Air recirculation button
NOTE:
The air recirculation feature is available
only on those vehicles equipped with air
conditioning.
On position (Indicator light on):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Press the
button to the on position when:
●driving on a dusty road.
●to prevent traffic fumes from entering pas-
senger compartment.
●for maximum cooling when using the air con-
ditioner.
When the
button is pressed, the air con-
ditioner automatically turns on and the indicator
illuminates. When the
button is pressed
again, the air recirculation mode turns off, but the
air conditioner remains on.
Off position (Indicator light off):
Outside air is drawn into the passenger compart-
ment and distributed through the selected outlet.
Use the off position for normal heater or air con-
ditioner operation.
Air conditioner button (if so
equipped)
The button is provided only on vehicles equipped
with an air conditioner.
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired position and push the
button to
turn on the air conditioner. The indicator light
comes on when the air conditioner is operating.
To turn off the air conditioner, push the
button again.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Rear window defroster switch
For more information about the rear window de-
froster switch, see “Rear window and outside
mirror (if so equipped) defroster switch” in the
“Instruments and controls” section of this manual.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air to the foot
outlets. Some air also flows from the defrost
outlets and outboard vents.
1. Push the
button to the off position for
normal heating.2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center ventilators.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode directs the air to the defrost outlets
and outboard vents to defrost/defog the win-
dows.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
4-10Display screen, heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems
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
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used. However, most
states require a separate braking system
on trailers with a loaded weight above a
specific amount. Make sure the trailer
meets the local regulations and the regu-
lations where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are
available.
Surge Brakes - The surge brake actuator
is mounted on the trailer tongue with a
hydraulic line running to each trailer
wheel. Surge brakes are activated by the
trailer pushing against the hitch ball when
the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic surge
brakes are common on rental trailers and
some boat trailers. In this type of system,
there is no hydraulic or electric connec-
tion for brake operation between the tow
vehicle and the trailer.Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic sig-
nal sent from a trailer brake controller
(special brake-sensing module) . If electric
trailer brakes are used, seeElectric trailer
brake controllerin this section.
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes
are properly installed and demonstrate
proper brake function testing.
Pre-towing tips
●Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
●Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
●Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
●Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.●Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
●Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
●Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
●Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
●Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
●Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
●Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
Technical and consumer information9-23
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
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
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
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
Precautions
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints............1-20,1-28,1-35
Precautions on seat belt usage.......1-9
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-40
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Programmable features.............4-5
Push starting..................6-10
R
Radio
Car phone or CB radio...........4-39
Compact Disc (CD) changer.......4-34
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
Steering wheel audio control switch....4-37
Readiness for inspection maintenance (I/M)
test........................9-28
Rear center seat belt..............1-16
Rear power windows..............2-33
Rearseat................1-3,1-4,1-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch......................2-19
Recorders
Eventdata..................9-29
Refrigerant recommendation..........9-7
Registering your vehicle in another
country......................9-11Reporting safety defects (US only)......9-27
Resetting average speed............4-4
Resetting the fuel economy...........4-4
Resetting trip time................4-5
S
Safety
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Child seat belts........1-20,1-28,1-35
Reporting safety defects (US only)....9-27
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
Precautionsonseatbeltusage.......1-9
Pregnant women..............1-13
Rear center seat belt............1-16
Seat belt extenders.............1-19
Seat belt maintenance...........1-19
Seatbelts...................1-9
Shoulder belt height adjustment......1-19
Three-point type with retractor.......1-13
Seat belt warning light.............2-12
Seatback pockets................2-27
Seats
Adjustment..................1-2
Frontseats..................1-2
Heated seats................2-23
Manual front seat adjustment........1-2
Rear seat..............1-3,1-4,1-5
Security indicator light.............2-14Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start........2-17,3-2,5-10
Self-adjusting brakes..............8-21
Service manual order form...........9-29
Servicing air conditioner............4-16
Setting button..................4-5
Shift lock release................5-15
Shifting
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) ....................5-13
Manual transmission............5-17
Shoulder belt height adjustment........1-19
Side air bag system (See supplemental side
air bag and curtain side-impact air bag
system).....................1-52
Spark plug replacement............8-18
Speedometer...................2-3
Spotlights(Seemaplight)...........2-38
SRSwarninglabel...............1-55
Starting
Before starting the engine.........5-10
Jump starting.................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving . . .5-2
Push starting................6-10
Starting the engine.............5-10
Steering
Power steering system...........5-23
Tilting steering wheel............3-26
Steering wheel audio control switch......4-37
Stoplight ....................8-29
Storage.....................2-25
Storagebin...................2-25
Storage tray...................2-26
Sunglasses case................2-25
Sunglasses holder...............2-25
Sunroof (see Moonroof)............2-35
10-5
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
Supplemental air bag warning labels.....1-55
Supplemental air bag warning light . . .1-55, 2-13
Supplemental front impact air bag system. . .1-47
Supplemental restraint system
Information and warning labels.......1-55
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system....................1-40
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system).........1-40
Supplemental side and curtain side-impact
air bag system..................1-52
Switch
Automatic power window switch.....2-33
Foglightswitch...............2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Headlightcontrolswitch..........2-20
Ignition switch................5-7
Power door lock switch...........3-5
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch....................2-19
Turn signal switch..............2-22
Windshield wiper and washer switch . . .2-18
T
Tachometer....................2-4
Temperature gauge
Engine coolant temperature gauge.....2-6
Theft (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
enginestart.............2-17,3-2,5-10
Three-way catalyst................5-2
Tilting steering wheel..............3-26
Tire
Flat tire....................6-2Spare tire................6-3,8-41
Tire and Loading Information label.....9-13
Tire chains..................8-38
Tireplacard.................9-13
Tire pressure................8-31
Tirerotation.................8-38
Types of tires................8-37
Uniform tire quality grading.........9-26
Wheels and tires..............8-31
Wheel/tire size................9-9
Tire pressure
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) . . .5-3
Top tether strap child restraint.........1-23
Towing
Flattowing..................9-25
Towtrucktowing..............6-11
Towing load/specification.........9-21
Trailer towing................9-18
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid .....................8-13
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT).............5-12
Driving with manual transmission.....5-17
Selector lever lock release.........5-15
Travel (See registering your vehicle in another
country).....................9-11
Tripbutton ....................4-3
Trip odometer...................2-4
Triptime......................4-5
Trunk access through the rear seat....1-4,1-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever...........3-23
Trunklight....................2-39
Turn signal switch................2-22U
Uniform tire quality grading...........9-26
V
Vanity mirror...................3-26
Vehicle dimensions and weights........9-10
Vehicle identification..............9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
(Chassis number)................9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate . . .9-11
Vehicle loading information...........9-14
Vehicle recovery.............6-12,6-13
Vehicle security system.............2-16
Vehicle security system
(NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system) ,
engine start.............2-17,3-2,5-10
Ventilators.....................4-7
W
Warning
Airbagwarninglight.........1-55,2-13
Anti-lock brake warning light........2-9
Battery charge warning light........2-10
Brake warning light..............2-9
Door open warning light..........2-10
Engine oil pressure warning light.....2-10
Hazard warning flasher switch.......2-22
Lowfuelwarninglight ...........2-10
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.......2-12
10-6
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks