2004 Nissan-Datsun Sentra SE-RFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Diagnostic Procedure: Notes

  1. INSPECTION START

    Do you have CONSULT-II?

    Yes or No 

    1. Yes: GO TO 2.
    2. No: GO TO  4.
  2. CHECK COOLING FAN LOW SPEED OPERATION 

    With CONSULT-II 

    1. Disconnect cooling fan relay-2 and relay-3.
    2. Turn ignition switch ON.
      Fig 1: Disconnecting Cooling Fan Relay-2 & Relay-3
      G00778221Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    3. Perform "COOLING FAN" in "ACTIVE TEST" mode with CONSULT-II.
    4. Make sure that cooling fans-1 and -2 operate at low speed.
      Fig 2: Displaying ACTIVE TEST Mode With Consult-II
      G00778222Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 3.
    2. NG: Check cooling fan low speed control circuit. (Go to PROCEDURE A .)
  3. CHECK COOLING FAN HIGH SPEED OPERATION 

    WITH CONSULT-II 

    1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
    2. Reconnect cooling fan relay-2 and relay-3.
    3. Turn ignition switch ON.
    4. Perform "COOLING FAN" in "ACTIVE TEST" mode with CONSULT-II.
    5. Make sure that cooling fan-1 operates at high speed.
      Fig 3: Displaying ACTIVE TEST Mode With Consult-II
      G00778223Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO  6.
    2. NG: Check cooling fan high speed control circuit. (Go to PROCEDURE B .)
  4. CHECK COOLING FAN LOW SPEED OPERATION 

    Without CONSULT-II 

    1. Disconnect cooling fan relay-2 and relay-3.
    2. Start engine and let it idle.
    3. Set temperature lever at full cold position.
    4. Turn air conditioner switch ON.
    5. Turn blower fan switch ON.
      Fig 4: Disconnecting Cooling Fan Relay-2 & Relay-3
      G00778224Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
    6. Make sure that cooling fans-1 and -2 operate at low speed.
    7. Fig 5: Checking Cooling Fan Operation
      G00778225Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 5.
    2. NG: Check cooling fan low speed control circuit. (Go to PROCEDURE A .)
  5. CHECK COOLING FAN HIGH SPEED OPERATION 

    Without CONSULT-II 

    1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
    2. Reconnect cooling fan relay-2 and relay-3.
    3. Turn air conditioner switch and blower fan switch OFF.
    4. Disconnect engine coolant temperature sensor harness connector.
    5. Connect 150Ω resistor to engine coolant temperature sensor harness connector.
    6. Restart engine and make sure that cooling fan-1 operates at high speed.
      Fig 6: Connecting Resistor To Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Harness Connector
      G00778226Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 6.
    2. NG: Check cooling fan high speed control circuit. (Go to PROCEDURE B .)
  6. CHECK COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAK 

    Apply pressure to the cooling system with a tester, and check if the pressure drops.

    Testing pressure: 157 kPa (1.6 kg/cm2, 23 psi) 

    CAUTION: Higher than the specified pressure may cause radiator damage. Pressure should not drop.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO  8.
    2. NG: GO TO 7.
    Fig 7: Applying Pressure To Cooling System With Tester
    G00778227Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  7. DETECT MALFUNCTIONING PART 

    Check the following for leak.

    • Hose
    • Radiator
    • Water pump (Refer to "WATER PUMP ".)

      Repair or replace.

  8. CHECK RADIATOR CAP 

    Apply pressure to cap with a tester.

    Radiator cap relief pressure: 

    59 - 98 kPa (0.6 - 1.0 kg/cm2, 9 - 14 psi) 

    Fig 8: Checking Radiator Cap
    G00778228Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 9.
    2. NG: Replace radiator cap.
  9. CHECK THERMOSTAT 
    1. Check valve seating condition at normal room temperatures.

      It should seat tightly. 

    2. Check valve opening temperature and valve lift.

      Valve opening temperature: 

      82°C (180°F) [standard] 

      Valve lift: 

      More than 8 mm/95°C (0.31 in/203°F) 

    3. Check if valve is closed at 5°C (9°F) below valve opening temperature.
      Fig 9: Checking Thermostat
      G00778229Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    For details, refer to "THERMOSTAT AND THERMOSTAT HOUSING ".

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 10.
    2. NG: Replace thermostat.
  10. CHECK ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR 

    Refer to "COMPONENT INSPECTION ".

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 11.
    2. NG: Replace engine coolant temperature sensor.
  11. CHECK MAIN 12 CAUSES 

    If the cause cannot be isolated, go to "MAIN 12 CAUSES OF OVERHEATING ".

    1. INSPECTION END 
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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