2009 NISSAN SENTRA engine

CAUTION
●Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously re-
duce the three-way catalyst’s ability to
help reduce exhaust pollutants.
●Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep driv-
ing if the engine misfires, or if notice-
able loss of performance or other un-
usual operating conditions are
detected. Have the vehicle inspected
promptly by a NISSAN dealer.
●Avoid driving with an extremely low fuel
level. Running out of fuel could cause
the engine to misfire, damaging the
three-way catalyst.
●Do not race the engine while warming it
up.
●Do not push or tow your vehicle to start
the engine.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)
Each tire, including the spare (if provided) ,
should be checked monthly when cold and in-
flated to the inflation pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard
or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indicated on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label,
you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale
when one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to over-
heat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly. The TPMS mal-
function indicator is combined with the low tire
pressure telltale. When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for approxi-
mately one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the mal-
function exists. When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to detect
or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alter-
nate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent
the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replac-
ing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Additional information:
●The TPMS does not monitor the tire
pressure of the spare tire.
Starting and driving5-3
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


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


CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) (if so
equipped)
WARNING
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N (Neu-
tral) to R (Reverse) , D (Drive) or L (Low) .
Always depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do so
could cause you to lose control and
have an accident.
●Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward or
reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.
●Do not downshift abruptly on slippery
roads. This may cause a loss of control.
●Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving. This could
cause an accident.
CAUTION
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by depress-
ing the accelerator pedal. The foot brake
should be used for this purpose.The CVT in your vehicle is electronically con-
trolled to produce maximum power and smooth
operation.
The recommended operating procedures for this
transmission are shown on the following pages.
Follow these procedures for maximum vehicle
performance and driving enjoyment.
NOTE:
Engine power may be automatically re-
duced to protect the CVT if the engine
speed increases quickly when driving on
slippery roads or while being tested on
some dynamometers.
Starting the vehicle
1. After starting the engine, fully depress the
foot brake pedal before moving the shift
selector out of the P (Park) position.
2. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
move the shift selector lever into a driving
gear.
3. Release the foot brake, then gradually start
the vehicle in motion.
4. Stop the vehicle completely before shifting
the shift selector to the P (Park) position.The CVT is designed so the foot brake
pedal MUST be depressed before shifting
from P (Park) to any drive position while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
The shift selector cannot be moved out of P
(Park) and into any of the other gear posi-
tions if the ignition key is turned to the
LOCK or OFF position or if the key is re-
moved.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
5-12Starting and driving
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


To move the selector lever:
Push the buttonAwhile depressing the
brake pedal
Push the buttonAto shift
Shift without pushing buttonA
Shifting
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and move the shift selector from P (Park) to
any of the desired shift positions.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector
lever is in any position while the engine is
not running. Failure to do so could cause
the vehicle to move unexpectedly or roll
away and result in serious personal injury
or property damage.
If the key is turned to the OFF or ACC position for
any reason while the vehicle is in N (Neutral) , or
any drive position, the key cannot be turned to the
LOCK position and be removed from the ignition
switch. If this occurs, perform the following steps:
1. Apply the parking brake when the vehicle is
stopped.
2. Move the shift selector to P (Park) to park the
vehicle and turn the ignition key to the LOCK
position to remove the key.
P (Park):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the P (Park) selector position when the ve-
hicle is parked or when starting the engine. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped.The
brake pedal must be depressed and theshift selector button pushed in to move the
shift selector from N (Neutral) or any drive
position to P (Park) .Apply the parking brake.
When parking on a hill, apply the parking brake
first, then place the shift selector into the P (Park)
position.
R (Reverse):
CAUTION
To prevent transmission damage, use the
P (Park) or R (Reverse) position only when
the vehicle is completely stopped.
Use the R (Reverse) position to back up. Make
sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
selecting R (Reverse) position. R (Reverse)
speed is limited to 25 MPH (40 km/h) . Do not
exceed 25 MPH (40 km/h) in the R (Reverse)
position.The brake pedal must be de-
pressed and the selector lever button
pushed in to move the selector lever from P
(Park) , N (Neutral) or any drive position to R
(Reverse) .
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged. The
engine can be started in this position. You may
shift to N (Neutral) and restart a stalled engine
while the vehicle is moving.
LSD0177
Starting and driving5-13
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
L (Low):
Use this position for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill gradients/climbing steep slopes
and whenever approaching sharp bends. Do not
use the L (Low) position in any other circum-
stances.
Manual shift mode (if so equipped)
When the manual shift mode buttonAis
pressed with the vehicle stopped or while driving,
the transmission enters the manual shift mode.
Shift ranges can be selected manually using the
paddles on the steering wheel
BandC.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is dis-
played on the position indicator in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
M1←→M2←→M3←→M4←→M5←→M6M6 (6th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving at
highway speeds.
M5 (5th):
Use this position when driving up long slopes, or
for engine braking when driving down long
slopes.
M4 (4th) , M3 (3rd) and M2 (2nd):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on downhill
grades.
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5-14Starting and driving
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly
or driving slowly through deep snow, sand or
mud, or for maximum engine braking on steep
downhill grades.
●Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than M6
range. This reduces fuel economy.
When shifting up:
Pull the +
Cpaddle on the steering wheel
towards you. (Shifts to higher range.)
When shifting down:
Pull the
Bpaddle on the steering wheel
towards you. (Shifts to lower range.)
●Pulling the same paddle twice will shift the
ranges in succession. However, if this mo-
tion is rapidly done, the second shifting may
not be completed properly.
When canceling the manual shift mode:
Press the manual shift mode button
Ato return
the transmission to the normal driving mode.
●In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving perfor-
mance and reduces the chance of ve-
hicle damage or loss of control.●In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may shift up automatically to a
higher range than selected if the en-
gine speed is too high. When the ve-
hicle speed decreases, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts down. The
transmission shifts to M1 (1st) gear
before the vehicle comes to a com-
plete stop. When accelerating again, it
is necessary to shift up to the desired
range.
●When the CVT fluid temperature is ex-
tremely low, the manual shift mode may not
work and automatically shift as a drive mode.
This is not a malfunction. In this case, press
the manual shift button
Aoff and drive for a
while and then reactivate the manual shift
mode.
●When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the
shift range may upshift in lower rpm than
usual. This is not a malfunction.Shift lock release
If the battery is discharged, the shift selector may
not be moved from the P (Park) position even with
the brake pedal depressed.
To move the shift selector, release the shift lock.
The shift selector can be moved to N (Neutral) .
However, the steering wheel will be locked un-
less the ignition switch is turned to the ON posi-
tion. This allows the vehicle to be moved if the
battery is discharged.
LSD0178
Starting and driving5-15
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks