2018 NISSAN SENTRA automatic transmission

D (Drive)
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
L (Low) (if so equipped)
Use this position for maximum engine
braking on steep downhill
gradients/climbing steep slopes and
whenever approaching sharp bends. Do
not use the L (Low) position in any other
circumstances.
Manual shif t mode (if so
equipped)
When the shif t lever is in the manual shif t
gate, the transmission is ready for the
manual shif t mode. Shif t ranges can be
selected manually by moving the shif t le-
ver up or down. To cancel manual shif t
mode, return the shif t lever to the D (Drive)
position. The transmission returns to auto-
matic driving mode.
When the shif t lever is shif ted from D (Drive)
to the manual shif t gate with the vehicle
stopped or while driving, the transmission
enters the manual shif t mode. Shif t ranges
can be selected manually. In the manual
shif t mode, the shif t range is displayed on
the position indicator in the meter. Whenmoving the shif t lever to the manual shif t
gate, the position indicator displays 1 (1st)
up to 7 (7th) depending on vehicle speed.
Shif t ranges up or down one by one as
follows:
1⇔
2⇔ 3⇔ 4⇔ 5⇔ 6⇔ 7
M7 (7th)
Use this position for all normal forward
driving at highway speeds.
M6 (6th) and M5 (5th)
Use this position when driving up long
slopes, or for engine braking when driving
down long slopes.
M4 (4th), M3 (3rd) and M2 (2nd)
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on
downhill grades.
M1 (1st)
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak-
ing on steep downhill grades. ∙ Remember not to drive at high speeds for extended periods of time in lower
than 6 range. This reduces fuel
economy. When shif ting up
Move the shif t lever to the + (up) side. (Shif ts
to higher range.)
When shif ting down
Move the shif t lever to the
(down) side.
(Shif ts to lower range.)
∙ Moving the shif t lever rapidly to the same side twice will shif t the ranges in
succession.
∙ The transmission will automatically downshif t the gears. (For example, if you
select the 3rd range, the transmission
will shif t down between the 3rd and 1st
gears.)
When canceling the manual shif t mode
Return the shif t lever to the D (Drive) posi-
tion to return the transmission to the nor-
mal driving mode. ∙ In the manual shif t mode, the trans-
mission may not shif t to the selected
gear. This helps maintain driving per-
formance and reduces the chance of
vehicle damage or loss of control.
5-20Starting and driving

∙When this situation occurs, the Con-
tinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
position indicator light will blink and
the chime will sound.
∙ In the manual shif t mode, the trans-
mission may shif t up automatically to
a higher range than selected if the
engine speed is too high. When the
vehicle speed decreases, the trans-
mission automatically shif ts down
and shif ts to 1st gear before the ve-
hicle comes to a stop.
∙ CVT operation is limited to automatic drive mode when CVT fluid tempera-
ture is extremely low even if manual
shif t mode is selected. This is not a mal-
function. When CVT fluid warms up,
manual mode can be selected.
∙ When the CVT fluid temperature is high, the shif t range may upshif t in lower
rpm than usual. This is not a malfunc-
tion.
Shif t lock release
If the battery charge is low or discharged,
the shif t lever may not be moved from the
P (Park) position even with the brake pedal
depressed and the shif t lever button
pressed.
It will be necessary to jump start or have
your battery charged. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Jump starting” in the “In
case of emergency” section of this manual.
It is recommended that you contact a
NISSAN dealer or a professional towing ser-
vice. To move the shif t lever, complete the fol-
lowing procedure:
1. Push the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Using a protective cloth on the tip of a 3 mm screwdriver, remove the shif t
lock release cover.
∙ If available, a plastic trim tool can also be used.
4. Insert the small screwdriver in the shif t lock release slot and push down.
5. Move the shif t lever to the N (Neutral) position while holding down the shif t
lock release.
6. Push the ignition switch to the ON po- sition to unlock the steering wheel.
Now the vehicle may be moved to the
desired location.
If the shif t lever cannot be moved out of P
(Park), have the transmission checked as
soon as possible. It is recommended that
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
LSD2569
Starting and driving5-21

WARNING
If the shif t lever cannot be moved from
the P (Park) position while the engine is
running and the brake pedal is de-
pressed, the stop lights may not work.
Malfunctioning stop lights could cause
an accident injuring yourself and
others.
Overdrive (O/D) OFF switch
When the O/D OFF switch is pushed with
the shif t lever in the D (Drive) position,
the
light in the instrument panel illu-
minates. For additional information, refer
to “Overdrive OFF indicator light (CVT mod-
els)” in the “Instruments and controls” sec-
tion of this manual.
Use the Overdrive OFF mode when you
need improved engine braking.
To turn off the Overdrive OFF mode, push
the O/D OFF switch again. The
indi-
cator light will turn off. Each time the engine is started, or when
the shif t lever is shif ted to any position
other than D (Drive), the Overdrive OFF
mode will be automatically turned off.
Accelerator downshif t
— in D (Drive) position —
For passing or hill climbing, depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shif ts
the transmission down into a lower gear,
depending on the vehicle speed.
Fail-safe
If the vehicle is driven under extreme
conditions, such as excessive wheel
spinning and subsequent hard braking,
the fail-safe system may be activated.
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
may come on to indicate the fail-safe
mode is activated. For additional infor-
mation, refer to “Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL)” in the “Instruments and con-
trols” section of this manual. This will oc-
cur even if all electrical circuits are func-
tioning properly. In this case, place the
ignition switch in the OFF position and
wait for 10 seconds. Then push the
switch back to the ON position. The ve-
hicle should return to its normal operat-
ing condition. If it does not return to itsLSD2620
5-22Starting and driving

The SPORT mode switch adjusts the
throttle sensitivity and transmission points
to enhance performance. Push the SPORT
mode switch on the instrument panel to
activate. The SPORT mode indicator light
(on the speedometer) will illuminate. The
SPORT mode indicator light will remain lit
while the mode is active.
NOTE:
In the SPORT mode, fuel economy may
be reduced.The ECO mode helps to enhance the fuel
economy by controlling the throttle sensi-
tivity and transmission points.
To turn on the ECO mode, push the ECO
mode switch. The ECO mode indicator light
(on the meter or vehicle information dis-
play) will remain lit while the mode is active.
To turn off the ECO mode, push the ECO
mode switch again. The ECO mode indica-
tor light (on the meter or vehicle informa-
tion display) will turn off.The ECO mode cannot be turned off while
the accelerator pedal is depressed, even if
the ECO mode switch is pushed off. Release
the accelerator pedal to turn off the ECO
mode.
The ECO mode will turn off automatically if
a malfunction occurs in the system.
Turn off the ECO mode, or depress the ac-
celerator pedal fully when:
∙ Driving with a heavy load of passengers or cargo in the vehicle
∙ Driving on a steep uphill slope
∙ ECO mode may affect air conditioner performance
NOTE:
Selecting this drive mode will not neces-
sarily improve fuel economy as many
driving factors influence its effective-
ness.
LIC2417LIC2416
SPORT MODE SWITCH (if so
equipped) ECO MODE SWITCH (if so equipped)
5-26Starting and driving

∙ The CRUISE orindicator light may
blink when the ON/OFF switch is
pushed ON while pushing the
ACCEL/RES, COAST/SET, or CANCEL
switch. To properly set the cruise con-
trol system, use the following proce-
dures.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
∙ When it is not possible to keep the vehicle at a set speed.
∙ In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies in speed.
∙ On winding or hilly roads.
∙ On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice, etc.).
∙ In very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONS
The cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 - 89 mph (40 - 144 km/h) with-
out keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal. To turn on the cruise control,
push the
ON/OFF switch. The CRUISE or
indi-
cator light in the instrument panel comes
on.
To set cruising speed, accelerate the ve-
hicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. Take your
foot off the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle
maintains the set speed.
∙ To pass another vehicle, depress the
accelerator pedal. When you release the
pedal, the vehicle returns to the previ-
ously set speed.
∙ The vehicle may not maintain the set speed when going up or down steep
hills. If this happens, drive without the
cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed, use one of the
following three methods:
∙ Push the CANCEL switch, or
∙ Tap the brake pedal, or
∙ Push the ON/OFF switch off. The CRUISE or
indicator light in the instrument
panel goes out. The cruise control is automatically can-
celed if:
∙ You depress the brake or clutch pedal while pushing the ACCEL/RES or
SET/COAST switch. The preset speed is
deleted from memory.
∙ The vehicle slows down more than 8 mph (13 km/h) below the set speed.
∙ You depress the clutch pedal for manual transmission models (M/T), or
move the shif t lever to N (Neutral) (Con-
tinuously Variable Transmission).
To reset at a faster cruising speed, use
one of the following three methods:
∙ Depress the accelerator pedal. When the vehicle attains the desired speed,
push and release the COAST/SET
switch.
∙ Push and hold the ACCEL/RES switch. When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
∙ Push and release the ACCEL/RES switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed increases by about 1 mph
(1.6 km/h).
5-46Starting and driving

∙ Above 40 mph (64 km/h), it is moreefficient to use A/C to cool the vehicle
due to increased aerodynamic drag
∙ Recirculating the cool air in the cabin when the A/C is on reduces cooling
load
4. Drive at Economical Speeds and Dis-
tances
∙ Observing the speed limit and not exceeding 60 mph (97 km/h) (where
legally allowed) can improve fuel effi-
ciency due to reduced aerodynamic
drag
∙ Maintaining a safe following distance behind other vehicles reduces un-
necessary braking
∙ Safely monitoring traffic to anticipate changes in speed permits reduced
braking and smooth acceleration
changes
∙ Select a gear range suitable to road conditions
5. Use Cruise Control
∙ Using cruise control during highway driving helps maintain a steady
speed ∙ Cruise control is particularly effective
in providing fuel savings when driving
on flat terrains
6. Plan for the Shortest Route
∙ Utilize a map or navigation system to determine the best route to save
time
7. Avoid Idling
∙ Shutting off your engine when safe for stops exceeding 30–60 seconds
saves fuel and reduces emissions
8. Buy an Automated Pass for Toll
Roads
∙ Automated passes permit drivers to use special lanes to maintain cruis-
ing speed through the toll and avoid
stopping and starting
9. Winter Warm Up
∙ Limit idling time to minimize impact to fuel economy
∙ Vehicles typically need no more than 30 seconds of idling at start-up to
effectively circulate the engine oil be-
fore driving ∙ Your vehicle will reach its ideal oper-
ating temperature more quickly
while driving versus idling
10. Keeping your Vehicle Cool
∙ Park your vehicle in a covered parking area or in the shade whenever pos-
sible
∙ When entering a hot vehicle, opening the windows will help to reduce the
inside temperature faster, resulting in
reduced demand on your A/C sys-
tem
11. ECO Mode
∙ The ECO mode helps to enhance the fuel economy by controlling the en-
gine and Continuously Variable
Transmission (if so equipped) opera-
tion automatically to avoid rapid ac-
celeration.
Starting and driving5-69

4. Loosen the oil filterBwith an oil filter
wrench by turning it counterclockwise.
Then remove the oil filter by turning it
by hand.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself. The en-
gine oil may be hot.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter sealing surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket mate-
rial 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. Securely tighten oil filter with wrench. Do not use exces-
sive force.
Oil filter tightening torque: 18 N·m (13 f t-lb)
8. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening
A, then
install oil filler cap securely. 9. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the oil filter. Correct as required.
10. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10 minutes. Check the oil level. Add en-
gine oil if necessary.
For additional information on the location
of the engine oil filler cap, refer to “Engine
compartment check locations” in this sec-
tion.
CAUTION
∙ NISSAN recommends using Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 (or equivalent)
ONLY in NISSAN CVTs. Do not mix with
other fluids.
∙ Do not use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) or manual transmission
fluid in a NISSAN CVT, as it may dam-
age the CVT. Damage caused by the
use of fluids other than as recom-
mended is not covered under
NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
∙ Using fluids that are not equivalent to Genuine NISSAN CVT Fluid NS-3 may
also damage the CVT. Damage caused
by the use of fluids other than as rec-
ommended is not covered under
NISSAN’s New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
When checking or replacement of CVT fluid
is required, it is recommended that you visit
a NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE
TRANSMISSION (CVT) FLUID (if so
equipped)
Do-it-yourself8-11

StartingBefore starting the engine ........5-14
Jumpstarting.............6-9,8-15
Precautions when starting and
driving.....................5-2
Push starting ................6-11
Starting the engine ............5-15
Starting the engine ..............5-15
Starting the engine (models with NISSAN
Intelligent Key® system) ...........5-16
Steering Power steering system ..........5-71
Steering wheel .................3-30
Steering wheel audio control switch . . .4-72
Stoplight....................8-33
Storage.....................2-50
Storagetray ..................2-52
Sunglasses case ................2-54
Sunglasses holder ..............2-54
Sunroof .....................2-59
Sunroof (see Moonroof ) ...........2-59
Sunvisors....................3-30
Supplemental air bag warning labels . . .1-62
Supplemental air bag warning
light.................... .1-63, 2-19
Supplemental front impact air bag
system ..................... .1-51
Supplemental restraint system Information and warning labels . . . .1-62
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ....................1-44
Supplemental restraint system
(Supplemental air bag system) .......1-44
Supplemental side and curtain side-impact
airbagsystem................ .1-59Switch
Autolightswitch..............2-42
Automatic power window switch . . .2-58
Foglightswitch..............2-46
Hazard warning flasher switch ......6-2
Headlight and turn signal switch ....2-41
Headlightcontrolswitch.........2-41
Ignition switch ................5-9
Instrument brightness control .....2-45
Power door lock switch ..........3-6
Rear window and outside mirror
defrosterswitch..............2-40
Turn signal switch .............2-45
T
Tachometer ...................2-7
Temperature gauge Engine coolant temperature gauge. . .2-7
Thef t (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
engine start ............2-38,5 -11, 5-14
Three-waycatalyst...............5-2
Tilt Telescopicsteering............3-30
Tire Flattire..................6-3,6-3
Spare tire ...............6-4,8-46
Tire and Loading Information label . .10-13
Tire chains .................8-42
Tire pressure ................8-35
Tirerotation ................8-43
Types of tires ................8-41
Uniform tire quality grading ......10-18
Wheels and tires ..............8-35
Wheel/tire size ...............10-10 Tire pressure
Lowtirepressurewarninglight.....2-16
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)....................2-6,5-3
Towing 2-wheel drive models ...........6-14
4-wheel drive models ...........6-13
Flattowing.................10-18
Trailertowing...............10-18
Towingatrailer................10-18
Towingyourvehicle..............6-12
Transceiver HomeLink® Universal Transceiver . . .2-63, 2-64, 2-65, 2-66, 2-66, 2-67
Transmission Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
fluid......................8-11
Driving with Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) ..........5-9,5-17
Driving with manual
transmission.............5-10, 5-23
Travel (See registering a vehicle in another
country) .....................10-11
Trip computer ..................2-9
Trip odometer ...............2-4,2-5
T

roubleshooting guide
(NISSAN voice recognition system) ....4-106
Trunk access through the rear seat ....3-27
Trunklid.....................3-26
Trunk lid lock opener lever ..........3-26
Trunklight....................2-63
Turn signal switch ...............2-45
11-7