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
TRUNK LID RELEASE
The trunk lid release is located on the floor to the
left of the driver’s seat. To open the trunk lid, pull
the trunk lid release.
To close the trunk lid, lower and push the trunk lid
down securely.
You can also open the trunk lid with the keyfob or
Intelligent Key (if so equipped) . Refer to “Remote
keyless entry system” or “NISSAN Intelligent
Key™” earlier in this section.
KEY OPERATION (if so equipped)
To open the trunk lid, turn the key clockwise. To
close the trunk lid, lower and push the trunk lid
down securely.
INTERIOR TRUNK LID RELEASE
WARNING
Closely supervise children when they are
around cars to prevent them from playing
and becoming locked in the trunk where
they could be seriously injured. 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.
The interior trunk lid release mechanism provides
a means of escape for children and adults in the
event they become locked inside the trunk.
Driver’s side
WPD0390WPD0384WPD0385
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-23
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
5 Starting and driving
Precautions when starting and driving................5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)..................5-2
Three-way catalyst..............................5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)..........5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover....................5-5
Off-road recovery...............................5-5
Rapid air pressure loss..........................5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving................5-6
Ignition switch. . ...................................5-7
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped).........5-7
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).........5-8
Manual transmission............................5-9
Key positions..................................5-9
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system...............5-10
Before starting the engine.........................5-10
Starting the engine...............................5-10
Driving the vehicle................................5-12
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
(if so equipped)...............................5-12
Manual transmission (if so equipped)............5-17
Parking brake . . ..................................5-19Cruise control (if so equipped).....................5-19
Precautions on cruise control...................5-19
Cruise control operations.......................5-20
Break-in schedule................................5-21
Increasing fuel economy...........................5-21
Parking/parking on hills............................5-22
Power steering...................................5-23
Brake system....................................5-24
Brake precautions.............................5-24
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
(if so equipped)...............................5-24
Cold weather driving..............................5-26
Freeing a frozen door lock......................5-26
Anti-freeze....................................5-26
Battery.......................................5-26
Draining of coolant water.......................5-26
Tire equipment................................5-26
Special winter equipment.......................5-26
Driving on snow or ice
.........................5-26
Engine block heater (if so equipped).............5-27
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
WARNING
●Never remove or turn the key to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
●Never turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK position while driving. The steer-
ing wheel will lock. This may cause the
driver to lose control of the vehicle and
could result in serious vehicle damage
or personal injury.
NISSAN INTELLIGENT KEY™ (if so
equipped)
The Intelligent Key can operate the ignition
switch without taking the key out from your
pocket or purse. The operating environment
and/or conditions may affect the Intelligent Key
operation.
CAUTION
●Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key with
you when operating the vehicle.
●Never leave the Intelligent Key inside
the vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
●If the vehicle battery is discharged the
ignition switch cannot be moved from
the “LOCK” position and if the steering
lock is engaged, the steering wheel
cannot be moved. Charge the battery as
soon as possible. (See “JUMP START-
ING” in the “In case of emergency” sec-
tion of this manual.)
LSD0175
IGNITION SWITCH
Starting and driving5-7
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Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
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CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT)
The ignition lock is designed so that the ignition
switch cannot be turned to the LOCK position
until the shift selector is moved to the P (Park)
position.
●When moving the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, make sure the shift selector
is in the P (Park) position.
●When removing the key from the ignition
switch, make sure the shift selector is in the
P (Park) position.When the ignition switch cannot be turned to the
LOCK position:
1. Shift the shift selector to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
2. Turn the ignition switch slightly in the ON
direction.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion.
4. Remove the key if it is inserted in the ignition
switch.
If the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK posi-
tion, the shift selector cannot be moved from the
P (Park) position.
The shift selector can be moved if the igni-
tion switch is placed in the ON position and
the foot brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a “1” on the key cylinder.
When the ignition is placed in the OFF
position, the steering wheel is not locked.
Without Intelligent Key
WSD0041
With Intelligent Key
LSD0175
5-8Starting and driving
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
To lock the steering wheel:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK posi-
tion.
2. Remove the key, if it is inserted in the ignition
switch.
3. Turn the steering wheel 1/8 of a turn clock-
wise from the straight up position.
To unlock the steering wheel:
1. Insert the key into the ignition switch, if nec-
essary.
2. Gently turn the ignition switch while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes a device that helps
prevent accidental removal of the key while driv-
ing.
The key can only be removed when the ignition
switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn the igni-
tion key to LOCK position from ACC or ON
position, turn the key to OFF, push the key in, then
turn the key to LOCK.
In order for the steering wheel to be locked, it
must be turned about 1/8 of a turn clockwise
from the straight up position.To lock the steering wheel, turn the key to
the LOCK position. Remove the key. To
unlock the steering wheel, insert the key
and turn it gently while rotating the steer-
ing wheel slightly right and left.
KEY POSITIONS
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
Intelligent Key:
PUSH OFF- The steering lock can only be locked
at this position.
PUSH ON- The ignition switch will be unlocked
while carrying the Intelligent Key.
OFF: (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking the
steering wheel.
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accessories
such as the radio when the engine is not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system and the
electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position starts the engine. As soon as the
engine has started, release the key. It automati-
cally returns to the ON position.
WSD0052
Starting and driving5-9
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
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