2006 NISSAN SENTRA Owners Manual

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.........9-2
Fuel recommendation...........................9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation...........9-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number............9-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............................9-6
Specifications.....................................9-7
Engine........................................9-7
Wheels and tires...............................9-8
Dimensions and weights........................9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in an-
other country......................................9-9
Vehicle identification...............................9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate..........9-9
Vehicle identification number (chassis num-
ber)...........................................9-9
Engine serial number...........................9-10
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-10
Emission control information label...............9-11Tire placard...................................9-11
Air conditioner specification label................9-11
Installing front license plate........................9-12
Vehicle loading information........................9-12
Terms........................................9-12
Vehicle load capacity..........................9-13
Loading tips..................................9-15
Towing a trailer...................................9-16
Maximum load limits...........................9-16
Towing load/specification.......................9-17
Towing safety.................................9-17
Flat towing....................................9-20
Uniform tire quality grading........................9-21
Emission control system warranty..................9-22
Reporting safety defects (US only).................9-22
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test.....9-23
Event data recorders..............................9-24
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-24
In the event of a collision.......................9-24
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 13–1/4 gal 11 gal 50 Unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (RON 91)*1
Engine oil *7
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change QG18DE 2–7/8 qt 2–3/8 qt 2.7
• API Certification Mark *2 *3
• API grade SG/SH, Energy Conserving II or API grade SJ or SL, Energy Conserving *2 *3
• ILSAC grade GF-II or GF-III*2 *3 QR25DE 4–1/4 qt 3–1/2 qt 4.0
Without oil filter change QG18DE 2–5/8 qt 2–1/4 qt 2.5
QR25DE 4 qt 3–3/8 qt 3.8
Cooling system
With reservoir
Manual transmission: QR25DE 1–3/4 gal 1–1/2 gal 6.8
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water QG18DE 1–3/4 gal 1–1/2 gal 6.7
Automatic transmission: QR25DE 1–3/4 gal 1–1/2 gal 6.7
QG18DE 1–3/4 gal 1–1/2 gal 6.6
Manual transmission gear oil QG18DE 3–1/8 qt 2–5/8 qt 3.0 API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
QR25DE 2–3/8 qt 2.0 qt 2.2 Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid HQ Multi 75W-85 or equivalent
Automatic transmission fluid Refill to the proper level according to the
instructions in the “Do-it-yourself” section.Genuine Nissan Matic D ATF (Continental U.S. and Alaska) or Canada NISSAN Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid.*4
Power steering fluid (PSF)Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent.*8
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*5 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*6
Air conditioning system oil — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type R or equivalent*6
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Fuel recommendation.”
*2: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*3: For further details, see “Recommended SAE engine oil viscosity.”
*4: DEXRON™ III/MERCON™ or equivalent may also be used. Outside the Continental United States and Alaska contact an authorized NISSAN dealership formore information regarding suitable
fluids, including recommended brand(s) of DEXRON™ III/MERCON™ Automatic Transmission Fluid.
*5: Available in mainland USA through your authorized NISSAN dealer.
*6: For further details, see “Air conditioner specification label.”
*7: For further details, see “Changing engine oil.”
*8: For Canada, NISSAN Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) , DEXRON™ III/MERCON™, or equivalent ATF may also be used.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

FUEL RECOMMENDATION
For 1.8L/2.5L engines
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
For SE-R SPEC V
Use unleaded regular gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 87 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) num-
ber (Research octane number 91) .
For improved vehicle performance, NISSAN rec-
ommends the use of unleaded premium gasoline
with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI number
(Research octane number 96) .
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol system, and may also affect the war-
ranty coverage.
Under no circumstances should a leaded
gasoline be used, because this will dam-
age the three-way catalyst.Do not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. Your
vehicle is not designed to run on E-85 fuel.
Using E-85 fuel can damage the fuel sys-
tem components and is not covered by the
NISSAN vehicle limited warranty.
Gasoline specifications
NISSAN recommends using gasoline that meets
the World-Wide Fuel Charter specifications
where it is available. Many of the automobile
manufacturers developed this specification to
improve emission system and vehicle perfor-
mance. Ask your service station manager if the
gasoline meets the World-Wide Fuel Charter
specifications.
Reformulated gasoline
Some fuel suppliers are now producing reformu-
lated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSAN
supports efforts towards cleaner air and sug-
gests that you use reformulated gasoline when
available.
Gasoline containing oxygenates
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing oxy-
genates such as ethanol, MTBE and methanol
with or without advertising their presence.
NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel com-patibility for your NISSAN cannot be readily de-
termined. If in doubt, ask your service station
manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take
the following precautions as the usage of such
fuels may cause vehicle performance problems
and/or fuel system damage.
cThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than that
recommended for unleaded gasoline.
cIf an oxygenate-blend other than
methanol blend is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
cIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol
(methyl alcohol, wood alcohol) . It
should also contain a suitable amount
of appropriate cosolvents and corro-
sion inhibitors. If not properly formu-
lated with appropriate cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors, such methanol
blends may cause fuel system damage
and/or vehicle performance problems.
At this time, sufficient data is not avail-
able to ensure that all methanol blends
are suitable for use in NISSAN ve-
hicles.
Technical and consumer information9-3
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

If any driveability problems such as engine stall-
ing and difficult hot-starting are experienced after
using oxygenate-blend fuels, immediately
change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel with a
low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
E–85 fuel
E-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) . Do
not use E-85 in your vehicle. U.S. government
regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square, orange
and black label with the common abbreviation or
the appropriate percentage for that region.
Aftermarket fuel additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel injec-
tor cleaner, octane booster, intake valve deposit
removers, etc.) which are sold commercially.
Many of these additives intended for gum, varnish
or deposit removal may contain active solvents or
similar ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel
system and engine.
Octane rating tips
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy “spark knock.” (“Spark
knock” is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the stated octane
rating, or if you hear steady spark knock
while holding a steady speed on level
roads, have a NISSAN dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing may result in spark
knock, after-run and/or overheating, which may
cause excessive fuel consumption or engine
damage. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is not a
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
CAUTION
cYour vehicle is not designed to run on
E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel in a vehicle
not specifically designed for E-85 fuel
can damage fuel system components
and is not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.
cE-85 is a mixture of approximately 85%
fuel ethanol and 15% unleaded
gasoline.
cU.S. government regulations require
ethanol dispensing pumps to be identi-
fied by a small, square, orange and
black label with the common abbrevia-
tion or the appropriate percentage for
that region.
9-4Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality
and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. See9Capacities
and recommended fuel/lubricants9earlier in this
section. NISSAN recommends the use of an
energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel
economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and ApprovalCommittee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label should not
be used as they could cause engine damage.Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been
previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. The chart “Rec-
ommended SAE viscosity number” shows the
recommended oil viscosities for the expected
ambient temperatures. Choosing an oil viscosity
other than that recommended could cause seri-
ous engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals”.
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
WTI0082
Technical and consumer information9-5
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:
crepeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures
cdriving in dusty conditions
cextensive idling
ctowing a trailer
cstop and go commuting
Refer to the9NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide9for the maintenance schedule.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBER
cSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or SAE
10W-40 viscosity oils may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (-18°C) .
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND OIL
RECOMMENDATIONS
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the oil, NISSAN
A/C system oil Type R or the exact equiva-
lents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or oil will
cause severe damage to the air condition-
ing system and will require the replace-
ment of all air conditioner system
components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle does not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect the
earth’s atmosphere, certain government regula-
tions require the recovery and recycling of any
refrigerant during automotive air conditioner sys-
tem service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your air
conditioner system.
ATI1028
9-6Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

ENGINE
ModelQG18DE QR25DE
TypeGasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement4-cylinder in-line 4-cylinder in-line
Bore x Stroke in (mm) 3.150 x 3.465 (80. x 88.0) 3.504 x 3.937 (89.0 x 100.0)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 107.94 (1769) 151.8 (2488)
Firing order1–3–4–2 1–3–4–2
Idle speed rpm
Ignition timing degree (B.T.D.C.) at idle speed
degree/rpm See the “Emission Control Information label” on the underside of the
hood.
CO percentage at idle speed
[No air]%
Platinum-tipped type Platinum-tipped type
Spark plug Hot PLFR4A-11 *1 PLFR4A-11 *1
Standard PLFR5A-11 *1 PLFR5A-11 *1
Cold PLFR6A-11 *1 PLFR6A-11 *1
Camshaft operationTiming chain Timing chain
Spark plug gap (Nominal) in (mm) 0.043 (1.1) 0.043 (1.1)
Generator belt size0.843 x 32.28 (21.4 x 820)
Width x Length in (mm) 0.843 x 43.7 (21.4 x 1110) *2 0.843 x 88.46 (21.4 x 2247)
*1: Always check with the Parts Department at a NISSAN dealer for the latest parts information.
*2: With air conditioner
The spark ignition system of this vehicle meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
SPECIFICATIONS
Technical and consumer information9-7
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X

WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheels
DimensionOffset
in (mm)
Road wheel
15” steel w/bolt-on cover 15 x 6JJ
15” aluminum alloy 15 x 6JJ 1.77 (45)
16” aluminum alloy 16 x 6JJ 1.77 (45)
17” aluminum alloy 17 x 7JJ 1.85 (47)
Conventional tire size
P195/60R/15 15 x 6JJ
P195/55R/16 16 x 6JJ
P215/45ZR17 17 x 7JJ
Spare tire size
T115/70*14 14 x 4T
T125/70*15 15 x 4T
T135/90*15 15 x 4T
T135/70*17 —
*: “R” or “D” depending on tire manufacturer
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
SENTRA
Overall length in (mm) 177.5(4508)
Overall width in (mm) 67.3(1710)
Overall height in (mm) 55.5(1410)
Front tread 15/16 inch in (mm) 57.9(1470)
17 inch in (mm) 57.7(1466)
Rear tread 15/16 inch in (mm) 57.3(1455)
17 inch in (mm) 56.9(1446)
Wheelbase in (mm) 99.8(2535)
Gross vehicle weight rating lb (kg) See the “F.M.V.
S.S. certification
label” on the cen-
ter pillar between
the driver’s side
front and rear
doors. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
9-8Technical and consumer information
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2006 Sentra(b15)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
09/01/05Ðdebbie
X