QUICK REFERENCE INDEX

Edition: April 2002

Revision: May 2004
Publication No. SM3E-1B15U2

A GENERAL INFORMATION

GI

General Information

B ENGINE

EM

Engine Mechanical

LU

Engine Lubrication System

CO

Engine Cooling System

EC

Engine Control System

FL

Fuel System

EX

Exhaust System

ACC

Accelerator Control System

TRANSMISSION/
TRANSAXLE

CL

Clutch

MT

Manual Transaxle

AT

Automatic Transaxle

D DRIVELINE/AXLE

FAX

Front Axle

RAX

Rear Axle

FSU

Front Suspension

RSU

Rear Suspension

WT

Road Wheels & Tires

BR

Brake System

PB

Parking Brake System

BRC

Brake Control System

E SUSPENSION

F BRAKES

G STEERING

PS

Power Steering System

H RESTRAINTS

SB

Seat Belts

SRS

BODY

J AIR CONDITIONER
K ELECTRICAL

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

BL

Body, Lock & Security System

GW

Glasses, Window System & Mirrors

RF

Roof

EI

Exterior & Interior

IP

Instrument Panel

SE

Seat

MTC

Manual Air Conditioner

SC

Starting & Charging System

LT

Lighting System

DI

Driver Information System

WW

Wiper, Washer & Horn

BCS

Body Control System

LAN

LAN System

AV
ACS

Audio Visual, Navigation & Telephone System

Auto Cruise Control System

PG

Power Supply, Ground & Circuit Elements

L MAINTENANCE

MA

Maintenance

M INDEX

IDX

Alphabetical Index

2004 NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

All rights reserved. No part of this Service Manual may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photo-copying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission
of Nissan North America, Inc., Gardena, California.
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A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M

FOREWORD
This manual contains maintenance and repair procedures for the
2003 NISSAN SENTRA.
In order to assure your safety and the efficient functioning of the vehicle,
this manual should be read thoroughly. It is especially important that the
PRECAUTIONS in the GI section be completely understood before starting
any repair task.
All information in this manual is based on the latest product information
at the time of publication. The right is reserved to make changes in specifications and methods at any time without notice.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

The proper performance of service is essential for both the safety of
the technician and the efficient functioning of the vehicle.
The service methods in this Service Manual are described in such a
manner that the service may be performed safely and accurately.
Service varies with the procedures used, the skills of the technician
and the tools and parts available. Accordingly, anyone using service
procedures, tools or parts which are not specifically recommended
by NISSAN must first be completely satisfied that neither personal
safety nor the vehicles safety will be jeopardized by the service
method selected.

-2

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Please print this form and type or write your comments below. Mail or fax to:
Nissan North America, Inc.
Technical Service Information
39001 Sunrise Drive, P.O. Box 9200
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FAX: (248) 488-3910
SERVICE MANUAL:

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QUICK REFERENCE CHART: SENTRA (EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L,

QG ENGINE)
2003

QUICK REFERENCE CHART: SENTRA (EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L, QG ENGINE)

Engine Tune-Up Data
[QG18DE]

Engine

QG18DE

Classification

Gasoline

Cylinder arrangement

4, in-line

Displacement

1,769 (107.94)

cm3 (cu in)

Bore stroke
mm (in)

80.0 x 88.0 (3.150 x 3.465)

Valve arrangement

DOHC

Firing order

1-3-4-2

Number of piston rings

Compression

Oil

Number of main bearings

Compression ratio

9.5

Drive Belt Deflection and Tension

Component

Deflection Adjustment Unit: mm (in)

Tension Adjustment *1 Unit: N (kg, lb)

Used Belt

Generator

Used Belt

Limit

After
Adjustment

New Belt

With air conditioner compressor

8.1 (0.319)

5.3 - 5.7
(0.209 - 0.244)

Without air
conditioner
compressor

10.2 (0.402)

7.1 (0.280)

Power steering oil pump

Applied pushing force

Limit

After
Adjustment

New Belt

4.5 - 5.0
(0.177- 0.197)

292 (30, 66)

652 - 740
(66.5 - 75.5,
146.6 - 166.4)

789 - 877
(80.5 - 89.5,
177.4 - 197.1)

6.5 - 7.0
(0.256 - 0.276)

5.5 - 6.1 (0.217

- 0.240)

292 (30, 60)

652 - 740
(66.5 - 75.5,
146.6 - 166.4)

789 - 877
(80.5 - 89.5,
177.4 - 197.1)

4.4 - 4.9
(0.173 - 0.193)

3.9 - 4.4 (0.154

- 0.173)

196 (20, 44)

495 - 583
(50.5 -59.5,
111.4 - 131.2)

603- 691
(61.5 - 70.5,
135.6 - 155.5)

98 N (10 kg, 22 lb)

*1: If the belt tension gauge cannot be installed at check points shown, check belt tension at a different location on the belt.

Spark Plugs (Double Platinum - Tipped)

Type

Plug gap

Standard

PLFR5A-11

Hot

PLFR4A-11

Cold

PLFR6A-11
nominal 1.1 mm (0.043 in)

QUICK REFERENCE CHART: SENTRA (EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L,

QG ENGINE)
2003

Front Wheel Alignment (Unladen*1)

SFA234AC

Camber
Degree minute (decimal degree)

Minimum

110' (1.17)

Nominal

025' (0.42)

Maximum
Left and right difference

Caster
Degree minute (decimal degree)

Distance (A - B)
mm (in)
Total toe-in
Angle (left plus right)
Degree minute (decimal degree)

Wheel turning angle

Full turn*2

Inside
Degree minute (decimal degree)
Outside
Degree minute (decimal degree)

45 (0.75) or less

Minimum

051 (0.85)

Nominal

136 (1.60)

Maximum

221 (2.35)

Left and right difference

Kingpin inclination
Degree minute (decimal degree)

020 (0.33)

45 (0.75) or less

Minimum

1358 (13.97)

Nominal

1443 (14.72)

Maximum

1528 (15.47)

Minimum

1 (0.039)

Nominal

2 (0.079)

Maximum

3 (0.118)

Minimum

5.5 (0.08)

Nominal

11 (0.18)

Maximum

16 (0.27)

Minimum

34 (34.0)

Nominal

37 (37.0)

Maximum

38 (38.0)

Nominal

31 (31.0)

*1: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
*2: On power steering models, wheel turning force (at circumference of steering wheel) of 98 to 147 N (10 to 15 kg, 22 to 33 lb) with
engine idle.

QUICK REFERENCE CHART: SENTRA (EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L,

QG ENGINE)
2003

Rear Wheel Alignment (Unladen*)

SFA234AC

Camber
Degree minute (decimal degree)

Distance (A - B)
mm (in)
Total toe-in
Angle (left plus right)
Degree minute (decimal degree)

Minimum

145 (1.75)

Nominal

100 (1.00)

Maximum

015 (0.25)

Minimum

3 (0.12)

Nominal

1 (0.04)

Maximum

5 (0.20)

Minimum

16 (0.27)

Nominal

530 (0.09)

Maximum

26 (0.43)

*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.

Brake
Unit: mm (in)
Brake model
Front brake

Cylinder bore diameter

Pad length width thickness
Rotor outer diameter thickness
Brake model

257 22 (10.12 0.87)

LT20G

Lining length width thickness

219.4 35 4.5
(8.64 1.38 0.177)

Cylinder bore diameter

Valve model
Split point [kPa (kg/cm2, psi)] reducing ratio
Booster model

Brake booster
Diaphragm diameter
Brake fluid

125.6 46.0 11.0 (4.94 1.811 0.433)

15.87 (5/8) type a

17.45 (11/16) type b

Drum inner diameter/Disc diameter thickness

Control valve

57.2 (2.252)

Cylinder bore diameter/caliper bore diameter

Rear brake

Master cylinder

CL25VA

Recommended brake fluid

203.2 (8)
23.81 (15/16)
Dual proportioning valve
1,961 (20,284) 0.2
M215T
Primary: 230 (9.06)
Secondary: 205 (8.07)
Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or
equivalent, DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)

Disc Brake - Repair Limits

Unit: mm (in)
Brake model

CL25VA

Pad wear limit

Minimum thickness

2.0 (0.079)

Rotor repair limit

Minimum thickness

20 (0.79)

QUICK REFERENCE CHART: SENTRA (EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L,

QG ENGINE)
2003
Drum Brake - Repair Limits
Unit: mm (in)
Brake model

LT20G

Lining wear limit

Drum repair limit

Minimum thickness

1.5 (0.059)

Maximum inner diameter

204.5 (8.05)

Maximum out-of round

0.03 (0.0012)

Refill Capacities
Engine Coolant Capacity (Approximate)
Unit:
Drain and refill without reservoir

(US qt, Imp qt)

M/T (RS5F70A)

6.0 (6 3/8, 5 1/4)

A/T (RE4F03B)

5.9 (6 1/4, 5 1/4)

Reservoir tank (at MAX level)

0.7 (3/4, 5/8)

Engine Oil Capacity (Approximate)

Unit:
Drain and refill

(US qt, Imp qt)

With oil filter change

2.7 (2 7/8, 2 3/8)

Without oil filter change

2.5 (2 5/8, 2 1/4)

Dry engine (engine overhaul)

3.1 (3 1/4, 2 3/4)

Miscellaneous Capacities (Approximate)

System description

Metric measurement

US measurement

Imp measurement

Fuel tank

50

13 1/4 gal

11 gal

Power steering system

1.0

2 1/8 pt

1 3/4 pt

M/T (RS5F70A)

3.0

3 1/8 qt

2 5/8 qt

A/T (RE4F03B)

7.0

7 3/8 qt

6 1/8 qt

0.99 - 1.21 lb

0.99 - 1.21 lb

6.1 fl oz

6.3 fl oz

Transaxle
Refrigerant
Air conditioning system

Compressor oil

0.45 - 0.55 kg
180 m

QUICK REFERENCE CHART: SENTRA (EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L,

QR ENGINE)
2003

QUICK REFERENCE CHART: SENTRA (EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, QR ENGINE)

Engine Tune-Up Data
[QR25DE]

Engine

QR25DE

Cylinder arrangement

4 in-line

Displacement

cm3 (cu in)

2,488 (151.82)

Bore and stroke mm (in)

89.0 x 100 (3.50 - 3.94)

Valve arrangement

DOHC

Firing order

1-3-4-2

Number of piston rings

Compression

Oil

Compression ratio

Compression pressure
kPa (kg/cm2, psi) / 250 rpm

9.5
Standard

1,250 (12.8, 182)

Minimum

1,060 (10.8, 154)

Differential limit
between cylinders

100 (1.0, 14)

Drive Belt Deflection and Tension

Tension of drive belts

Auto adjustment by auto-tensioner

Spark Plugs (Double Platinum Tipped)

Type

Standard

PLFR5A-11

Hot

PLFR4A-11

Cold

PLFR6A-11

Plug gap

nominal 1.1 mm (0.043 in)

Front Wheel Alignment (Unladen*1)

SFA234AC

Camber
Degree minute (decimal degree)

Minimum

112' (1.2)

Nominal

027' (0.45)

Maximum
Left and right difference

Caster
Degree minute (decimal degree)

45 (0.75) or less

Minimum

058 (0.97)

Nominal

143 (1.72)

Maximum

228 (2.47)

Left and right difference

Kingpin inclination
Degree minute (decimal degree)

018 (0.3)

45 (0.75) or less

Minimum

1403 (14.05)

Nominal

1446 (14.77)

Maximum

1531 (15.52)

QUICK REFERENCE CHART: SENTRA (EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L,

QR ENGINE)
2003
Distance (A - B)
mm (in)
Total toe-in
Angle (left plus right)
Degree minute (decimal degree)

Wheel turning angle

Full turn*2

Inside
Degree minute (decimal degree)
Outside
Degree minute (decimal degree)

Minimum

1 (0.039)

Nominal

2 (0.079)

Maximum

3 (0.118)

Minimum

5.5 (0.08)

Nominal

11 (0.18)

Maximum

16 (0.27)

Minimum

29 (29.0)

Nominal

32 (32.0)

Maximum

33 (33.0)

Nominal

27 (27.0)

*1: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.
*2: On power steering models, wheel turning force (at circumference of steering wheel) of 98 to 147 N (10 to 15 kg, 22 to 33 lb) with
engine idle.

Rear Wheel Alignment (Unladen*)

SFA234AC

Camber
Degree minute (decimal degree)

Distance (A - B)
mm (in)
Total toe-in
Angle (left plus right)
Degree minute (decimal degree)

Minimum

145 (1.75)

Nominal

100 (1.00)

Maximum

015 (0.25)

Minimum

3 (0.12)

Nominal

1 (0.04)

Maximum

5 (0.20)

Minimum

16 (0.27)

Nominal

530 (0.09)

Maximum

26 (0.43)

*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.

Brake
Unit: mm (in)
Brake model
Cylinder bore diameter
Front brake

Pad length width thickness

Rotor outer diameter thickness
Brake model
Cylinder bore diameter/caliper bore diameter

Rear brake

Master cylinder

CL25VB
57.2 (2.252)
125.6 46.0 11.0 (4.94 1.811 0.433)
280 22 (11.02 0.87)
CL9HC
33.96 (1 11/32)

Lining length width thickness

89.1 39.5 10
(3.508 1.555 0.39)

Drum inner diameter/Disc diameter thickness

258 9 (10.16 0.35)

Cylinder bore diameter

23.81 (15/16)

QUICK REFERENCE CHART: SENTRA (EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L,

QR ENGINE)
2003
Valve model
Control valve

Dual proportioning valve

2,942 (30,427) 0.2

Split point [kPa (kg/cm2, psi)] reducing ratio

Booster model

Brake booster

Brake fluid

M215T
Primary: 230 (9.06)
Secondary: 205 (8.07)

Diaphragm diameter

Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or

equivalent, DOT 3 (US FMVSS No. 116)

Recommended brake fluid

Disc Brake - Repair Limits

Unit: mm (in)
Brake model

CL25VB (Front)

CL9HC (Rear)

Pad wear limit

Minimum thickness

2.0 (0.079)

2.0 (0.079)

Rotor repair limit

Minimum thickness

20 (0.79)

8 (0.31)

Refill Capacities
Engine Coolant Capacity (Approximate)
Unit:
Drain and refill (without reservoir)

(US qt, Imp qt)

M/T (RS5F51A, RS6F51H)

6.1 (6 1/2, 5 3/8)

A/T (RE4F04B)

6.0 (6 3/8, 5 1/4)

Reservoir tank (at MAX level)

0.7 (3/4, 5/8)

Engine Oil Capacity (Approximate)

Unit:
Drain and refill

(US qt, Imp qt)

With oil filter change

3.9 (4 1/8, 3 3/8)

Without oil filter change

3.7 (3 7/8, 3 1/4)

Dry engine (engine overhaul)

4.4 (4 5/8, 3 7/8)

Miscellaneous Capacity (Approximate)

System description

Metric measurement

US measurement

Imp measurement

Fuel tank

50

13 1/4 gal

11 gal

Power steering system

1.0

2 1/8 pt

1 3/4 pt

M/T (RS5F51A, RS6F51H)

2.3

2 3/8 qt

2 qt

A/T (RE4F04B)

8.5

9 qt

7 1/2 qt

0.99 - 1.21 lb

0.99 - 1.21 lb

6.1 fl oz

6.3 fl oz

Transaxle
Refrigerant
Air conditioning system

Compressor oil

0.45 - 0.55 kg
180 m