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.
CAUTION
●Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid
NS-2-V. Do not mix with other fluids.
●Using transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2-V will
damage the CVT, which is not covered
by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
When checking or replacement of CVT Fluid 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
●Use 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 system and affect
the vehicle’s stopping ability.
●Clean the filler cap before removing.
●Brake 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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
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Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.........9-2
Fuel recommendation . . .........................9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendations..........9-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............................9-7
Specifications . . ...................................9-8
Engine........................................9-8
Wheels and tires...............................9-9
Dimensions and weights.......................9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................................9-11
Vehicle identification..............................9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate.........9-11
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number)..............................9-11
Engine serial number...........................9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-12
Emission control information label...............9-13
Tire and loading information label................9-13Air conditioner specification label................9-13
Installing front license plate........................9-14
Vehicle loading information........................9-14
Terms........................................9-14
Vehicle load capacity..........................9-15
Loading tips..................................9-17
Measurement of weights.......................9-17
Towing a trailer...................................9-18
Maximum load limits...........................9-18
Towing load/specification. . .....................9-21
Towing safety.................................9-21
Flat towing....................................9-25
Uniform tire quality grading........................9-26
Emission control system warranty..................9-27
Reporting safety defects (US only).................9-27
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test.....9-28
Event Data Recorders (EDR).......................9-29
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-29
In the event of a collision.......................9-30
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
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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 *6
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change MR20DE 4-1/8 3-3/8 qt 3.9
Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1
Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *1 QR25DE 4-1/2 qt 3-1/4 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 2 gal 1-5/8 gal 7.6
MT 2 gal 1-5/8 gal 7.6
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2-V *2
Manual transmission gear oil
MR20DE —— — Genuine NISSAN gear oil (XT4447 M+) 75W-80, Genuine NISSAN gear
oil (ETL8997B) 75W-80 or equivalent *3
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 *7Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3 *4
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATIONS
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade, quality
and viscosity engine oil to ensure satisfactory
engine life and performance. See “Capacities
and recommended fuel/lubricants” earlier in this
section. NISSAN recommends the use of an
energy conserving oil in order to improve fuel
economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and ApprovalCommittee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifica-
tion mark on the front of the container. Oils which
do not have the specified quality label should not
be used as they could cause engine damage.Oil additives
NISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not neces-
sary when the proper oil type is used and main-
tenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has been
previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosity
The engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
to select the engine oil viscosity based on the
temperatures at which the vehicle will be oper-
ated before the next oil change. Choosing an oil
viscosity other than that recommended could
cause serious engine damage.
Selecting the correct oil filter
Your new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When re-
placing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals.”
Change intervals
The oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Using engine oil and filters
that are not of the specified quality, or exceeding
recommended oil and filter change intervals
could reduce engine life. Damage to the engine
caused by improper maintenance or use of incor-
rect oil and filter quality and/or viscosity is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
WTI0183
9-6Technical and consumer information
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
10 Index
A
Active Head Restraint..............1-7
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-40
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system)...............1-47
Side and curtain (See supplemental side
air bag and curtain side-impact air bag
system) ...................1-52
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-55
Airbagwarninglight...........1-55,2-13
Air cleaner housing filter............8-19
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation..........4-11
Air conditioner service...........4-16
Air conditioner specification label.....9-13
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations.............9-7
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-7
Servicing air conditioner..........4-16
Airflowcharts..................4-13
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system).........2-16
Anchorpointlocations.............1-24
Antenna.....................4-38
Anti-lock brake warning light..........2-9
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)........5-24
Armrests .....................1-7
Audible reminders................2-15Audio system..................4-16
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-34
Compact disc (CD) player.....4-25,4-29
FM/AM radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-23
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer...................4-31
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player ....................4-27
Radio ....................4-16
Steering wheel audio control switch....4-37
Automatic
Automatic power window switch.....2-33
Automatic door locks...............3-5
AUX jack.................4-26,4-30
Average speed..................4-4
B
Battery......................8-15
Chargewarninglight............2-10
Before starting the engine...........5-10
Belt (See drive belt)..............8-17
Block heater
Engine....................5-27
Bluetoothhands-free phone system.....4-39
Booster seats..................1-35
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)......5-24
Brake fluid..................8-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-29Brake system................5-24
Brake warning light..............2-9
Brake wear indicators........2-15,8-21
Parking brake operation..........5-19
Self-adjusting brakes............8-21
Brakes......................8-21
Break-in schedule................5-21
Brightness control
Instrument panel..............2-21
Bulb check/instrument panel..........2-9
Bulb replacement................8-29
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants...................9-2
CarphoneorCBradio.............4-39
Cargonet....................2-30
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-14
CD care and cleaning.............4-36
CD changer (See audio system)........4-34
CD player (See audio system).....4-25,4-29
Child restraint with top tether strap......1-23
Child restraints..........1-12,1-20,1-22
Precautions on child
restraints............1-20,1-28,1-35
Top tether strap anchor point
locations...................1-24
Child safety rear door lock............3-6
Chimes,audiblereminders...........2-15
Cleaning exterior and interior..........7-2
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
Clock ......................4-24
(models without navigation system).....4-5
Clockset.....................4-5
Clutch
Clutchfluid .................8-14
C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-12
Cold weather driving..............5-26
Compact disc (CD) player.......4-25,4-29
Console box...................2-29
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). . .5-12
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid .....................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-12
Transmission selector lever lock
release....................5-15
Control panel buttons
Clockset...................4-5
Setting button................4-5
Tripbutton ..................4-3
Without navigation system..........4-2
Controls
Audio controls (steering wheel)......4-37
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
Corrosionprotection...............7-6
Cruise control..................5-19
Cupholders...................2-27
Curtain side-impact air bag system
(See supplemental side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag system)..........1-52D
Daytime running light system
(Canada only)..................2-21
Defroster switch
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-19
Dimensionsandweights............9-10
Dimmer switch for instrument panel......2-21Display 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............2-10
Drive belt....................8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving............5-26
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-12
Driving with manual transmission.....5-17
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
E
Economy-fuel .................5-21
Emission control information label.......9-13
Emission control system warranty.......9-27
Engine
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Blockheater.................5-27
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changingenginecoolant ..........8-9
Changingengineoil ............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 . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-10
Engine oil viscosity..............9-6
Engine serial number............9-12
Engine specifications.............9-8
Starting the engine.............5-10
Engine oil pressure gauge............2-6
Eventdatarecorders..............9-29
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)........5-2
Eyeglass case..................2-25
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..........9-12
10-2
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
Foglightswitch.................2-22
Foldingrearseat............1-3,1-4,1-5
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system).....1-47
Frontseats....................1-2
Fuel
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Fuel economy................5-21
Fuelgauge..................2-5
Fuel octane rating..............9-5
Fuel recommendation............9-4
Fuel-filler door and cap...........3-24
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-24
Fuel economy setting..............4-4
Fuses ......................8-22
Fusible links...................8-23
G
Gascap.....................3-24
Gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge..........2-6
Fuelgauge..................2-5
g-forcegauge.................2-5
Odometer...................2-4
Speedometer.................2-3
Tachometer..................2-4
Trip odometer.................2-4
Generalmaintenance ..............8-2
g-forcegauge...................2-5
Glovebox....................2-28
Gloveboxlock .................2-28
Grocery hooks.................2-31H
Hands-free phone system, Bluetooth....4-39
Hazard warning flasher switch.........2-22
Head restraints..................1-8
Active Head Restraint............1-7
Headlight and turn signal switch........2-20
Headlight control switch............2-20
Headlights....................8-28
Heatedseats..................2-23
Heater
Heater and air conditioner controls.....4-7
Heater operation..............4-10
Hood release..................3-22
Horn.......................2-23
I
Ignition switch..................5-7
Immobilizer system.........2-17,3-2,5-10
Important vehicle information label.......9-12
In-cabin microfilter...............8-19
Increasing fuel economy............5-21
Indicator lights and audible reminders
(See warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders).....................2-8
Inside mirror...................3-27
Instrument brightness control.........2-21
Instrument panel..............0-6,2-2
Instrument panel dimmer switch........2-21
Intelligent Key system
Key operating range............3-12
Key operation................3-13
Mechanical key................3-3Remote keyless entry operation......3-16
Troubleshooting guide...........3-21
Warning signals...............3-21
Interiorlight...................2-37
Interior trunk lid release.............3-23
ISOFIX child restraints.............1-22
J
Jump starting...................6-8
K
Keyfob battery replacement..........8-25
Keyless entry
With Intelligent Key system
(See Intelligent Key system)........3-16
Keys, Except Intelligent Key...........3-2
L
Labels
Air conditioner specification label.....9-13
C.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-12
Emission control information label.....9-13
Engine serial number............9-12
F.M.V.S.S. certification label........9-12
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-13
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
plate.....................9-11
Warning labels (for SRS)..........1-55
Language setting.................4-6
10-3
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LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-22
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-14
Light
Airbagwarninglight.........1-55,2-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-29
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-29
Chargewarninglight............2-10
Foglightswitch...............2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Headlightcontrolswitch..........2-20
Headlights..................8-28
Interiorlight.................2-37
Lightbulbs..................8-28
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Lowwasherfluidwarninglight.......2-12
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-49
Security indicator light...........2-14
Spotlights(Seemaplight).........2-38
Trunklight..................2-39
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-8
Lights
Maplights..................2-38
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Door locks..................3-4
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-24
Gloveboxlock ...............2-28
Power door locks...............3-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-23
Lowfuelwarninglight .............2-10
Low tire pressure warning light........2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-12Luggage
(See vehicle loading information).......9-14
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Insidethevehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-19
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-14
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-35
Maplights....................2-38
Map pocket...................2-25
Metersandgauges................2-3
Instrumentbrightnesscontrol.......2-21
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-27
Outside mirror control...........3-27
Vanity mirror.................3-26
Moonroof....................2-35
N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™.........3-3,3-10
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-17,3-2,5-10O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-5
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changingengineoil ............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation...............9-6
Engine oil viscosity..............9-6
Outside mirror control.............3-27
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats
..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-29
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-29
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-19
Parking/parking on hills...........5-22
Phone, Bluetoothhands-free system....4-39
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-24
Power rear windows............2-33
Power steering system...........5-23
Power windows...............2-32
Rear power windows............2-33
10-4
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Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks