2015 Nissan Sentra Owners Manual - Before starting the engine

Before starting the engine

• Make sure the area around the vehicle is clear.
• Check fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, brake and clutch fluid(if so equipped), and windshield-washer fluid as frequently as possible, or at least whenever you refuel.
• Check that all windows and lights are clean.
• Visually inspect tires for their appearance and condition. Also check tires for proper inflation.
• Lock all doors.
• Position seat and adjust head restraints/headrests.
• Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
• Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to do likewise.
• Check the operation of warning lights when the ignition switch is placed in the ON position.

  See “Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders” in the “Instruments and controls” section of this manual.

Starting the engine

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. CVT model:

Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral).

P (Park) is recommended.

The shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park) and into any of the other gear positions if the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position or if the key is removed from the ignition switch.

The starter is designed not to operate if the shift lever is in any of the driving positions.

Manual transmission model:

Move the shift lever to N (Neutral). Depress the clutch pedal to the floor while cranking the engine.

The starter is designed not to operate unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

The Intelligent Key must be carried when operating the ignition switch.

3. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by turning the ignition switch to START. Release the switch when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the above procedure.

• If the engine is very hard to start in extremely cold weather or when restarting, depress the accelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to the floor) and hold it and then crank the engine. Release the switch and the accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
• If the engine is very hard to start because it is flooded, depress the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it.

  Crank the engine for 5-6 seconds. After cranking the engine, release the accelerator pedal. Crank the engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal by turning the ignition switch to START. Release the key when the engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the above procedure.

CAUTION

Do not operate the starter for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start, turn the ignition switch to off and wait 10 seconds before cranking again, otherwise the starter could be damaged.

4. Warm-up

Allow the engine to idle for at least 30 seconds after starting. Do not race the engine while warming it up. Drive at moderate speed for a short distance first, especially in cold weather.

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 chargers, 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.