S Nissan Sentra Manuals Library
Factory-style information for owners and repair work

Nissan Sentra techinfo

Find Nissan Sentra owner information, maintenance instructions, technical references, service procedures and useful repair pages in one clean online library.

Quick access Sentra Docs
B18 Owner's 2020-2025 Sentra owner information B18 Service 2020-2025 Sentra Workshop manual B17 Owner's 2013-2019 Sentra owner documentation B17 Service 2013-2019 Sentra service information

Nissan Sentra B18 (2020-2025) Service Manual: Symptom Diagnosis

Excessive Operation Frequency

Diagnosis Procedure

Diagnosis Procedure

VDC function, TCS function, ABS function, EBD function or brake assist function operates in excessive operation frequency.

  1. CHECK BRAKE FORCE

    1. Check brake force using a brake tester.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES>>

    GO TO 2.

    NO>>

    Check brake system.

  2. CHECK FRONT AND REAR AXLE

    1. Check that there is no excessive looseness in front and rear axle.

      Refer to Inspection (front) or Inspection (rear).

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES>>

    GO TO 3.

    NO>>

    Repair or replace error-detected parts.

  3. CHECK WHEEL SENSOR

    1. Check wheel sensor.

      • Check installation and damage of wheel sensor.

      • Check connection of wheel sensor harness connector.

      • Check terminal of wheel sensor harness connector.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES>>

    GO TO 4.

    NO>>

    Repair installation or replace wheel sensor.

    • Front wheel sensor: Refer to Removal and Installation.

    • Rear wheel sensor: Refer to Removal and Installation.

  4. CHECK SENSOR ROTOR

    1. Check that there is no looseness, damage or foreign material on sensor rotor.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES>>

    GO TO 5.

    NO>>

    Repair installation or replace sensor rotor.

    • Front sensor rotor: Refer to Removal and Installation.

    • Rear sensor rotor: Refer to Removal and Installation.

  5. CHECK THAT WARNING LAMP TURNS OFF

    1. Check that ABS warning lamp, brake warning lamp and VDC warning lamp turn OFF approximately 1 second after key switch is turned ON and stay in OFF status during driving.

      CAUTION:

      Brake warning lamp turns ON when parking brake is operated (parking brake switch is ON) or brake fluid is less than the specified level (brake fluid level switch is ON).

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES>>

    Inspection End.

    NO>>

    GO TO 6.

  6. PERFORM SELF DIAGNOSTIC RESULT

    1. CONSULT

      1. Ignition switch OFF → ON.

        CAUTION:

        • Be sure to wait 10 seconds after placing ignition switch OFF or ON.

        • Set the Nissan Sentra vehicle to READY/Start the engine.

      2. Repeat step 1 two or more times.

      3. Select “Self Diagnostic Result” mode of “ABS”.

    Is any DTC detected?

    YES>>

    Check the DTC. Refer to DTC Index.

    NO>>

    Inspection End.

Unexpected Brake Pedal Reaction

Diagnosis Procedure

Diagnosis Procedure

A malfunction of brake pedal feel (height or other) is detected when brake pedal is depressed.

  1. CHECK FRONT AND REAR AXLE

    1. Check that there is no excessive looseness in front and rear axle.

      Refer to Inspection (front) or Inspection (rear).

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES >>

    GO TO 2.

    NO >>

    Repair or replace error-detected parts.

  2. CHECK DISC ROTOR

    1. Check disc rotor runout.

      • Front: Refer to Inspection.

      • Rear: Refer to Inspection.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES>>

    GO TO 3.

    NO>>

    Refinish the disc rotor.

  3. CHECK BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE

    1. Check for fluid leakage.

      Refer to Inspection.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES >>

    GO TO 4.

    NO >>

    Repair or replace error-detected parts.

  4. CHECK BRAKE PEDAL

    1. Check each item of brake pedal. Refer to Inspection.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES >>

    GO TO 5.

    NO >>

    Adjust each item of brake pedal. Refer to Adjustment.

  5. CHECK BRAKE FORCE

    1. Check brake force using a brake tester.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES >>

    GO TO 6.

    NO >>

    Check each component of brake system.

  6. CHECK BRAKE PERFORMANCE

    1. Disconnect ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit) harness connector so that ABS does not operate. Check that brake force is normal in this condition. Connect harness connector after checking.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES >>

    Inspection End.

    NO >>

    Check each component of brake system.

The Braking Distance Is Long

Diagnosis Procedure

Diagnosis Procedure

Brake stopping distance is long when ABS function is operated.

CAUTION:

Brake stopping distance on a slippery road like a rough road, gravel road or snowy road may become longer when ABS is operated than when ABS is not operated.

  1. CHECK BRAKE FORCE

    1. Check brake force using a brake tester.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES >>

    GO TO 2.

    NO >>

    Check each component of brake system.

  2. CHECK BRAKE PERFORMANCE

    1. Disconnect ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit) harness connector so that ABS does not operate. Check brake stopping distance in this condition. Connect harness connector after checking.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES >>

    Inspection End.

    NO >>

    Check each component of brake system.

Does Not Operate

Diagnosis Procedure

Diagnosis Procedure

VDC function, TCS function, ABS function, EBD function or brake assist function does not operate.

CAUTION:

  • VDC function, TCS function, ABS function, EBD function and brake assist function never operate when the Nissan Sentra vehicle speed is 6.2 MPH (10 km/h) or less. However, TCS function will operate when the vehicle speed is 0 MPH (0 km/h) (the Nissan Sentra vehicle is in stop status).

  • VDC function and TCS function never operate when VDC OFF switch is operated (when VDC OFF indicator lamp turns ON).

  1. CHECK ABS WARNING LAMP

    1. Check that ABS warning lamp, brake warning lamp and VDC warning lamp turn ON and turn OFF approximately 1 second after key switch is turned ON. Check that ABS warning lamp, brake warning lamp and VDC warning lamp stay in OFF status during driving.

      CAUTION:

      Brake warning lamp turns ON when parking brake is operated (parking brake switch is ON) or brake fluid is less than the specified level (brake fluid level switch is ON).

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES >>

    Inspection End.

    NO >>

    GO TO 2.

  2. PERFORM SELF DIAGNOSTIC RESULT

    1. CONSULT

      1. Ignition switch OFF → ON.

        CAUTION:

        • Be sure to wait 10 seconds after placing ignition switch OFF or ON.

        • Start the engine.

      2. Repeat step 1 two or more times.

      3. Select “Self Diagnostic Result” mode of “ABS”.

    Is any DTC detected?

    YES >>

    Check the DTC. Refer to DTC Index.

    NO >>

    Inspection End.

Brake Pedal Vibration or Operation Sound Occurs

Diagnosis Procedure

Diagnosis Procedure

  • Brake pedal vibrates and motor sound from ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit) occurs when the engine starts.

  • Brake pedal vibrates during braking.

CAUTION:

Vibration may be felt when brake pedal is lightly depressed (just placing a foot on it) in the following conditions: This is normal.

  • When shifting gears

  • When driving on slippery road

  • During cornering at high speeds

  • When passing over bumps or grooves [Approx. 1.97 in (50 mm) or more]

  • When pulling away just after starting engine [at approx. 6.2 MPH (10 km/h) or higher]

  1. SYMPTOM CHECK (1)

    1. Check that there are pedal vibrations when the engine is started.

    Do vibrations occur?

    YES>>

    GO TO 2.

    NO>>

    Check brake pedal. Refer to Inspection.

  2. SYMPTOM CHECK (2)

    1. Check that motor sound from ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit) occurs when the engine starts.

    Does the operation sound occur?

    YES >>

    GO TO 3.

    NO >>

    Select “Self Diagnostic Result” mode of “ABS”.

  3. SYMPTOM CHECK (3)

    1. Check symptoms when electrical component (headlamps, etc.) switches are operated.

    Does the symptom occur?

    YES >>

    Check that radio (including wiring), antenna and antenna lead-in wires are not located near ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit). Move them if they are located near ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit).

    NO >>

    GO TO 4.

  4. PERFORM SELF DIAGNOSTIC RESULT

    1. CONSULT

      1. Ignition switch OFF → ON.

        CAUTION:

        • Be sure to wait 10 seconds after placing ignition switch OFF or ON.

        • Start the engine.

      2. Repeat step 1 two or more times.

      3. Select “Self Diagnostic Result” mode of “ABS”.

    Is any DTC detected?

    YES >>

    Check the DTC. Refer to DTC Index.

    NO >>

    Inspection End.

Vehicle Jerks During

Diagnosis Procedure

Diagnosis Procedure

The vehicle jerks when VDC function, TCS function, ABS function, EBD function or brake assist function operates.

  1. CHECK SYMPTOM

    1. Check that the Nissan Sentra vehicle jerks when VDC function, TCS function, ABS function, EBD function or brake assist function operates.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES >>

    Inspection End.

    NO >>

    GO TO 2.

  2. PERFORM THE SELF DIAGNOSTIC RESULT

    1. CONSULT

      1. Ignition switch OFF → ON.

        CAUTION:

        • Be sure to wait 10 seconds after placing ignition switch OFF or ON.

        • Start the engine.

      2. Repeat step 1 two or more times.

      3. Select “Self Diagnostic Result” mode of “ABS”.

    Is any DTC detected?

    YES>>

    Check the DTC. Refer to DTC Index.

    NO>>

    GO TO 3.

  3. CHECK CONNECTOR

      1. Ignition switch OFF.

      2. Disconnect ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit) harness connector.

      3. Check connector terminal for deformation, disconnection and looseness.

    Is the inspection result normal?

    YES >>

    GO TO 4.

    NO >>

    Poor connection of connector terminal. Repair or replace connector terminal.

  4. PERFORM THE SELF DIAGNOSTIC RESULT

    1. CONSULT

      1. Connect harness connector.

      2. Ignition switch OFF → ON.

        CAUTION:

        • Be sure to wait 10 seconds after placing ignition switch OFF or ON.

        • Start the engine.

      3. Repeat step 2 two or more times.

      4. Select “Self Diagnostic Result” mode of “ABS”.

    Is any DTC detected?

    YES >>

    Check the DTC. Refer to DTC Index.

    NO >>

    GO TO 5.

  5. PERFORM THE SELF DIAGNOSTIC RESULT

    1. CONSULT

      Select “Self Diagnostic Result” mode of “ENGINE” and “TRANSMISSION”.

    Is any DTC detected?

    YES >>

    Check the DTC.

    NO >>

    Replace ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit). Refer to Removal and Installation.

Normal Operating Condition

Description

Description

Symptom

Result

Brake pedal slightly vibrates and operation sound (motor sound and sound from suspension) occurs when VDC function, TCS function, ABS function, EBD function or brake assist function operates.

This is not a malfunction, because it is caused by VDC function, TCS function, ABS function, EBD function and brake assist function that are normally operated.

Brake stopping distance may become longer than models without ABS function depending on the road conditions when ABS function is operated on a slippery road, rough road, gravel road or snowy road.

Brake pedal vibrates and operation sound occurs during sudden acceleration and cornering when VDC function, TCS function, brake assist function or brake force distribution function is operated.

Brake pedal vibrates and motor sound from the engine room occurs when the engine starts or the Nissan Sentra vehicle starts just after starting the engine.

This is not a malfunction, because it is caused by operation check of ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit).

Acceleration may feel insufficient depending on the road conditions.

This is not a malfunction, because it is caused by TCS function that puts the highest priority to obtain the optimum traction (stability).

TCS function may operate momentarily while driving on a road where friction coefficient varies or when downshifting or fully depressing accelerator pedal.

ABS warning lamp and VDC OFF indicator lamp may turn ON when the Nissan Sentra vehicle is on a rotating turntable or is given a strong shaking or large vibrations on a ship while the engine is running.

In this case, restart the engine on a normal road. If the normal condition is restored, there is no malfunction. In that case, erase “Self Diagnostic Result” memory of “ABS” with CONSULT.

VDC warning lamp may turn ON and VDC function, TCS function, brake assist function, and brake force distribution function may not normally operate when driving on a special road that is extremely slanted (bank in a circuit course).

A malfunction in yaw rate/side/decel G sensor system may be detected when the Nissan Sentra vehicle sharply turns during a spin turn, acceleration turn or drift driving while VDC function and TCS function are OFF (VDC OFF switch is pressed and VDC OFF indicator lamp is in ON status).

The Nissan Sentra vehicle speed does not increase when the accelerator pedal is depressed while the vehicle is on a 2-wheel chassis dynamometer for speedometer check.

This is normal. (When checking the Nissan Sentra vehicle on a chassis dynamometer, operate VDC OFF switch so that TCS function is OFF.)
    Vdc Off Indicator Lamp
    Component Function Check Component Function Check CHECK VDC OFF INDICATOR LAMP FUNCTION (1) Check that VDC OFF indicator lamp in combination meter turns ON for 1 second after ig...
    Removal and Installation
    Front Wheel Sensor Exploded View Exploded View 1. Steering knuckle 2. Sensor bracket 3. Front wheel sensor A. Harness connector Pawl Clip Removal and Installation Removal and In...

    Other materials:

    Diagnosis System (combination Meter)
    On Board Diagnosis Function On Board Diagnosis Function ON BOARD DIAGNOSIS The following meter functions can be checked during Combination Meter Self-Diagnosis Mode: Pointer sweep of speedometer, tachometer and gauges. Illumination of LCD color patter ...

    Srs Air Bag Control System. Precaution. Precautions
    Precautions Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (srs) "air Bag" and "seat Belt Pre-Tensioner" Precaution for Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) "AIR BAG" and "SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER" The Supplemental Restraint System such as “AIR BAG” and “SEAT BELT PRE-T ...

    Front Axle. Service Data and Specifications (sds). Service Data and Specifications (sds)
    Service Data and Specifications (sds) Wheel Bearing Wheel Bearing Item Standard Axial end play 0.05 mm (0.002 in) or les ...