Page 13 of 326
MR20DE engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-8)
2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)
3. Brake fluid reservoir/Clutch fluid
reservoir (M/T model) (P. 8-13)
4. Battery (P. 8-15)
5. Air cleaner (P. 8-19)
6. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-22)
7. Radiator cap (P. 8-8)
8. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-9)
9. Drive belt location (P.8-17)
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-14)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WDI0587
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Illustrated table of contents0-7
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
Page 14 of 326
QR25DE engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir (P. 8-8)
2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-9)
3. Brake fluid reservoir/Clutch fluid
reservoir (M/T model) (P. 8-13)
4. Battery (P. 8-15)
5. Air cleaner (P. 8-19)
6. Fuse/fusible link box (P. 8-22)
7. Radiator cap (P. 8-8)
8. Engine oil dipstick (P. 8-9)
9. Drive belt location (P.8-17)
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
(P. 8-14)
*Engine cover removed for clarity.
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
WDI0637
0-8Illustrated table of contents
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
Page 81 of 326
CAUTION
●This gauge is not designed to indicate
low engine oil level. Use the dipstick to
check the oil level. (See “Engine oil” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.)
●If the gauge needle does not move with
the proper amount of engine oil, have
the vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer. Continued vehicle operation in
such a condition could cause serious
damage to the engine.
Instruments and controls2-7
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
Page 84 of 326

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
Page 252 of 326
MR20DE engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir/Clutch fluid
reservoir (M/T model)
4. Battery
5. Air cleaner
6. Fuse/Fusible link box
7. Radiator cap
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Drive belt location
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
WDI0587
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
8-6Maintenance and do-it-yourself
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
Page 253 of 326
QR25DE engine
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Engine oil filler cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir/Clutch fluid
reservoir (M/T model)
4. Battery
5. Air cleaner
6. Fuse/Fusible link box
7. Radiator cap
8. Engine oil dipstick
9. Drive belt location
10. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
* Engine cover removed for clarity.
WDI0637
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-7
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
Page 255 of 326

CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
A NISSAN dealer can change the engine coolant.
The service procedure can be found in the
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
●To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never change the coolant when the en-
gine is hot.
●Never remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escaping
from the radiator.
●Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
●Keep coolant out of the reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-
insert it all the way.
Type B
LDI0589
Type A
WDI0591
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-9
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
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Page 256 of 326
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H (High) and
L (Low) marks
B. This is the normal oper-
ating oil level range. If the oil level is below
the L (Low) mark
A, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended oil through the
opening.Do not overfill
C.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly. Op-
erating the engine with an insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine, and
such damage is not covered by warranty.
Type B
LDI0590LDI0371
8-10Maintenance and do-it-yourself
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks