●When a spare tire is mounted or a wheel
is replaced tire pressure will not be in-
dicated, 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. Con-
tact 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.
CAUTION
●The TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure to
check the tire pressure regularly.
●If the vehicle is being driven at speeds
of less than 16 MPH (25 km/h) , the
TPMS may not operate correctly.
●Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the 4 wheels correctly.
Low windshield washer fluid
warning light (if so equipped)
This light comes on when the windshield washer
fluid is at a low level. Add windshield washer fluidas necessary. See “Window washer fluid” in the
“Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this
manual.
NISSAN Intelligent Key™
warning light (if so equipped)
The Intelligent Key warning light illuminates green
when the ignition switch can be turned. The
Intelligent Key warning light illuminates red when
the ignition switch cannot be turned.
The Intelligent Key warning light blinks red if the
Intelligent Key is taken outside of the vehicle
while the ignition switch is placed in the ACC or
ON position.
●If the Intelligent Key warning light blinks,
make sure of the location of the Intelligent
Key as soon as possible. The Intelligent Key
should be carried by the driver while operat-
ing the vehicle.
●The Intelligent Key warning light turns off
about 10 seconds after the Intelligent Key is
brought inside the vehicle.
The Intelligent Key warning light blinks green
indicating that the Intelligent Key battery is almost
discharged.
See “NISSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped)”
in the “Pre-driving checks and adjustments” sec-
tion.
P position selecting warning
light (CVT models) (if so
equipped)
The light blinks red and the warning buzzer
sounds if you are outside of the vehicle with the
Intelligent Key and the engine is off, but the shift
selector is not in the P (Park) position.
When the warning light blinks, place the ignition
switch in the ON position, move the shift selector
to the P position, then place the ignition switch in
the LOCK position.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten your
seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the
ignition switch is placed in the ON or START
position and remains illuminated until the driver’s
seat belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime
sounds for about 6 seconds unless the driver’s
seat belt is securely fastened.
The seat belt warning light may also illuminate if
the front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied . For
7 seconds after the ignition switch is placed in
the ON position, the system does not activate the
warning light for the front passenger.
2-12Instruments and controls
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Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
●The driver’s door is opened and then closed
while the key is removed from the ignition
switch.
●The key is removed from the ignition switch
while all doors are closed.
The interior light will turn off while the 30 second
timer is activated when:
●The driver’s door is locked by the keyfob, a
key or the lock-unlock switch.
●The ignition switch is placed in the ON po-
sition.
When the switch is in the OFF position
2, the
interior light does not illuminate, regardless of
door position.
Some vehicles are equipped with a battery saver
feature that will automatically turn off the interior
lights after approximately 10 minutes if:
●doors are open, or
●the interior light switch is in the ON position.
NOTE:
If the interior lights are turned off automati-
cally by the battery saver feature, the igni-
tion switch must be placed in the ON posi-
tion before the interior lights will illuminate
again.For information regarding the interior light bulb
replacement, refer to “Exterior and interior lights”
in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
CAUTION
Do not use for extended periods of time
with the engine stopped. This could result
in a discharged battery.
To turn the map lights on, press the button. To
turn them off, press the button again.
CAUTION
Do not use for extended periods of time
with the engine stopped. This could result
in a discharged battery.
WIC1485
MAP LIGHTS (if so equipped)
2-38Instruments and controls
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Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
CAUTION
●Be sure to carry the Intelligent Key with
you when operating the vehicle.
●Never leave the Intelligent Key in the
vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
The Intelligent Key is always communicating with
the vehicle as it receives radio waves. The Intel-
ligent Key transmits weak radio waves. Environ-
mental conditions may interfere with the opera-
tion of the Intelligent Key under the following
operating conditions:
●When operating near a location where
strong radio waves are transmitted, such as
a TV tower, power station and broadcasting
station.
●When in possession of wireless equipment,
such as a cellular telephone, transceiver,
and CB radio.
●When the Intelligent Key is in contact with or
covered by metallic materials.
●When any type of radio wave remote control
is used nearby.
●When the Intelligent Key is placed near an
electric appliance such as a personal com-
puter.●When the vehicle is parked near a parking
meter.
In such cases, correct the operating conditions
before using the Intelligent Key function or use
the mechanical key.
Although the life of the battery varies depending
on the operating conditions, the battery’s life is
approximately 2 years. If the battery is dis-
charged, replace it with a new one.
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.
Since the Intelligent Key is continuously receiving
radio waves, if the key is left near equipment
which transmits strong radio waves, such as sig-
nals from a TV and personal computer, the bat-
tery life may become shorter.
For information regarding replacement of a bat-
tery, see “Battery replacement” in the “Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.
As many as 4 Intelligent Keys can be registered
and used with one vehicle. For information about
the purchase and use of additional Intelligent
Keys, contact a NISSAN dealer.
CAUTION
●Do not allow the Intelligent Key, which
contains electrical components, to
come into contact with water or salt
water. This could affect the system
function.
●Do not drop the Intelligent Key.
●Do not strike the Intelligent Key sharply
against another object.
●Do not change or modify the Intelligent
Key.
●Wetting may damage the Intelligent
Key. If the Intelligent Key gets wet, im-
mediately wipe until it is completely dry.
●Do not place the Intelligent Key for an
extended period in an area where tem-
peratures exceed 140°F (60°C) .
●Do not attach the Intelligent Key with a
key holder that contains a magnet.
●Do not place the Intelligent Key near
equipment that produces a magnetic
field, such as a TV, audio equipment and
personal computers.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-11
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Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
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
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Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirements..........................8-2
General maintenance..............................8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items.........8-2
Maintenance precautions . . .........................8-5
Engine compartment check locations................8-6
Engine cooling system.............................8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................8-8
Changing engine coolant........................8-9
Engine oil.........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level........................8-9
Changing engine oil...........................8-11
Changing engine oil filter.......................8-12
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid......8-13
Brake and clutch fluid.............................8-13
Brake fluid . . ..................................8-14
Clutch fluid . ..................................8-14
Window washer fluid.............................8-14
Window washer fluid reservoir..................8-14
Battery..........................................8-15
Jump starting.................................8-16
Drive belt........................................8-17
Spark plugs......................................8-18Replacing spark plugs . ........................8-18
Air cleaner.......................................8-19
In-cabin microfilter.............................8-19
Windshield wiper blades..........................8-20
Cleaning.....................................8-20
Replacing....................................8-20
Brakes..........................................8-21
Fuses...........................................8-22
Engine compartment...........................8-22
Passenger compartment . . .....................8-24
Battery replacement..............................8-25
Keyfob.......................................8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key™.......................8-27
Lights...........................................8-28
Headlights....................................8-28
Exterior and interior lights . . .....................8-29
Wheels and tires.................................8-31
Tire pressure..................................8-31
Tire labeling...................................8-35
Types of tires..................................8-37
Tire chains....................................8-38
Changing wheels and tires.....................8-38
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
●Park the vehicle on a level surface, ap-
ply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the vehicle
from moving. For manual transmission
models, move the shift selector to N
(Neutral) . For CVT models, move the
shift selector to P (Park) .
●Be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing any
parts replacement or repairs.
●If you must work with the engine run-
ning, keep your hands, clothing, hair
and tools away from moving fans, belts
and any other moving parts.
●It is advisable to secure or remove any
loose clothing and remove any jewelry,
such as rings, watches, etc. before
working on your vehicle.
●Always wear eye protection whenever
you work on your vehicle.●If you must run the engine in an en-
closed space such as a garage, be sure
there is proper ventilation for exhaust
gases to escape.
●Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is neces-
sary to work under the vehicle, support
it with safety stands.
●Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
●On gasoline engine models, the fuel
filter or fuel lines should be serviced by
a NISSAN dealer because the fuel lines
are under high pressure even when the
engine is off.
CAUTION
●Do not work under the hood while the
engine is hot. Turn the engine off and
wait until it cools down.
●Avoid contact with used engine oil and
coolant. Improperly disposed engine
oil, engine coolant and/or other vehicle
fluids can damage the environment. Al-
ways conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.●Never leave the engine or the CVT re-
lated component harness connector
disconnected while the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
●Never connect or disconnect the battery
or any transistorized component while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
●Your vehicle is equipped with an auto-
matic engine cooling fan. It may come
on at any time without warning, even if
the ignition key is in the OFF position
and the engine is not running. To avoid
injury, always disconnect the negative
battery cable before working near the
fan.
This “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN service manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
der information” in the “Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
You should be aware that incomplete or improper
servicing may result in operating difficulties or
excessive emissions, and could affect warranty
coverage.If in doubt about any servicing,
have it done by a NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5
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Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
CAUTION
Be careful not to allow children to swallow
the battery or removed parts.
KEYFOB
Replace the battery in the keyfob as follows:
1Open the lid using a coinA.
2Remove the batteryB.
3Install a new batteryCwith the “+” facing
down.
●Hold the battery by the edges. Holding the
battery across the contact points will seri-
ously deplete the storage capacity.
LDI0484
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-25
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Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks