2008 NISSAN SENTRA tow

until you have confirmed with your dealer that
your air bag is working properly, reposition the
occupant or child restraint in a rear seat.
The air bag system and passenger air bag status
light will take a few seconds to register a change
in the passenger seat status. For example, if a
large adult who is sitting in the front passenger
seat exits the vehicle, the passenger air bag
status light will go from OFF to ON for a few
seconds and then to OFF. This is normal system
operation and does not indicate a malfunction.
If a malfunction occurs in the front passenger air
bag system, the supplemental air bag warning
light
, located in the meter and gauges area
in the center of the instrument panel, will blink.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Other supplemental front air bag precau-
tions
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 front air
bags inflate.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 front air bag system.
cTampering with the 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.cModifying or tampering with the front
passenger seat may result in serious
personal injury. For example, do not
change the front seats by placing mate-
rial on the seat cushion or by installing
additional trim material, such as seat
covers, on the seat that are not specifi-
cally designed to assure proper air bag
operation. Additionally, do not stow any
objects under the front passenger seat
or the seat cushion and seatback. Such
objects may interfere with the proper
operation of the occupant classifica-
tion sensor (pressure sensor) .
cNo unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the seat belt system. This may affect the
front air bag system. Tampering with
the seat belt system may result in seri-
ous personal injury.
1-54Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light (if so
equipped)
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light
illuminates and then turns off. This indicates the
ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
9Brake system9in the9Starting and driving9sec-
tion.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is applied.Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light
comes on while the engine is running with the
parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle and
perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
cYour brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
cPressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.cIf the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are not
closed securely while the ignition key is in the ON
position.
Instruments and controls2-9
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

INDICATOR LIGHTS
Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) position
indicator light (CVT models)
When the ignition key is turned to the ON posi-
tion, this indicator light shows the CVT selector
lever position. See “Driving the vehicle” in the
“Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the light
blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate
the cruise control system is not functioning prop-
erly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
orFront passenger
air bag status light
The front passenger air bag status light (or) will be lit and the passenger front air
bag will be OFF depending on how the front
passenger seat is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light operation,
see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in
the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(blue)
This blue light comes on when the headlight high
beams are on and goes out when the low beams
are selected.
The high beam indicator light also comes on
when the passing signal is activated.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate a
potential emission control malfunction.
The Malfunction Indicator Light may also come
on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing,
or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make
sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and closedtightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons
(11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control sys-
tem inspection/maintenance test. See “Readi-
ness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the
“Technical and consumer information” section of
this manual.
Operation
The Malfunction Indicator Light will come on in
one of two ways:
cMalfunction Indicator Light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If
the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten
or install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after
a few driving trips. If thelight does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to
the dealer.
Instruments and controls2-13
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

cMalfunction Indicator Light blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
– do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h) .
– avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
– avoid steep uphill grades.
– if possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The Malfunction Indicator Light may stop blinking
and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected
by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have
your vehicle towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without hav-
ing the emission control system checked
and repaired as necessary could lead to
poor driveability, reduced fuel economy,
and possible damage to the emission con-
trol system.
Overdrive off indicator light
(CVT models)
The overdrive off indicator light illuminates when
the overdrive off mode is selected.
For additional information, see “Continuous Vari-
able Transmission (CVT)” in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Security indicator light
For vehicles without Intelligent Key: This light
blinks whenever the ignition switch is in the
LOCK, OFF or ACC position.
For vehicles with Intelligent Key: This light blinks
when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position
with the key removed from the ignition switch.
The blinking security indicator light indicates that
the security systems equipped on the vehicle are
operational.
For additional information, see “Security sys-
tems” later in this section.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal
switch is activated.Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned
on.
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Brake pad wear warning
The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.
When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it
makes a high pitched scraping sound when the
vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Key reminder chime
A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened
while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove
the key and take it with you when leaving the
vehicle.
Intelligent Key door buzzer (if so
equipped)
The Intelligent Key door buzzer sounds if any one
of the following improper operations is found.
cThe ignition switch is not returned to the
LOCK position when locking the doors.
cThe Intelligent Key is left inside the vehicle
when locking the doors.
cThe Intelligent Key is taken outside the ve-
hicle when operating the vehicle.
2-14Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

cany request switch (Intelligent Key mod-
els) .
cthe keyfob or Intelligent Key.
Keyfob and Intelligent Key operation:
cPush the
button. All doors lock.
The hazard lights flash twice and the horn
beeps once to indicate all doors are
locked.
cWhen the
button is pushed with
all doors locked, the hazard lights flash
twice and the horn beeps once as a re-
minder that the doors are already locked.
The horn may or may not beep. Refer to
“Silencing the horn beep feature” in the
“Pre-driving checks and adjustments” sec-
tion later in this manual.
4. Confirm that the
indicator light comes
on. Thelight stays on for about 30
seconds. The vehicle security system is now
pre-armed. After about 30 seconds the ve-
hicle security system automatically shifts
into the armed phase. The
light begins
to flash once every 3 seconds. If, during the
30-second pre-arm time period, the driver’s
door is unlocked by the key, a request
switch, the keyfob or Intelligent Key, or if the
ignition switch is turned to ACC or ON, the
system will not arm.cIf the key is turned slowly when locking
the driver’s door, the system may not
arm. Furthermore, if the key is turned
beyond the vertical position toward the
unlock position to remove the key, the
system may be disarmed when the key
is removed. If the indicator light fails to
glow for 30 seconds, unlock the door
once and lock it again.
cEven when the driver and/or passen-
gers are in the vehicle, the system will
arm with all doors closed and locked
with the ignition key in the OFF posi-
tion.
Vehicle security system activation
The vehicle security system will give the following
alarm:
cThe headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
cThe alarm automatically turns off after ap-
proximately 50 seconds. However, the alarm
reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by unlocking
the driver’s door with the key, a request
switch or by pressing the
button on
the keyfob or Intelligent Key.The alarm is activated by:
copening a door without using the key, a
request switch, keyfob or Intelligent Key
(even if the door is unlocked by using the
inside lock knob or the power door lock
switch) .
How to stop an activated alarm
The alarm stops only by unlocking the driver’s
door with the key, pressing thebutton on
the keyfob or Intelligent Key, or by unlocking all
doors with any request switch (Intelligent Key
models) .
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of a
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using a registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automatic payment device on the key
ring) , restart the engine using the following pro-
cedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2-16Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

If the light still remains on and/or the en-
gine will not start, see a NISSAN dealer for
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ser-
vice as soon as possible. Please bring all
registered keys that you have when visiting
your NISSAN dealer for service.
SWITCH OPERATION
The windshield wiper and washer operates when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
Push the lever down to operate the wiper at the
following speed:
s1Intermittent (INT) — intermittent operation
can be adjusted by turning the knob toward
sA(Slower) orsB(Faster) .
s2Low (LO) — continuous low speed operation
s3High (HI) — continuous high speed opera-
tionPush the lever up
s4to have one sweep opera-
tion (MIST) of the wiper.
Pull the lever toward you
s5to operate the
washer. The wiper will also operate several times.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solu-
tion may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to an
accident. Warm the windshield with the
defroster before you wash the windshield.
CAUTION
cDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
cDo not operate the washer if the reser-
voir tank is empty.
cDo not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.WIC0854
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND WASHER
SWITCH
2-18Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

Once the rear seats have been lowered, the trunk
divider can be opened by pressing down on the
securing latch and pushing the divider toward the
rear of the vehicle. For more information on the
lowering of rear seats, see “Interior trunk access”
in the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and supple-
mental restraint system” section of this manual.Access the trunk divider by opening the trunk. To
remove the trunk divider, press down on securing
latch
s1and lower the trunk divider to about 45°.
Pull and lift the divider out of the holding brackets
s2to remove from the trunk.
CARGO NET (if so equipped)
WARNING
cProperly secure all cargo with ropes or
straps to help prevent it from sliding or
shifting. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause personal
injury.
cBe sure to secure all four hooks into the
retainers. The cargo restrained in the
net must not exceed 30 lbs. (13.6 kg) or
the net may not stay secured.
Accessing through rear seats
LIC1030
Accessing through trunk
LIC1031WIC1032
Instruments and controls2-29
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X

Sliding the moonroof
To open the moonroof, push and hold the switch
toward DOWN/OPEN. The moonroof will stop
when the switch is released or when the moon-
roof is fully open.
To close the moonroof, push and hold the switch
toward UP/CLOSE. The moonroof will stop when
the switch is released or when the moonroof is
fully closed.
Tilting the moonroof
Close the moonroof by pushing and holding the
switch toward UP/CLOSE. Release the switch,
then push and hold the UP/CLOSE switch to tilt
the moonroof up. The moonroof will stop when
the switch is released or when the moonroof
reaches the maximum tilt position.
To tilt the moonroof down, push and hold the
switch toward DOWN/OPEN. The moonroof will
stop when the switch is released or when the
moonroof is fully closed.
WARNING
cIn an accident you could be thrown from
the vehicle through an open moonroof.
Always use seat belts and child
restraints.cDo not allow anyone to stand up or
extend any portion of their body out of
the moonroof opening while the vehicle
is in motion or while the moonroof is
closing.
CAUTION
cRemove water drops, snow, ice or sand
from the moonroof before opening.
cDo not place heavy objects on the
moonroof or surrounding area.
Resetting the moonroof switch
The moonroof switch may not operate properly
and may need to be reset if any of the following
conditions have occurred:
cthe battery terminal has been disconnected,
cthe moonroof has been manually moved,
cthe moonroof motor has been removed and
reinstalled after the moonroof has been re-
positioned or adjusted,
cthe moonroof glass panel has been adjusted
or changed, or
cthe electrical supply interrupted and/or
some malfunction has been detected.Use the following reset procedure to return
moonroof operation to normal.
1. Press the UP/CLOSE side of the moonroof
switch, until it stops and then release the
switch.
2. Push and hold the UP/CLOSE side of the
moonroof switch. The moonroof panel will
begin to move in about 10 seconds.
3. Continue to hold the UP/CLOSE side of the
moonroof switch while the panel moves in a
jogging motion to the full tilt position. When
the panel reaches the full tilt position it will
back up a little and stop.
4. Release the UP/CLOSE side of the moon-
roof switch.
5. Within 5 seconds of completing step 4,
press and continuously hold the UP/CLOSE
side of the moonroof switch. After a delay of
5 seconds, the panel will move from the tilt
position to the open position and back to the
close position.
6. Release the UP/CLOSE side of the moon-
roof switch. Do not disconnect the power for
at least 2 seconds. The moonroof is now
restarted.
2-34Instruments and controls
ZREVIEW COPYÐ2008 Sentra(sen)
Owners ManualÐUSA_English(nna)
01/22/08Ðdebbie
X