2008 NISSAN SENTRA cvt

When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*When checking
the tires, make sure no wheel nuts are missing,
and check for any loose wheel nuts. Tighten if
necessary.
Tire rotation*Tires should be rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km) .
Tires*Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. If neces-
sary, adjust the pressure in all tires, including the
spare, to the pressure specified. Check carefully
for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter componentsReplace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balanceIf the vehicle
should pull to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for wheelalignment. If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at
normal highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
cFor additional information regarding tires,
refer to “Important Tire Safety Information”
(US) or “Tire Safety Information” (Canada) in
the Warranty Information Booklet .
WindshieldClean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a dam-
aged windshield repaired by a qualified repair
facility.
Windshield wiper blades*Check for cracks or
wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when per-
forming periodic maintenance, cleaning the ve-
hicle, etc.
Additional information on the following
items with an “*” is found later in this sec-
tion.
Accelerator pedalCheck the pedal for smooth
operation and make sure the pedal does not bind
or require uneven effort. Keep the floor mat away
from the pedal.Brake pedalCheck the pedal for smooth opera-
tion. If the brake pedal suddenly goes down fur-
ther than normal, the pedal feels spongy or the
vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor mat
away from the pedal.
BrakesCheck that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
P (Park) position mechanismOn a fairly
steep hill check that the vehicle is held securely
with the selector lever in the P (Park) position
without applying any brakes.
Parking brakeCheck the parking brake opera-
tion regularly. The vehicle should be securely held
on a fairly steep hill with only the parking brake
applied. If the parking brake needs adjustment,
see a NISSAN dealer.
SeatsCheck seat position controls such as seat
adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure they
operate smoothly and all latches lock securely in
every position. Check that the head restraints
move up and down smoothly and the locks (if so
equipped) hold securely in all latched positions.
Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
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When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
cPark the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. For manual transmission
models, move the shift lever to N (Neu-
tral) . For CVT models, move the selector
lever to P (Park) .
cBe sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
cIf you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
cIt is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
cAlways wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.c
Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come on
at any time without warning, even if the
ignition key is in the OFF position and
the engine is not running. To avoid injury,
always disconnect the negative battery
cable before working near the fan.
cIf you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
cNever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
cKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
cOn gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced by
a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
cDo not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.cAvoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
cNever leave the engine or the CVT re-
lated component harness connector
disconnected while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
cNever connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
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CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with
a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the sealing surface of the
engine. Failure to do so could lead to
engine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
WARNING
cUse only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid
NS-2. Do not mix with other fluids.
cUsing transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will
damage the CVT, which is not covered
by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WARNING
cUse only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids can
damage the brake and clutch system
and affect the vehicle’s stopping ability.
cClean the filler cap before removing.
cBrake and clutch fluid is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked
containers out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUIDBRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
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The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly 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 14-1/2 gal 12-1/8 gal 55.0 See “Fuel recommendation” later in this section.
Engine oil *5
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change MR20DE 4-1/8 qt 3-3/8 qt 3.9
• Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1
• Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *1 QR25DE 4-1/2 qt 3-3/4 qt 4.3
Without oil filter
changeMR20DE 3-7/8 qt 3-1/8 qt 3.6
QR25DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
Cooling system
With reservoir
MR20DE 1-7/8 gal 1-1/2 gal 7.0
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
QR25DECVT 1-7/8 gal 1-5/8 gal 7.1
MT 1-7/8 gal 1-1/2 gal 6.9
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 *2
Manual transmission gear oil
MR20DE — — — ELF XT4447 M+ 75W-80 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-80
QR25DE —— — Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API
GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Brake and clutch fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section *6Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3 *3
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a) *4
Air conditioning system oil — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *4
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or
equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*2:Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2. Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2 will damage the CVT transmission, which is not covered by
the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*3: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*4: For further details, see “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations.”
*5: For further details, see “Engine Oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
*6: See your NISSAN dealer for service.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
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ENGINE
ModelMR20DE QR25DE
TypeGasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC Gasoline, 4-cycle, DOHC
Cylinder arrangement4-cylinder, inline 4-cylinder, inline
Bore x Stroke in (mm) 3.307 x 3.547 (84.0 x 90.1) 3.5 x 3.9 (89.0 x 100.0)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 121.86 (1,997) 151.82 (2,488)
Firing order1–3–4–2 1–3–4–2
Idle speed
No adjustment is necessary. M/T
CVT (in “N” position)
Ignition timing (degree B.T.D.C. at idle
speed)
CO % at idle
Spark plugPLZKAR6A-11 DILKAR6A-11
Spark plug gap (Nominal) in (mm) 0.043 (1.1) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operationTiming chain
This spark ignition system complies with the Canadian standard ICES-002.
SPECIFICATIONS
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DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Unit: in (mm)
ModelMR20DE QR25DE
Overall length179.8 (4,567) 180.1 (4,575)
Overall width70.5 (1,790) 70.5 (1,790)
Overall height
59.5 (1,511)59.1 (1,501) (MT) , 59.4 (1,508)
(CVT)
Front Track
15 X 6.5 and 16 X 6.5 inch wheel 59.8 (1,519.8) N/A
17 X 7.0 inch wheel N/A 59.4 (1,510)
Rear Track
15 X 6.5 and 16 X 6.5 inch wheel 60.8 (1,544) N/A
17 X 7.0 inch wheel N/A 60.4 (1,534)
Wheelbase105.7 (2,685) 105.7 (2,685)
Gross vehicle weight rat-
inglb (kg)
See the “F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label” on the center pillar between the driver’s side
front and rear doors. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb (kg)
Rear lb (kg)
Technical and consumer information9-9
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Clock set.....................4-5
Clutch
Clutch fluid.................8-14
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
Cold weather driving..............5-24
Compact disc (CD) player.......4-23, 4-27
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . .5-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-14
Control panel buttons
Clock set...................4-5
Setting button................4-5
Trip button..................4-3
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-35
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-7
Coolant
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Corrosion protection...............7-6
Cruise control..................5-18
Cup holders...................2-27
Curtain side-impact air bag system
(See supplemental side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag system)..........1-55D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-20
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-19
Dimensions and weights.............9-9
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-21
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-2
Distance to empty................4-3
Door locks....................3-4
Door open warning................4-6
Door open warning light.............2-9
Drive belt....................8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-24
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Driving with manual transmission.....5-16
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy - fuel.................5-20
Emission control information label.......9-12
Emission control system warranty.......9-25
Engine
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Block heater.................5-26
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant..........8-9
Changing engine oil............8-11Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine coolant level........8-8
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine compartment check locations. . . .8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine cooling system............8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . .9-5
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-10
Engine oil viscosity..............9-5
Engine serial number............9-11
Engine specifications.............9-7
Starting the engine..............5-9
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-6
Event data recorders..............9-27
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..............2-26, 2-28
F
Flashers
(See hazard warning flasher switch)......2-22
Flat tire......................6-2
Floor mat positioning aid.............7-5
Fluid
Brake fluid..................8-13
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Clutch fluid.................8-14
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid.....................8-13
Engine coolant................8-8
Engine oil...................8-9
Window washer fluid............8-14
F.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-11
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Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-43
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Programmable features.............4-5
Push starting..................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-36
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-32
FM/AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-21
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) changer................4-29
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player.................4-25
Steering wheel audio control switch. . . .4-35
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test.....................9-26
Rear center seat belt..............1-18
Rear power windows..............2-32
Rear seat................1-3, 1-4, 1-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-19
Recorders
Event data..................9-27
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country . .9-10
Remote keyless entry system..........3-6
Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-26
Resetting average speed............4-4
Resetting the fuel economy...........4-4
Resetting trip time................4-4S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-23, 1-32, 1-38
Reporting safety defects (US only). . . .9-26
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment........1-2
Seat belt
Child safety.................1-12
Infants and small children.........1-12
Injured Person................1-13
Larger children...............1-12
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-9
Pregnant women..............1-13
Rear center seat belt............1-18
Seat belt extenders.............1-22
Seat belt maintenance...........1-23
Seat belts...................1-9
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-22
Three-point type with
retractor............1-13, 1-16, 1-20
Seat belt warning light.............2-12
Seatback pockets................2-25
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Front seats..................1-2
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat..............1-3, 1-4, 1-5
Security indicator light.............2-14
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start.........2-16, 3-2, 5-9
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-21
Service manual order form...........9-28
Servicing air conditioner............4-14Setting button..................4-5
Shift lock release................5-14
Shifting
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT)....................5-12
Manual transmission............5-16
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-22
Side air bag system
(See supplemental side air bag and
curtain side-impact air bag system)......1-55
Spark plug replacement............8-18
Speedometer...................2-3
Spotlights (See map light)...........2-37
SRS warning label...............1-58
Starting
Before starting the engine..........5-9
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine..............5-9
Steering
Power steering system...........5-22
Tilting steering wheel............3-26
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-35
Stop light....................8-29
Storage.....................2-24
Storage tray...................2-24
Sunglasses case.............2-26, 2-28
Sunglasses holder...............2-26
Sunroof (see Moonroof)............2-33
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-58
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-58, 2-12
Supplemental front impact air bag system . .1-50
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-58
10-5
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