Nissan Sentra B18 (2020-2025) Owner's Manual: Warning/Indicator lights (red)

For more detailed explanations of warnings and indicators in the Nissan Sentra, refer to the sections titled "Vehicle information display 4.2 inch (11 cm) Type A" or "Vehicle information display 7 inch (18 cm) Type B", depending on the display equipped in your vehicle.

or Brake warning light

This warning light in the Nissan Sentra serves a dual purpose and monitors both the parking brake system and the hydraulic foot brake system.

Parking brake indicator

When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, this light illuminates whenever the parking brake is applied, reminding the driver that the parking brake is engaged.

Low brake fluid warning light

With the ignition switch in the ON position, this light also warns of a low brake fluid level. If the light illuminates while the engine is running and the parking brake is released, stop the Nissan Sentra immediately and take the following steps:

1. Check the brake fluid level and add the recommended brake fluid if necessary.

2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warning system inspected. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for professional diagnosis and service.

WARNING

• Your brake system may not be operating correctly if this warning light remains illuminated.

  Continuing to drive could be hazardous. If you determine it is safe, drive cautiously to the nearest service facility for inspection and repair.

  Otherwise, have the Nissan Sentra towed, as continued driving may pose a serious safety risk.

• Pressing the brake pedal with the engine stopped and/or with a low brake fluid level may significantly increase stopping distance and require greater pedal effort and travel.

• If the brake fluid level is below the MINIMUM or MIN mark on the reservoir, do not drive the vehicle until the brake system has been checked. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

Charge warning light

If this light illuminates while the engine is running, it may indicate that the charging system of the Nissan Sentra is not operating properly. Turn the engine off and inspect the generator belt. If the belt is loose, damaged, missing, or if the warning light remains on, have the vehicle serviced immediately. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

CAUTION

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

Engine oil pressure warning light

This warning light alerts the driver to low engine oil pressure. If the light flickers or illuminates during normal driving, safely pull the Nissan Sentra off the road, stop the engine immediately, and contact a NISSAN dealer or authorized repair facility.

The engine oil pressure warning light is not intended to indicate a low engine oil level.

Always use the engine oil dipstick to check the oil level.

CAUTION

Operating the engine while the engine oil pressure warning light is on can cause severe engine damage almost immediately. Such damage is not covered under warranty. Turn the engine off as soon as it is safe to do so.

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) (if so equipped)

If this indicator light illuminates steadily or blinks while the engine is running, it may signal a potential emission control system malfunction in the Nissan Sentra.

The MIL may also illuminate steadily if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Ensure that the fuel-filler cap is properly installed and securely tightened, and confirm that the fuel tank contains at least 3 gallons (11.4 liters) of fuel.

After several driving trips, the light should turn off if no additional emission-related issues are detected.

If this indicator light remains on steadily for approximately 20 seconds and then blinks for about 10 seconds when the engine is not running, it indicates that the Nissan Sentra is not ready for an emission control system inspection or maintenance test.

Operation

The Malfunction Indicator Light operates in one of two ways:

• MIL 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 of your Nissan Sentra. If the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, securely tighten or reinstall the cap and continue driving the Nissan Sentra as normal. The light should turn off after several normal driving trips. If the light does not turn off after a few driving trips, have the vehicle inspected. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for professional diagnosis. You do not need to have your Nissan Sentra towed to the dealer.

• MIL blinking – An engine misfire has been detected that may damage the emission control system of the Nissan Sentra. To reduce or prevent emission control system damage:

  • Do not drive at speeds above 45 mph (72 km/h).

  • Avoid hard acceleration or sudden deceleration.

  • Avoid driving on steep uphill grades.

  • If possible, reduce the amount of cargo being carried or towed.

The MIL may stop blinking and remain on steadily. If this occurs, have the Nissan Sentra inspected as soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service. You do not need to have your vehicle towed.

CAUTION

Continued operation of the Nissan Sentra without having the emission control system checked and repaired as necessary may result in poor driveability, reduced fuel economy, and possible damage to the emission control system.

Master warning light

When the ignition switch of the Nissan Sentra is in the ON position, the master warning light illuminates if any of the following messages are shown on the vehicle information display:

• Parking brake release warning

• Door open warning (while the vehicle is moving)

• Service CVT – Stop safely warning

• Shift to P (Park) position warning

Seat belt warning light and chime

• This light and audible chime remind all occupants to fasten their seat belts.

• The seat belt warning light illuminates when the ignition switch is placed in the ON position if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened, or if the front passenger seat belt is not fastened while the seat is occupied.

• The seat belt warning light also illuminates if a rear passenger seat belt is changed from fastened to unfastened.

• If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened when the ignition switch is turned ON, the warning chime will sound shortly afterward.

• If the Nissan Sentra is driven above 9 mph (15 km/h) while a seat belt warning condition exists, the indicator will blink and the chime will sound for more than one minute, or until the seat belt is fastened.

NOTE:

• The warning light and/or chime may activate if an object is placed on an unoccupied front passenger seat. In this case, remove the object from the seat.

• The warning light and/or chime may activate if any seat belt is unfastened before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Remain buckled until the Nissan Sentra has fully stopped.

Supplemental air bag warning light

When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, the supplemental air bag warning light illuminates for approximately 7 seconds and then turns off, indicating that the system is operating correctly.

If any of the following conditions occur, the front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag, and pretensioner seat belt systems in the Nissan Sentra require servicing.

• The supplemental air bag warning light remains illuminated after about 7 seconds.

• The supplemental air bag warning light flashes intermittently.

• The supplemental air bag warning light does not illuminate at all.

It is recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for inspection and repair. If left unchecked, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and/or pretensioners may not function properly in the event of a collision.

WARNING

If the supplemental air bag warning light is on, the front air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag systems and/or pretensioners may not operate in an accident. To help avoid serious injury or death, have your Nissan Sentra inspected as soon as possible.

It is strongly recommended that you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.

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