2003 Nissan Sentra

2003 Nissan Sentra questions and answers

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Q: 10 points - I need to know the correct lug nut thread pitch for a 2003 Nissan Sentra GXE?
Please site your source!

A: 12x1.25

Q: How do I replace a wheel stud / lug nut on my 2003 Sentra? How dangerous is it to be driving my car now?
I popped a tire on my 2003 Nissan Sentra. When it was being replaced, one of the wheel studs and lug nuts broke. I have bought a new wheel stud and lug nuts. Is replacing these parts something I can do at home? If so, how? And how dangerous is it to be driving my car around with one wheel stud / lug nut missing? The problem is on the front passenger tire and there are supposed to be four wheel studs / lug nuts. (I'm driving around with three right now.)

A: Not only is it dangerous, but it's a huge legal liability. Without even torque, you can get excessive twisting on the remaining studs. If they break and you're invovled in an accident, they could nail you for negligence. To do this job and home you can try to use a large C clamp. Mount a large socket behind the old stud and a small socket on the broken part. Then compress the C clamp and drive the old stud out. Reverse the process to install the new stud. Rick I'm a retired ASE Master/L-1 Technician. I still keep current with the latest automotive technology. Visit my blog for cool articles and TSB's: http://free-auto-repair-advice.blogspot.com

Q: My 2003 Nissan Sentra will not open from the inside handle.?
It will open from the outside and it unlocks and locks normally. What do I need to look at and how expensive is it to fix? There is no window crank on my Sentra it is the electric window buttons. Does that make a difference?

A: remove the door handle and window crank and the door panel either the handle is broken or the medal rod that moves it is off or bent.. not a hard job to fix or check.. and not to high to get the parts to replace... could be a little plastic clip that holds the rod has broken or come off.. take it a part first ten rach your hand up inside a feel around... is the hard part you just cant look at it and see it you have to work thru a small hole but its not hard

Q: Putting new speakers into 2003 Nissan Sentra XE do i have to take the door panels off and how if i do?
I just got 4 new speakers for my Sentra and i was trying to figure out how to install them im a bit of a newb still with this kind of thing so if someone could give me a hand that would be great thanks

A: If you go to crutchfield.com just ask them to mail you a diagram. They have diagrams for all cars. If you didn't buy the speakers for them they might charge you a few bucks.

Q: Anyone know where the shift lock fuse is on a 2003 Nissan Sentra?
Sometimes my car will not shift out of park unless I shove something into the "shift lock manual release" hole! I think there's a fuse for this but I have no idea where it's at.....can anyone help me out? Thanks!

A: actually there is no fuse for shift locks. there are two possibilities, first in the shifter console there should be a sensor that tells the computer that the car is in the park position along with the mlps sensor on the transmission, both working together. next you have your brake (boo sensor) that allows the shifter to come unlocked. any one of these not working together can cause your problem. check that all work, or go to a shop with proper tools....

Q: what would be somebe some good performance upgrades to my new 2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R?
just waundering because im used to mazdas and civics. thanks. also, where could i find some sweet appearance products? websites? thanks again Kaden

A: WELCOME TO LIFE! I HAVE AN 02 SPEC V AND WAIT TILL YOU GET YOUR COLD AIR INTAKE, IT SOUNDS NICE AT 4-5500 RPM! AFTER THAT, DO YOUR HEADERS, OBX HEADERS, OBX SPACED THROTTLE BODY, AND EIBACH LOWERING SPRINGS. FOR NOW.... THEN LEMME KNOW WHAT YOU'RE UP TO LATER. TRY AN 02 TURBO SPEC WITH 300 WHP!

Q: Is 10,000 too much for a 2003 Nissan Sentra with 73,000 miles?
How reliable are Nissan's? Do they decide to crap out after so many miles?

A: About $4000 too much! The basic model in good condition is valued at $6255! Here is a link to the blue book site http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/PricingReport.aspx?ManufacturerId=35&YearId=2003&VehicleClass=UsedCar&VehicleId=2920&PriceType=Private+Party&ModelId=239&Mileage=73000&SelectionHistory=2920%7c22756%7c30135%7c0%7c0%7c114140%7ctrue%7c114198%7ctrue%7c114223%7ctrue%7c114257%7ctrue&Condition=Good&QuizConditions=

Q: Power steering resouvior for a 2003 Nissan Sentra ?
My Nissan is leaking power steering fluid. It is coming from the reservoir or perhaps the hose. The dealership gave me a very high estimate and said that the entire metal parts need to be replaced. Is this something that I can do myself, just replace the hose; if so is this a pressurized system?

A: Wash the area with simple green and garden hose or high pressure carwash. Do not spray off the motor or alternator just around the resv the powersteering hoses around and behind the motor. Most likely the return hoses and the resv to pump suction hoses are leaking. First try tightening the clamps. Tighten the hex of the bolt to approx the thickness of a dine gap to the clamp cross bar. After the hoses get really brittle tightening won't stop leaks. If you should replace the hoses please get the real hoses from the Nissan Dealer.

Q: How much oil goes in a 2.5L Nissan Sentra SE-R 2003?
I'm changing the oil on my brother-in-law's car. I have never worked with a Nissan before. He doesn't have his owner's manual so I'm completely blank as to how much oil goes into his car. Help? 2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V 2.5L

A: 4.5 quarts

Q: how long do head gaskets on 2003 nissan sentra GXE last?
I bough this car new, and now it has 85K miles on it and not it's even 4 years old. I am very good about oil changes and maintenance, but now at 85K miles I have to replace the Head Gaskets. I have only taken my car to the dealer for servicing, so no other mechanics have touched my car. I don't believe it's normal to replace the head gaskets so soon. I will never buy a nissan again.

A: No it's not normal. A head gasket should last the life of the engine, 200K+ miles. However if the engine was ever overheated or has been abused then that could severely shorten the life of the head gasket. I would ask if Nissan would cover it under warranty, even if it's outside of the written warranty sometimes manufacturer's will fix severe defects like this just to make the customer happy. You may have to be firm with them and request to speak with managers at the dealer and maybe even the regional Nissan reps. Also most cars come factory with a 100K powertrain warranty and the engine/head gasket is definately part of the powertrain. So keep asking, and keep bothering them almost all dealers are reluctant to just offer warranty service because it costs them money and the love to try to get away with the customer paying for stuff like this.

Q: How much would it cost to replace a 2003 nissan sentra engine?


A: Depending on what you are replacing it with. If you are using a salvaged engine, then it will cost about $750-$1000, whereas a crate motor will run double that.

Q: How do I remove rear seat on 2003 Nissan Sentra?
Hi, I am attempting to attach a latch baby restraint system and the dang thing has now become a permanent part of our back seat. Any ideas how to get the seat out so I can unlatch it as it is impossible to get my hand in there to do so?

A: 60/40 rear seat back is hindged and bolted in 3 places and two seat back latches. Seat bottom on fixed seat or 60/40 pulls up in front then lift out fixed seat back is held in with two bolts remove and lifts straight up off hooks on the back bulkhead. Your question is somewhat vague are you putting in child seat latch loops or trying to remove child seat?

Q: What is the possible cause of extremely slow acceleration on 2003 Nissan Sentra GXE?
The car has been doing this every other time I turn the motor on. I have floor the gas and instead of jumping in speed like a jackrabbit like it would normally would it goes slower than tar and only gets me up to 30 if I am lucky. It also doesn't feel like it is shifting gears (it is an automatic) when this happens. What could be the cause and is it a really expensive fix?

A: The throttle chamber has a fault (called fail safe operation) is the check engine light also on when this happens about $300 to repair at Nissan. Good Luck

Q: What is the remote wire for a 2003 nissan sentra?
I just want to know which wire is the remote wire there is only one blue wire but it is closer to the drivers side and i think its the power not the remote just wanted to know if anyone can help that would be cool oh and it is stock.

A: Hey if u cant find the remote wire just hook it up to the cigarette light +. Its only hot with the key on, and would save u a headache from finding the remote.

Q: why is my 2003 nissan sentra hard to start?
03 sentra is hard to start, takes a good amount of cranking in order for it to turn over. I've changed the spark plugs, but still the same thing hard starting. I'm thinking maybe fuel filter, but anyone's good suggesting would be greatly appeaciated.Thanks

A: the sentra has issues with the fuel pump 95% sure its your problem as well ... p.s if you are a do it yourself er i recommend getting the part from a Nissan dealer ask for the complete assy because just the fuel pump it self is very difficult to replace