2008 NISSAN SENTRA Brake fluid type

WARNING
cWhile driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
cIf the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drum/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best brake performance.This procedure is described in the vehicle service
manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS) (if so equipped)
WARNING
cThe Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a
sophisticated device, but it cannot pre-
vent accidents resulting from careless
or dangerous driving techniques. It can
help maintain vehicle control during
braking on slippery surfaces. Remem-
ber that stopping distances on slippery
surfaces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. Stopping dis-
tances may also be longer on rough,
gravel or snow covered roads, or if you
are using tire chains. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front
of you. Ultimately, the driver is respon-
sible for safety.
cTire type and condition may also affect
braking effectiveness.
– When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.– When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See “Tire and
Loading Information label” in the
“Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
– For detailed information, see
“Wheels and tires” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls the
brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each
wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to pre-
vent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on slip-
pery surfaces.
Using the system
Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. De-
press the brake pedal with firm steady pressure,
but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will oper-
ate to prevent the wheels from locking up. Steer
the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
Starting and driving5-23
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DRAINING OF COOLANT WATER
If the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system, including the
engine block. Refill before operating the vehicle.
For details, see “Changing engine coolant” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
TIRE EQUIPMENT
1. SUMMER tires have a tread designed to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your ve-
hicle on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recom-
mends the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL
SEASON TIRES on all four wheels. Please
consult a NISSAN dealer for the tire type,
size, speed rating and availability informa-
tion.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some U.S.
states and Canadian provinces prohibit their
use. Check local, state and provincial laws
before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires on wet or dry surfaces may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow tires.3. Tire chains may be used. For details see
“Tire chains” in the “Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENT
It is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
cA scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
cA sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
cA shovel to dig the vehicle out of snowdrifts.
cExtra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
cWet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain) ,
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving on
wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.cWhatever the condition, drive with cau-
tion. Accelerate and slow down with
care. If accelerating or downshifting too
fast, the drive wheels will lose even
more traction.
cAllow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
cAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
cWatch for slippery spots (glare ice) .
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch of
ice is seen ahead, brake before reach-
ing it. Try not to brake while on the ice,
and avoid any sudden steering
maneuvers.
cDo not use the cruise control on slip-
pery roads.
cSnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
Starting and driving5-25
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions...........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................8-8
Changing engine coolant........................8-9
Engine oil.........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level........................8-9
Changing engine oil...........................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-12
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid......8-13
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-13
Brake fluid....................................8-14
Clutch fluid...................................8-14
Window washer fluid.............................8-14
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-14
Battery..........................................8-15
Jump starting.................................8-16
Drive belt........................................8-17
Spark plugs......................................8-18Replacing spark plugs.........................8-18
Air cleaner.......................................8-19
In-cabin microfilter (if so equipped)..............8-20
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-20
Cleaning.....................................8-20
Replacing....................................8-20
Brakes..........................................8-21
Fuses...........................................8-22
Engine compartment...........................8-23
Passenger compartment.......................8-25
Battery replacement..............................8-25
Keyfob.......................................8-26
Intelligent Key battery..........................8-27
Lights...........................................8-28
Headlights....................................8-28
Exterior and interior lights.......................8-29
Wheels and tires.................................8-32
Tire pressure..................................8-32
Tire labeling...................................8-35
Types of tires..................................8-38
Tire chains....................................8-39
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-39
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
cTo avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
cNever remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
cAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
cKeep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.
Type B
LDI0589
Type A
WDI0591
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
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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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Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-43
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-43
Supplemental side and curtain side-impact
air bag system..................1-55
Switch
Automatic power window switch.....2-32
Fog light switch...............2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-19
Headlight control switch..........2-19
Ignition switch................5-6
Power door lock switch...........3-5
Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch...............2-19
Turn signal switch..............2-21
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-18
T
Tachometer....................2-4
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start..............2-16, 3-2, 5-9
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-26
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2
Spare tire................6-4, 8-42
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-12
Tire chains..................8-39
Tire placard.................9-12
Tire pressure................8-32Tire rotation.................8-39
Types of tires................8-38
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-24
Wheels and tires..............8-32
Wheel/tire size................9-8
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-27
Towing
Flat towing..................9-24
Tow truck towing..............6-11
Towing load/specification.........9-20
Trailer towing................9-17
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) fluid..................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-11
Driving with manual transmission.....5-16
Selector lever lock release.........5-14
Travel (See registering your vehicle in
another country).................9-10
Trip button....................4-3
Trip odometer...................2-4
Trip time......................4-4
Trunk access through the rear seat. . . .1-4, 1-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-23
Trunk light....................2-37
Turn signal switch................2-21
U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-24V
Vanity mirror...................3-26
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-9
Vehicle identification..............9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number)................9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . . .9-10
Vehicle loading information...........9-13
Vehicle recovery.............6-13, 6-14
Vehicle security system.............2-15
Vehicle security system (NISSAN vehicle
immobilizer system) , engine start . .2-16, 3-2, 5-9
Ventilators.....................4-6
W
Warning
Air bag warning light.........1-58, 2-12
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-9
Battery charge warning light.........2-9
Brake warning light..............2-9
Door open warning light...........2-9
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-10
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-22
Low fuel warning light...........2-11
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-12
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-52
Seat belt warning light...........2-12
Vehicle security system...........2-15
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-58
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-8
10-6
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