occurs in the pre-tensioner
system, the supplemental air bag warning
light
will flash intermittently after the igni-
tion key is turned to the ON or START position. In
this case, the pre-tensioner seat belt will not
function properly. They must be checked and
repaired. Take your vehicle to the nearest
NISSAN dealer.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the pre-tensioner seat belt
system and guide the buyer to the appropriate
sections in this Owner’s Manual.
1. SRS Air Bag Warning Labels
2. SRS Side Air Bag Warning Labels (if
so equipped)
SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LABELS
Warning labels about the supplemental front air
bag and supplemental side air bag (if so
equipped) systems are placed in the vehicle as
shown in the illustation.
WRS0136
1-16Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
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SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHT
The supplemental air bag warning light,
displayingin the instrument panel, moni-
tors the circuits of the supplemental front air
bags, pre-tensioner seat belt and supplemental
side air bag (if so equipped) systems. The circuits
monitored by the supplemental air bag warning
light are the diagnosis sensor unit, supplemental
air bag modules, pre-tensioner seat belts and all
related wiring.
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning lightilluminates for about 7 seconds and then turns
off. This means the system is operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
bag and pre-tensioner seat belt systems need
servicing:
cThe supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
cThe supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental front
air bag, supplemental side air bag or pre-
tensioner seat belt systems may not operate
properly. It must be checked and repaired. Take
your vehicle to the nearest NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the supplemental
front air bag or supplemental side air bag
system will not operate in an accident. To
help avoid injury to yourself or others,
have your vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
Repair and replacement procedure
The supplemental front air bags, pre-tensioner
seat belts and supplemental side air bags (if so
equipped) are designed to inflate on a one-time-
only basis. As a reminder, unless it is damaged,
the supplemental air bag warning light remains
illuminated after inflation has occurred. Repair
and replacement of these supplemental air bag
systems should be done only by a NISSAN
dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the ve-
hicle, the supplemental front air bags, supple-
mental side air bags (if so equipped) , pre-
tensioner seat belts and related parts should be
pointed out to the person performing the mainte-
nance. The ignition key should always be in the
LOCK position when working under the hood or
inside the vehicle.
LRS0100
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental air bags1-17
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
03/18/04Ðtbrooks
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1. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)/turn
signal switch (P. 2-18)
2. Meters/gauges (P. 2-3)
3. Windshield wiper/washer switch (P. 2-17)
4. Heater/air conditioner control (P. 4-2)
5. Storage compartment (P. 2-25)
6. Hazard warning flasher switch (P. 2-20)
7. Center ventilators (P. 4-2)
8. Passenger supplemental air bag (P. 1-6)
9. Glove box (P. 2-24)
10. Pocket (P. 2-23)
11. Power outlet/cigarette lighter (P. 2-21,
2-22)
12. Power outlet (if so equipped) (P. 2-21)
13. Audio system (if so equipped) (P. 4-10)
14. Cruise control and main set switch
(if so equipped) (P. 5-14)
15. Tilt steering lock lever (P. 3-15)
16. Trunk release Type B (P. 3-11)
17. Fuel filler lid opening lever (P. 3-14)
18. Driver supplemental air bag (P. 1-6)
19. Hood release lever (P. 3-11)
20. Fuse box cover/coin holder (P. 8-30, 2-25)
21. Trunk release Type A (P. 3-11)
22. Instrument brightness control switch
(P. 2-19)
23. Outside mirror electric control type switch
(if so equipped) (P. 3-17)
WIC0433
INSTRUMENT PANEL
2-2Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPY:Ð2004 Sentra(b15)
Owners Manual(owners)ÐUSA English(nna)
04/02/04Ðskoniecz
X