1. Rear seat (P. 1-3)
2. Moonroof (if so equipped) (P. 2-35)
3. Interior lights, illuminated entry,
moonroof switch (if so equipped)
(P. 2-37, P. 2-20, P. 2-35)
4. Sun visors (P. 3-26)
5. Rearview mirror (P. 3-27)
6. Glove box (P. 2-28)
7. Cup holders (P. 2-27)
8. Parking brake, parking on hills
(P. 5-19, P. 5-22)
9. Front seat (P. 1-2)
10. Front console (P. 2-29)
11. Rear armrest, cup holders
(if so equipped) (P. 1-7, P 2-27)
See the page number indicated in paren-
theses for operating details.
LII0091
PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
Illustrated table of contents0-5
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
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
Push the lever up4to have one sweep opera-
tion (MIST) of the wiper.
Pull the lever toward you
5to operate the
washer. The wiper will also operate several times.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer solu-
tion may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to an
accident. Warm the windshield with the
defroster before you wash the windshield.
CAUTION
●Do not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
●Do not operate the washer if the reser-
voir tank is empty.
●Do not fill the window washer reservoir
tank with washer fluid concentrates at
full strength. Some methyl alcohol
based washer fluid concentrates may
permanently stain the grille if spilled
while filling the window washer reser-
voir tank.●Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the window washer reservoir tank.
Do not use the window washer reservoir
tank to mix the washer fluid concen-
trate and water.
To defrost the rear window glass and outside
mirrors (if so equipped) , start the engine and
push the rear window defroster switch on. The
rear window defroster indicator light on the
switch comes on. Push the switch again to turn
the defroster off.
The rear window defroster automatically turns off
after approximately 15 minutes.
CAUTION
When cleaning the inner side of the rear
window, be careful not to scratch or dam-
age the rear window defroster.
LIC0720
REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE
MIRROR (if so equipped)
DEFROSTER SWITCH
Instruments and controls2-19
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Keys .............................................3-2
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System keys.........3-2
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped).........3-3
Doors............................................3-4
Locking with key................................3-4
Locking with inside lock knob . ...................3-5
Locking with power door lock switch.............3-5
Automatic door locks . . .........................3-5
Child safety rear door lock.......................3-6
Remote keyless entry system (models without
NISSAN Intelligent Key™) (if so equipped)............3-6
How to use remote keyless entry system..........3-7
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ (if so equipped)...........3-10
Operating range...............................3-12
Door locks/unlocks precaution..................3-13
NISSAN Intelligent Key™ Operation..............3-13
How to use the remote keyless entry
function......................................3-16Warning lights and audible reminders............3-19
Warning signals...............................3-20
Troubleshooting guide.........................3-21
Hood...........................................3-22
Trunk lid.........................................3-22
Trunk lid release...............................3-23
Key operation (if so equipped)..................3-23
Interior trunk lid release........................3-23
Fuel-filler door...................................3-24
Opener operation..............................3-24
Fuel-filler cap.................................3-24
Steering wheel...................................3-26
Tilt operation..................................3-26
Sun visors.......................................3-26
Vanity mirrors (if so equipped)...................3-26
Mirrors..........................................3-27
Rearview mirror...............................3-27
Outside mirrors...............................3-27
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks
REARVIEW MIRROR
The night position1reduces glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
Use the day position
2when driving in daylight
hours.
WARNING
Use the night position only when neces-
sary, because it reduces rear view clarity.
OUTSIDE MIRRORS
WARNING
Objects viewed in the outside mirror on
the passenger side are closer than they
appear. Be careful when moving to the
right. Using only this mirror could cause
an accident. Use the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder to properly
judge distances to other objects.
Electric control type (if so equipped)
The outside mirror remote control only operates
when the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.
Rotate the control lever to select the right or left
mirror. Adjust the mirror to the desired position by
moving the control lever.
WPD0126WPD0274
MIRRORS
Pre-driving checks and adjustments3-27
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
Manual control type (if so equipped)
The outside mirror can be moved in any direction
for a better rear view.
Heated mirrors (Canada only)
Some outside mirrors can be heated to defrost,
defog, or de-ice for improved visibility. Press the
rear window defroster switch to activate the heat-
ing function. Press the switch again to deactivate,
or the heating function will automatically turn off
after approximately 15 minutes.
LPD0029
3-28Pre-driving checks and adjustments
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
Air recirculation button
NOTE:
The air recirculation feature is available
only on those vehicles equipped with air
conditioning.
On position (Indicator light on):
Interior air is recirculated inside the vehicle.
Press the
button to the on position when:
●driving on a dusty road.
●to prevent traffic fumes from entering pas-
senger compartment.
●for maximum cooling when using the air con-
ditioner.
When the
button is pressed, the air con-
ditioner automatically turns on and the indicator
illuminates. When the
button is pressed
again, the air recirculation mode turns off, but the
air conditioner remains on.
Off position (Indicator light off):
Outside air is drawn into the passenger compart-
ment and distributed through the selected outlet.
Use the off position for normal heater or air con-
ditioner operation.
Air conditioner button (if so
equipped)
The button is provided only on vehicles equipped
with an air conditioner.
Start the engine, turn the fan control dial to the
desired position and push the
button to
turn on the air conditioner. The indicator light
comes on when the air conditioner is operating.
To turn off the air conditioner, push the
button again.
The air conditioner cooling function oper-
ates only when the engine is running.
Rear window defroster switch
For more information about the rear window de-
froster switch, see “Rear window and outside
mirror (if so equipped) defroster switch” in the
“Instruments and controls” section of this manual.
HEATER OPERATION
Heating
This mode is used to direct heated air to the foot
outlets. Some air also flows from the defrost
outlets and outboard vents.
1. Push the
button to the off position for
normal heating.2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position between the middle and the
hot position.
Ventilation
This mode directs outside air to the side and
center ventilators.
1. Push the
button to the off position.
2. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
3. Turn the fan control dial to the desired posi-
tion.
4. Turn the temperature control dial to the de-
sired position.
Defrosting or defogging
This mode directs the air to the defrost outlets
and outboard vents to defrost/defog the win-
dows.
1. Turn the air flow control dial to the
position.
4-10Display screen, heater, air conditioner, audio and phone systems
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/23/08—debbie
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system di-
rectly to the vehicle brake system.
When towing a trailer load of 3,500 lbs.
(1587 kg) or more, trailers with a brake
system MUST be used. However, most
states require a separate braking system
on trailers with a loaded weight above a
specific amount. Make sure the trailer
meets the local regulations and the regu-
lations where you plan to tow.
Several types of braking systems are
available.
Surge Brakes - The surge brake actuator
is mounted on the trailer tongue with a
hydraulic line running to each trailer
wheel. Surge brakes are activated by the
trailer pushing against the hitch ball when
the tow vehicle is braking. Hydraulic surge
brakes are common on rental trailers and
some boat trailers. In this type of system,
there is no hydraulic or electric connec-
tion for brake operation between the tow
vehicle and the trailer.Electric Trailer Brakes - Electric braking
systems are activated by an electronic sig-
nal sent from a trailer brake controller
(special brake-sensing module) . If electric
trailer brakes are used, seeElectric trailer
brake controllerin this section.
Have a professional supplier of towing
equipment make sure the trailer brakes
are properly installed and demonstrate
proper brake function testing.
Pre-towing tips
●Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down
condition; check for improper tongue load,
overload, worn suspension or other possible
causes of either condition.
●Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
●Keep the cargo load as low as possible in
the trailer to keep the trailer center of gravity
low.
●Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half. Also make sure the load is
balanced side to side.●Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, ve-
hicle tire pressure, trailer light operation, and
trailer wheel lug nuts every time you attach a
trailer to the vehicle.
●Be certain your rearview mirrors conform to
all federal, state or local regulations. If not,
install any mirrors required for towing before
driving the vehicle.
●Determine the overall height of the vehicle
and trailer so the required clearance is
known.Trailer towing tips
In order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability and braking perfor-
mance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
●Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
●Lock the trailer hitch coupler with a pin or
lock to prevent the coupler from inadvert-
ently becoming unlatched.
●Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
●Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
Technical and consumer information9-23
REVIEW COPY—2009 Sentra(sen)
Owners Manual—USA_English(nna)
10/27/08—tbrooks