parking brake NISSAN 350Z 2004 Z33 Owner's Manual

corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*:When checking
the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and
check for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires cannot be rotated in this
vehicle.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance:If the
vehicle pulls to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. Adjust
the pressure in all tires, including the spare, to
the pressure specified. Check carefully for dam-age, cuts or excessive wear.
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified re-
pair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism:On a fairly steep hill check that the
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any
brakes.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal does
not catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor
mat away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed fully.Check the brake booster function. Be sure to
keep floor mat away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*:Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
play.
Parking brake*:Check that the lever has the
proper travel and make sure that the vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill when only the
parking brake is applied.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or air
conditioner.Under the hood and the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*:Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*:Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid levels are between the
MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*:Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*:Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:Check the level on the
dipstick after parking the vehicle on a level spot,
turning off the engine and waiting 10 minutes.Exhaust system:Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately locate the trouble
and correct it. (See “Precautions when starting
and driving” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section for exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
Fluid leaks:Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:Check
the level in the reservoir tank with the engine off.
Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses:Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, deterioration
or loose connections.
Underbody:The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the endof winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. For additional information, see “Cleaning
exterior” in the “7. Appearance and care” sec-
tion.
Window washer fluid*:Check that there is
adequate fluid in the tank.8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING

Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
N(Neutral) position. For an auto-
matic transmission, move the selec-
tor lever to P (Park) position.

Be sure the ignition key is OFF or
LOCK when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.

If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.

It is advised to secure or remove any
loose clothing and any jewelry, suchas rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.

Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.

If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.

Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.

Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the bat-
tery.

On gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) Sys-
tem, the fuel filter or fuel lines should
be serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off.
CAUTION

Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.

Never connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion key is on.

Never leave the engine or the auto-
matic transmission related compo-
nent harness connector discon-
nected while the ignition key is on.

Avoid direct contact with used engine
oil and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also avail-
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Rein-
sert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H and L
marks. If the oil level is below the L mark,
remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening.Do not
overfill.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating with insufficient amount of
oil can damage the engine, and such
damage is not covered by warranty.CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND
FILTERChange the engine oil and filter according to the
maintenance log shown in the Service and Main-
tenance Guide.Vehicle set-up1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suit-
able floor jack and safety jack stands.

Place the safety jack stands under the vehicle
jack-up points.
SDI1386
SDI1402
ENGINE OIL8-10
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04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Alternator
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor
: Tension checking points
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual
wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhesion or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose, have
it replaced or adjusted by your NISSAN
dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGSIf replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer for servicing.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
SDI1389A
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUGS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-17


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


CHECKING PARKING BRAKEFrom the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the number of
clicks is out of the range listed above, see your
NISSAN dealer.
CHECKING BRAKE PEDALWith the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
metal floor. If it is out of the range shown above,
see your NISSAN dealer.Self-adjusting brakesYour vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See your NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.Brake pad wear indicatorsThe disc brake pads on your vehicle have au-
dible wear indicators. When a brake pad re-
quires replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound when the vehicle
is in motion whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as
possible if the wear indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect
the function or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For additional information, see the
appropriate maintenance log shown in the Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide.
SDI1447
DI1020ML
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-21


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


trailer hitch.

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use.

After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.

Regularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressures
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading Information
label.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturers’
specifications.Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between your ve-hicle and the trailer. The safety chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not
to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point be-
tween the sensor and stop light or light switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tips
Be certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an unusual nose-up or nose-down con-dition; check for improper tongue load, over-
load, worn suspension or other possible
causes of these conditions.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.

Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state and/or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking per-
formance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.

Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.

Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.

Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed.

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if your vehicle is equipped with automatic
9-18
Technical and consumer information


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


transmission, first apply the parking brake
and block the wheels, and then move the
transmission selector lever into the P (Park)
position. If you move the selector lever to the
P (Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, the transmis-
sion may get damaged.

When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending on a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.

If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan con-
trol to high and setting the temperature con-
trol to the HOT position.

Trailer towing consumes more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.

Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).

Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended main-
tenance schedule.

When making a turn, your trailer wheels willbe closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, make
a larger than normal turning radius during the
turn.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.

Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal passing.
Remember the length of the trailer must also
pass the other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.

To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
6th gear (manual transmission) or 5th posi-
tion (automatic transmission).

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking ef-
ficiency.When towing a trailer, change transmis-
sion oil more frequently. For additional
information, see the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
Technical and consumer information
9-19


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-20
Air bag ON/OFF switch .......................................... 1-25
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front air bag
system) .................................................................. 1-15
Side and curtain (See supplemental side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system) ...... 1-17
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-20
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-21, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-3
Air conditioner service ................................ 4-3, 4-6
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ......................................... 4-6, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-3
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-5
Anchor point location, Top tether strap .............. 1-37
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-20
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-20
Anti-lock brake warning light.................................. 2-11
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-4
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-17
Audio operation precautions ..................................... 4-7Audio system ................................................................ 4-6
Autochanger, Compact Disc (CD) ....................... 4-18
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror ...................................... 3-17
Automatic adjusting function
(front windows) ................................................... 2-37
Automatic passenger seatback tilt
function......................................................... 1-5, 3-22
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-6, 5-9
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-5
B
Battery .......................................................................... 8-15
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-23
Battery replacement
Remote keyless entry system............................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-20
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-22
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-13
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-21
Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-21
Brake system ....................................................... 5-20Parking brake check............................... 5-14, 8-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Warning light ....................................................... 2-12
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-17
Brightness control, Instrument panel ................... 2-24
Bulbcheck/instrument panel.................................. 2-11
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-25
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-20
Cassette player (See audio system) .................... 4-17
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-20
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-29
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-31
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-29
Top tether strap anchor point location ......... 1-37
Child safety ................................................................. 1-25
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-17
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................................ 2-28
Closing the top .......................................................... 3-24
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-13
Coat hook.................................................................... 2-35
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-24
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-18


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


Luggage compartment light.................................... 2-39
M
Maintenance
Battery ................................................................... 8-15
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2
Inside the vehicle................................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements.................................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle............................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-29
Under the hood and vehicle ............................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ........................... 2-15
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control .......................................................................... 2-24
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .................. 3-17
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-16
Outside mirror control ....................................... 3-17
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-17
N
Net, Ventilated net seats ........................................... 1-6
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-17
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ...................... 2-17
Engine start............................................................. 5-7
O
Obtaining an air bag ON/OFF switch ................. 1-25Odometer ....................................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil pressure gauge .................................. 2-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Opening the top ........................................................ 3-23
Outside mirror control .............................................. 3-17
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-17
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-24
P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-21
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-14
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-14
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-18
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-20
Power
Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-28
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Power steering system ...................................... 5-19
Power windows................................................... 2-35
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-19
Precautions
Audio operation ..................................................... 4-7Braking precautions ........................................... 5-20
Child restraints .................................................... 1-29
Cruise control ...................................................... 5-15
Maintenance ........................................................... 8-5
Seat belt usage ................................................... 1-23
Supplemental restraint system ........................ 1-10
When starting and driving .................................. 5-2
Push starting ................................................................. 6-9
R
Radio ............................................................................... 4-6
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-20
FM-AM radio with cassette player and Compact
Disc (CD) changer ............................................. 4-13
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ........................................................................ 4-9
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only)...................................................................... 9-22
Rear floor box ............................................................. 2-33
Rear hatch ..................................................................... 3-9
Rear parcel box ......................................................... 2-33
Rear power point....................................................... 2-28
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ........................................................................... 2-21
Registering your vehicle in another country ....... 9-10
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only) ...................... 9-22
Rollover........................................................................... 5-5
S
Safety
Child seat belts ................................................... 1-25


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10-4