2016 NISSAN SENTRA coolant level

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. It is recommended
that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this ser-
vice. 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

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 .............................8-7
Checking engine coolant level ...................8-8
Changing engine coolant ........................8-8
Engine oil .........................................8-9
Checking engine oil level ........................8-9
Changing engine oil ........................... 8-10
Changing engine oil filter .......................8-11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) fluid
(if so equipped) .................................. 8-12
Brake and clutch (if so equipped) fluid ..............8-12
Brake fluid .................................... 8-12
Clutch fluid (if so equipped) ....................8-13
Windshield-washer fluid ........................... 8-13
Windshield-washer fluid reservoir ...............8-13
Battery .......................................... 8-14
Jump starting ................................. 8-15
Variable voltage control system .....................8-16
Drive belt ........................................ 8-16
Spark plugs ...................................... 8-17Replacing spark plugs
......................... 8-17
Air cleaner ....................................... 8-18
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .......................... 8-19
Cleaning ..................................... 8-19
Replacing .................................... 8-19
Brakes .......................................... 8-21
Fuses ........................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ........................... 8-22
Passenger compartment .......................8-23
Battery replacement .............................. 8-25
Key fob (if so equipped) ........................ 8-25
NISSAN Intelligent Key® (if so equipped) ........8-27
Lights ........................................... 8-28
Headlights .................................... 8-28
T

urn signal bulb ............................... 8-29
Fog lights (if so equipped) ......................8-29
Exterior and interior lights .......................8-31
Wheels and tires ................................. 8-33
Tire pressure .................................. 8-33
Tire labeling ................................... 8-37
Types of tires .................................. 8-39
Tire chains .................................... 8-40
Changing wheels and tires .....................8-40

Seat beltsCheck that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel Check 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 char-
gers, 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 (if so equipped) lev-
els* 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. It is recommended that you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. For addi-
tional information, refer to the “Exhaust gas (car-
bon monoxide)” in the “Starting and driving” sec-
tion 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 radia-
tor 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. For
additional information, refer to “Underbody” in 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

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 lever to N (Neu-
tral) . For Continuously Variable Trans-
mission (CVT) models, move the shift
lever 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.
● Because the fuel lines on gasoline en-
gine models are under high pressure
even when the engine is off, it is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer
for service of the fuel filter or fuel lines.
●
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.
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 transmis-
sion related component harness con-
nector 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.
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. For additional information, refer to “Owner’s
Manual/Service Manual order 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, it
is recommended that you have it done by a
NISSAN dealer.
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5

CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVEL
Check the coolant levelin the reservoir when
the engine is cold. If the coolant level is below
the MIN level
B, add coolant to the MAX level
A. If the reservoir is empty, check the coolant
level in the radiator when the engine is cold. If
there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the
radiator with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir up to the MAX level
A.
This vehicle contains Genuine NISSAN Long Life
Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) . The life expectancy of
the factory-fill coolant is 105,000 miles
(168,000 km) or 7 years. Mixing any other type of coolant or the use of non-distilled water will re-
duce the life expectancy of the factory-fill coolant.
For additional information, refer to the NISSAN
Service and Maintenance Guide.
If the cooling system frequently requires
coolant, have it checked. It is recom-
mended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for
this service.
For additional information on the location of the
engine coolant reservoir, refer to “Engine com-
partment check locations” in this section.
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 or engine
coolant reservoir 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.
LDI2167
8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself

CLUTCH FLUID (if so equipped)
Check the fluid level in the reservoir. If the level is
below the MIN line
1, or the brake warning light
comes on, add Genuine NISSAN Brake Fluid or
equivalent DOT 3fluid up to the MAX line
2.If
fluid must be added frequently, the system should
be checked. It is recommended that you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service.
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR
Fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir periodi-
cally.
To fill the windshield-washer fluid reservoir, lift
the cap off the reservoir and pour the windshield-
washer fluid into the reservoir opening.
Add a washer solvent to the washer for better
cleaning. In the winter season, add a windshield-
washer antifreeze. Follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions for the mixture ratio. Refill the reservoir more frequently when driving
conditions require an increased amount of
windshield-washer fluid.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze
or equivalent.
CAUTION
●
Do not substitute engine antifreeze
coolant for windshield-washer fluid.
This may result in damage to the paint.
● Do not fill the windshield-washer fluid
reservoir with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl al-
cohol based washer fluid concentrates
may permanently stain the grille if
spilled while filling the windshield-
washer fluid reservoir.
● Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with
water to the manufacturer’s recom-
mended levels before pouring the fluid
into the windshield-washer fluid reser-
voir. Do not use the windshield-washer
reservoir to mix the washer fluid con-
centrate and water.
LDI2169LDI2170
WINDSHIELD-WASHER FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13

Brake fluid....................8-12
Brakes ......................8-21
Brake system ...................5-71
Break-in schedule ................5-66
Brightness/contrastbutton............4-9
Brightness control Instrument panel ...............2-42
Bulb check/instrument panel ..........2-16
Bulb replacement ................8-31
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants . .9-2
Cargo(Seevehicleloadinginformation)....9-14
Car phone or CB radio .............4-70
CD care and cleaning ..............4-62
CD player (See audio system) . .4-38, 4-43, 4-50
Check tire press ..................2-6
Check tire pressure ...............2-33
Child restraints .......1-19,1-19,1-21,1-23
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
CHildren) System ..............1-23
Precautions on child
restraints.........1-21,1-28,1-33,1-38
Top tether strap anchor point locations . .1-25
Child safety rear door lock ............3-6
Chimes, audible reminders ...........2-23
Cleaningexteriorandinterior...........7-2
Clock set/adjustment ...........4-7,4-36
Clock setting
(models with Navigation System) ........4-7
Clock setting
(models without Navigation System) ......4-41Clutch
Clutch fluid ..................8-13
C.M.V.S.S. certification label ..........9-12
Cold weather driving ...............5-75
Compact disc (CD) player ....4-38,4-43,4-50
Connect phone .................4-65
Console box ...................2-49
Console light ...................2-57
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) . . .5-16 Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-12
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-16
Control panel buttons ...............4-4
Back button ..................4-7
Brightness/contrast button ..........4-9
Enterbutton..................4-4
Setting button .............4-7,4-36
Controls Audio controls (steering wheel) .......4-63
Heater and air conditioner
controls................4-18,4-25
Coolant Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Changingenginecoolant...........8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-7
Corrosion protection ...............7-6
Cruisecontrol..................5-43
Cupholders................2-50,2-51
Curtain side-impact air bag system
(See supplemental side air bag and curtain
side-impact air bag system) ...........1-56 D
Daytime Running Light System .........2-41
Defroster switch Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch .....................2-39
Dimensionsandweights ............9-10
Dimmer switch for instrument panel ......2-42
Display......................2-24
Display controls (see control panel buttons) . .4-4
Door open warning light .............2-17
Doors ........................3-5
Drive belt .....................8-16
Driving Cold weather driving .............5-75
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) .............5-16
Driving with manual transmission ......
5-19
Precautions when starting and driving ....5-2
Driving the vehicle ................5-16
E
Economy-fuel..................5-68
Emergency engine shutoff ............5-12
Emission control information label .......9-12
Emission control system warranty .......9-19
Engine Before starting the engine ..........5-13
Blockheater.................5-76
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants.................9-2
Changing engine coolant ...........8-8
Changingengineoil.............8-10
10-2

Changing engine oil filter..........8-11
Checking engine coolant level ........8-8
Checking engine oil level ...........8-9
Engine compartment check locations ....8-6
Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-7
Engine cooling system ............8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . . .9-6
Engine oil pressure warning light ......2-17
Engine oil viscosity ..............9-7
Engine serial number ............9-12
Engine specifications .............9-8
Starting the engine ..........5-14,5-15
Engine coolant temperature gauge .......2-7
Enterbutton....................4-4
Event Data recorders ..............9-21
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .........5-2
Explanation of maintenance items ........8-2
Extendedstorageswitch ............8-24
F
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) . .6-2
Flat tire .......................6-3
Floor mat positioning aid .............7-5
Fluid Brake fluid ..................8-12
Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Clutchfluid..................8-13
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-12
Engine coolant .................8-7
Engine oil ...................8-9
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...........9-12Foglightswitch .................2-43
Forward Emergency Braking (FEB)
.......2-17
Front air bag system
(See supplemental restraint system) ......1-48
Front power seat adjustment ...........1-4
Frontseats.....................1-2
Fuel Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants .................9-2
Fuel economy ................5-68
Fuel-filler cap .................3-26
Fuel-filler door lock opener lever ......3-26
Fuel-filler lid .................3-26
Fuel gauge ...................2-8
Fuel octane rating ...............9-5
Fuel recommendation .............9-4
Loose fuel cap warning ........2-6,2-33
Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) System Tirepressure.................8-33
Fuel-filler door ..................3-26
Fuelgauge.....................2-8
Fuses.......................8-21
Fusiblelinks ...................8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver . .2-58, 2-59, 2-60, 2-61, 2-61, 2-62
Gascap .....................3-26
Gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge .....2-7
Fuel gauge ...................2-8
Odometer ...................2-5
Speedometer .................2-5
Tachometer ..................2-7 Trip computer
.................2-8
Trip odometer .................2-5
General maintenance ...............8-2
Glovebox.....................2-49
H
Hazard

warning flasher switch ..........6-2
Headlightandturnsignalswitch........2-39
Headlightcontrolswitch ............2-39
Headlights....................8-28
Head restraints ..................1-7
Heated seats ...................2-44
Heated seat switches ..........2-44,4-66
Heater Heater and air conditioner (automatic)
(if so equipped) ...............4-24
Heater and air conditioner
controls ................4-18,4-25
Heater and air conditioner (manual) ....4-16
Heater operation ...........4-18,4-26
Heater and air conditioner (automatic) .....4-24
HomeLink® Universal
Transceiver . .2-58, 2-59, 2-60, 2-61, 2-61, 2-62
Hood.......................3-24
Horn .......................2-44
I
Ignition switch ...................5-8
Ignition Switch Push-Button Ignition Switch ........5-10
Immobilizer system .........2-36,5-10,5-13
Important vehicle information label .......9-12
10-3