Switch NISSAN 350Z 2005 Owner´s Manual

7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the
vent holes as it may be contaminated with
corrosive acid.Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
CAUTION

Automatic transmission models can-
not be push started. Attempting to do
so may cause transmission damage.

Three way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three way catalyst may be
damaged.

Never try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.
WARNING

Do not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause engine damage or a vehicle
fire.

To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the ra-
diator cap is removed, pressurized
hot water will spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.

Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the
parking brake and move the shift lever to the
N (Neutral) position (automatic transmission
to the P (Park) position).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency
6-9


04.8.23/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 manual trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to N(Neutral) position. For automatic
transmission models, move the se-
lector lever to P (Park).

Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.

Never connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized component
while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.

Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the igni-tion switch is in the ONposition.

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 advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working 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 the fuel tank and
battery.
On gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
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 the engine off
and wait until it cools down.

Avoid contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed en-
gine oil, engine coolant and/or other
vehicle fluids can damage 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-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5


04.8.23/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 a NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGSIf replacement is required, see a 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


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and headlight
switch are OFF.2. Open the engine hood and remove the cover
on the battery and the fuse/fusible link holder.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder cover by
pushing the tabs
1
and lifting the cover
2.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open
A, replace it with a new
fuse
B.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
Fusible linksIf any electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace only with genuine NISSAN parts.
SDI1479B
SDI1753
Type A
SDI1754
Type B
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-23


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight
switch are OFF.2. Open the fuse box lid.
3. Pinch the fuse perpendicularly with the fuse
puller and pull it out.
4. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new fuse.
5. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
Replace the battery as follows:
1. Open the lid using a suitable tool.
2. Replace the battery with a new one.
Recommended battery: CR2025 or equiva-
lent
SDI1393
SDI1608
KEYFOB BATTERY
REPLACEMENT
8-24
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


HEADLIGHTS
ReplacingIf replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer.
Xenon headlight bulb:
WARNINGHIGH VOLTAGE
When xenon headlights are on, they
produce a high voltage. To prevent an
electric shock, never attempt to modify
or disassemble. Always have your xe-
non headlights replaced at a NISSAN
dealer. For additional information, see
“Headlight and turn signal switch” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” sec-
tion.
Halogen headlight bulb:
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb. A
bulb can be replaced from under the engine
compartment without removing the headlight
assembly.
CAUTION

High pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb
may break if the glass envelope is
scratched or the bulb is dropped.

When handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.

Do not touch the bulb.

Use the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Bulb no. (Wattage)
D2R (35W) - Xenon low-beam
H7 (55W) - High-beam
or
H7 (55W) - Halogen low-beam
H1 (55W) - High-beam

Do not leave the bulb out of the
headlight reflector for a long period
of time as dust, moisture and smoke
may enter the headlight body and
affect the performance of the head-
light.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-27


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer 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 a 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 condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes of
these conditions.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.

Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.

Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, vehicle
tire pressure, trailer light operation, and trailer
wheel lug nuts every time you attach a trailer
to the vehicle.

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 a vehicle at a moderate speed.
Some states or provinces have specificspeed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.

When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and back
up slowly. If possible, have someone guide
you when you are backing up.

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 a vehicle is equipped with automatic
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 going up 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
Technical and consumer information
9-19


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


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

When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be 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.

Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

Do not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.

Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.

When stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, change transmis-
sion oil more frequently. For additional
information, see the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a ve-
hicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION

Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.

Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never backward.

DO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground (flat towing). Doing so
WILL DAMAGE internal transmission
parts due to lack of transmission lu-
brication.

For emergency towing procedures,
refer to “Towing recommended by
NISSAN” in the “6. In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.FLAT TOWING
9-20
Technical and consumer information


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in what
is called the “ready condition” for an Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) test of the emission control
system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the “ready condition” can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a not “ready condition”. Before taking
the I/M test, check the vehicle’s inspection/
maintenance test readiness condition. Turn the
ignition switch ON without starting the engine. If
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) comes on
steady for 20 seconds and then blinks for 10
seconds, the I/M test condition is “not ready”. If
the MIL does not blink after 20 seconds, the I/M
test condition is “ready”.
If the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready”
condition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition.
If you cannot or do not want to perform the
driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it
for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle until
the engine coolant temperature gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal operat-
ing temperature).
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h),
then quickly release the accelerator pedal
completely and keep it released for at least
10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle. Leave the engine running.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the automatic trans-mission gear selector lever in the P (Park) or
N (Neutral) position or the manual transmis-
sion shift lever in the N position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the engine
until step 7 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)
Technical and consumer information
9-23


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-20
Air bag ON/OFF switch .......................................... 1-13
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front air bag
system) .................................................................. 1-35
Side and curtain (See supplemental side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system) ...... 1-37
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-40
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-40, 2-15
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-8
Air conditioner service ............................. 4-8, 4-11
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 4-11, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-8
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-5
Anchor point location, Top tether strap .............. 1-25
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-26
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-20
Anti-lock brake warning light.................................. 2-12
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-4
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-18
Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-12Audio system .............................................................. 4-11
Autochanger
Compact Disc (CD) ........................................... 4-24
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror ...................................... 3-17
Automatic adjusting function
(front windows) ................................................... 2-39
Automatic passenger seatback tilt
function......................................................... 1-5, 3-23
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 ......................................... 2-25
Battery replacement
Remote keyless entry system............................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Booster seats ............................................................. 1-25
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-20
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-22
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-14
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-21Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-21
Brake system ....................................................... 5-20
Parking brake check............................... 5-14, 8-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Warning light ....................................................... 2-13
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-17
Brightness control, Instrument panel ................... 2-26
Bulbcheck/instrument panel.................................. 2-12
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-26
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-26
Cassette player (See audio system) .................... 4-23
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-26
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-17
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-19
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-17
Top tether strap anchor point location ......... 1-25
Child safety ................................................................. 1-12
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-18
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................................ 2-30
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-13
Coat hook.................................................................... 2-37
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-24


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0