Locking doors
1. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi-
tion.
2. Close all doors.
3. Push the
button on the Intelligent
Key.
4. The hazard warning lights flash twice and
the horn beeps once.
5. All doors will be locked.
CAUTION
After locking the doors using the Intelli-
gent Key, be sure that the doors have been
securely locked by operating the door
handles.
Unlocking doors
1. Push thebutton on the Intelligent Key.
2. The hazard warning lights flash once.
3. Push the
button again within 60 sec-
onds to unlock all doors.
All doors will be locked automatically unless one
of the following operations is performed within 1
minute after pushing the
button.
●Opening any doors.
●Pushing the ignition switch.
●Inserting the mechanical key into the ignition
switch.
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Silencing the horn beep feature
If desired, the horn beep feature can be deacti-
vated using the Intelligent Key.
To deactivate:Press and hold the
andbuttonsfor at least 2 seconds.
The hazard warning lights will flash 3 times to
confirm that the horn beep feature has been
deactivated.
To activate:Press and hold the
andbuttonsfor at least 2 seconds
once more.The hazard warning lights will flash once and the
horn will sound once to confirm that the horn
beep feature has been reactivated.
Deactivating the horn beep feature does not si-
lence the horn if the alarm is triggered.
1P (Park) position selecting warning
light (CVT models)
2NISSAN Intelligent Key™ warning light
WARNING LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE
REMINDERS
The Intelligent Key is equipped with a function
that is designed to minimize improper operations
and to help prevent the vehicle from being stolen.
The warning buzzer sounds and the warning light
illuminates when improper operations are de-
tected.
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Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-19
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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
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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
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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)
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TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) . It monitors tire pres-
sure of all tires except the spare. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. If the
vehicle is being driven with low tire pressure, the
TPMS will activate and warn you of it by the low
tire pressure warning light. This system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 16 MPH (25 km/h) . For more details, refer
to “Warning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “Instruments and controls” section,
and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)”
in the “Starting and driving” section.
WARNING
●If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt braking,
reduce vehicle speed, pull off the road
to a safe location and stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Driving with under-
inflated tires may permanently damage
the tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an acci-
dent and could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Check the tire pressure for
all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If you have a flat tire,
replace it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
●When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced, the TPMS will not function
and the low tire pressure warning light
will flash for approximately 1 minute.
The light will remain on after 1 minute.
Contact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.●Replacing tires with those not originally
specified by NISSAN could affect the
proper operation of the TPMS.
●Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pressure
sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIRE
If you have a flat tire, follow the instructions be-
low:
Stopping the vehicle
1. Safely move the vehicle off the road and
away from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking
brake. Shift the manual transmission into R
(Reverse) , or the CVT into P (Park) .
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
FLAT TIRE
6-2In case of emergency
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
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WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage to
the charging system and cause personal
injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries near each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply the parking brake. Move the shift se-
lector to N (Neutral) (manual transmission)
or to P (Park) (CVT) . Switch off all unneces-sary electrical systems (lights, heater, air
conditioner, etc.) .
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped) . Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence il-
lustrated (
A,B,C,D).
CAUTION
●Always connect positive () to positive
() and negative () to body ground (for
example, strut mounting bolt, engine
lift bracket, etc.) — not to the battery.●Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine com-
partment and that the cable clamps do
not contact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle and
let it run for a few minutes.
For Intelligent Key system equipped models,
use the mechanical key to start the engine.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster ve-
hicle at about 2,000 rpm, and start the en-
gine of the vehicle being jump started.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine does
not start right away, turn the key off and
wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying again.
7. After starting the engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped) . Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.WCE0054
In case of emergency6-9
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and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimesMake sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer*Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defrosterCheck that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery*Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir.Engine coolant level*Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust systemMake sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the
carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaksCheck under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Radiator and hosesCheck the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.UnderbodyThe underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield washer fluid*Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks