2009 NISSAN SENTRA oil filter

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
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


CHANGING ENGINE OIL
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, then turn it off.
3. Remove the oil filler cap
Aby turning it
counterclockwise.4. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
B.
5. Remove the drain plug
Bwith a wrench by
turning it counterclockwise and completely
drain the oil.
If the oil filter is to be changed, remove and
replace it at this time. See “Changing engine
oil filter” later in this section.
●Waste oil must be disposed of prop-
erly.
●Check your local regulations.
WARNING
●Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin cancer.
●Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
●Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.MR20DE engine
AOil filler cap
BOil drain plug
COil filter
WDI0521
QR25DE engine
AOil filler cap
BOil drain plug
COil filter
WDI0597
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
6. Clean and reinstall the drain plug and a new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with
a wrench. Do not use excessive force.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 - 29 ft-lb (29 - 39 N·m)
7. Refill engine with recommended oil through
the oil filler opening, then install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and con-
sumer information” section of this manual for
drain and refill capacity.
The drain and refill capacity depends on the
oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine when the proper
amount of oil is in the engine.
8. Start the engine. Check for leakage around
the drain plug and oil filter. Correct as re-
quired.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL FILTER
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Place a large drain pan under the oil filter
C.
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench
by turning it counterclockwise. Then remove
the oil filter by turning it by hand.
MR20DE engine
AOil filler cap
BOil drain plug
COil filter
WDI0521
QR25DE engine
AOil filler cap
BOil drain plug
COil filter
WDI0597
8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The engine
oil may be hot.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with
a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket material
remaining on the sealing surface of the
engine. Failure to do so could lead to
engine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
7. Screw on the oil filter until a slight resistance
is felt, then tighten an additional 2/3 turn.
8. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
9. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level. Add engine oil if
necessary.
CAUTION
●Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid
NS-2-V. Do not mix with other fluids.
●Using transmission fluid other than
Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2-V will
damage the CVT, which is not covered
by the NISSAN new vehicle limited
warranty.
When checking or replacement of CVT Fluid is
required, we recommend your NISSAN dealer for
servicing.For further brake and clutch fluid specification
information, refer to “Capacities and recom-
mended fuel/lubricants” in the “Technical and
consumer information” section of this manual.
WARNING
●Use only new fluid from a sealed con-
tainer. Old, inferior or contaminated
fluid may damage the brake and clutch
systems. The use of improper fluids can
damage the brake system and affect
the vehicle’s stopping ability.
●Clean the filler cap before removing.
●Brake and clutch fluid is poisonous and
should be stored carefully in marked
containers out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid is
spilled, immediately wash the surface
with water.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUIDBRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants.........9-2
Fuel recommendation . . .........................9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendations..........9-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil
recommendations..............................9-7
Specifications . . ...................................9-8
Engine........................................9-8
Wheels and tires...............................9-9
Dimensions and weights.......................9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country..................................9-11
Vehicle identification..............................9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate.........9-11
Vehicle identification number
(chassis number)..............................9-11
Engine serial number...........................9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label..........9-12
Emission control information label...............9-13
Tire and loading information label................9-13Air conditioner specification label................9-13
Installing front license plate........................9-14
Vehicle loading information........................9-14
Terms........................................9-14
Vehicle load capacity..........................9-15
Loading tips..................................9-17
Measurement of weights.......................9-17
Towing a trailer...................................9-18
Maximum load limits...........................9-18
Towing load/specification. . .....................9-21
Towing safety.................................9-21
Flat towing....................................9-25
Uniform tire quality grading........................9-26
Emission control system warranty..................9-27
Reporting safety defects (US only).................9-27
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test.....9-28
Event Data Recorders (EDR).......................9-29
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-29
In the event of a collision.......................9-30
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be slightly different. When refilling, follow the procedure
described in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 14-1/2 gal 12-1/8 gal 55.0 See “Fuel recommendation” later in this section.
Engine oil *6
Drain and Refill
With oil filter change MR20DE 4-1/8 3-3/8 qt 3.9
Engine oil with API Certification Mark *1
Viscosity SAE 5W-30 *1 QR25DE 4-1/2 qt 3-1/4 qt 4.3
Without oil filter
changeMR20DE 3-7/8 qt 3-1/8 qt 3.6
QR25DE 4-1/4 qt 3-1/2 qt 4.0
Cooling system
With reservoir
MR20DE 1-7/8 gal 1-1/2 gal 7.0
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
QR25DECVT 2 gal 1-5/8 gal 7.6
MT 2 gal 1-5/8 gal 7.6
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2-V *2
Manual transmission gear oil
MR20DE —— — Genuine NISSAN gear oil (XT4447 M+) 75W-80, Genuine NISSAN gear
oil (ETL8997B) 75W-80 or equivalent *3
QR25DE —— — Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or
API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Brake and clutch fluid Refill to the proper level according to the instructions
in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section *7Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or equivalent DOT 3 *4
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS
9-2Technical and consumer information
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks


Capacity (Approximate) Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
US measure Imp measure Liter
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium Soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a) *5
Air conditioning system oil — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or equivalent *5
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
or equivalent
*1: For further details, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendations.”
*2:Use only Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2-V Using transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-2-V will damage the CVT transmission, which is
not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*3: If Genuine NISSAN gear oil is not available, API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-80 may be used as a temporary replacement. However, use Genuine NISSAN gearoil as soon as it is
available.
*4: Available in mainland USA through your NISSAN dealer.
*5: For further details, see “Air conditioner system refrigerant and oil recommendations.”
*6: For further details, see “Engine Oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
*7: See your NISSAN dealer for service.
Technical and consumer information9-3
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks