Repair and replacement procedure
The front air bags, side air bags, curtain air bags
and pretensioners are designed to inflate on a
one-time-only basis. As a reminder, unless it is
damaged, the supplemental air bag warning light
remains illuminated after inflation has occurred.
Repair and replacement of these supplemental
air bag systems should be done only by a
NISSAN dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the ve-
hicle, the front air bags, side air bags, curtain air
bags, pretensioners and related parts should be
pointed out to the person performing the mainte-
nance. The ignition switch should always be
placed in the LOCK position when working under
the hood or inside the vehicle.
WARNING
●Once a front air bag, side air bag, or
curtain air bag has inflated, the air bag
module will not function again and
must be replaced. Additionally, if any of
the front air bags inflate, the activated
pretensioner must also be replaced.
The air bag module and pretensioner
should be replaced by a NISSAN dealer.
The air bag module and pretensioner
cannot be repaired.●The front air bag, side air bag, curtain
air bag systems and the pretensioner
system should be inspected by a
NISSAN dealer if there is any damage to
the front end or side portion of the
vehicle.
●If you need to dispose of the supple-
mental air bag or pretensioner systems
or scrap the vehicle, contact a NISSAN
dealer. Correct air bag and pretensioner
system disposal procedures are set
forth in the appropriate NISSAN Service
Manual. Incorrect disposal procedures
could cause personal injury.
1-56Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
2 Instruments and controls
Instrument panel...................................2-2
Meters and gauges................................2-3
Speedometer and odometer.....................2-3
Tachometer....................................2-4
g (gravity) -force gauge (if so equipped)...........2-5
Fuel gauge . ...................................2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge...............2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge (if so equipped) . .......2-6
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders.......2-8
Checking bulbs................................2-9
Warning lights.................................2-9
Indicator lights................................2-13
Audible reminders.............................2-15
Security systems.................................2-16
Vehicle security system (if so equipped)..........2-16
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer system.............2-17
Windshield wiper and washer switch...............2-18
Switch operation..............................2-18
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch..................................2-19
Headlight and turn signal switch....................2-20
Headlight control switch........................2-20
Daytime running light system (Canada only)......2-21Instrument brightness control...................2-21
Turn signal switch.............................2-22
Fog light switch (if so equipped)................2-22
Hazard warning flasher switch.....................2-22
Horn............................................2-23
Heated seat (if so equipped).......................2-23
Power outlet.....................................2-24
Storage.........................................2-25
Map pockets..................................2-25
Storage bin...................................2-25
Storage trays.................................2-26
Instrument panel storage (if so equipped)........2-26
Seatback pockets (if so equipped)..............2-27
Cup holders..................................2-27
Glove box....................................2-28
Console box..................................2-29
Compact disc holder (if so equipped)............2-29
Trunk divider (if so equipped)...................2-29
Cargo net (if so equipped)......................2-30
Grocery hooks (if so equipped).................2-31
Windows........................................2-32
Power windows (if so equipped)................2-32
Manual windows (if so equipped)................2-35
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
1. Headlight/fog light (if so equipped)
/turn signal switch (P. 2-20); Manual
shift paddles (if so equipped) (P.5-14 )
2. Steering wheel switch for audio control
and BluetoothHands-Free Phone
System (if so equipped) (P. 4-37, 4-39)3. Driver’s supplemental air bag/Horn
(P. 1-40, 2-23)
4. Meters and gauges (P. 2-3)
5. Instrument brightness control (P. 2-21)
6. Cruise control main/set switches
(if so equipped) (P. 5-19)7.
Windshield wiper/washer switch (P. 2-18)8. Storage bin (if so equipped) (P. 2-25)
9. Audio system (P. 4-16)
10. Center ventilator (P. 4-7)
11. Passenger’s supplemental air bag
(P. 1-40)
12. Side ventilator (P. 4-7)
13. Control panel display (if so equipped)
(P. 4-2)
14. Engine oil pressure gauge
(if so equipped) (P. 2-6)
15. g (gravity) -force gauge (if so equipped)
(P. 2-5)
16. Hazard warning flasher switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-22)
17. Hazard warning flasher switch
(if so equipped) (P. 2-22); Manual shift
mode switch (if so equipped) (P.5-14 )
18. Glove box (P. 2-28)
19. Front passenger air bag status light
(P. 1-40)
20. Climate control (P. 4-7)
21. Shift selector (P. 5-12)
22. Power outlet (P. 2-24)
23. Ignition switch (P. 5-7)
24. Tilt steering (P.3-26)
25. Storage bin (P. 2-25)
26. Hood release lever (P. 3-22)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WIC1486
INSTRUMENT PANEL
2-2Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
g (gravity) -FORCE GAUGE (if so
equipped)
This gauge shows the straight-line acceleration
and deceleration g-forces while you are driving.
NOTE:
The g-force gauge does not indicate cor-
nering g-forces.
FUEL GAUGE
NOTE:
The ignition switch must be placed in the
ON position for the gauge to give a reading.
The gauge indicates theapproximatefuel level
in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hills.
The low fuel warning light comes on when the
amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge regis-
ters E (Empty) .The
indicates that the fuel-filler door is
located on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
CAUTION
●If the vehicle runs out of fuel,
the
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon as
possible. After a few driving trips,
the
light should turn off. If the
light remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer.
●For additional information, see “Mal-
function Indicator Light (MIL)” later in
this section.
LIC1113LIC1016
Instruments and controls2-5
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
orAnti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light
(if so equipped)Low windshield washer fluid warning light
(if so equipped)Cruise set switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
orBrake warning lightNISSAN Intelligent Key™ warning light
(if so equipped)orFront passenger air bag status
light
Charge warning lightP position selecting warning light (CVT mod-
els) (if so equipped)High beam indicator light (Blue)
Door open warning lightSeat belt warning light and chimeMalfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Electric power steering warning lightSupplemental air bag warning lightOverdrive off indicator light (CVT models)
Engine oil pressure warning lightContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT) po-
sition indicator light (CVT models)Security indicator light
Low fuel warning light (if so equipped)Cruise main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low tire pressure warning light
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS
2-8Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
CHECKING BULBS
With all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and place the ignition switch in the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on:
or,,,,,
If equipped, the following lights come on briefly
and then go off:
or,,,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate
an open circuit in the electrical system.
Have the system repaired promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
orAnti-lock Braking
System (ABS)
warning light (if so
equipped)
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light illuminates and then turns off. This
indicates the ABS is operational.If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock func-
tion is turned off. The brake system then operates
normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See
Brake systemin theStarting and drivingsec-
tion.
orBrake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake and
the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light comes on when the parking
brake is applied.
Low brake fluid warning light
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level.
If the light comes on while the engine is running
with the parking brake not applied, stop the ve-
hicle and perform the following:1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid
as necessary. See “Brake fluid” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
●Your brake system may not be working
properly if the warning light is on. Driv-
ing could be dangerous. If you judge it
to be safe, drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Otherwise,
have your vehicle towed because driv-
ing it could be dangerous.
●Pressing the brake pedal with the en-
gine stopped and/or a low brake fluid
level may increase your stopping dis-
tance and braking will require greater
pedal effort as well as pedal travel.
●If the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
Instruments and controls2-9
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
Charge warning light
If this light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the charging system is not func-
tioning properly. Turn the engine off and check
the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken,
missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN
dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the generator
belt is loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors are not
closed securely while the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position.
Electric power steering
warning light
WARNING
●If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.●When the power steering warning light
illuminates with the engine running,
there will be no power assist for the
steering. You will still have control of
the vehicle but the steering will be
harder to operate. Have the power
steering system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
When the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, the power steering warning light illumi-
nates. After starting the engine, the power steer-
ing warning light turns off. This indicates the
power steering system is operational.
If the power steering warning light illuminates
while the engine is running, it may indicate the
power steering system is not functioning properly
and may need servicing. Have the power steering
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
When the power steering warning light illumi-
nates with the engine running, there will be no
power assist for the steering but you will still have
control of the vehicle. At this time, greater steer-
ing effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
See “Power steering” in the “Starting and driving”
section.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level.Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause se-
rious damage to the engine almost imme-
diately. Such damage is not covered by
warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it
is safe to do so.
Low fuel warning light
This light comes on when the fuel level in the fuel
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is conve-
nient, preferably before the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty) .There will be a small reserve of fuel
in the tank when the fuel gauge reaches E
(Empty) , showing no more fuel bars.
2-10Instruments and controls
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
Low tire pressure warning light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of low
tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light illuminates for about 1 second
and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the warning light will illuminate.
When the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates, you should stop and adjust the
tire pressure of all 4 tires to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label located
in the driver’s door opening. The low tire
pressure warning light does not automati-
cally turn off when the tire pressure is ad-
justed. After the tire is inflated to the rec-
ommended pressure, the vehicle must be
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h)
to activate the TPMS and turn off the low
tire pressure warning light. Use a tire pres-
sure gauge to check the tire pressure.For additional information, see “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and
driving” section and in the “In case of emergency”
section.
TPMS malfunction:
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the low
tire pressure warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute when the ignition switch is
placed in the ON position. The light will remain on
after the 1 minute. Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
For additional information, see “Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and
driving” section and “Tire pressure” in the “Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.
WARNING
●If the light does not illuminate with the
ignition switch placed in the ON posi-
tion, have the vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.●If the 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 in-
crease the likelihood of tire failure. Se-
rious vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could re-
sult in serious personal 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 Information label located
in the driver’s door opening to turn the
low tire pressure warning light OFF. If
the light still illuminates while driving
after adjusting the tire pressure, a tire
may be flat. If you have a flat tire, re-
place it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
Instruments and controls2-11
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie