2006 NISSAN SENTRA warning

WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION
cDo not tow a trailer or haul a heavy load
for the first 500 miles (800 km) . Your
engine, axle or other parts could be
damaged.
cFor the first 500 miles (800 km) that you
tow a trailer, do not drive over 50 mph
(80 km/h) and do not make starts at full
throttle. This helps the engine and other
parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used pri-
marily to carry passengers and cargo. Remember
that towing a trailer places additional loads on
your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steering, brak-
ing and other systems.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loads
Never allow the total trailer load to exceed the
value specified in the Towing Load/Specification
Chart found later in this section. The total trailer
load equals trailer weight plus its cargo weight.
Towing loads greater than specified or using
improper towing equipment could adversely af-
fect vehicle handling, braking and performance.
The ability of your vehicle to tow a trailer is not
only related to the maximum trailer loads, but also
the places you plan to tow. Tow weights appro-
priate for level highway driving may have to be
reduced on very steep grades or in low traction
situations (for example, on slippery boat ramps) .
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from improper
towing procedures is not covered by
NISSAN warranties.
Tongue load
Keep the tongue load between9-11percent of
the total trailer load within the maximum tongue
load limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specification Chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
CA0009
TOWING A TRAILER
9-16Technical and consumer information
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WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
Pre-towing tips
cBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cLoad the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.
cCheck your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
cBe certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
cAlways secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
cAvoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
cAvoid sharp turns or lane changes.
cAlways drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. Some states or provinces have spe-
cific speed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
cWhen backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and
back up slowly. If possible, have someone
guide you when you are backing up.
cAlways block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is
not recommended; however, if you must do
so, and if your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic transmission, first block the
wheels and apply the parking brake, andthen move the transmission shift selector
lever into the P (Park) position. If you move
the shift selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion before blocking the wheels and applying
the parking brake, transmission damage
could occur.
cWhen going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine over-
loading and/or overheating.
cIf the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioner
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan
control to high and setting the temperature
control to the HOT position.
cTrailer towing requires more fuel than normal
circumstances.
cAvoid towing a trailer for your vehicle’s first
500 miles (805 km) .
cFor the first 500 miles that you do tow, do
not drive over 50 MPH (80 km/h) .
Technical and consumer information9-19
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cAfter towing 500 miles (805 km) , start and
idle the engine with the transmission in Neu-
tral for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing
may cause damage to internal transmission
parts.DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm due to
variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B and C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-
crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature A, B and C
The temperature grades are A (the highest) , B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat, and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and exces-
sive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING
Technical and consumer information9-21
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WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is es-
tablished for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei-
ther separately or in combination, can
cause heat build-up and possible tire
failure.Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties:
For USA
1. Emission Defects Warranty
2. Emissions Performance Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN
vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re-
placement by writing to:
cNissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191
For Canada
Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN
vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa-
tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re-
placement by writing to:
cNissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5
If you believe that your vehicle has a de-
fect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immedi-
ately inform the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addi-
tion to notifying NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds
that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA cannot be-
come involved in individual problems be-
tween you, your dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the Auto
Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-
4236. You may also write to: NHTSA,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor ve-
hicle safety from the Hotline.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting our
Consumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at
1-800-NISSAN-1.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US
only)
9-22Technical and consumer information
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Due to legal requirements in some states and
Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re-
quired to be in what is called the “ready condi-
tion” for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of
the emission control system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when it
is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually,
the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary
usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a “not ready” condition. Before taking the
I/M test, check the vehicle’s
inspection/maintenance test readiness condi-
tion. Turn the ignition switch ON without starting
the engine. If the Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) comes on steady for 20 seconds and then
blinks for 10 seconds , the I/M test condition is
9not ready9. If the MIL does not blink after 20
seconds, the I/M test condition is9ready.9If the
MIL indicates the vehicle is in a9not ready9con-
dition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If
you cannot or do not want to perform the driving
pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic con-
ditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine when the engine coolant
temperature gauge needle points to C. Al-
low the engine to idle until the gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal oper-
ating temperature) .
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h) , then quickly release the accelerator
pedal completely and keep it released for at
least 10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 min-
utes.8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission se-
lector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral)
position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps1-8atleast one more time.
If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept-
able between steps. Do not stop the engine until
step 7 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST
Technical and consumer information9-23
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10 Index
A
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system).....................1-31
Air bag warning light...........1-42, 2-11
Air cleaner housing filter............8-23
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation...........4-5
Air conditioner service............4-9
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
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) .2-13
Anchor point locations.............1-23
Antenna.....................4-20
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).........5-18
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-9
Audible reminders................2-12
Audio system..................4-10
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-18
Compact disc (CD) player.........4-16
FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player....................4-13
Radio....................4-10
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-27
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-10
B
Battery......................8-19
Charge warning light............2-10
Before starting the engine............5-6
Belts (See drive belts).............8-21
Booster seats..................1-27
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS).......5-18
Brake booster................8-28
Brake fluid..................8-17
Brake light (See stop light).........8-35
Brake pedal.................8-27
Brake system................5-18
Brake warning light..............2-9
Brake wear indicators........2-12, 8-28
Parking brake check............8-27
Parking brake operation..........5-13
Self-adjusting brakes............8-28
Break-in schedule................5-15
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-19
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-35C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
Car phone or CB radio.............4-20
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CD care and cleaning.............4-19
CD changer (See audio system)........4-18
CD player (See audio system).........4-16
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-23
Child restraints........1-8, 1-9, 1-14, 1-22
Precautions on child restraints . . .1-14, 1-27
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-23
Child safety rear door lock............3-5
Chimes, audible reminders...........2-12
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
Clock......................4-14
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-18
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Coin box.....................2-24
Cold weather driving..............5-20
Compact disc (CD) player...........4-16
Console box...................2-24
Controls
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
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Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Corrosion protection...............7-5
Cruise control..................5-14
Cup holders...................2-23
D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-19
Defogger switch
Rear window defogger switch.......2-17
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-19
Door locks....................3-3
Door open warning light............2-10
Drive belts....................8-21
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-20
Driving with automatic transmission.....5-7
Driving with manual transmission.....5-11
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-16
Emission control information label.......9-11
Emission control system warranty.......9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-6
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-12
Changing engine oil filter..........8-13
Checking engine coolant level........8-8Checking engine oil level..........8-11
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil..................8-11
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-10
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-10
Starting the engine..............5-6
Event data recorders..............9-24
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-20
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF). . . .8-14
Brake fluid..................8-17
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-18
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil..................8-11
Power steering fluid.............8-17
Window washer fluid............8-18
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Fog light switch.................2-20
Folding rear seat.................1-4
Front seats....................1-2Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-16
Fuel gauge..................2-8
Fuel octane rating..............9-4
Fuel recommendation............9-3
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-12
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-12
Fuses......................8-29
Fusible links...................8-29
G
Gascap.....................3-12
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-7
Fuel gauge..................2-8
Odometer...................2-5
Speedometer.................2-4
Tachometer..................2-6
Trip computer.................2-5
Trip odometer.................2-5
General maintenance..............8-2
Glove box....................2-24
H
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-20
Head restraints..................1-5
Headlight aiming adjustment..........8-34
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-18
Headlight control switch............2-18
Headlights....................8-33
10-2
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Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-2
Heater operation...............4-4
Hood release...................3-9
Horn.......................2-21
I
Ignition switch..................5-4
Immobilizer system..........2-15, 3-2, 5-5
Important vehicle information label.......9-10
In-cabin microfilter...............8-23
Increasing fuel economy............5-16
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-9
Inside mirror...................3-14
Instrument brightness control.........2-19
Instrument panel..............0-6, 2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-19
Interior light...................2-29
Interior trunk lid release.............3-11
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-22
J
Jump starting...................6-7
K
Key ........................3-2
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-31Keyless entry system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-11
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Emission control information label.....9-11
Engine serial number............9-10
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . .9-9
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-41
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers
for CHildren) System..............1-22
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-12
Light
Air bag warning light.........1-42, 2-11
Brake light (See stop light).........8-35
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-35
Charge warning light............2-10
Fog light switch...............2-20
Headlight aiming adjustment........8-34
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-18
Headlight control switch..........2-18
Headlights..................8-33
Interior light.................2-29
Light bulbs..................8-33
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-10
Spotlights (See map light).........2-30
Trunk light..................2-30
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-9Lights
Map lights..................2-30
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-5
Door locks..................3-3
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-12
Power door locks...............3-4
Trunk lid lock opener lever..........3-9
Low fuel warning light.............2-10
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-10
Luggage (See vehicle loading information) . .9-12
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Inside the vehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-13
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-11
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-27
Map lights....................2-30
Map pocket...................2-23
Meters and gauges................2-3
Instrument brightness control.......2-19
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-14
Outside mirrors...............3-14
Vanity mirror.................3-14
Multi-remote control system
(See remote keyless entry system).......3-5
10-3
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