2009 NISSAN SENTRA Headlight

CAUTION
Even though the battery saver feature au-
tomatically turns off the headlights after a
period of time, you should turn the head-
light switch to the OFF position when the
engine is not running to avoid discharging
the vehicle battery.
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT SYSTEM
(Canada only)
The headlights automatically illuminate at a re-
duced intensity when the engine is started with
the parking brake released. The daytime running
lights operate with the headlight switch in the
OFF position or in the
position. Turn the
headlight switch to the
position for full
illumination when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the engine is
started, the daytime running lights do not illumi-
nate. The daytime running lights illuminate when
the parking brake is released. The daytime run-
ning lights will remain on until the ignition switch
is placed in the OFF position.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system is
active, tail lights on your vehicle are not
on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on your
headlights. Failure to do so could cause
an accident injuring yourself and others.
INSTRUMENT BRIGHTNESS
CONTROL
The instrument brightness control operates when
the headlight control switch is in the
orposition and the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position.
The brightness level will be shown briefly in the
meter’s display area whenever the control is op-
erated.
Turn the control to adjust the brightness of instru-
ment panel lights when driving at night.When
the maximum or minimum intensity is met,
a short chime will sound.
WIC1294
Instruments and controls2-21
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie


TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
Turn signal
1Move the lever up or down to signal the
turning direction. When the turn is com-
pleted, the turn signals cancel automatically.
Lane change signal
2To signal a lane change, move the lever up or
down to the point where the indicator light
begins to flash, but the lever does not latch.
FOG LIGHT SWITCH (if so equipped)
To turn the fog lights on, turn the headlight switch
to the
position, then turn the fog light
switch to the
position.
To turn the fog lights off, turn the fog light switch
to the OFF position.
The headlights must be on and the low beams
selected for the fog lights to operate. The fog
lights automatically turn off when the high beam
headlights are selected.Push the switch on to warn other drivers when
you must stop or park under emergency condi-
tions. All turn signal lights flash.WARNING
●If stopping for an emergency, be sure to
move the vehicle well off the road.
●Do not use the hazard warning flashers
while moving on the highway unless
unusual circumstances force you to
drive so slowly that your vehicle might
become a hazard to other traffic.
●Turn signals do not work when the haz-
ard warning flasher lights are on.
WIC0860WIC0861LIC0394
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
SWITCH
2-22Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie


●Avoid using power outlets when the air
conditioner, headlights or rear window
defroster is on.
●Before inserting or disconnecting a
plug, be sure the electrical accessory
being used is turned OFF.
●Push the plug in as far as it will go. If
good contact is not made, the plug may
overheat or the internal temperature
fuse may open.
●When not in use, be sure to close the
cap. Do not allow water to contact the
outlet.
MAP POCKETS STORAGE BIN
Pull the lid down to open the storage bin.
Some models are equipped with a soft lining in
the storage bin for storing sunglasses.
WARNING
Keep the storage bin closed while driving
to prevent an accident.
LIC1023LIC1025
STORAGE
Instruments and controls2-25
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie


Releasing the trunk lid (if so equipped)
Push thebutton on the keyfob for longer
than 0.5 seconds to open the trunk lid. The trunk
release button on the keyfob will not operate
when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
Using the panic alarm (if so equipped)
If you are near your vehicle and feel threatened,
you may activate the panic alarm to call attention
by pushing and holding the
button on the
keyfob forlonger than 0.5 seconds.
The panic alarm and headlights will stay on for 25
seconds.
The panic alarm stops when:
●it has run for 25 seconds, or
●any button is pushed on the keyfob.
Using the interior light
Push thebutton on the keyfob once to turn
on the interior lights.
For additional information, refer to “Interior light”
in the “Instruments and controls” section earlier in
this manual.
WPD0319LPD0211
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-9
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie


The interior light illuminates for a maximum of 30
seconds when a door is unlocked and the room
light switch is in the DOOR position.
The light can be turned off without waiting for 30
seconds by performing one of the following op-
erations.
●Placing the ignition switch in the ON posi-
tion.
●Locking the doors with the remote controller.
●Switching the room light switch to the OFF
position.
Releasing the trunk lid
Push thebutton for longer than 0.5 sec-
onds to open the trunk lid. The trunk release
button will not operate when the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
Using the panic alarm
If you are near your vehicle and feel threatened,
you may activate the panic alarm to call attention
by pushing and holding the
button on the
Intelligent Key forlonger than 0.5 seconds.
The panic alarm and headlights will stay on for 25
seconds.
The panic alarm stops when:
●it has run for 25 seconds, or
●any button is pushed on the Intelligent Key.
●pressing the request switch on the driver or
passenger door with the Intelligent Key in
range of the door handle.
WPD0364WPD0361
3-18Pre-driving checks and adjustments
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie


REARVIEW MIRROR
The night position1reduces glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
Use the day position
2when driving in daylight
hours.
WARNING
Use the night position only when neces-
sary, because it reduces rear view clarity.
OUTSIDE MIRRORS
WARNING
Objects viewed in the outside mirror on
the passenger side are closer than they
appear. Be careful when moving to the
right. Using only this mirror could cause
an accident. Use the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder to properly
judge distances to other objects.
Electric control type (if so equipped)
The outside mirror remote control only operates
when the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.
Rotate the control lever to select the right or left
mirror. Adjust the mirror to the desired position by
moving the control lever.
WPD0126WPD0274
MIRRORS
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-27
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie


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.............................8-19
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-20
Cleaning.....................................8-20
Replacing....................................8-20
Brakes..........................................8-21
Fuses...........................................8-22
Engine compartment...........................8-22
Passenger compartment . . .....................8-24
Battery replacement..............................8-25
Keyfob.......................................8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key™.......................8-27
Lights...........................................8-28
Headlights....................................8-28
Exterior and interior lights . . .....................8-29
Wheels and tires.................................8-31
Tire pressure..................................8-31
Tire labeling...................................8-35
Types of tires..................................8-37
Tire chains....................................8-38
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-38
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


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.
●For 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 shift selector 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,
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks