NISSAN 350Z 2003 Z33 Owners Manual

parked for 3 or more hours, or driven less than 1
mile (1.6 km) at moderate speeds. COLD tire
pressures are shown on the tire placard affixed
to the inside of the console box lid.Low tire pressure warning system (if
so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system displays
the tire pressure of all tires (except the spare tire)
on the trip computer by sending a signal from a
sensor that is installed in each wheel. For more
details, refer to ªTrip computerº and ªLow tire
pressure warning lightº in the ª2. Instruments
and controlsº section, ªLow tire pressure warn-
ing systemº in the ª5. Starting and drivingº
section, and ªFlat tireº in the ª6. In case of
emergencyº section. If the tire pressure dis-
played on the trip computer is lower than the
COLD tire pressure shown on the tire placard,
check the pressure of all four tires and adjust
them to the COLD tire pressure as indicated
above. The low tire pressure warning system will
activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 20 MPH (32 km/h).
WARNING
IImproperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.IThe vehicle capacity weight is indi-
cated on the tire placard. Do not load
your vehicle beyond this capacity.
Overloading your vehicle may result
in reduced tire life, unsafe operating
conditions due to premature tire fail-
ure, or unfavorable handling charac-
teristics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle components.
IBefore taking a long trip, or when-
ever you have loaded your vehicle
heavily, use a tire pressure gauge to
ensure that the tire pressure is at the
specified level.
IDo not drive your vehicle over 85
MPH (140 km/h) unless it is equipped
with high speed capability tires. Driv-
ing faster than 85 MPH (140 km/h)
may result in tire failure, loss of con-
trol and possible injury.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-formationº (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
IWhen changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same
type (for example, summer, all sea-
son or snow) and construction. Your
NISSAN dealer may be able to help
you with information about tire type,
size, speed rating and availability.
Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
8-30
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

All season tiresNISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance for use all
year around, including snowy and icy road con-
ditions. All season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON and/or M&S on the tire sidewall. Snow
tires have better snow traction than all season
tires and may be more appropriate in some
areas.Summer tiresNISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance in snow and ice will be
substantially reduced. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating M&S on the tire sidewall.
If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
snow or all season tires on all four wheels.Snow tiresIf snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
snow or all season tires on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some provinces and
states prohibit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.
TIRE CHAINSUse of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
manufacturer's suggestions.Use only SAE
class S chains.Class ªSº chains are used on
vehicles with restricted tire to vehicle clearance.
Vehicles that can use Class ªSº chains are
designed to meet the SAE standard minimum
clearances between the tire and the closest
vehicle suspension or body component required
to accommodate the use of a winter traction
device (tire chains or cables). The minimum
clearances are determined using the factory
equipped tire size. Other types may damageyour vehicle. Use chain tensioners when recom-
mended by the tire chain manufacturer to ensure
a tight fit. Loose end links of the tire chain must
be secured or removed to prevent the possibility
of whipping action damage to the fenders or
undercarriage. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addition,
drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise, your ve-
hicle may be damaged and/or vehicle handling
and performance may be adversely affected.
INever install tire chains on a T-type
spare tire.
IDo not use the chains on dry roads.
ITire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TIRES
Tire rotationTires cannot be rotated in this vehicle, as front
tires are different size from rear tires and the
direction of wheel rotation is fixed in each tire.
A pin is on the front brake rotor to prevent the
rear wheels from being installed in place of the
front wheels. The spare tire can be installed in
place of the front and rear wheels. When install-
ing the spare tire in the front wheel, the hole in
the spare tire wheel must be aligned with the pin
on the brake rotor.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-31
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

Tire wear and damage
WARNING
ITires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulging,
or objects caught in the tread. If ex-
cessive wear, cracks, bulging, or
deep cuts are found, the tire should
be replaced.
IThe original tires have a built-in tread
wear indicator. When the wearindicator is visible, the tire should be
replaced.
IImproper service for a spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the spare tire,
contact your NISSAN dealer.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Replacing wheels and tiresWhen replacing a tire, use the same size, speed
rating and load carrying capacity as originally
equipped. See ªSpecificationsº in the ª9. Tech-
nical and consumer informationº section for rec-
ommended types and sizes of tires and wheels.
WARNING
IThe use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.
IIf the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad wear.
IWhen a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated and the low tire
pressure warning system will not
function. Contact your NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible for tire
MDI0004
8-32
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

replacement and/or system reset-
ting. (For models with the low tire
pressure warning system)
IDo not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warn-
ing.
IThe use of retread tire is not recom-
mended.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Wheel balanceUnbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can
get out of balance. Therefore, they should be
balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing
the front wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission damage.For additional information regarding tires, refer to
ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº (US) or ªTire
Safety Informationº (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Care of wheelsIWash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
IClean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
IDo not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
IInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
INISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.Spare tire (T-type spare tire)Observe the following precautions if the T-type
spare tire must be used, otherwise your vehicle
could be damaged or involved in an accident.
CAUTION
IThe T-type spare tire should be used
only for emergency. It should be re-
placed by the standard tire at the first
opportunity.
IDrive carefully while the T-type spare
tire is installed.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking
while driving.
IPeriodically check the T-type spare
tire inflation pressure, and always
keep it at 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 bar).
IAlways keep the pressure of the full
size spare tire (if so equipped) at the
recommended pressure for standard
tires, as indicated on the tire placard.
For tire placard location, see ªTire
placardº in the ª9. Technical and con-
sumer informationº.
IDo not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
IDo not use tire chains on a T-type
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-33
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

spare tire. Tire chains will not fit
properly on the T-type spare tire and
may cause damage to the vehicle.
ITire tread of the T-type spare tire will
wear at a faster rate than the original
tire. Replace the T-type spare tire as
soon as the tread wear indicators
appear.
IBecause the T-type spare tire is
smaller than the original tire, ground
clearance is reduced. To avoid dam-
age to the vehicle do not drive over
obstacles. Also do not drive the ve-
hicle through an automatic car wash
since it may get stuck.
IDo not use the T-type spare tire on
other vehicles.
IDo not use more than one T-type
spare tire at the same time.
IDo not tow a trailer while the T-type
spare tire is installed.
8-34
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

9 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ................ 9-2
Fuel recommendation...................................................... 9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation.................... 9-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number ....................... 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ............................................................. 9-6
Specifications.......................................................................... 9-8
Engine ................................................................................. 9-8
Wheels and tires .............................................................. 9-9
Dimensions and weights ................................................ 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country.................................................................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification ........................................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ................ 9-10
Vehicle identification number (Chassis number) ... 9-10
Engine serial number .................................................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S. certification label ....................................... 9-11
Emission control information label ............................ 9-11Tire placard ..................................................................... 9-12
Air conditioner specification label ............................. 9-12
Installing front license plate .............................................. 9-13
Vehicle loading information ............................................... 9-14
Terms ................................................................................ 9-14
Determining vehicle load capacity ............................ 9-14
Loading tips .................................................................... 9-15
Towing a trailer .................................................................... 9-15
Maximum load limits ...................................................... 9-16
Towing safety.................................................................. 9-17
Uniform tire quality grading............................................... 9-19
Emission control system warranty ................................... 9-20
Reporting safety defects (US only) ................................ 9-20
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only)................................................................................ 9-21
Owner's manual/service manual order information ... 9-22
In the event of a collision ............................................ 9-22
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended
specifications US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 76 Unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (RON 96)*1
Engine oil (Drain and refill)*2
With oil filter change 5 qt 4-1/8 qt 4.7IAPI Certification Mark*3, *4
IAPI grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy
Conserving*3, *4
IILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III*2, *3 Without oil filter change 4-5/8 qt 3-7/8 qt 4.4
Cooling system
With reservoir 9-1/4 qt 7-5/8 qt 8.7
Genuine NISSAN anti-freeze coolant or equivalent
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/5 qt 0.8
Automatic transmission fluid Ð Ð Ð Genuine Nissan ATF Matic Fluid J or exact equivalent*5
Manual transmission gear oil Ð Ð Ð API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Differential gear oil Ð Ð Ð API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90*6
Power steering fluid
Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in
the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section.Genuine Nissan PSF II or equivalent*7
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine Nissan Brake Fluid*8 or equivalent DOT 3 (U.S. FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease Ð Ð Ð NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant Ð Ð Ð HFC-134a (R-134a)*9
Air conditioning system lubricants Ð Ð Ð Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent
*1: For additional information, see ªFuel recommendationº later in this chapter.
*2: For additional information, see ªEngine oilº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section for changing engine oil.
*3: For additional information, see ªEngine oil and oil filter recommendationº later in this chapter.
*4: For additional information, see ªRecommended SAE viscosity numberº later in this chapter.
*5: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Nissan Genuine ATF Matic Fluid J will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may
damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*6: For hot areas, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 32ÉF (0ÉC).
*7: Genuine Nissan PSF, Canada Nissan Automatic Transmission fluid, Dexron
TMIII/Mercon
TMor equivalent ATF may also be used.
*8: Available in mainland US through your NISSAN dealer.
*9: For additional information, see ªVehicle identificationº in this section for air conditioner specification label.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS9-2
Technical and consumer information
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

FUEL RECOMMENDATIONUse unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 96).
If premium gasoline is not available, unleaded
regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI
number (Research octane number 91) may be
temporarily used, but only under the following
precautions:
IHave the fuel tank filled only partially with
unleaded regular gasoline, and fill up with
unleaded premium gasoline as soon as pos-
sible.
IAvoid full throttle driving and abrupt accelera-
tion.
However, for maximum vehicle perfor-
mance, the use of unleaded premium gaso-
line is recommended.
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol devices and systems, and could also
affect the warranty coverage.Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three-way catalyst.
Reformulated gasolineSome fuel suppliers are now producing reformu-
lated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSAN
supports efforts towards cleaner air and sug-
gests that you use reformulated gasoline when
available.Gasoline containing oxygenatesSome fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and metha-
nol with or without advertising their presence.
NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel com-
patibility for your NISSAN cannot be readily
determined. If in doubt, ask your service station
manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take
the following precautions as the usage of such
fuels may cause vehicle performance problems
and/or fuel system damage.
IThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than thatrecommended for unleaded gasoline.
IIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
IIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (me-
thyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should
also contain a suitable amount of ap-
propriate cosolvents and corrosion in-
hibitors. If not properly formulated with
appropriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are
suitable for use in NISSAN vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such as
engine stalling and hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, imme-
diately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel
with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Technical and consumer information
9-3
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (that is, fuel injector cleaner, oc-
tane booster, intake valve deposit removers,
etc.) which are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvent or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel sys-
tem and engine.Octane rating tipsIn most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in
these high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and that part of Texas which is directly
south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the above stated
octane rating, or if you hear steady sparkknock while holding a steady speed on
level roads, have your dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer or other competent service fa-
cility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.9-4
Technical and consumer information
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct quality, and
viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory engine life and
performance. NISSAN recommends the use of a
low friction oil (energy conserving oil) in order to
improve fuel economy and conserve energy. Oils
which do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause engine
damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Petro-
leum Institute (API) certification mark on the frontof the container should be used. This type of oil
supersedes the existing API SG, SH, or SJ and
Energy ConservingI&IIcategories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the API certifi-
cation mark, use an API grade SG/SH, Energy
ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy
conserving oil. An oil with a single designation
SG or SH, or in combination with other catego-
ries (for example, SG/CC or SG/CD) may also
be used if one with the API certification mark
cannot be found. An ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II &
GF-III oil can also be used.
NISSAN recommends mineral based oils. These
oils must however, meet the API quality and SAEviscosity ratings specified for your vehicle.
Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.Oil viscosityThe engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
that the engine oil viscosity be selected based
on the temperatures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change. The ªRec-
ommended SAE viscosity numberº chart (on the
next page) shows the recommended oil viscosi-
ties for the expected ambient temperatures.
Choosing an oil viscosity other than that recom-
mended could cause serious engine damage.Selecting the correct oil filterYour new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in ªChange
intervalsº.
STI0293
Technical and consumer information
9-5
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X