Nissan Sentra Warning Malfunction – What Can Go Wrong?

People have widely celebrated the invention of the first car since its inception. Since then, many brands have invested in the automobile industry, and a variety of designs have been sent to the market for users to choose from based on their styles and preferences. The Nissan Sentra is one model that has made waves since its launching.

Warning malfunction message highlights

• Common reasons:electrical problem
• How to fix:look at the pictogram, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:the function displayed in the pictogram won't work
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Usually, yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$500

Automatic Emergency Braking system (AEB)

The Nissan Sentra is equipped with an Automatic Emergency Braking system (AEB), which assists in stopping the vehicle when a collision with a vehicle ahead in the same lane is possible. A radar sensor located behind the lower grille of the Nissan Sentra's front bumper is used to calculate distances.

When the AEB detects a potential collision, it will alert the driver by turning on the AEB indicator on the dashboard and sounding an audible alarm. If the brakes are applied quickly after the warning, but AEB detects a potential collision, the system increases the braking force automatically. 

The indicator will appear on the dashboard as you drive if the system is faulty or has been manually turned off. However, it is recommended that the sensor location be kept clean on a regular basis so that you do not receive a false warning while driving.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

ABS is most likely one of the most common dashboard warning indicators in modern vehicles. An ABS stops the vehicle wheels from locking up during heavy braking, giving the driver more control over the vehicle.

The ABS indicator on the Nissan Sentra Dashboard is designed to ensure that the driver is kept in the loop in case of any heavy brake application or ABS malfunction. If you notice that the indicator is illuminated while driving, it indicates that the ABS needs an immediate check-up.

When the ABS fails, the anti-lock brakes stop working completely. However, the brake system may continue to function normally without anti-lock braking assistance. To avoid total ABS sensor damage, it is recommended that you have the ABS system checked as soon as possible.

Brake

It goes without saying that the brake is an essential feature of the vehicle, and when the warning indicator illuminates, it must be attended to immediately. When the parking and foot brake systems are engaged, the Nissan Sentra BRAKE indicator is supposed to illuminate. However, if the indicator illuminates when you do not apply the vehicle brake, it is clear that the brake fluid level is low or the system is faulty.

When you see the indicator, stop and check your brake fluid levels. Add brake fluid as needed. However, if the indicator remains on after adding brake fluid, your Nissan may need to be taken to an authorized Nissan dealer immediately to rectify the system fault.

Oil Pressure

Despite rumors that the Sentra model will join the EV train in the coming years, all Nissan Sentra models to date have used a conventional gas engine. Because oil is required for the engine to function properly, the manufacturers thought it would be prudent to include an oil pressure indicator on the dashboard.

If this light illuminates or flickers while driving, you should safely stop the vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Low oil pressure can seriously damage your car engine, forcing you to spend a lot of money repairing or replacing it.

With this indicator warning on your Sentra's dashboard, the best thing to do is immediately refill the oil or contact a Nissan dealer for professional services and reduce the risk of losing your Nissan Sentra's engine.

Airbag

The airbag indicator in the most recent Nissan Sentra models is expected to illuminate for about 7 seconds after the ignition is turned on, then turn off. The automakers did this to alert the driver that the airbag system is fully functional. However, you should be concerned about an airbag system malfunction if any of the following events occur:

• After about 7 seconds, the airbag warning light illuminates.
• The airbag indicator light does not illuminate.
• The airbag indicator light intermittently flashes as you drive.

If the air bag system fails or is damaged, the safety system may not deploy during a collision. This could lead to loss of life of driver and passenger if the impact is severe because the airbag may not be able to reduce the impact on the people inside the vehicle. If you notice an airbag malfunction, it is recommended that you take the vehicle to an auto repair shop for assistance in resolving the issue.

Charge

Nissan Sentra manufacturers have included a battery indicator light to help draw the driver's attention to a problem with the vehicle's charging system. When this indicator illuminates, it means that the alternator is not charging the car battery sufficiently and that driving the car with the charge indicator may drain or damage the battery.

You should immediately turn off the vehicle and disconnect any non-essential electrical devices. Check the engine compartment to see if the alternator belt is loose or broken. You should check the plugs for loose-fitting or corrosion as well. If the alternator belt is damaged, do not drive the vehicle. You should seek the attention of a professional to help resolve the issue. 

Service

The Nissan Sentra's manufacturers, like most others, have made it simple for drivers to determine when their vehicle is due for service. This is evident when the "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" or "MIL" malfunction indicator light appears on the dashboard.

The light will only illuminate if the Nissan Sentra's sensors detect a problem with the vehicle. The majority of these faults are related to the car's emissions or potential engine problems. If you notice the indicator continuously blinking, you should have the vehicle checked right away. If the light begins to blink, have the vehicle inspected to prevent engine damage.

Although the fault may not immediately impact your driving experience, it may cause a severe breakdown in the long run if not given immediate attention.

Tire Pressure

Most Nissan Sentra's have a low tire pressure indicator light on the dashboard. The tire pressure monitoring system detects whether the vehicle's tires are operating at pressures lower than the recommended system settings. 

If the tire pressure monitor system fails, the indicator light will flash as soon as you start the car and then remain on for the duration of the engine's operation, even if the tire pressure value is within the recommended system settings.

If you see the indicator light, you should check the tire pressures. If necessary, inflate the tire(s) to meet the system value specified by the manufacturers.

NOTE: The indicator light will not turn off automatically after inflating the car tires. To do so, drive at a speed of at least 25 km/h to activate the tire pressure monitoring system.

Power Steering

The Power steering indicator light is one of the many indicator signs that read 'PS' on the Nissan Sentra dashboard. The power steering symbol is simply an exclamation point in some Nissan Sentra generations. If this light appears on the dashboard while driving, it means the power steering system is flawed.

When you detect a power steering fault, there is no need to be concerned because the vehicle may still drive normally. However, the car steering becomes more difficult to operate after a while, especially at slow speeds. If the problem is not resolved quickly, it may cause muscle pull or other arm problems, making it difficult for the driver to manipulate the car steering and, as a result, may result in a car accident.

Final Thoughts

The Nissan Sentra is an amazing vehicle to own. The car is known for its easy maintenance and simple body architecture. However, like every technological invention, the car has some little mechanical and electrical challenges. One of the most common challenges that take car users to an auto dealer is sensor-related. However, most of the car warning malfunctions are indicated on the dashboard indicators. 

This has made it very easy for both the driver and the auto dealers to pinpoint where the fault is coming from and attend to it accordingly.