Warning
lightName Page
or
Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warn-
ing light (if so
equipped)2-9
or
Brake warning light 2-9
Charge warning light 2-10
Door open warning
light2-10
Electric power
steering warning
light2-10
Engine oil pressure
warning light2-10
Low fuel warning
light2-10
Warning
lightName Page
Low tire pressure
warning light (if so
equipped)2-11
Low windshield
washer fluid warning
light (if so equipped)2-12
NISSAN Intelligent
Key™ warning light
(if so equipped)3-3
P position selecting
warning light (CVT
models) (if so
equipped)2-12
Seat belt warning
light and chime2-12
Supplemental air
bag warning light2-13
Indicator
lightName Page
Continuously Vari-
able Transmission
(CVT) position indi-
cator light (CVT
models)2-13
Cruise main switch
indicator light (if so
equipped)2-13
Cruise set switch
indicator light (if so
equipped)2-13
or
Front passenger air
bag status light2-13
High beam indicator
light (blue)2-13
Malfunction Indica-
tor Light (MIL)2-14
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
Illustrated table of contents0-9
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
NOTE:
The ignition switch must be placed in the
ON position for the gauge to give a reading.
The gauge indicates the engine coolant tempera-
ture. The engine coolant temperature is within the
normal range when the reading is within the zone
1shown in the illustration.
The engine coolant temperature varies with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates a coolant tempera-
ture near the hot (H) end of the normal
range, reduce vehicle speed to decrease
the temperature. If the gauge is over the
normal range, stop the vehicle as soon as
safely possible. If the engine is over-
heated, continued operation of the ve-
hicle may seriously damage the engine.
See “If your vehicle overheats” in the “In
case of emergency” section for immediate
action required
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE (if
so equipped)
The gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running.
When the engine speed is high, the engine oil
pressure is also high. When the engine speed is
low, the gauge indicates lower oil pressure.
Engine oil pressure also changes based on en-
gine temperature. The oil pressure will be higher
when the engine is cold and lower when the
engine is warm.
LIC1020LIC1114
2-6Instruments and controls
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
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
The air conditioner system in your NISSAN ve-
hicle is charged with a refrigerant designed with
the environment in mind.
This refrigerant does not harm the earth’s
ozone layer.
Special charging equipment and lubricant is re-
quired when servicing your NISSAN air condi-
tioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubricants
will cause severe damage to your air conditioner
system. See “Air conditioner system refrigerant
and oil recommendations” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
A NISSAN dealer is able to service your “environ-
mentally friendly” air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equipment.
RADIO
Place the ignition switch in the ACC or ON
position and press the POWER/VOLUME con-
trol knob to turn the radio on. If you listen to the
radio with the engine not running, the ignition
switch should be placed in the ACC position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains and other external influ-
ences. Intermittent changes in reception quality
normally are caused by these external influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the ve-
hicle may influence radio reception quality.
Radio reception
Your NISSAN radio system is equipped with
state-of-the-art electronic circuits to enhance ra-
dio reception. These circuits are designed to
extend reception range, and to enhance the qual-
ity of that reception.
However, there are some general characteristics
of both FM and AM radio signals that can affect
radio reception quality in a moving vehicle, even
when the finest equipment is used. These char-
acteristics are completely normal in a given re-
ception area and do not indicate any malfunction
in your NISSAN radio system.Reception conditions will constantly change be-
cause of vehicle movement. Buildings, terrain,
signal distance and interference from other ve-
hicles can work against ideal reception. De-
scribed below are some of the factors that can
affect your radio reception.
Some cellular phones or other devices may
cause interference or a buzzing noise to come
from the audio system speakers. Storing the de-
vice in a different location may reduce or elimi-
nate the noise.
FM RADIO RECEPTION
Range: FM range is normally limited to 25 – 30 mi
(40 – 48 km) , with monaural (single channel) FM
having slightly more range than stereo FM. Exter-
nal influences may sometimes interfere with FM
station reception even if the FM station is within
25 mi (40 km) . The strength of the FM signal is
directly related to the distance between the
transmitter and receiver. FM signals follow a line-
of-sight path, exhibiting many of the same char-
acteristics as light. For example, they will reflect
off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away from
a station transmitter, the signals will tend to fade
and/or drift.
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER AUDIO SYSTEM
4-16Display screen, heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire
touches the ground. Then, with the wheel
nut wrench, tighten the wheel nuts securely
in the sequence illustrated (
A,B,C,D).
Lower the vehicle completely.
WARNING
●Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
●Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the nuts
to become loose.
●Retighten the wheel nuts when the ve-
hicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.) .
As soon as possible, tighten the wheel nuts
to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.
Wheel nut tightening torque:
83 ft-lb (113 N·m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
specification at each lubrication interval.Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.
COLD pressure: After vehicle has been
parked for three hours or more or driven
less than 1 mile (1.6 km) .
COLD tire pressures are shown on the Tire
and Loading Information Label.
5. Securely store the flat tire in the vehicle.
6. Install the jack in its storage area and tighten
the jack screw clockwise.
7. Place the spare tire cover and the trunk floor
carpeting over the damaged tire.
8. Close the trunk.
LCE0136
In case of emergency6-7
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
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System......................1-22
License plate
Installing the license plate.........9-14
Light
Airbagwarninglight.........1-55,2-13
Brake light (See stop light).........8-29
Bulb check/instrument panel........2-9
Bulb replacement..............8-29
Chargewarninglight............2-10
Foglightswitch...............2-22
Headlight and turn signal switch......2-20
Headlightcontrolswitch..........2-20
Headlights..................8-28
Interiorlight.................2-37
Lightbulbs..................8-28
Low tire pressure warning light......2-11
Lowwasherfluidwarninglight.......2-12
Passenger air bag and status light.....1-49
Security indicator light...........2-14
Spotlights(Seemaplight).........2-38
Trunklight..................2-39
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders...................2-8
Lights
Maplights..................2-38
Lock
Child safety rear door lock..........3-6
Door locks..................3-4
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever......3-24
Gloveboxlock ...............2-28
Power door locks...............3-5
Trunk lid lock opener lever.........3-23
Lowfuelwarninglight .............2-10
Low tire pressure warning light........2-11
Low washer fluid warning light.........2-12Luggage
(See vehicle loading information).......9-14
M
Maintenance
General maintenance............8-2
Insidethevehicle...............8-3
Maintenance precautions..........8-5
Outside the vehicle..............8-2
Seat belt maintenance...........1-19
Under the hood and vehicle.........8-4
Malfunction indicator light...........2-14
Manual front seat adjustment..........1-2
Manual windows................2-35
Maplights....................2-38
Map pocket...................2-25
Metersandgauges................2-3
Instrumentbrightnesscontrol.......2-21
Mirror
Inside mirror.................3-27
Outside mirror control...........3-27
Vanity mirror.................3-26
Moonroof....................2-35
N
NISSAN Intelligent Key™.........3-3,3-10
NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system................2-17,3-2,5-10O
Octane rating (See fuel octane rating).....9-5
Odometer.....................2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changingengineoil ............8-11
Changing engine oil filter..........8-12
Checking engine oil level..........8-9
Engine oil...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter
recommendation...............9-6
Engine oil viscosity..............9-6
Outside mirror control.............3-27
Overheat
If your vehicle overheats
..........6-10
Owner’s manual order form..........9-29
Owner’s manual/service manual order
information....................9-29
P
Parking
Parking brake operation..........5-19
Parking/parking on hills...........5-22
Phone, Bluetoothhands-free system....4-39
Power
Power door locks...............3-5
Power outlet.................2-24
Power rear windows............2-33
Power steering system...........5-23
Power windows...............2-32
Rear power windows............2-33
10-4
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks