2013 NISSAN SENTRA power steering

●Do not leave children unattended inside
the vehicle. They could unknowingly ac-
tivate switches or controls. Unattended
children could become involved in seri-
ous accidents.
1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2. Manual transmission models:
Place the shift selector in the R (Reverse)
position. When parking on an uphill grade,
place the shift selector in 1st gear.
Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT) models:
Move the shift selector to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic when parked on an incline, it is a good
practice to turn the wheels as illustrated.
● HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.
● HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb. ●
HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the cen-
ter of the road if it moves.
4. Place the ignition switch in the LOCK posi- tion and remove the key.
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.
The power steering system is designed to pro-
vide power assist while driving to operate the
steering wheel with light force.
When the steering wheel is operated repeatedly
or continuously while parking or driving at a very
low speed, the power assist for the steering
wheel will be reduced. This is to prevent over-
heating of the power steering system and protect
it from getting damaged. While the power assist
is reduced, steering wheel operation will become
heavy. When the temperature of the power steer-
ing system goes down, the power assist level will
return to normal. Avoid repeating such steering
wheel operations that could cause the power
steering system to overheat.
POWER STEERING
Starting and driving5-29

You may hear a sound when the steering wheel is
operated quickly. However, this is not a malfunc-
tion.
If the electric power steering warning lightPS
illuminates while the engine is running, it may
indicate the power steering system is not func-
tioning properly and may need servicing. Have
the power steering system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
When the electric power steering warning light
illuminates 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
steering effort is required to operate the steering
wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low
speeds.
For additional information see “Power steering
warning light” in the “Instruments and controls”
section. The brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at 2 wheels.
BRAKE PRECAUTIONS
Vacuum assisted brakes
The brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and stopping dis-
tance will be longer.
Using the brakes
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will overheat the brakes, wear out the
brake pads faster, and reduce gas mileage.
To help reduce brake wear and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
●
While driving on a slippery surface, be
careful when braking, accelerating or
downshifting. Abrupt braking or accel-
erating could cause the wheels to skid
and result in an accident.
● If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the brakes will not work. Braking will be
harder.
Wet brakes
When the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe
speed while lightly pressing the brake pedal to
heat up the brakes. Do this until the brakes return
to normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high
speeds until the brakes function correctly.
Parking brake break-in
Break-in the parking brake shoes whenever the
effect of the parking brake is weakened or when-
ever the parking brake shoes and/or drum/rotors
are replaced, in order to assure the best brake
performance.
BRAKE SYSTEM
5-30Starting and driving

3. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen forsteam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or cool-
ant is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not
open the hood further until no steam or
coolant can be seen.
4. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the en-
gine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
5. Visually check drive belts for damage or looseness. Also check if the cooling fan is
running. The radiator hoses and radiator
should not leak water. If coolant is leaking,
the water pump belt is missing or loose, or
the cooling fan does not run, stop the en-
gine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or the
engine cooling fan. The engine cooling
fan can start at any time. 6. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the engine coolant reservoir with
the engine running. Add coolant to the en-
gine coolant reservoir if necessary. Have
your vehicle repaired at a NISSAN dealer. When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must be
followed. Incorrect towing equipment could dam-
age your vehicle. Towing instructions are avail-
able from a NISSAN dealer. Local service opera-
tors are generally familiar with the applicable laws
and procedures for towing. To assure proper
towing and to prevent accidental damage to your
vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a service
operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable to have
the service operator carefully read the following
precautions:
WARNING
●
Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.
● Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION
● When towing, make sure that the trans-
mission, axles, steering system and
powertrain are in working condition. If
any of these conditions apply, dollies or
a flatbed tow truck must be used.
● Always attach safety chains before
towing.
TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
In case of emergency6-11

and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheelCheck for changes in the steer-
ing system, such as excessive freeplay, hard
steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes Make sure all
warning lights and chimes are operating properly.
Windshield wiper and washer* Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and in
sufficient quantity when operating the heater or
air conditioner (if so equipped) .
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel) .
Battery* Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines. Ve-
hicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level. NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery discharge
and potential no-start conditions such as:
1. Installation or extended use of electronic
accessories that consume battery power
when the engine is not running (Phone
chargers, GPS, DVD players, etc.) 2. Vehicle
is not driven regularly and/or only driven
short distances. In these cases, the battery
may need to be charged to maintain battery
health.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*
Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid level is between the
MIN and MAX lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level* Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts* Make sure the drive belts
are not frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level* Check the level after parking
the vehicle on a level surface with the engine off.
Wait more than 10 minutes for the oil to drain
back into the oil pan.
Exhaust system Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. See the carbon monoxide warning in the “Starting and
driving” section of this manual.
Fluid leaks
Check under the vehicle for fuel, oil,
water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner (if so equipped) after use is nor-
mal. If you should notice any leaks or if gasoline
fumes are evident, check for the cause and have
it corrected immediately.
Radiator and hoses Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, rot or loose
connections.
Underbody The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances from the
underbody, otherwise rust may form on the floor
pan, frame, fuel lines and exhaust system. At the
end of winter, the underbody should be thor-
oughly flushed with plain water, in those areas
where mud and dirt may have accumulated. See
the “Appearance and care” section of this
manual.
Windshield-washer fluid* Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
8-4Maintenance and do-it-yourself

10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........5-31
Air bag (See supplemental restraint
system) .....................1-34
Air bag system Front (See supplemental front impact
air bag system) ...............1-41
Side and curtain (See supplemental
side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag system) ...............1-47
Airbagwarninglabels.............1-49
Airbagwarninglight...........1-49,2-17
Air cleaner housing filter ............8-17
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ..........4-18
Air conditioner service ...........4-26
Air conditioner specification label .....9-11
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
oil recommendations .............9-6
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-15,4-24
Servicing air conditioner ..........4-26
Airflowcharts..................4-19
Alarm system
(See vehicle security system) .........2-21
Anchor point locations .............1-20
Antenna.....................4-65
Anti-lock brake warning light ..........2-13
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........5-31
Armrests .....................1-4
Audible reminders ...............2-20 Audio system
..................4-26
Bluetooth®audio..............4-60
Compact disc (CD) player . .4-37, 4-42, 4-48
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD)
player ....................4-35
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..............4-40,4-45
Audio System iPod®Player.............4-54,4-57
Audio system Radio ....................4-26
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-64
USB interface ............4-51,4-53
Autolight switch .................2-25
Automatic Automatic power window switch .....2-39
Transmission shift selector lock release . .5-18
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .......3-31
Automatic door locks ..............3-6
AUXjack..............4-38,4-43,4-50
B
Battery ......................8-13
Chargewarninglight............2-14
Before starting the engine ...........5-14
Belt (See drive belt) ..............8-16
Block heater Engine ....................5-35
Bluetooth®audio................4-60 Bluetooth® hands-free phone
system
..................4-66,4-81
Boosterseats..................1-30
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ......5-31
Brakefluid..................8-12
Brakelight(Seestoplight).........8-28
Brake system ................5-30
Brake warning light .............2-13
Brake wear indicators ........2-20,8-20
Parking brake operation ..........5-21
Self-adjusting brakes ............8-20
Brakes ......................8-20
Break-inschedule ...............5-26
Brightness/contrast button ...........4-9
Brightness control Instrument panel ..............2-27
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-13
Bulbreplacement................8-28
C
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants ...................9-2
Cargonet....................2-37
Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . . .9-12
CarphoneorCBradio.............4-66
CDcareandcleaning .............4-63
CD player (See audio system) . .4-37, 4-42, 4-48
Child restraints .......1-15,1-15,1-16,1-18
Precautions on child
restraints ........1-16,1-22,1-27,1-30

Phone, Bluetooth® hands-free
system...................4-66,4-81
PowerPower door locks ...............3-5
Power outlet .................2-30
Power rear windows .............2-39
Power steering system ...........5-29
Power windows ...............2-37
Rear power windows ............2-39
Precautions Maintenanceprecautions...........8-5
Precautions on child
restraints .........1-16,1-22,1-27,1-30
Precautionsonseatbeltusage........1-8
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-34
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Programmable features ..............4-5
Push starting ...................6-10
R
Radio Car phone or CB radio ...........4-66
FM-AM radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..................4-35
FM/AM/SAT radio with compact disc
(CD) player ..............4-40,4-45
Steering wheel audio control switch ....4-64
Readiness for inspection maintenance
(I/M) test .....................9-19
Rear power windows ..............2-39
Rearseat......................1-4
RearViewMonitor.................4-9
Rear window defroster switch .........2-24Recorders
Eventdata..................9-19
Refrigerant recommendation ...........9-6
Registering your vehicle in another country . . .9-9
Reporting safety defects (US only) .......9-18
S
Safety Child safety rear door lock ..........3-6
Child seat belts .....1-16,1-22,1-27,1-30
Reporting safety defects (US only) .....9-18
Seat adjustment Frontmanualseatadjustment ........1-2
Rear seat adjustment .............1-4
Seatback pockets ................2-32
Seat belt Childsafety..................1-15
Infants and small children ..........1-15
Injured Person ................1-11
Largerchildren................1-16
Precautions on seat belt usage ........1-8
Pregnant women ...............1-11
Seatbeltextenders .............1-14
Seatbeltmaintenance............1-14
Seatbelts ...................1-8
Shoulder belt height adjustment ......1-14
Three-point type with retractor .......1-11
Seat belt warning light ..............2-17
Seats Adjustment ...................1-2
Frontseats...................1-2
Heatedseats.................2-29
Manual front seat adjustment .........1-2
Rearseat....................1-4 Security indicator light
..............2-19
Security system (NISSAN vehicle immobilizer
system) , engine start .....2-22,3-4,5-10,5-14
Self-adjusting brakes ..............8-20
Service manual order form ...........9-20
Servicing air conditioner .............4-26
Setting button ...................4-5
Shifting Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT).....................5-17
Manual transmission .............5-20
Shiftlockrelease.................5-18
Shoulder belt height adjustment ........1-14
Side air bag system (See supplemental
side air bag and curtain side-impact air
bag system) ...................1-47
Spark plug replacement .............8-16
Speedometer ...................

2-3
Spotlights(Seemaplight) ...........2-43
SRSwarninglabel................1-49
Starting Before starting the engine ..........5-14
Jump starting .................6-8
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Push starting .................6-10
Starting the engine ..........5-14,5-15
Steering Power steering system ...........5-29
Steering wheel audio control switch ......4-64
Stoplight.....................8-28
Storage......................2-31
Storage tray ...................2-32
Sunglasses case .................2-33
Sunglasses holder ................2-33
Sunroof (see Moonroof) .............2-40
Sun visors ....................3-29
10-5