battery NISSAN 350Z 2004 Owner´s Manual

conditions or has any system malfunction, see a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible. When you
must close the top by yourself, in the event of
emergency or when an immediate dealer service
is not available, close the top manually according
to the procedures shown in this section.
When closing the soft top manually:

Move the vehicle to a safe place, away from
traffic.

Two people should perform this procedure,
as some of the top parts are extremely heavy.
The top cannot be opened manually.
WARNING

Do not drive with the top partially
opened.

If the top cannot be operated prop-
erly, see your NISSAN dealer as soon
as possible to have your vehicle
checked.1. Open the trunk lid. In the event of discharged
battery, you need to open the trunk lid as
follows:
a. Open the rear floor box behind the passenger
seat.
b. Remove the cap
A
using a suitable tool
B.
c. Pull the string handle (secondary trunk lid
release)
Cuntil the trunk lid lock is released.
d. Lift up the trunk lid.2. Open the top storage lid
a. Remove floorboard inside of the trunk.
b. Remove the harness connector
D
of the
storage lid motor installed on the back right
side of the trunk by pulling in a downward
direction.
c. Pull down the lock release cable (right and
left)
E.
d. Listen for a clicking sound of the lock releas-
ing.
e. Pull up the storage lid from the left and right
side of vehicle by hand.
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FM RADIO RECEPTIONRange: FM range is normally limited to 25 to 30
miles (40 to 48 km), with monaural (single
channel) FM having slightly more range than
stereo FM. External influences may sometimes
interfere with FM station reception even if the FM
station is within 25 miles (40 km). The strength
of the FM signal is directly related to the distance
between the transmitter and receiver. FM signals
follow a line-of-sight path, exhibiting many of the
same characteristics as light. For example they
will reflect off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away froma station transmitter, the signals will tend to fade
and/or drift.
Static and flutter: During signal interference from
buildings, large hills or due to antenna position,
usually in conjunction with increased distance
from the station transmitter, static or flutter can
be heard. This can be reduced by adjusting the
treble control counterclockwise to reduce treble
response.
Multipath reception: Because of the reflective
characteristics of FM signals, direct and re-
flected signals reach the receiver at the same
time. The signals may cancel each other, result-
ing in momentary flutter or loss of sound.
AM RADIO RECEPTIONAM signals, because of their low frequency, can
bend around objects and skip along the ground.
In addition, the signals can be bounced off the
ionosphere and bent back to earth. Because of
these characteristics. AM signals are also sub-
ject to interference as they travel from transmitter
to receiver.
Fading: Occurs while the vehicle is passing
through freeway underpasses or in areas with
many tall buildings. It can also occur for several
seconds during ionospheric turbulence even in
areas where no obstacles exist.
Static: Caused by thunderstorms, electricalpower lines, electric signs and even traffic lights.
SATELLITE (SAT) RADIO
RECEPTION (if so equipped)You must have a service contract with a satellite
radio provider to receive satellite radio program-
ming.
When the satellite radio is first installed or the
battery has been replaced, the satellite radio
may not work properly. This is not a malfunction.
Wait more than 10 minutes with the satellite
radio ON for the satellite radio to receive all of
the necessary data.AUDIO OPERATION PRECAUTIONS
Cassette player
To maintain good quality sound,
NISSAN recommends using cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in length.

Cassette tapes should be removed from
the player when not in use. Store cas-
settes in their protective cases and
away from direct sunlight, heat, dust,
moisture and magnetic sources.

Direct sunlight can cause the cassette to
become deformed. The use of deformed
cassettes may cause the cassette to jam
in the player.
SAA0306
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SCANtuning:
Push the SCAN tuning button to tune from low
to high frequencies and stops at each broad-
casting station for 5 seconds. Pushing the but-
ton again during this 5 second period will stop
SCAN tuning and the radio will remain tuned to
that station.
If the SCAN tuning button is not pushed within 5
seconds, SCAN tuning moves to the next sta-
tion.
Station memory operations:
Twelve stations can be set for the FM band (six
for FM1, six for FM2) and six stations can be set
for the AM band.
1. Tune to the desired station using the SEEK,
SCAN or TUNE button.
2. Select the desired station and keep pushing
any of the desired station select buttons (1 to
6) until a beep sound is heard. (The radio
mutes when the select button is pushed.)
3. The channel indicator will then come on and
the sound will resume. Memorizing is now
complete.
4. Other buttons can be set in the same manner.
If the battery cable is disconnected, or if
the fuse blows, the radio memory will beerased. In that case, reset the desired sta-
tions.
Compact disc (CD) player operationTurn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position
and insert the compact disc into the slot with the
label side facing up. The compact disc will be
guided automatically into the slot and start play-
ing.
After loading the disc, the number of tracks on
the disc will appear on the display.
If the radio is already operating, it will automati-
cally turn off and the compact disc will play.
CAUTION
Do not force the compact disc into the
slot. This could damage the player.
If the system has been turned off while the
compact disc was playing, pushing the
ON⋅OFF/VOL control knobwill start the com-
pact disc.
8 cm diameter compact discs can also be used
without an adapter.
CD PLAY:
When the CD (CD play) button is pushed withthe system off and the compact disc loaded, the
system will turn on and the compact disc will
start to play.
When the CD button is pushed with the com-
pact disc loaded but the radio playing, the radio
will automatically be turned off and the compact
disc will start to play.
DISP CD PLAY TIME:
Push the DISP button for less than 1.5 seconds
while the compact disc is being played to show
the play time on the display.
FF (Fast Forward), REW
(Rewind):
When the(fast forward) or
(rewind)
button is pushed while the compact disc is
being played, the compact disc will play while
fast forwarding or rewinding. When the button is
released, the compact disc will return to normal
play speed.
APS (Automatic Program
Search) FF, APS REW:
When the(APS FF) button is pushed
while the compact disc is being played, the
program next to the present one will start to play
from its beginning. Push several times to skip
through programs. The compact disc will ad-
vance the number of times the button is pushed.
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2. Select the desired station/channel and keep
pushing any of the desired station/channel
and preset buttons (1 to 6) until a beep
sound is heard. (The radio mutes when the
station and preset button is pushed.)
3. The channel indicator will then come on and
the sound will resume. Memorizing is now
complete.
4. Other buttons can be set in the same manner.
If the battery cable is disconnected, or if
the fuse blows, the radio memory will be
erased. In that case, reset the desired sta-
tions.Radio data system (RDS)RDS stands for Radio Data System, and is a
data information service transmitted by some
radio stations on the FM band (not AM band)
and/or SAT encoded within a regular radio
broadcast. Currently, most RDS stations are in
large cities, but many stations are now consid-
ering broadcasting RDS data.
RDS can display:

Station call sign, such as “WHFR 98.3”.

Station name, such as “The Groove”.

Music or programming type such as “Classi-
cal”, “Country”, or “Rock”.
Traffic reports about delays or construction.
If the station broadcasts RDS information, the
RDS icon is displayed.
Program type (PTY)/Category
(CAT) select:
When PTY button is pressed during FM mode,
the PTY (CAT) name of the current tuned station
is displayed. When the PTY (CAT) button is
pressed during satellite radio mode (if so
equipped), the category name of the current
channel is displayed. During this time if the PTY
data code is zero, or the data is unreadable, the
display will show NONE.
1. PTY (CAT) selection mode
PTY (CAT) name selection can be done by
the up/down TUNE button
or
in
the PTY (CAT) selection mode.
It is possible to shift the PTY (CAT) name by
one step, with one push of the up/down
TUNE button
or
.
After selecting a PTY (CAT) name, push the
SEEK button or SCAN button within 10
seconds. Tuning to the PTY (CAT) station will
start. If you do not push the TUNE button
within the 10 second period, the PTY (CAT)
mode will be cancelled.
PTY (CAT) name selection can also beachieved by pressing the preset buttons.
Initial PTY (CAT) names are stored in the
preset buttons, but these can be changed by
pressing the preset buttons for more than 1.5
seconds when the desired PTY (CAT) name
is in the display.
2. PTY (CAT) SEEK tuning mode
After selecting a PTY (CAT) name, push the
SEEK button
or
within 10 sec-
onds. Tuning to the PTY (CAT) station will
start. If you do not push the SEEK button
within the 10 second period, the PTY (CAT)
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5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ............................ 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................................. 5-2
Three way catalyst .......................................................... 5-3
Low tire pressure warning system
(if so equipped) ............................................................... 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ..................................... 5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-5
Ignition switch ....................................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission ................................................. 5-6
Manual transmission ....................................................... 5-7
Key positions ................................................................... 5-7
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS) ............... 5-7
Before starting the engine ................................................. 5-8
Starting the engine ............................................................... 5-8
Driving the vehicle ................................................................ 5-9
Automatic transmission ................................................. 5-9
Manual transmission .................................................... 5-12
Parking brake ...................................................................... 5-14
Cruise control (if so equipped) ...................................... 5-15
Precautions on cruise control ................................... 5-15Cruise control operations ........................................... 5-16
Break-in schedule .............................................................. 5-17
Increasing fuel economy .................................................. 5-17
Parking/parking on hills .................................................... 5-18
Power steering .................................................................... 5-19
Brake system ....................................................................... 5-20
Braking precautions ..................................................... 5-20
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................. 5-20
Traction control system (TCS) (if so equipped) ........ 5-22
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 5-22
Cold weather driving ......................................................... 5-24
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................................... 5-24
Anti-freeze ...................................................................... 5-24
Battery ............................................................................. 5-24
Draining of coolant water ........................................... 5-24
Tire equipment .............................................................. 5-24
Special winter equipment .......................................... 5-24
Driving on snow or ice ................................................ 5-25
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ..................... 5-25


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Shift lock releaseIf the battery charge is low or discharged, the
select lever may not be moved from the P (Park)
position even with the brake pedal depressed.
To move the selector lever, depress the brake
pedal, apply the parking brake, and push the
shift lock release button by using a suitable tool
as shown. Push the selector lever button, then
the selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral).
This allows the vehicle to be moved if the battery
is discharged.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park), have
your NISSAN dealer check the automatic trans-
mission system as soon as possible.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ShiftingTo change gears, or when upshifting or down-
shifting, fully depress the clutch pedal, shift into
the appropriate gear then slowly and smoothly
release the clutch.
This vehicle is equipped with a short throw
shifter manual transmission. To ensure smooth
gear changes, fully depress the clutch pedal
before operating the shift lever. If the clutch
pedal is not fully depressed before the transmis-
sion is shifted, a gear noise may be heard.
Transmission damage could occur.Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd,
4th and 5th up to 6th gear in sequence accord-
ing to the vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shift lever and then
move it to the R (Reverse) position after stop-
ping the vehicle completely.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (Low gear), shift to N (Neutral),
then release the clutch pedal. Fully depress the
clutch pedal again and shift into R or 1.
WARNING

Do not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.

Do not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION

Do not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may damage
the clutch.
SSD0347
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FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, see “Engine Cooling
System” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the battery should be
checked regularly. For additional information,
see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the
drain plug located under the radiator. Refill
before operating the vehicle. See “Engine cool-
ing system” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section for changing engine coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle
on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends
the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON
tires on all four wheels. Please consult your
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
2. 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.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make sure
they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the
chain manufacturer’s suggestions. Use of tire
chains may be prohibited according to loca-
tion. 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 tothe chain manufacturer’s suggestions.Use
only SAE Class S chains.Class “S” chains
are used on vehicles with restricted tire to
vehicle clearance. Vehicles that can use
Class “S” 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 de-
termined using the factory equipped tire size.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended 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
underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle
handling and performance may be adversely
affected.
Never install tire chains on a T-type spare tire.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:

a scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
COLD WEATHER DRIVING5-24
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WARNING

Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.

The spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use. See specific instructions
under the heading “Wheels and tires”
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
WARNING

If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting
in severe injury or death. It could also
damage your vehicle.

Explosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.

Do not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, cloth or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.

Keep battery out of the reach of chil-
dren.

The booster battery must be rated at12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.

Whenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye protec-
tors (for example, goggles or indus-
trial safety spectacles) and remove
rings, metal bands, or any other jew-
elry. Do not lean over the battery
when jump starting.

Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.JUMP STARTING
In case of emergency
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WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply parking brake. Move the shift lever tothe N (Neutral) position (On automatic trans-
mission models, move the selector lever to
the P (Park) position). Switch off all unnec-
essary electrical systems (light, heater, air
conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated. (
1
-4)
CAUTION

Always connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (−) to body
ground (for example, strut mounting
bolt, etc. — not to the battery).

Make sure that cables do not touch
moving parts in the engine compart-
ment and that clamps do not contact
any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and let it
run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the other vehicle at
about 2,000 rpm, and start your engine in the
normal manner.
CAUTION
Do not keep starter motor engaged for
more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying
again.
SCE0492
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements ................................................. 8-2
General maintenance ........................................................... 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ............... 8-2
Maintenance precautions ................................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ............................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ........................................................ 8-8
Checking engine coolant level .................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ............................................. 8-9
Engine oil ............................................................................. 8-10
Checking engine oil level ........................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ................................... 8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ........................................... 8-12
Power steering fluid .......................................................... 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................................... 8-13
Brake fluid ....................................................................... 8-13
Clutch fluid ..................................................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ........................................................ 8-14
Battery ................................................................................... 8-15
Jump starting ................................................................. 8-16
Drive belts ............................................................................ 8-17
Spark plugs ......................................................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ................................................ 8-17Air cleaner ............................................................................ 8-18
Windshield wiper blades ................................................. 8-19
Cleaning ......................................................................... 8-19
Replacing ....................................................................... 8-20
Parking brake and brake pedal ...................................... 8-21
Checking parking brake ............................................. 8-21
Checking brake pedal ................................................. 8-21
Brake booster ................................................................ 8-22
Fuses ..................................................................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ................................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ............................................ 8-23
Keyfobbattery replacement ............................................ 8-24
Lights ..................................................................................... 8-25
Headlights ...................................................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights .......................................... 8-27
Wheels and tires ................................................................ 8-30
Tire pressure ................................................................. 8-30
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-32
Types of tires ................................................................. 8-33
Tire chains ...................................................................... 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ........................................ 8-34


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