2009 NISSAN SENTRA check engine light

CAUTION
When the buzzer sounds and the warning
light illuminates, be sure to check both
the vehicle and the Intelligent Key.
WARNING SIGNALS
To help prevent the vehicle from moving unex-
pectedly by erroneous operation of the Intelligent
Key or to help prevent the vehicle from being
stolen, a chime or buzzer sounds from inside and
outside the vehicle and a warning light comes on
in the instrument panel.
When a chime or beep sounds or the warning
light comes on, be sure to check the vehicle and
the Intelligent Key.
Audible reminder and warning when
locking the doors
When the chime or buzzer sounds from inside
and outside the vehicle, check for the following:
●The ignition switch is placed in the LOCK
position.
●The Intelligent Key is not left inside the ve-
hicle.
●The shift selector is in the P (Park) position.
Audible reminder and warning when
the engine stops
When the P position selecting warning light
(
) in the instrument panel blinks in red:
●Make sure the shift selector is in the P posi-
tion.
When the chime sounds intermittently:
●Make sure the shift selector is in the P posi-
tion and the ignition switch is placed in the
LOCK position.
If the chime sounds continuously when the driv-
er’s door is opened, check the following:
●The selector lever is in the P position and the
ignition switch is placed in the LOCK posi-
tion.
●The mechanical key is not inserted into the
ignition switch.
●The warning chime may stop when one of
the following is performed:
– Returning the ignition switch to the LOCK
position.
– Removing the mechanical key.
– Closing the doors.
Alarm and warning when the engine
starts
When the Intelligent Key system warning light
(
) blinks red and the outside buzzer
sounds, make sure the Intelligent Key is inside the
vehicle.
Warning for low battery power
When the Intelligent Key battery is low, the Intel-
ligent Key system warning light (
) will blink
green for about 30 seconds after the ignition
switch is placed in the ON position. This warning
is to let you know that the battery of the Intelligent
Key will run down soon. Replace it with a new
one. Refer to “Battery replacement” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.
NISSAN recommends replacing the battery at a
NISSAN dealer.
Preventing the Intelligent Key from
being left in the vehicle
If you lock all doors using the power door lock
switch with the Intelligent Key in the vehicle, all of
the doors unlock immediately and the buzzer will
warn you when the door is closed.
3-20Pre-driving checks and adjustments
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie


TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Symptom Possible Cause Remedy
When pushing the door handle re-
quest switchThe front door beep sounds for ap-
proximately 2 seconds.The doors cannot be locked.Take out the Intelligent Key from the vehicle and push the door
handle request switch.
When closing the doorsThe front door beep sounds for ap-
proximately 10 seconds.The ignition knob is not placed in the
LOCK position.Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.
The key warning light in the instru-
ment panel blinks in red and the front
door warning beep sounds for ap-
proximately 3 seconds.The Intelligent Key is not in the
vehicle.Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key with you.
The front door beep sounds for ap-
proximately 3 seconds and all doors
unlock.The Intelligent Key is left in the
vehicle.Take out the Intelligent Key from the vehicle and close the door.
When opening the driver’s doorA warning chime sounds
continuously.The ignition switch is not in the
LOCK position, or the mechanical
key is inserted into the ignition
switch.Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.
Remove the mechanical key from the ignition switch.
When stopping the engine The P (Park) position warning light in
the instrument panel blinks in red.The shift selector is not in the P
(Park) position.Make sure that the shift selector is in the P (Park) position and
place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.
When starting the engine The key warning light in the instru-
ment panel blinks in green.The battery charge is low. Replace the battery with a new one. See “Battery replacement”
in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
When turning the ignition switch A warning chime sounds
continuously.The ignition switch is not placed in
the LOCK position.Place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.
When pushing the ignition switch The Intelligent Key warning light in
the instrument panel illuminates red.The Intelligent Key is not in the
vehicle.If the Intelligent Key warning light illuminates red even while you
are carrying the Intelligent Key, the battery is completely
discharged. Replace the battery with a new one. See “Battery
replacement” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-21
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie


1. Pull the hood lock release handle1located
below the instrument panel until the hood
springs up slightly.
2. Locate the lever
2in between the hood and
grille and push the lever sideways with your
fingertips.
3. Raise the hood
3.
4. Remove the support rod
4and insert it into
the slot on the underside of the hood
5.
When closing the hood, return the support rod to
it’s original position, lower the hood to approxi-mately 30 cm (12 inches) above the latch and
release it. This allows proper engagement of the
hood latch.
WARNING
●Make sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving. Fail-
ure to do so could cause the hood to fly
open and result in an accident.
●If you see steam or smoke coming from
the engine compartment, to avoid injury
do not open the hood.
WARNING
●Do not drive with the trunk lid open. This
could allow dangerous exhaust gases
to be drawn into the vehicle. See “Ex-
haust gas” in the “Starting and driving”
section of this manual.
●Closely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously in-
jured. Keep the car locked, with the rear
seatback and trunk lid securely latched
when not in use, and prevent children’s
access to car keys.
WPD0383
HOODTRUNK LID
3-22Pre-driving checks and adjustments
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie


WARNING
●Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seriously
injured if it is misused or mishandled.
Always stop the engine and do not
smoke or allow open flames or sparks
near the vehicle when refueling.
●Do not attempt to top off the fuel tank
after the fuel pump nozzle shuts off
automatically. Continued refueling may
cause fuel overflow, resulting in fuel
spray and possibly a fire.
●Use only an original equipment type
fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It has a
built-in safety valve needed for proper
operation of the fuel system and emis-
sion control system. An incorrect cap
can result in a serious malfunction and
possible injury. It could also cause the
malfunction indicator light to come on.
●Never pour fuel into the throttle body to
attempt to start your vehicle.●Do not fill a portable fuel container in
the vehicle or trailer. Static electricity
can cause an explosion of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or
trailer. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death when filling portable fuel
containers:
– Always place the container on the
ground when filling.
– Do not use electronic devices when
filling.
– Keep the pump nozzle in contact
with the container while you are fill-
ing it.
– Use only approved portable fuel con-
tainers for flammable liquid.
CAUTION
●If fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid paint
damage.
●Insert the fuel-filler cap straight into the
fuel-filler tube, then tighten until the
fuel-filler cap clicks. Failure to tighten
the fuel-filler cap properly may cause
the
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) to illuminate. If the
light
illuminates because 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 the
light
does not turn off after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer
●For additional information, see the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in
the “Instruments and Controls” section
earlier in this manual.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-25
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie


NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer system will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
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 procedure:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Place the ignition switch in the OFF or
LOCK position, and wait approximately 10
seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If the no start condition re-occurs, NISSAN recom-
mends placing the registered key on a separate key
ring to avoid interference from other devices.
●Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
●Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, brake and clutch fluid, and window
washer fluid as frequently as possible, or at
least whenever you refuel.
●Check that all windows and lights are clean.
●Visually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
●Lock all doors.
●Position seat and adjust head restraints.
●Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
●Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
●Check the operation of warning lights when
the key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “Instruments and controls”
section of this manual.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.CVT model:
Move the shift selector to P (Park) or N
(Neutral) . P (Park) is recommended.
The shift selector cannot be moved out
of P (Park) and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is
turned to the OFF position or if the key
is removed from the ignition switch.
The starter is designed not to operate if
the shift selector is in any of the driving
positions.
Manual transmission model:
Move the shift selector to N (Neutral) . De-
press the clutch pedal to the floor while
cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
Models with Intelligent Key:Slowly
“PUSH ON” the ignition switch. When the
Intelligent Key warning light
in the
meter illuminates in green, the ignition
switch can be turned.
The Intelligent Key must be carried
when operating the ignition switch.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-10Starting and driving
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


When the Intelligent Key warning
light
in the meter blinks in red and the
inside warning buzzer emits a short beep, be
sure that the shift selector is in the P (Park)
position and the ignition switch is securely
returned to the LOCK position.
The Intelligent Key warning light
blink-
ing in red, turns off by performing the follow-
ing operations:
●Return the ignition switch to the LOCK
position.
●Turn the ignition switch to the ACC posi-
tion.
When the buzzer beeps 4 times continu-
ously, check for the following:
●The ignition switch is returned to the
LOCK position.
●The mechanical key is not inserted into
the ignition switch.
The inside warning buzzer stops when one
of the following is performed:
●Return the ignition switch to the LOCK
position.
●Remove the mechanical key from the ig-
nition switch.●Close the doors.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
switch to START. Release the switch when
the engine starts. If the engine starts, but
fails to run, repeat the above procedure.
●If the engine is very hard to start in ex-
tremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it
and then crank the engine. Release the
switch and the accelerator pedal when
the engine starts.
●If the engine is very hard to start because
it is flooded, depress the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5-6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accel-
erator pedal. Crank the enginewith your
foot off the accelerator pedalby turn-
ing the ignition key to START. Release the
key when the engine starts. If the engine
starts, but fails to run, repeat the above
procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, otherwise
the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 sec-
onds after starting. Do not race the engine
while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
Starting and driving5-11
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


To push the shift lock release, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Remove the shift lock release cover as
shown.
4. Insert a small screwdriver in the shift lock
release slot and push down.
5. Move the shift selector to the N (Neutral)
position while holding down the shift lock
release.
6. Turn the key to the ON position to unlock the
steering wheel. Now the vehicle may be
moved to the desired location.
If the shift selector cannot be moved out of P
(Park) , have a NISSAN dealer check the trans-
mission as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the selector lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is depressed,
the stop lights may not work. Malfunction-
ing stop lights could cause an accident
injuring yourself and others.
Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch
When the O/D OFF switch is pushed with the
shift selector in the D (Drive) position, the
light in the instrument panel illuminates. See
“Overdrive off indicator light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section of this manual.
Use the Overdrive off mode when you need im-
proved engine braking.
To turn off the Overdrive off mode, push the O/D
OFF switch again. The
indicator light will
turn off.
Each time the engine is started, or when the
selector lever is shifted to any position other thanD (Drive) , the Overdrive off mode will be auto-
matically turned off.
Accelerator downshift
— in D position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the accel-
erator pedal to the floor. This shifts the transmis-
sion down into a lower gear, depending on the
vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
When the fail-safe operation occurs, the CVT will
not be shifted into the selected driving position.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. The MIL may
come on to indicate the fail-safe mode is
activated, see “Malfunction indicator light
(MIL)” in the “Instrument and controls” sec-
tion. This will occur even if all electrical
circuits are functioning properly. In this
case, turn the ignition switch to the OFF
position and wait for 10 seconds. Then turn
the switch back to the ON position. The
vehicle should return to its normal operat-
ing condition. If it does not return to its
normal operating condition, have a
NISSAN dealer check the transmission and
repair if necessary.
LSD0179
5-16Starting and driving
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models:
Move the shift selector to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.
●HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
●HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
●HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the cen-
ter of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.
WARNING
●If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
●When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. When the temperature of the power steer-
ing system goes down, the power assist level will
return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering
wheel operations that could cause the power
steering system to overheat.You may hear a sound when the steering wheel is
operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunc-
tion.
If the electric power steering warning lightPS
illuminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not func-
tioning properly and may need servicing. Have
the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running, there will be
no power assist for the steering but you will still
have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater
steering effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
For additional information see “Electric power
steering warning light” in the “Instruments and
controls” section.
POWER STEERING
Starting and driving5-23
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks