Maintenance Information Nissan Sentra B13

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 5

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Normal Service

1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
2. No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule

Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)

1. Short Trips In Freezing Temperatures
2. Towing Or Commercial Use
3. Driving In Rough, Muddy, Salty Or Sandy Areas
4. Severe Dust Conditions
5. Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
6. Extensive Idling

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
3. Oil Contamination
4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Replace camshaft timing belts at 60,000 mile intervals.

OFF-ROAD USE (AWD)

Vehicle should be operated as a conventional passenger car, not as an off-road 4WD vehicle. If it becomes necessary to drive off-road, avoid areas with steep hills, rocks and sand. After off-road use, more frequent maintenance may be required of the following items

1. Brake Pads & Discs
2. Brake Linings & Drums
3. Brake Lines & Cables
4. Transaxle & Differential Gear Oil
5. Steering Linkage
6. Drive Shaft & Drive Shafts
7. Clutch Housing (For Water Entry)

Scheme 6

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

TIRE INFLATION

Cold tire inflation pressures is listed on decal, located on glove box lid.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

WHEEL TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

If battery is replaced, it should be of the same group number as shown on the original battery's label.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AIR BAG SYSTEM

Note. See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.

The SRS has no user-servicable parts. Always have servicing done by an authorized dealer.

When performing maintenance on air bag equipped vehicles always observe proper safety precautions.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)

BATTERY WARNING

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle.

COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

ENGINE OIL

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

HALOGEN BULBS

RADIATOR CAP

RADIATOR FAN

ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) OPERATION

AWD vehicles are not designed for off-road use, and are unsuitable for driving on bumpy ground that may cause excessive strain. Full-time AWD cars should be driven only under the same conditions that are suitable for FWD.

SPARE TIRE USAGE

Ensure correct lug nuts are used when the spare tire is fitted. DO NOT use lug nuts from alloy wheels on steel wheels.

FUEL INJECTION LINES

On vehicles equipped with electronic fuel injection, the fuel filter and fuel lines are under high pressure even when the engine is off. Take care when servicing these items so as not to cause injury.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY

Covers the cost of all parts and labor needed to repair or adjust any item (except tires) on vehicle that has been proven defective in material or workmanship for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

PERFORATION WARRANTY

Covers any body sheet metal panel found to have developed perforation (rust-through) due to corrosion in normal use for 60 months from date of delivery, regardless of mileage.

POWERTRAIN WARRANTY

Takes effect upon the expiration of New Vehicle Limited Warranty and extends coverage up to a maximum of 60 months or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first, on 1991-94 models. Powertrain on earlier model years is covered for 36 months or 36,000 miles. See copy of warranty for specific components covered.

RADIO, TAPE DECK & AMPLIFIER WARRANTY

Covers repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship for 12 months from date of delivery, regardless of mileage.

AIR CONDITIONING WARRANTY

Covers the sealed refrigerant portion of the air conditioning system for 12 months, regardless of mileage.

EMISSION SYSTEM DEFECTS WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Manufacturer warrants its emission components in vehicle to be free of defects in material and workmanship and that vehicle is designed, built and equipped to conform to all applicable Federal standards for emission control system at the time of sale. Warranty begins on the date vehicle is delivered or first put in use and is effective for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)

Vehicle is warranted to comply to all applicable emissions standards as judged by an EPA-approved emissions test, for 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. After 24 months or 24,000 miles, only primary emission components which cause vehicle to fail an emissions test are covered. Refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific details.

EMISSION SYSTEM DEFECTS WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

Warrants that vehicle is designed, built and equipped to conform to all applicable requirements of the California Air Resources Board and that emission control system in vehicle is free of defects in material and workmanship which would cause it to fail to meet those requirements. Warranty period is 5 years or 50,000 miles on 1988-89 vehicles, 3 years or 50,000 miles on 1990 vehicles, and 5 years or 50,000 miles on 1991-94 vehicles. On 1990 and later model years, certain primary emissions control components are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Maintenance items are only warranted until time of first scheduled replacement. Refer to customer's copy of warranty for specific details.

EMISSIONS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)

Vehicle is warranted against any defects that would cause failure to pass a California Smog Check test for 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever occurs first. (3 years/50,000 miles on 1990 and later models). Warranty coverage is extended to a maximum of 5 years or 50,000 miles (7 years/70,000 miles on 1990 and later models) on only those primary components which affect the vehicle's emissions performance, and on defects in materials or workmanship on those components which would cause vehicle to fail a required Smog Check Test. Refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific details.

FUSE PANEL LOCATION

The fuse box is located beneath the instrument panel to the left of the steering column. The fuse specifications are on a decal on the inside of the fuse box lid.

Scheme 7

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

1. 1 - 10 Amp - Left Headlight
2. 2 - 10 Amp - Interior Lights, Luggage Compartment Lights, Clock, Key Warning
3. 3 - 10 Amp - Clearance Lights, Taillights, Illumination Lights, License Lights, Side Marker Lights
4. 4 - 20 Amp - Wiper & Washer
5. 5 - 20 Amp - Blower Motor
6. 6 - 20 Amp - Air Conditioner
7. 7 - 20 Amp - Auto-Choke (Gasoline), Fuel Filter Amplifier (Diesel)
8. 8 - 20 Amp - Rear Defogger
9. 9 - Blank
10. 10 - Blank
11. 11 - 10 Amp - Right Headlight
12. 12 - 10 Amp - Horn, Hazard Warning
13. 13 - 10 Amp - Stoplight
14. 14 - 10 Amp - Audio, Rear Wiper & Washer
15. 15 - 10 Amp - Cigarette Lighter
16. 16 - Blank
17. 17 - Blank
18. 18 - 10 Amp - Turn Signal, Back-Up Lights, Warning Lights, Gauges, Seat Belt Warning
19. 19 - 20 Amp - Radiator Fan
20. 20 - Blank

1. 1 - 10 Amp - Left Headlight
2. 2 - 10 Amp - Interior Lights, Luggage Compartment Lights, Clock, Key Warning
3. 3 - 20 Amp - Rear Defogger
4. 4 - 20 Amp - Rear Defogger
5. 5 - 20 Amp - Wiper & Washer
6. 6 - 20 Amp - Blower Motor
7. 7 - 20 Amp - Air Conditioner
8. 8 - 20 Amp - Auto-Choke Heater (Gasoline), ECC Control System (Gasoline), Throttle Opener (Gasoline), Glow & EGR Control Systems (Diesel)
9. 9 - Blank
10. 10 - Blank
11. 11 - 10 Amp - Right Headlight
12. 12 - 10 Amp - Horn & Hazard Warning
13. 13 - 10 Amp - Stoplights
14. 14 - 10 Amp - Clearance Lights, Taillights, Illumination Lights, License Lights, Side Marker Lights
15. 15 - 10 Amp - Radio, Rear Wiper & Washer
16. 16 - 10 Amp - Clock, Cigarette Lighter
17. 17 - Blank
18. 18 - Blank
19. 19 - 10 Amp - Turn Signal, Back-Up Lights, Warning Lights, Gauges, Seat Belt Warning
20. 20 - 20 Amp - Radiator Fan

Scheme 8

1. 1 - 10 Amp - Shift Lock System (1990 A/T), Key-In Switch (1990 A/T)
2. 2 - 10 Amp - Clearance Lights, Taillights, Illumination Lights, License Lights, Side Marker Lights
3. 3 - 15 Amp - Cigarette Lighter, Clock (1987)
4. 4 - 20 Amp - Blower Motor, A/C System
5. 5 - 20 Amp - Blower Motor, A/C System
6. 6 - 10 Amp - Radio, Rear Wiper & Washer (Gasoline)
7. 7 - 20 Amp - Front Wiper & Washer
8. 8 - 10 Amp - Fuel Pump (1988-90)
9. 9 - 20 Amp - ECCS System
10. 10 - 20 Amp - Radiator Fan, Bulb Check Relay, ECC System (1987)
11. 11 - 10 Amp - Gauges, Rear Defogger, Warning Lights, Back-Up Lights, Turn Signal Lights, Check Connector & Inhibitor Relay (Gasoline), Automatic Seat Belt Control System (1989), Shift Lock System (1990 A/T)
12. 12 - 20 Amp - Rear Defogger
13. 13 - 20 Amp - Rear Defogger
14. 14 - 15 Amp - Left Headlight
15. 15 - 15 Amp - Right Headlight
16. 16 - 10 Amp - Fan Switch (1988-90)
17. 17 - 10 Amp - Hazard Warning
18. 18 - 10 Amp - Horn
19. 19 - 15 Amp - Stoplights, Key-In Switch, Glow Control System (Diesel), Shift Lock System (1990 A/T)
20. 20 - 10 Amp - Interior Lights, Luggage Compartment Light, Radio, Illumination Control Switch, Automatic Seat Belt Control System (1989-90)
21. 21 - 20 Amp - Door Lock Timer (1989-90)
22. 22 - 20 Amp - A/C & Condenser Fan

1. 1 - 10 Amp - Hazard Warning Light
2. 2 - 15 Amp - Front Foglight, Stoplight
3. 3 - 10 Amp - Time Control System, A/T Shift Lock System
4. 4 - 10 Amp - Interior Light, Trunk Light, Luggage Room Light, Meter, Clock, Time Control System, Warning Buzzer, 2-Point Motorized Automatic Seat Belt System, 3-Point Fixed Automatic Seat Belt System, Audio, ECC (Cruise) System, Air Bag System
5. 5 - 10 Amp - Air Conditioner
6. 6 - 10 Amp - Taillight, Side Marker Light, Clearance Light, License Light, Illumination Light, Meter, Time Control System
7. 7 - 15 Amp - Stoplight, High-Mounted Stoplight, ASCD, A/T Shift Lock System
8. 8 - 10 Amp - Inhibitor Relay, Bulb Check Relay, Anti-Lock Brake System, Radiator Fan, ECCS System
9. 9 - 15 Amp - Fuel Pump
10. 10 - 20 Amp - L Rear Window Defogger
11. 11 - 20 Amp - L Rear Window Defogger
12. 12 - 10 Amp - A/T Shift Lock System, Meter, Warning Lights, Back-Up Lights, Daytime Light Control System, Rear Window Defogger
13. 13 - 10 Amp - Turn Signal Light
14. 14 - 10 Amp - Time Control System, Air Conditioner, Power Window System, 2-Point Motorized Automatic Seat Belt System, Door Lock System, Cruise Control
15. 15 - 10 Amp - Air Bag System
16. 16 - 15 Amp - Cigarette Lighter
17. 17 - 10 Amp - Door Mirror, Rear Wiper & Washer, Air Conditioner
18. 18 - 20 Amp - Front Wiper & Washer
19. 19 - 10 Amp - Audio Illumination Light, Meter, Clock, ECCS System
20. 20 - 10 Amp - Daytime Light Control System, ECCS System
21. 21 - 15 Amp - L/R Blower Motor
22. 22 - 15 Amp - L/R Blower Motor