2015 Nissan Sentra Owners Manual - Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders

Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders

 Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
warning light

 Brake warning light

 Charge warning light

 Door open warning light

 Engine oil pressure warning
light

 Low fuel warning light

 Low tire pressure warning light

 Low windshield-washer fluid
warning light

 NISSAN Intelligent Key® lock
warning light (M/T models) (if so equipped)

 NISSAN Intelligent Key® warning
light (if so equipped)

Power steering warning light

 P position selecting warning
light (CVT models) (if so equipped)

 Seat belt warning light

 Supplemental air bag warning
light

 Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT) position indicator light (CVT models)

 Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)

 ECO mode indicator light

Engine start operation indicator
light (if so equipped)

 Front fog light indicator light
(if so equipped)

 Front passenger air bag status
light

 High beam indicator light (blue)

 Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)

 Overdrive off indicator light (CVT
models)

 Security indicator light

 Side light and headlight
indicator light (green)

Slip indicator light

 SPORT mode indicator light

 Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights

 Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light

Checking bulbs

With all doors closed, apply the parking brake and place the ignition switch in the ON position without starting the engine. The following lights will come on:

If equipped, the following lights come on briefly and then go off:

If any light fails to come on, it may indicate an open circuit in the electrical system.

Have the system repaired promptly.

Warning lights

 Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS) warning light

When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminates and then turns off. This indicates the ABS is operational.

If the ABS warning light illuminates while the engine is running or while driving, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock function is turned off. The brake system then operates normally, but without anti-lock assistance. See “Brake system” in the “Starting and driving” section.

 Brake warning
light

This light functions for both the parking brake and the foot brake systems.

Parking brake indicator

When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the light comes on when the parking brake is applied.

Low brake fluid warning light

When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the light warns of a low brake fluid level.

If the light comes on while the engine is running with the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle and perform the following:

1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as necessary. See “Maintenance and do-ityourself” section of this manual.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning indicator

When the parking brake is released and the brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake warning light and the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the brake system checked, and if necessary, repaired by a NISSAN dealer promptly. Avoid high-speed driving and abrupt braking. See “Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light” in this section.

 Charge warning
light

If this light comes on while the engine is running, it may indicate the charging system is not functioning properly. Turn the engine off and check the generator belt. If the belt is loose, broken, missing, or if the light remains on, see a NISSAN dealer immediately.

CAUTION

Do not continue driving if the generator belt is loose, broken or missing.

 Door open
warning light

This light comes on when any of the doors are not closed securely while the ignition switch is placed in the ON position.

 Engine oil
pressure warning light

This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the light flickers or comes on during normal driving, pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine immediately and call a NISSAN dealer or other authorized repair shop.

The engine oil pressure warning light is not designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the dipstick to check the oil level. See “Engine oil” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

CAUTION

Running the engine with the engine oil pressure warning light on could cause serious damage to the engine almost immediately.

Such damage is not covered by warranty. Turn off the engine as soon as it is safe to do so.

 Low fuel warning
light

This light comes on when the fuel level in the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge reaches 0 (Empty). There will be a small reserve of fuel in the tank when the fuel gauge reaches 0 (Empty).

 Low tire
pressure warning light

Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire pressure of all tires except the spare.

The low tire pressure warning light warns of low tire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not functioning properly.

After the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, this light illuminates for about 1 second and turns off.

Low tire pressure warning:

If the vehicle is being driven with low tire pressure, the warning light will illuminate.

A CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning message is also displayed in the odometer.

When the low tire pressure warning light illuminates, you should stop and adjust the tire pressure of all 4 tires to the recommended COLD tire pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label located in the driver’s door opening. The low tire pressure warning light does not automatically turn off when the tire pressure is adjusted.

After the tire is inflated to the recommended pressure, the vehicle must be driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) to activate the TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure warning light. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire pressure.

The low tire pressure warning light remains illuminated until the tires are inflated to the recommended COLD tire pressure. The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning message is displayed each time the ignition switch is placed in the ON position as long as the low tire pressure warning light remains illuminated.

For additional information, see “Check tire pressure warning message” in the “Instruments and controls” section and “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and driving” section and in the “In case of emergency” section.

TPMS malfunction:

If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the low tire pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute when the ignition switch is placed in the ON position. The light will remain on after the 1 minute. Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer. The CHECK TIRE PRESSURE warning message is not displayed if the low tire pressure warning light illuminates to indicate a TPMS malfunction.

For additional information, see “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in the “Starting and driving” section and “Tire pressure” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.

CAUTION

• The TPMS is not a substitute for the regular tire pressure check. Be sure to check the tire pressure regularly.
• If the vehicle is being driven at speeds of less than 16 MPH (25 km/h), the TPMS may not operate correctly.
• Be sure to install the specified size of tires to the 4 wheels correctly.

 Low
windshield-washer fluid warning light

This light comes on when the windshield-washer fluid is at a low level. Add windshield-washer fluid as necessary. See “Windshield-washer fluid” in the “Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section of this manual.

 NISSAN
Intelligent Key® lock warning light (M/T models) (if so equipped)

When the ignition switch is left in the OFF position instead of completely placing it to the LOCK position, the Intelligent Key lock warning light blinks red and the Intelligent Key room buzzer will sound. The light will keep blinking until the ignition switch is placed in the LOCK or ACC position.

If the Intelligent Key lock warning light blinks and the buzzer sounds, press the PUSH release button next to ignition knob, then turn the ignition knob to either the LOCK or ACC position.

See “NISSAN Intelligent Key®” in the “Predriving checks and adjustments” section.

 NISSAN
Intelligent Key® warning light (if so equipped)

The Intelligent Key warning light illuminates green when the ignition switch can be turned. The Intelligent Key warning light illuminates red when the ignition switch cannot be turned.

The Intelligent Key warning light blinks red if the Intelligent Key is taken outside of the vehicle while the ignition switch is placed in the ACC or ON position.

• If the Intelligent Key warning light blinks, make sure of the location of the Intelligent Key as soon as possible. The Intelligent Key should be carried by the driver while operating the vehicle.
• The Intelligent Key warning light turns off about 10 seconds after the Intelligent Key is brought inside the vehicle.

The Intelligent Key warning light blinks green indicating that the Intelligent Key battery is almost discharged.

See “NISSAN Intelligent Key®” in the “Predriving checks and adjustments” section.

 Power steering warning light

When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the power steering warning light illuminates.

After starting the engine, the power steering warning light turns off. This indicates the power steering system is operational.

If the power steering warning light illuminates while the engine is running, it may indicate the power steering system is not functioning properly and may need servicing. Have the power steering system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

When the power steering warning light illuminates with the engine running, there will be no power assist for the steering but you will still have control of the vehicle. At this time, greater steering effort is required to operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds.

See “Power steering” in the “Starting and driving” section.

 P position
selecting warning light (CVT models) (if so equipped)

The light blinks red and the warning buzzer sounds if you are outside of the vehicle with the Intelligent Key and the engine is off, but the shift lever is not in the P (Park) position.

When the warning light blinks, place the ignition switch in the ON position, move the shift lever to the P (Park) position, then place the ignition switch in the LOCK position.

 Seat belt
warning light and chime

The light and chime remind you to fasten your seat belts. The light illuminates whenever the ignition switch is placed in the ON or START position and remains illuminated until the driver’s seat belt is fastened. At the same time, the chime sounds for about 6 seconds unless the driver’s seat belt is securely fastened.

The seat belt warning light may also illuminate if the front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened when the front passenger’s seat is occupied . For 7 seconds after the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the system does not activate the warning light for the front passenger.

Refer to “Seat belts” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system” section for precautions on seat belt usage.

 Supplemental air
bag warning light

When the ignition switch is placed in the ON or START position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates for about 7 seconds and then turns off. This means the system is operational.

If any of the following conditions occur, the front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag, and pretensioner seat belt systems need servicing and your vehicle must be taken to a NISSAN dealer:

• The supplemental air bag warning light remains on after approximately 7 seconds.
• The supplemental air bag warning light flashes intermittently.
• The supplemental air bag warning light does not come on at all.

Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental restraint system (air bag system) and/or the pretensioners may not function properly. For additional details see “Supplemental restraint system” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system” section of this manual.

Indicator lights

 Continuously
Variable Transmission (CVT) position indicator light (if so equipped)

When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, this indicator light shows the transmission shift lever position. See “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.

 Cruise main
switch indicator light (if so equipped)

The light comes on when the cruise control main switch is pushed. The light goes out when the main switch is pushed again. When the cruise main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise control system is operational.

 ECO mode
indicator light

This light comes on when the ECO mode has been selected. See “ECO mode” in the “Starting and driving” section for the use of the ECO mode switch.

 Engine start
operation indicator (if so equipped)

For vehicles equipped with push button ignition this indicator illuminates when the ignition switch is in the LOCK, OFF, ACC or ON position.

This indicator means that the engine will start by pushing the push-button ignition switch with the brake pedal and clutch pedal (if so equipped) depressed.

 Front fog light
indicator light (if so equipped)

The front fog light indicator light illuminates when the front fog lights are ON. See “Fog light switch” in this section.

 Front passenger
air bag status light

The front passenger air bag status light will be lit and the passenger front air bag will be OFF depending on how the front passenger seat is being used.

For front passenger air bag status light operation, see “Front passenger air bag and status light” in the “Safety—Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system” section of this manual.

 High beam
indicator light (blue)

This blue light comes on when the headlight high beams are on and goes out when the low beams are selected.

The high beam indicator light also comes on when the passing signal is activated.

 Malfunction
Indicator Light (MIL)

If this indicator light comes on steady or blinks while the engine is running, it may indicate a potential emission control malfunction.

The Malfunction Indicator Light may also come on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 gallons (11.4 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.

After a few driving trips, the 
light should turn off if no other potential emission control system malfunction exists.

If this indicator light comes on steady for 20 seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when the engine is not running, it indicates that the vehicle is not ready for an emission control system inspection/maintenance test. See “Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test” in the “Technical and consumer information” section of this manual.

Operation

The Malfunction Indicator Light will come on in one of two ways:

• Malfunction Indicator Light on steady — An emission control system malfunction has been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap if the LOOSE FUEL CAP warning appears in the vehicle information display. If the fuelfiller cap is loose or missing, tighten or install the cap and continue to drive the vehicle.

  The  light should turn off after
  a few driving trips. If the  light
  does not turn off after a few driving trips, have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.

• Malfunction Indicator Light blinking — An engine misfire has been detected which may damage the emission control system. To reduce or avoid emission control system damage:

• do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH (72 km/h).
• avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
• avoid steep uphill grades.
• if possible, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled or towed.

The Malfunction Indicator Light may stop blinking and come on steady. Have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle towed to the dealer.

CAUTION

Continued vehicle operation without having the emission control system checked and repaired as necessary could lead to poor driveability, reduced fuel economy, and possible damage to the emission control system.

Overdrive OFF
indicator light (CVT models) (if so equipped)

The overdrive OFF indicator light illuminates when the overdrive off mode is selected.

For additional information, see “Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.

 Security
indicator light

For vehicles without Intelligent Key: This light blinks whenever the ignition switch is placed in the LOCK, OFF or ACC position.

For vehicles with Intelligent Key: This light blinks when the ignition switch is placed in the LOCK position with the key removed from the ignition switch.

The blinking security indicator light indicates that the security systems equipped on the vehicle are operational.

For additional information, see “Security systems” in this section.

 Side light and
headlight indicator light (green)

The side light and headlight indicator light illuminates when the side light or headlight position is selected. See “Headlight and turn signal switch” in this section for further details.

 Slip indicator
light

This indicator will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system or the traction control system is operating, thus alerting that the vehicle is nearing its traction limits. The road surface may be slippery.

 SPORT mode
indicator light

The SPORT mode indicator light illuminates when the SPORT mode is turned ON. See “Sport mode” in the “Starting and driving” section for the use of the SPORT mode switch.

Turn
signal/hazard indicator lights

The appropriate light flashes when the turn signal switch is activated.

Both lights flash when the hazard switch is turned on.

 Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off indicator light

This indicator light comes on when the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch is pushed to OFF.

This indicates the Vehicle Dynamic Control has been turned off.

Push the Vehicle Dynamic Control off switch again or restart the engine and the system will operate normally. See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manual.

The Vehicle Dynamic Control light also comes on when you place the ignition switch in the ON position. The light will turn off after about 2 seconds if the system is operational. If the light stays on or comes on along with the 
indicator light while you are driving, have the Vehicle Dynamic Control system checked by a NISSAN dealer.

While the Vehicle Dynamic Control system is operating, you might feel slight vibration or hear the system working when starting the vehicle or accelerating, but this is normal.

Audible reminders

Brake pad wear warning

The disc brake pads have audible wear warnings.

When a disc brake pad requires replacement, it makes a high pitched scraping sound when the vehicle is in motion, whether or not the brake pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.

Key reminder chime

A chime sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the key is left in the ignition switch. Remove the key and take it with you when leaving the vehicle.

Light reminder chime

With the ignition switch placed in the OFF position, a chime sounds when the driver’s door is opened if the headlights or parking lights are on.

Turn the headlight control switch off before leaving the vehicle.

NISSAN Intelligent Key® door buzzer (if so equipped)

The Intelligent Key door buzzer sounds if any one of the following improper operations is found.

• The ignition switch is not returned to the LOCK position when locking the doors.
• The Intelligent Key is left inside the vehicle when locking the doors.
• The Intelligent Key is taken outside the vehicle when operating the vehicle.
• Any doors are not closed securely when locking the doors.

When the buzzer sounds, be sure to check both the vehicle and the Intelligent Key. See “NISSAN Intelligent Key®” in the “Pre-driving checks and adjustments” section.

Parking brake reminder chime

A chime sounds if the parking brake is set and the vehicle is driven. The chime will stop if the parking brake is released or the vehicle speed returns to zero.