2003 Nissan Sentra Owners Manual

Never connect a trailer brake system di- rectly to the vehicle brake system. Pre-towing tips c Be certain your vehicle maintains a level posi- tion 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.

c Always secure items in the trailer to prevent

load shift while driving.

c Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to all federal, state or local regulations. If not, install any mirrors required for towing before driving the vehicle.

Trailer towing tips In order to gain skill and an understanding of the vehicle(cid:146)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. c Always secure items in the trailer to prevent

load shift while driving.

c Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops. c Avoid sharp turns or lane changes. c Always drive your vehicle at a moderate speed. c Always block the wheels on both vehicle and trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not recommended; however, if you must do so, and if your vehicle is equipped with an auto- matic transmission, first block the wheels and apply the parking brake, and then move the transmission shift selector lever into the P (Park) position. If you move the shift selector lever to the P (Park) position before blocking the wheels and applying the parking brake, transmission damage could occur.

9-16 Technical and consumer information

c When going down a hill, shift into a lower gear and use the engine braking effect. When go- ing up a long grade, downshift the transmis- sion to a lower gear and reduce speed to reduce chances of engine overloading and/or overheating. However, for long steep grades, do not stay in 1st or 2nd gear when driving above 35 MPH (56 km/h).

c If the engine coolant rises to an extremely high temperature when the air conditioner system is on, turn off the air conditioner. Coolant heat can be additionally vented by opening the win- dows, switching the fan control to high and setting the temperature control to the HOT position.

c Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal

circumstances.

c Avoid towing a trailer for your vehicle(cid:146)s first

500 miles (805 km).

c Have your vehicle serviced more often than at intervals specified in the recommended Main- tenance Schedule in the (cid:147)NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide(cid:148).

c When making a turn, your trailer wheels will be closer to the inside of the turn than your vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, make a larger than normal turning radius during the turn.

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c Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus- ing vehicle sway. When being passed by larger vehicles, be prepared for possible changes in crosswinds that could affect ve- hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead, and immediately (but gradually) reduce vehicle speed. This combination will help stabilize the vehicle. Never increase speed.

c Be careful when passing other vehicles. Pass- ing while towing a trailer requires considerably more distance than normal passing. Remem- ber, the length of the trailer must also pass the other vehicle before you can safely change lanes.

c To maintain engine braking efficiency and electrical charging performance, do not use 5th gear (manual transmission) or overdrive (automatic transmission).

c Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat, resulting in reduced braking effi- ciency.

transmission When towing a trailer, oil/fluid should be changed more fre- quently. For additional information, see the (cid:147)Maintenance and do-it-yourself(cid:148) section earlier in this manual.

UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADING

DOT (Department of Transportation) Quality Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.

Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A

Treadwear

Treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on tire wear rate when tested under controlled conditions on specified government test courses. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the govern- ment course as a tire graded 100. However, relative tire performance depends on actual driv- ing conditions, and may vary significantly due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction AA, A, B and C

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire(cid:146)s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea- sured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and con- crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

WARNING

The traction grade assigned to your ve- hicle tires is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests and does not in- clude acceleration, cornering, hydroplan- ing or peak traction characteristics.

Temperature A, B and C

Temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C. They represent a tire(cid:146)s resistance to heat build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high tem- perature can cause tire material to degenerate, reducing tire life. Excessive temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a performance level which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and B rep- resent higher levels of performance on laboratory test wheels than the minimum required by law.

Technical and consumer information 9-17

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WARNING

The temperature grade for this tire is es- tablished for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or excessive loading, ei- ther separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure.

9-18 Technical and consumer information

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM WARRANTY

REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS (US only)

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the Na- tional Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying NISSAN. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or NISSAN. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236. You may also write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Trans- portation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline. You may notify NISSAN by contacting our Con- sumer Affairs Department, toll-free, at 1-800- NISSAN-1. In Hawaii call 1-808-836-0888.

Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following emission warranties: For US 1. Emission Defects Warranty 2. Emissions Performance Warranty Details of these warranties may be found with other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor- mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa- tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re- placement by writing to: c Nissan North America, Inc.

Consumer Affairs Department P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191

For Canada Emission Control System Warranty Details of these warranties may be found with other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor- mation Booklet which comes with your NISSAN vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Informa- tion Booklet, or it is lost, you may obtain a re- placement by writing to: c Nissan Canada Inc. 5290 Orbitor Drive Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5

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READINESS FOR INSPECTION/ MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST

Due to legal requirements in some states and Canadian Provinces, your vehicle may be re- quired to be in what is called the (cid:147)ready condi- tion(cid:148) for an Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emission control system.

The vehicle is set to the (cid:147)ready condition(cid:148) when it is driven through certain driving patterns. Usually, the ready condition can be obtained by ordinary usage of the vehicle.

If a powertrain system component is repaired or the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be reset to a (cid:147)not ready(cid:148) condition. Before taking the I/M test, drive the vehicle through the following pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition. If you cannot or do not want to perform the driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it for you.

WARNING

Always drive the vehicle in a safe and prudent manner according to traffic con- ditions and obey all traffic laws.

1. Start the engine when the engine coolant temperature gauge needle points to C. Al- low the engine to idle until the gauge needle points between the C and H (normal oper- ating temperature).

2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88
km/h), then quickly release the accelerator pedal completely and keep it released for at least 6 seconds.

3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of 53 - 60 MPH (86 - 96 km/h) for at least 5
minutes.

4. Stop the vehicle. 5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)

and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.

6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 at least three

times.

7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h) and maintain the speed for at least 3 min- utes.

8. Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission se- lector lever in the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position.

9. Turn the engine off. 10. Repeat steps 1 - 8 at least one more time. If steps 1 through 7 are interrupted, repeat the preceding step. Any safe driving mode is accept- able between steps. Do not stop the engine until step 7 is completed.

Technical and consumer information 9-19

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OWNER(cid:146)S MANUAL/SERVICE MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION

A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is the best source of service and repair information for your vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illustrations and step-by-step diagnostic and adjustment pro- cedures, this manual is the same one used by the factory trained technicians working at NISSAN dealerships. Also available are genuine NISSAN Owner(cid:146)s Manuals, and genuine NISSAN Service and Owner(cid:146)s Manuals for older NISSAN models. For USA For current pricing and availability of genuine NISSAN Service Manuals for the 2000 model year and later contact: Tweddle Litho Company 1-800-639-8841
www.nissan-techinfo.com For current pricing and availability of genuine NISSAN Service Manuals for the 1999 model year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact: DDS Distribution Service, Ltd. 20770 Westwood Road Strongsville, OH 44136
1-800-247-5321

9-20 Technical and consumer information

For current pricing and availability of genuine NISSAN Owner(cid:146)s Manuals for the 2003 model year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:

DDS Distribution Service, Ltd. 20770 Westwood Road Strongsville, OH 44136
1-800-247-5321
For Canada

To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN Ser- vice Manual or Owner(cid:146)s Manual please contact your nearest NISSAN dealer. For the phone num- ber and location of a NISSAN dealer in your area call the NISSAN Information Center at 1-800- 387-0122 and a bilingual NISSAN representa- tive will assist you.

Also available are genuine NISSAN Service and Owner(cid:146)s Manuals for older NISSAN models. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION Unfortunately, accidents do occur. In this unlikely event, there is some important information you should know.

Many insurance companies routinely authorize the use of non-genuine collision parts in order to cut costs, among other reasons.

Insist on the use of genuine NISSAN collision parts! If you want your vehicle to be restored using parts made to NISSAN(cid:146)s original exacting specifica- tions (cid:150) if you want to help it to last and hold its resale value, the solution is simple. Tell your insurance agent and your repair shop to only use Genuine NISSAN Collision Parts. NISSAN does not warrant non-NISSAN parts, nor does NISSAN(cid:146)s warranty apply to damage caused by a non-genuine part. Using Genuine NISSAN Parts can help protect your personal safety, preserve your warranty pro- tection and maintain the resale value of your vehicle. And if your vehicle was leased, using Genuine NISSAN Parts may prevent or limit un- necessary excess wear and tear expenses at the end of your lease. NISSAN designs its hoods with crumple zones to minimize the risk that the hood will penetrate the windshield of your vehicle in an accident. Non- genuine (imitation) parts may not provide such built in safeguards. Also, non-genuine parts often show premature wear, rust and corrosion.

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Why should you take a chance? In over 40 states, the law says you must be advised if non-genuine parts are used to repair your vehicle. And some states have enacted laws that restrict insurance companies from authoriz- ing the use of non-genuine collision parts during the new vehicle warranty. These laws help pro- tect you, so you can take action to protect your- self. It(cid:146)s your right! If you should need further information visit us at: www.nissanusa.com.

Technical and consumer information 9-21

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MEMO

9-22 Technical and consumer information

10 Index

Air bag (See supplemental restraint system) . Air bag warning light Air cleaner housing filter . Air conditioner

.1-6
.1-17, 2-9
.8-24

Air conditioner operation. Air conditioner service . Air conditioner specification label . Air conditioner system refrigerant and lubrication recommendations . Heater and air conditioner controls . Servicing air conditioner .

Air flow charts . Alarm system (See vehicle security system) . Anchor point locations . Antenna . Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . Anti-lock brake warning light Audible reminders. Audio system . Compact Disc (CD) changer Compact disc (CD) player . FM-AM radio with compact disc (CD) player Radio .

Automatic

Automatic power window switch . Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

.4-5
.4-9
.9-11

.9-6
.4-2
.4-9
.4-6

.2-11
.1-35
.4-19
.5-18
.2-7
.2-10
.4-10
.4-17
.4-15

.4-12
.4-10

.2-25
.8-15

Driving with automatic transmission. Transmission selector lever lock release .

.5-7
.5-9

Battery .

Charge warning light .

Battery replacement (See remote keyless entry system) . Before starting the engine . Belts (See drive belts) . Brake

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . Brake booster . Brake fluid . Brake light (See stop light). Brake pedal . Brake system . Brake warning light . Brake wear indicators . Parking brake check . Parking brake operation . Self-adjusting brakes .

Break-in schedule. Bulb check/instrument panel Bulb replacement .

.8-20
.2-8

.3-8
.5-6
.8-22

.5-18
.8-30
.8-18
.8-36
.8-29
.5-18
.2-7
.2-10, 8-30
.8-29
.5-13
.8-30
.5-15
.2-7
.8-36

Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants .

.9-2

Car phone or CB radio . Cargo (See vehicle loading information) . CD changer (See audio system). CD player (See audio system) . Check engine indicator light (See malfunction indicator light). Child restraint with top tether strap . Child restraints .

.4-19
.9-12
.4-17
.4-15

.2-9
.1-34
.1-20, 1-21, 1-25, 1-33
.1-25
.3-5
.2-10
.7-2
.4-13

Precautions on child restraints.

Child safety rear door lock. Chimes, audible reminders . Cleaning exterior and interior . Clock . Clutch

Clutch fluid .

Coin box . Cold weather driving . Compact disc (CD) player . Console box. Controls

.8-19
.2-22
.5-20
.4-15
.2-23

Heater and air conditioner controls .

.4-2

Coolant

Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants. Changing engine coolant. Checking engine coolant level. Engine coolant temperature gauge .

Corrosion protection . Cruise control . Cup holders .

.9-2
.8-10
.8-9
.2-5
.7-5
.5-13
.2-21

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D

Daytime running light system (Canada only). Defogger switch

.2-18

Engine oil viscosity . Engine serial number . Starting the engine .

Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)

.9-5
.9-10
.5-6
.5-2

Fusible links .

.8-31

Gauge

Rear window defogger switch .

Door locks . Door open warning light . Drive belts . Driving

.2-16
.3-3
.2-8
.8-22

Cold weather driving . Driving with automatic transmission. Driving with manual transmission . Precautions when starting and driving .

.5-20
.5-7
.5-10
.5-2

Economy - fuel Emission control information label . Emission control system warranty . Engine

.5-15
.9-11
.9-18

.5-6

Before starting the engine . Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants. Changing engine coolant. Changing engine oil Changing engine oil filter. Checking engine coolant level. Checking engine oil level. Engine compartment check locations. Engine coolant temperature gauge . Engine cooling system . Engine oil Engine oil and oil filter recommendation . Engine oil pressure warning light .

.9-2
.8-10
.8-13
.8-14
.8-9
.8-12
.8-9
.2-5
.8-9
.8-12
.9-5
.2-8

Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch). Flat tire . Floor mat positioning aid. Fluid

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) Brake fluid . Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants. Clutch fluid . Engine coolant . Engine oil Power steering fluid. Window washer fluid .

F.M.V.S.S. certification label . Folding rear seat . Front fog light switch . Front seats . Fuel

Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants. Fuel economy . Fuel filler cap . Fuel filler lid lock opener lever . Fuel gauge . Fuel octane rating . Fuel recommendation .

Fuses .

Engine coolant temperature gauge . Fuel gauge . Odometer . Speedometer . Tachometer . Trip odometer .

General maintenance . Glove box .

Hazard warning flasher switch . Head restraints . Headlight aiming adjustment . Headlight and turn signal switch. Headlights . Heater