2008 NISSAN SENTRA ECU

cInfants and small children should never
be carried on your lap. It is not possible
for even the strongest adult to resist the
forces of a severe accident. The child
could be crushed between the adult and
parts of the vehicle. Also, do not put the
same seat belt around both your child
and yourself.
cNISSAN recommends that the booster
seat be installed in the rear seat. Ac-
cording to accident statistics, children
are safer when properly restrained in
the rear seat than in the front seat. If
you must install a booster seat in the
front seat, see “Booster seat installa-
tion” in this section.
cA booster seat must only be installed in
a seating position that has a
lap/shoulder belt. Failure to use a
three-point type seat belt with a
booster seat can result in a serious in-
jury in sudden stop or collision.
cImproper use or improper installation
of a booster seat can increase the risk
or severity of injury for both the child
and other occupants of the vehicle and
can lead to serious injury or death in an
accident.cDo not use towels, books, pillows or
other items in place of a booster seat.
Items such as these may move during
normal driving or a collision and result
in serious injury or death. Booster seats
are designed to be used with a
lap/shoulder belt. Booster seats are de-
signed to properly route the lap and
shoulder portions of the seat belt over
the strongest portions of a child’s body
to provide the maximum protection dur-
ing a collision.
cFollow all of the booster seat manufac-
turer’s instructions for installation and
use. When purchasing a booster seat,
be sure to select one which will fit your
child and vehicle. It may not be possible
to properly install some types of
booster seats in your vehicle.
cIf the booster seat and seat belt is not
used properly, the risk of a child being
injured in a collision or a sudden stop
greatly increases.
cAdjustable seatbacks should be posi-
tioned to fit the booster seat, but as
upright as possible.cAfter placing the child in the booster
seat and fastening the seat belt, make
sure the shoulder portion of the belt is
away from the child’s face and neck and
the lap portion of the belt does not
cross the abdomen.
cDo not put the shoulder belt behind the
child or under the child’s arm. If you
must install a booster seat in the front
seat, see “Booster seat installation”
later in this section.
cWhen your booster seat is not in use,
keep it secured with a seat belt to pre-
vent it from being thrown around in
case of a sudden stop or accident.
CAUTION
Remember that a booster seat left in a
closed vehicle can become very hot.
Check the seating surface and buckles
before placing your child in the booster
seat.
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-39
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3. The booster seat should be positioned on
the vehicle seat so that it is stable. If neces-
sary, adjust or remove the head restraint to
obtain the correct booster seat fit. See
“Head restraint adjustment” earlier in this
section. If the head restraint is removed,
store it in a secure place. Be sure to install
the head restraint when the booster seat is
removed. If the seating position does not
have an adjustable head restraint and it is
interfering with the proper booster seat fit,
try another seating position or a different
booster seat.4. Position the lap portion of the seat belt low
and snug on the child’s hips. Be sure to
follow the booster seat manufacturer’s in-
structions for adjusting the belt routing.
5. Pull the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt
toward the retractor to take up extra slack.
Be sure the shoulder belt is positioned
across the top, middle portion of the child’s
shoulder. Be sure to follow the booster seat
manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting the
belt routing.
6. Follow the warnings, cautions and instruc-
tions for properly fastening a seat belt
shown in the “Three-point type seat belt with
retractor” earlier in this section.
Rear outboard position
LRS0452
Front passenger position
LRS0454
1-42Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
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tions is on the seat, its weight and the child’s
weight can be detected and cause the air bag to
turn OFF. Occupant classification sensor opera-
tion can vary depending on the front passenger
seat belt sensors.
The front passenger seat belt sensors are de-
signed to detect if the seat belt is buckled and the
amount of tension on the seat belt, such as when
it is in the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR)
mode (child restraint mode) . Based on the
weight on the seat detected by the occupant
classification sensor and the belt tension de-
tected on the seat belt, the Advanced Air Bag
System determines whether the front passenger
air bag should be automatically turned OFF as
required by the regulations.
Front passenger seat adult occupants who are
properly seated and using the seat belt as out-
lined in this manual should not cause the passen-
ger air bag to be automatically turned OFF. For
small adults it may be turned OFF, however if the
occupant takes his/her weight off the seat cush-
ion (for example, by not sitting upright, by sitting
on an edge of the seat, or by otherwise being out
of position) , this could cause the sensor to turn
the air bag OFF. In addition, if the occupant
improperly uses the seat belt in the ALR mode
(child restraint mode) , this could cause the air
bag to be turned OFF. Always be sure to beseated and wearing the seat belt properly for the
most effective protection by the seat belt and
supplemental air bag.
NISSAN recommends that pre-teens and chil-
dren be properly restrained in a rear seat.
NISSAN also recommends that appropriate child
restraints and booster seats be properly installed
in a rear seat. If this is not possible, the occupant
classification sensor and seat belt sensors are
designed to operate as described above to turn
the front passenger air bag OFF for specified
child restraints as required by the regulations.
Failing to properly secure child restraints and to
use the ALR mode (child restraint mode) may
allow the restraint to tip or move in an accident or
sudden stop. This can also result in the passen-
ger air bag inflating in a crash instead of being
OFF. See “Child restraints” earlier in this section
for proper use and installation.
If the front passenger seat is not occupied the
passenger air bag is designed not to inflate in a
crash. However, heavy objects placed on the
seat could result in air bag inflation, because of
the object’s weight detected by the occupant
classification sensor. Other conditions could also
result in air bag inflation, such as if a child is
standing on the seat, or if two children are on the
seat, contrary to the instructions in this manual.
Always be sure that you and all vehicle occupants
are seated and restrained properly.Using the passenger air bag status light, you can
monitor when the front passenger air bag is au-
tomatically turned OFF with the seat occupied.
The light will not illuminate when the front pas-
senger seat is unoccupied.
If an adult occupant is in the seat but the passen-
ger air bag status light is illuminated (indicating
that the air bag is OFF) , it could be that the
person is a small adult, or is not sitting on the seat
properly or not using the seat belt properly.
If a child restraint must be used in the front seat,
the passenger air bag status light may or may not
be illuminated, depending on the size of the child
and the type of child restraint being used. If the air
bag status light is not illuminated (indicating that
the air bag might inflate in a crash) , it could be
that the child restraint or seat belt is not being
used properly. Make sure that the child restraint is
installed properly, the seat belt is used properly
and the occupant is positioned properly. If the air
bag status light is not illuminated, reposition the
occupant or child restraint in a rear seat.
If the passenger air bag status light will not illu-
minate even though you believe that the child
restraint, the seat belts and the occupant are
properly positioned, the system may be sensing
an unoccupied seat (in which case the air bag is
OFF) . Your NISSAN dealer can check that the
system is OFF by using a special tool. However,
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system1-53
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2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer.....................2-3
Tachometer....................................2-4
g (gravity) -force gauge (if so equipped)...........2-5
Fuel gauge....................................2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge (if so equipped)........2-6
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders.......2-8
Checking bulbs................................2-8
Warning lights.................................2-9
Indicator lights................................2-13
Audible reminders.............................2-14
Security systems (if so equipped)..................2-15
Vehicle security system (if so equipped)..........2-15
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system.............2-16
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-18
Switch operation..............................2-18
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-19
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-19
Headlight control switch........................2-19
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-20Instrument brightness control...................2-21
Turn signal switch.............................2-21
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-22
Horn............................................2-23
Power outlet.....................................2-23
Storage.........................................2-24
Map pockets..................................2-24
Storage trays.................................2-24
Instrument panel storage (if so equipped)........2-24
Seatback pockets (if so equipped)..............2-25
Sunglasses holder.............................2-26
Cup holders..................................2-27
Glove box....................................2-27
Console box..................................2-28
Compact disc holder (if so equipped)............2-28
Trunk divider (if so equipped)...................2-28
Cargo net (if so equipped)......................2-29
Windows........................................2-30
Power windows (if so equipped)................2-30
Manual windows (if so equipped)................2-33
Moonroof (if so equipped).........................2-33
Electric moonroof..............................2-33
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orAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light (if so equipped)Low tire pressure warning light (if so
equipped)Cruise set switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
orBrake warning lightLow windshield washer fluid warning light (if so
equipped)orFront passenger air bag status
light
Charge warning lightP position selecting warning light (CVT mod-
els) (if so equipped)High beam indicator light (Blue)
Door open warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Electric power steering warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive off indicator light (CVT models)
Engine oil pressure warning lightContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT) po-
sition indicator lightSecurity indicator light
Intelligent Key system warning light (CVT
models) (if so equipped)Cruise main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low fuel warning light
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and turn the ignition key to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
or,,,,,
If equipped, the following lights come on briefly
and then go off:
or,,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
an open circuit in the electrical system.
Have the system repaired promptly.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-8Instruments and controls
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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
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CAUTION
cThe TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure to
check the tire pressure regularly.
cIf the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of less than 16 MPH (25 km/h) , the
TPMS may not operate correctly.
cBe sure to install the specified size of
tires to the 4 wheels correctly.
Low windshield washer fluid
warning light (if so equipped)
This light comes on when the windshield washer
fluid is at a low level. Add windshield washer fluid
as necessary. See “Window washer fluid” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
P position selecting warning
light (CVT models) (if so
equipped)
The light blinks red and the warning buzzer
sounds if you are outside of the vehicle with the
Intelligent Key and the engine is off, but the
selector lever is not in the P (Park) position.
When the warning light blinks, turn the ignition
switch to the ON position, move the selectorlever to the P position, then turn the ignition
switch to the LOCK position.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition key is turned to the ON or START position
and remains illuminated until the driver’s seat belt
is fastened. At the same time, the chime sounds
for about 6 seconds unless the driver’s seat belt
is securely fastened.
The seat belt warning light may also illuminate if
the front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied . For
7 seconds after the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the system does not activate the warn-
ing light for the front passenger.
Refer to “Seat belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
When the ignition key is in the ON or START
position, the supplemental air bag warning light
illuminates for about 7 seconds and then turns
off. This means the system is operational.If any of the following conditions occur, the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag, and preten-
sioner systems need servicing and your vehicle
must be taken to a NISSAN dealer:
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.
Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the pre-
tensioners may not function properly. For addi-
tional details see “Supplemental restraint sys-
tem” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” section of this
manual.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the front air bag,
side air bag, curtain air bag systems
and/or pretensioner systems will not op-
erate in an accident. To help avoid injury
to yourself or others, have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible.
2-12Instruments and controls
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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
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