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Nissan Sentra B18 (2020-2025) Owner's Manual: Headlight and turn signal switch

Headlight control switch

Nissan Sentra headlight and turn signal switch Type A control layout
Type A (if so equipped)

Nissan Sentra headlight and turn signal switch Type B control layout
Type B (if so equipped)

Lighting

  1. Rotate the switch to the Nissan Sentra parking light switch position position to turn on the front parking lights, tail lights, license plate lights, and instrument panel illumination. The Nissan Sentra parking light indicator symbol indicator will illuminate in the meter.
  2. Rotate the switch to the Nissan Sentra headlight on switch position position to turn on the headlights. All other exterior and interior lights remain on while the Nissan Sentra headlights are active.

CAUTION

Always use the headlights with the engine running to avoid unnecessary discharge of the Nissan Sentra vehicle battery.

Nissan Sentra headlight control switch overview

Autolight system

The autolight system on the Nissan Sentra automatically controls exterior lighting based on ambient light conditions. This system is designed to enhance driving convenience and safety and can perform the following functions:

  • Automatically turn on the headlights, front parking lights, tail lights, license plate lights, and instrument panel illumination when ambient light levels are low.
  • Automatically turn off all exterior and interior lights when sufficient daylight is detected.
  • Keep the lights illuminated for a short period after the ignition switch is placed in the OFF position and all doors are closed.

To activate the autolight system:

1. For USA models: Turn the headlight switch to the AUTO position 1.

For Canada models: Turn the headlight switch to the AUTO 1 or Nissan Sentra autolight switch alternative position position.

2. Place the ignition switch in the ON position.

3. The autolight system will now automatically turn the headlights on or off as lighting conditions change.

Initially, if the ignition switch is moved to the OFF position and a door is opened and left open, the headlights will remain illuminated for a short time. If another door is opened while the headlights are still on, the timer will continue.

To deactivate the autolight system:

For USA models: Turn the switch to the OFF position (if equipped), Nissan Sentra headlight off position, or Nissan Sentra manual headlight position position.

For Canada models: Turn the switch to the Nissan Sentra headlight switch Canada off position position.

The Nissan Sentra headlights may also turn on automatically at twilight or during rainy conditions when the windshield wipers are operated continuously.

If the ignition switch is placed in the OFF position and a door is opened and left open, the headlights will remain on for approximately one minute.

Nissan Sentra autolight sensor location illustration

Do not place any objects on top of the autolight sensor located on the upper side of the instrument panel. The autolight sensor controls automatic headlight operation; if it is covered, the system will react as if it is dark and turn the headlights on. If this occurs while the vehicle is parked with the engine off and the ignition switch in the ON position, the Nissan Sentra battery may become discharged.

Nissan Sentra headlight beam control lever

Headlight beam select

  1. To select the high beam function, push the lever forward. The high beam headlights will turn on and the Nissan Sentra high beam indicator symbol indicator will illuminate in the meter.
  2. Pull the lever back to return to low beam operation.
  3. Pulling and releasing the lever will momentarily flash the high beam headlights.

High Beam Assist

The High Beam Assist system on the Nissan Sentra operates when the vehicle is driven at speeds of approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or higher.

When an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle ahead is detected while the high beams are on, the system will automatically switch the headlights from high beam to low beam to reduce glare and improve safety.

WARNING

  • The High Beam Assist system on the Nissan Sentra is designed as a driving convenience feature only and is not a substitute for attentive and responsible driving. The driver must remain alert at all times, follow safe driving practices, and manually switch between high beam and low beam when conditions require it.
  • The high beam or low beam may not switch automatically under certain conditions. In these situations, always control the headlights manually on your Nissan Sentra.
    • During adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, snow, or strong wind.
    • When a light source similar to a headlight or tail light is present near the vehicle.
    • When the headlights of an oncoming or leading vehicle are turned off, partially obscured, discolored by dirt or foreign material, or misaligned.
    • When there is a sudden or continuous change in surrounding brightness.
    • When driving on roads with rolling hills, uneven elevation, or significant level changes.
    • When driving on roads with many curves.
    • When signs, mirrors, or reflective surfaces direct intense light toward the front of the vehicle.
    • When objects or containers being towed by a leading vehicle reflect strong light.
    • When a headlight on your Nissan Sentra is damaged, dirty, or partially obstructed.
    • When the vehicle is leaning due to a punctured tire, towing condition, or uneven load.
  • The timing of switching between low beam and high beam may vary under the following conditions:
    • The brightness level of headlights from oncoming or leading vehicles.
    • The movement, speed, and direction of oncoming or leading vehicles.
    • When only one headlight of an oncoming or leading vehicle is illuminated.
    • When the oncoming or leading vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle.
    • Road characteristics such as slope, curvature, and surface condition.
    • The number of passengers and the amount of luggage carried in the Nissan Sentra.

Nissan Sentra High Beam Assist control on headlight and turn signal switch

High Beam Assist operation

To activate the High Beam Assist system, turn the headlight switch to the AUTO position 1 and push the lever forward to position 2 (high beam). When the system is operating, the Nissan Sentra High Beam Assist indicator symbol High Beam Assist indicator will illuminate in the meter while the headlights are on.

If the High Beam Assist indicator does not illuminate under these conditions, this may indicate a system malfunction. Have the Nissan Sentra inspected as soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit an authorized NISSAN dealer for service.

When vehicle speed decreases to below approximately 16 mph (25 km/h), the headlights automatically switch to low beam operation.

To turn off the High Beam Assist system, rotate the headlight switch to the Nissan Sentra headlight manual position position or select the low beam by placing the lever in the neutral position.

Nissan Sentra High Beam Assist lever position illustration

Ambient image sensor maintenance

The ambient image sensor 1 for the High Beam Assist system is located in front of the inside rearview mirror. To ensure reliable operation of the High Beam Assist system and to prevent malfunctions on the Nissan Sentra, observe the following precautions:

  • Keep the windshield clean and free of dirt, snow, or ice.
  • Do not attach stickers, decals (including transparent materials), or accessories near the ambient image sensor.
  • Do not strike, damage, or touch the sensor lens or the surrounding area.

If the ambient image sensor is damaged due to an accident or impact, it is recommended that the Nissan Sentra be inspected by a NISSAN dealer.

Battery saver system (if so equipped)

The light reminder chime will sound if the headlight switch is in the Nissan Sentra headlight parking light position or Nissan Sentra headlight on position position and the driver’s door is opened while the ignition switch is in the OFF or LOCK position.

If the ignition switch is placed in the OFF or LOCK position while the headlight switch remains in the Nissan Sentra headlight manual on position or Nissan Sentra headlight parking position position, the battery saver function will automatically turn off the lights after a period of time to help prevent battery discharge.

Always turn the headlight switch to the OFF or AUTO position when leaving the Nissan Sentra.

CAUTION

  • Do not leave the lights on for extended periods when the engine is not running, as this may discharge the battery.
  • If you turn the headlight switch back on after the lights have automatically turned off, they will not switch off again automatically. Be sure to place the light switch in the OFF (if equipped) or AUTO position when leaving the vehicle for extended periods to avoid battery discharge.

LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) system

The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) on the Nissan Sentra automatically illuminate at 100% intensity when the engine is started and the parking brake is released. The LED DRL operate when the headlight switch is in the OFF (if so equipped) or AUTO position during daytime driving conditions. For CAN models, the LED DRL can also illuminate when the headlight switch is in the Nissan Sentra headlight switch position for daytime running lights position during daylight conditions, in which case the rear position lights will also turn on. When the headlight switch is turned to the Nissan Sentra headlight switch full illumination position position for full illumination, the LED lights transition from DRL operation to the parking light function.

If the parking brake is applied before the engine is started, the LED DRL will not illuminate.

Once the parking brake is released, the LED DRL will illuminate and remain on until the ignition switch of the Nissan Sentra is placed in the OFF position.

At dusk or in low-light conditions, it is necessary to manually turn on the headlights so that interior controls and switches are illuminated, as these remain off while the headlight switch is in the OFF or AUTO position.

WARNING

When the LED DRL system is active, the tail lights are not illuminated. At dusk or in reduced visibility, the headlights must be turned on manually. Failure to do so could result in reduced visibility and may cause an accident, potentially injuring you or others.

Instrument brightness control

Nissan Sentra instrument panel brightness control buttons

Press the “+” button to increase the brightness level of the instrument panel lights in the Nissan Sentra.

Press the “−” button to decrease the brightness level of the instrument panel lights.

Turn signal switch

Nissan Sentra turn signal and multifunction lever

Turn signal

  1. Move the lever upward or downward to indicate the intended turning direction. After the turn is completed, the turn signal will cancel automatically.

Lane change signal

  1. Move the lever up or down until the turn signal begins to flash without latching the lever to signal a lane change.

    Hold the lever in this position until the lane change maneuver is completed.

Alternatively, move the lever briefly up or down until the turn signal flashes and release it. The turn signal will automatically flash three times, providing a convenient lane change indication.

Select the appropriate signaling method based on traffic flow and road conditions while driving the Nissan Sentra.

NOTE:

If a turn signal light bulb malfunctions, the turn signal indicator will flash at a higher frequency when activated.

NOTE:

The three-flash lane change feature may be disabled depending on vehicle settings.

For additional information, refer to “Vehicle information display 4.2 inch (11 cm) Type A” or “Vehicle information display 7 inch (18 cm) Type B”.

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