2013 NISSAN SENTRA maintenance

Welcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles (kilome-
ters) of driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
explains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle. The “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide” explains details
about maintaining and servicing your ve-
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
law.
Your NISSAN dealership knows your vehicle
best. When you require any service or have any
questions, they will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to them.
In addition to factory installed options, your ve-
hicle may also be equipped with additional ac-
cessories installed by NISSAN or by your
NISSAN dealer prior to delivery. It is important
that you familiarize yourself with all disclosures,warnings, cautions and instructions concerning
proper use of such accessories prior to operating
the vehicle and/or accessory. See a NISSAN
dealer for details concerning the particular ac-
cessories with which your vehicle is equipped.
Before driving your vehicle, please read this
Owner’s Manual carefully. This will ensure famil-
iarity with controls and maintenance require-
ments, assisting you in the safe operation of your
vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION RE-
MINDERS FOR SAFETY!
Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
●
NEVER drive under the influence of al-
cohol or drugs.
● ALWAYS observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for conditions.
●
ALWAYS give your full attention to driving
and avoid using vehicle features or taking
other actions that could distract you.
●ALWAYS use your seat belts and appro-
priate child restraint systems. Preteen
children should be seated in the rear seat.
● ALWAYS provide information about the
proper use of vehicle safety features to
all occupants of the vehicle.
● ALWAYS review this Owner’s Manual
for important safety information.
FOREWORD READ FIRST—THEN DRIVE SAFELY

Table of
ContentsIllustrated table of contents
Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
Instruments and controls
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Monitor, climate, audio, phone and voice recognition systems
Starting and driving
In case of emergency
Appearance and care
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Technical and consumer information
Index
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

1 Safety—Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system
Seats ............................................1-2
Front manual seat adjustment ....................1-2
Folding rear seat ...............................1-4
Head restraints .................................1-5
Seat belts ........................................1-8
Precautions on seat belt usage ...................1-8
Pregnant women .............................. 1-11
Injured persons ................................ 1-11
Three-point type seat belt with retractor ..........1-11
Seat belt extenders ............................ 1-14
Seat belt maintenance ......................... 1-14
Child safety ...................................... 1-15
Infants ........................................ 1-15
Small children ................................. 1-16
Larger children ................................ 1-16
Child restraints ................................... 1-16
Precautions on child restraints ..................1-16LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System
............................. 1-18
Rear-facing child restraint installation using
LATCH....................................... 1-20
Rear-facing child restraint installation using
the seat belts . . ............................... 1-22
Forward-facing child restraint installation
using LATCH. . . ............................... 1-25
Forward-facing child restraint installation
using the seat belts ............................ 1-27
Installing top tether strap .......................1-30
Booster seats ................................. 1-30
Supplemental restraint system .....................1-34
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................................... 1-34
Supplemental air bag warning labels .............1-49
Supplemental air bag warning light ..............1-49

Shoulder belt height adjustment (front
seats)
The shoulder belt anchor height should be ad-
justed to the position best for you. See “Precau-
tions on seat belt usage” earlier in this section. To
adjust, pull out the adjustment button
1and
move the shoulder belt anchor to the desired
position
2, so the belt passes over the center of
the shoulder. The belt should be away from your
face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.
Release the adjustment button to lock the shoul-
der belt anchor into position.
WARNING
● After adjustment, release the adjust-
ment button and try to move the shoul-
der belt anchor up and down to make
sure it is securely fixed in position.
● The shoulder belt anchor height should
be adjusted to the position best for you.
Failure to do so may reduce the effec-
tiveness of the entire restraint system
and increase the chance or severity of
injury in an accident.
SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If, because of body size or driving position, it is
not possible to properly fit the lap/shoulder belt
and fasten it, an extender that is compatible with
the installed seat belts is available that can be
purchased. The extender adds approximately 8 in
(200 mm) of length and may be used for either
the driver or front passenger seating position.
See a NISSAN dealer for assistance with pur-
chasing an extender if an extender is required.
WARNING
● Only NISSAN seat belt extenders, made
by the same company which made the
original equipment seat belts, should
be used with NISSAN seat belts. ●
Adults and children who can use the
standard seat belt should not use an
extender. Such unnecessary use could
result in serious personal injury in the
event of an accident.
● Never use seat belt extenders to install
child restraints. If the child restraint is
not secured properly, the child could be
seriously injured in a collision or a sud-
den stop.
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
●To clean the seat belt webbing, apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpet.
Then wipe with a cloth and allow the seat belts
to dry in the shade. Do not allow the seat belts
to retract until they are completely dry.
● If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt
guide of the seat belt anchors, the seat
belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder
belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
● Periodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal components, such as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires
and anchors, work properly. If loose parts,
deterioration, cuts or other damage on the
webbing is found, the entire seat belt as-
sembly should be replaced.
LRS0242
1-14Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

If any of the following conditions occur, the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag and preten-
sioner systems need servicing:● The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
● The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
● The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the front air bag, side air
bag, curtain air bag or pretensioner systems may
not operate properly. They must be checked and
repaired. Take your vehicle to the nearest
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning light
is on, it could mean that the front air bag,
side air bag, curtain air bag and/or preten-
sioner systems will not operate in an ac-
cident. To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have your vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
Repair and replacement procedure
The front air bags, side air bags, curtain air bags
and pretensioners are designed to inflate on a
one-time-only basis. As a reminder, unless it is
damaged, the supplemental air bag warning light
remains illuminated after inflation has occurred.
Repair and replacement of these supplemental
air bag systems should be done only by a
NISSAN dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the ve-
hicle, the front air bags, side air bags, curtain air
bags, pretensioners and related parts should be
pointed out to the person performing the mainte-
nance. The ignition switch should always be
placed in the LOCK position when working under
the hood or inside the vehicle.
WARNING
● Once a front air bag, side air bag, or
curtain air bag has inflated, the air bag
module will not function again and
must be replaced. Additionally, the ac-
tivated pretensioner must also be re-
placed. The air bag module and preten-
sioner should be replaced by a NISSAN
dealer. The air bag module and preten-
sioner cannot be repaired. ●
The front air bag, side air bag, curtain
air bag systems and the pretensioner
system should be inspected by a
NISSAN dealer if there is any damage to
the front end or side portion of the
vehicle.
● If you need to dispose of the supple-
mental air bag or pretensioner systems
or scrap the vehicle, contact a NISSAN
dealer. Incorrect disposal procedures
could cause personal injury.
● If there is an impact to your vehicle from
any direction, your Occupant Detection
Sensor (ODS) should be checked by a
NISSAN dealer to verify it is still func-
tioning correctly. The ODS should be
checked even if no air bags deploy as a
result of the impact. Failure to verify
proper ODS function may result in an
improper air bag deployment resulting
in injury or death.
1-50Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

Check tire pressure warning message
(if so equipped)
The CHECK TIRE PRES warning message is
displayed when the low tire pressure warning
light is illuminated and low tire pressure is de-
tected. Check and adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label. The CHECK
TIRE PRES warning message turns off when the
low tire pressure warning light turns off.
The low tire pressure warning light remains illu-
minated until the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure. The CHECK TIRE
PRES warning message is displayed each timethe ignition switch is placed in the ON position as
long as the low tire pressure warning light re-
mains illuminated. For more information see “Low
tire pressure warning light” in the “Instruments
and controls” section, “Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and driving” and
“Wheels and tires” section in the “Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section of this Owner’s
Manual.
TACHOMETER
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revo-
lutions per minute (rpm) . Do not rev engine into
the red zone
1.
CAUTION
When engine speed approaches the red
zone, reduce engine speed. Operating the
engine in the red zone may cause serious
engine damage.
LIC2430LIC2219
Instruments and controls2-5

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate the
ABS is not functioning properly. Have the brake
system checked, and if necessary, repaired by a
NISSAN dealer promptly. Avoid high-speed driv-
ing and abrupt braking. (See “Anti-lock Braking
System (ABS) warning light” in this section.)
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.
Engine oil pressure warninglight
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
immediately and 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 0
(Empty) . There will be a small reserve of fuel
in the tank when the fuel gauge reaches 0
(Empty) .
Low tire pressure warning light
(if so equipped)
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of low
tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is placed in the ON
position, this light illuminates for about 1 second
and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the warning light will illuminate.
A CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning mes-
sage is also displayed in the odometer.
When the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates, you should stop and adjust the
tire pressure of all 4 tires to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label located
in the driver’s door opening. The low tire
pressure warning light does not automati-
cally turn off when the tire pressure is ad-
justed. After the tire is inflated to the rec-
ommended pressure, the vehicle must be
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h)
2-14Instruments and controls

Low windshield-washer fluidwarning light
This light comes on when the windshield-washer
fluid is at a low level. Add windshield-washer fluid
as necessary. See “Windshield-washer fluid” in
the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
NISSAN Intelligent Key® lockwarning light (M/T models) (if
so equipped)
When the ignition switch is left in the OFF posi-
tion instead of completely placing it to the LOCK
position, the Intelligent Key lock warning light
blinks red and the Intelligent Key room buzzer will
sound. The light will keep blinking until the igni-
tion switch is placed in the LOCK or ACC posi-
tion.
If the Intelligent Key lock warning light blinks and
the buzzer sounds, press the PUSH release but-
ton next to ignition knob, then turn the ignition
knob to either the LOCK or ACC position.
See “NISSAN Intelligent Key®” in the “Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section.
NISSAN Intelligent Key®warning light (if so equipped)
The Intelligent Key warning light illuminates green
when the ignition switch can be turned. The
Intelligent Key warning light illuminates red when
the ignition switch cannot be turned.
The Intelligent Key warning light blinks red if the
Intelligent Key is taken outside of the vehicle
while the ignition switch is placed in the ACC or
ON position.
● If the Intelligent Key warning light blinks,
make sure of the location of the Intelligent
Key as soon as possible. The Intelligent Key
should be carried by the driver while operat-
ing the vehicle.
● The Intelligent Key warning light turns off
about 10 seconds after the Intelligent Key is
brought inside the vehicle.
The Intelligent Key warning light blinks green
indicating that the Intelligent Key battery is almost
discharged.
See “NISSAN Intelligent Key®” in the “Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section.
P position selecting warning light (CVT models) (if so
equipped)
The light blinks red and the warning buzzer
sounds if you are outside of the vehicle with the
Intelligent Key and the engine is off, but the shift
selector is not in the P (Park) position.
When the warning light blinks, place the ignition
switch in the ON position, move the shift selector
to the P position, then place the ignition switch in
the LOCK position.
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.
2-16Instruments and controls