The Nissan Sentra has been in production since 1982 and is currently in its 7th generation (B17). Here we examine the dashboard warning lights for the Nissan Sentra. The icons below relate to many models of the Sentra, but primarily focus on the modern versions.
Nissan Sentra control lights
Certain warning lights (if present in the vehicle) illuminate on the Nissan Sentra dashboard when the ignition is switched on and turn off after a short time. This is a self-test system and the following lights will illuminate:
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These warning lights also come on, but only very briefly:
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If any of the warning lights do not come on, it could indicate a blown bulb or a malfunction in that particular system.
Nissan Sentra dashboard warning lights
Now let's take a look at the Nissan Sentra dashboard warning lights that can come on while driving. It is advisable to deal with yellow/amber warning lights as soon as possible and red warning lights immediately. Red warning lights are the most urgent and can potentially result in vehicle damage and/or a risk to vehicle occupant safety.
Symbolname: ABS
Meaning: Middle
Description: This is the Nissan Sentra anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light. The icon can also be displayed as. If the light comes on while driving, it indicates an ABS fault. ABS prevents the wheels from locking under hard braking, which in turn allows better control of the vehicle.
What to do: When an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock brake function becomes inoperable. The braking system
continues to work normally, but without ABS support. Have the system checked as soon as possible. The most common cause of error is a defective wheel speed sensor.
Symbolname: AEB
Meaning: Middle
Description: The Nissan Sentra's Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system assists the driver when there is a risk of a frontal collision with a vehicle ahead in the same lane. To calculate distance, AEB uses a radar sensor located behind the lower grille of the front bumper.
If a risk of collision is detected, the system warns the driver with a warning light and an audible alarm. If you brake quickly and vigorously after the warning, but AEB still recognizes a possible collision, the system automatically increases the braking force. AEB can be switched off manually in the Settings / Driving aids menu.
What to do: A warning light illuminates when the system is manually turned off. If a warning light comes on but the system has not turned off, a fault has been detected. Make sure the position of the sensors is clean.
Symbolname: BRAKE
Meaning: Hoch
Description: Nissan Sentra BRAKE warning light functions as parking and foot brake system. On other versions of the Sentra, the icon may appear as. The BRAKE light comes on when:
- The parking brake is applied.
- Insufficient brake fluid level.
What to do: When the light comes on while driving and the parking brake is appliednotStop as soon as it is safe to do so and check the brake fluid level. Top up brake fluid as needed. If the fluid levels are correct, this may indicate a fault in the braking system. Drive very carefully to an authorized Nissan dealer and have the system checked immediately.
Symbolname: charging
Meaning: Hoch
Description: Nissan Sentra battery warning light indicates a fault in the charging system. The generator/alternator does not sufficiently charge the battery and the vehicle engine may stall momentarily.
What to do: Immediately turn off all vehicle systems that are not essential and consume electrical charge. Check alternator/alternator belt for loose or broken. Check the battery posts for excessive corrosion or loose seating. Do not continue driving if the alternator belt is loose, snapped, or missing.
Symbolname: oil pressure
Meaning: Urgent
Description: This is the Nissan Sentralow oil pressureDashboard warning light and should not be confused with thelow oil levelLight. If this light comes on or flickers while driving, stop and turn the engine off as soon as possible. Low oil pressure can quickly lead to serious engine damage that is not covered by your vehicle warranty.
What to do: Make arrangements for the recovery of your vehicle.
Symbolname: tire pressure
Meaning: Middle
Description: The tire with an exclamation mark inside it is the Nissan Sentra low tire pressure warning light. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has detected that one or more tires are operating at a pressure below that stored in the recommended system settings. If the TPMS is faulty, the warning light will flash for about 1 minute with the ignition on and then stay on.
What to do: Stop as soon as possible and check the tire pressure and inflate the tire according to the tire and loading label on the inside of the driver's door (B-pillar). After inflation, the warning light will not go out automatically. This requires the driver to activate the TPMS at 16 mph (25 km/h) or more.
Symbolname: Main warning light
Meaning: Varies
Description: The yellow triangle with an exclamation mark is the Nissan Sentra's master warning light. The light shines for various reasons.
What to do: With the ignition on, the master warning lamp will illuminate if any of the following is displayed in the vehicle information interface:
- No key warning
- Low wash water warning
- Parking brake release warning
- Warning door open
- Loose fuel cap warning
- Check tire pressure warning
- emergency braking warning
- lock warning
- I-Key-Systemwarnung
- Headlight system warning
- ITS warning
- Shipping mode warning
- Low oil pressure warning
Symbolname: Power steering
Meaning: Low
Description: The “PS” light is the Nissan Sentra power steering dashboard warning light. An alternative icon is the steering wheel with an exclamation mark. If this warning light illuminates on the dashboard while driving, there is a malfunction in the power steering system.
What to do: With a power steering failure, you can still control the car, but the steering will be harder to use - especially at slow speeds. This is not urgent, but have the system checked as soon as possible.
Symbolname: Shift P (parking)
Meaning: Low
Description: The P (Park) shift warning light flashes red and the key reminder alarm sounds when the ignition switch is OFF and the shift lever is in any position other than P (Park).
What to do: With the ignition switch in the OFF position, return the shift lever to P (Park) and the light will go off. Turning the ignition switch to the LOCK position turns off the alarm sound.
Symbolname: Airbag
Meaning: Middle
Description: The Nissan Sentra airbag light should come on for about 7 seconds with the ignition on and then go off. This means the system is operational. The front airbags, curtain airbags, and seat belt pretensioner systems require service if any of the following occurs:
- The airbag warning light stays on after about 7 seconds.
- The air bag warning light flashes intermittently.
- The airbag warning light does not come on at all.
What to do: Have the system checked and repaired as soon as possible. The airbag systems must not deploy during an impact. Possible causes can be loose wires under the front seat, occupant occupancy sensors, airbag module failure, objects in the seat belt buckle.
Symbolname: Cruise control
Meaning: Low
Description: Nissan Sentra's green cruise control will illuminate when the system is active.
What to do: The cruise control light blinks/flashes when a problem is detected. This may be due to excessive engine coolant temperature or a system malfunction.
Symbolname: ECO
Meaning: Low
Description: Nissan Sentra Eco mode helps drivers drive in ways that reduce fuel consumption. The ECO dashboard icon illuminates when the ECO button is pressed.
Symbolname: Start
Meaning: Low
Description: The Nissan Sentra foot on pedal light is the engine start indicator light.
What to do: Depending on your vehicle's transmission, apply:
- Models with continuously variable transmission (CVT).: If the light comes on, press the engine start button together with the brake pedal.
- Manual transmission models: When the light comes on, press the engine start button together with the clutch and brake pedals.
Symbolname: CVT position
Meaning: Low
Description: This icon is displayed on the Nissan Sentra dashboard for continuously variable transmission (CVT) models. This indicator light shows the position of the shift lever.
Symbolname: front tooth
Meaning: Low
Description: If your Nissan Sentra model is equipped with one, this symbol will illuminate on the dashboard to indicate that the fog lights are on.
Symbolname: Mil
Meaning: Middle
Description: The Nissan Sentra's Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), also known as the "Check Engine Light", will either flash or stay on.
What to do: Apply the following depending on whether the light is blinking or steady:
Flashes: This indicates that an engine misfire has been detected. This can lead to damage to the emission control system/catalytic converter. To reduce or avoid damage to the emission control system:
- Avoid driving at speeds over 72 km/h.
- Avoid sharp acceleration or deceleration.
- Avoid driving up steep hills.
- If possible, reduce the amount of cargo towed.
steady: Check that the fuel cap is tight. After a few rides the light should go out. If the gas cap is not the problem, then there is a fault in the emission control program. This is not urgent, but may result in increased fuel consumption.
Symbolname: OUT OF
Meaning: Low
Description: The Nissan Sentra Overdrive or OD is a feature for cars with automatic transmissions that improves fuel efficiency by automatically selecting the highest gear and keeping engine revs as low as possible. It is recommended to leave overdrive on whenever possible.
What to do: The O/D OFF light indicates that overdrive has been turned off. If you're going uphill and the transmission shifts a lot, take it out of OD.
Symbolname: Security
Meaning: Low
Description: The Nissan Sentra car with a key icon is the security gauge. This light blinks.
What to do: This applies regardless of whether the light is flashing or not:
- Vehicles without an Intelligent Key: This lamp flashes when the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK, OFF, or ACC position.
- Vehicles with Intelligent Key: This lamp flashes when the ignition switch is turned to the LOCK position with the key removed. The security indicator flashes to indicate that the security system is active and operational.
Symbolname: VDC
Meaning: Low
Description: The Nissan Sentra's vehicle dynamics control (VDC) has various functions that contribute to the stability of the vehicle. By default, the system is active and operational every time the engine is started. You can turn off VDC manually by pressing the switch.
What to do: There are two cases when this light can blink or be stable:
- The blink: When the VDC light is flashing, it indicates that the system is actively attempting to stabilize the vehicle.
- steady: If the light is constantly on and has not been turned off manually, this indicates an error in the system. Drive carefully until the system is fixed.
Symbolname: SERVICE
Meaning: Middle
Description: The Nissan Sentra SERVICE ENGINE SOON warning light is an alternative to the MIL shown above.
What to do: Sensors in the vehicle have detected errors. Faults are usually related to emissions or possibly a loose gas cap. If the light starts flashing, have the vehicle checked immediately. A flashing SERVICE ENGINE NOW light can indicate a misfire and possibly damage the emission control system. See MIL light above for more details.
Symbolname: SPORT
Meaning: Low
Description: Nissan Sentra SPORT mode, when activated, adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission points to increase performance.
What to do: Although vehicle performance is increased, fuel consumption is likely to decrease.