towing NISSAN 350Z 2005 Owner´s Manual

Change intervalsThe oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than the
specified quality, or oil and filter change intervals
longer than recommended could reduce engine
life. Damage to engines caused by improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil and filter
quality and/or viscosity is not covered by the
new NISSAN vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle. Operation under
the following conditions may require more fre-
quent oil and filter changes.

repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,

driving in dusty conditions,

extensive idling,

towing a trailer,

stop and go “rush hour” traffic.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBERSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (−18°C).
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONSThe air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or the
exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or lubri-
cant will cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and will require the
replacement of all air conditioner sys-
tem components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle will not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect
the earth’s atmosphere, certain governmental
regulations require the recovery and recycling of
any refrigerant during automotive air conditioner
system service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
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VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITYDo not exceed the load limit of your vehicle
shown as “The combined weight of occupants
and cargo” on the Tire and Loading Information
label. Do not exceed the number of occupants
shown as “Seating Capacity” on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
To get “the combined weight of occupants and
cargo”, add the weight of all occupants, then
add the total luggage weight. Examples are
shown in the illustration.
Steps for determining correct load
limit(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kilograms or XXX pounds” on your
vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX
pounds.(4) The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five - 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs. [1,400 − 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.]
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. For
safety, that weight must not exceed the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
LOADING TIPS
The GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. certi-
fication label.

Do not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
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WARNING

Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.

Do not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of
your vehicle can break, tire damage
could occur, or it can change the way
your vehicle handles. This could re-
sult in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury.

Overloading not only could shorten
the life of your vehicle and the tires,
but also could lead to unsafe vehicle
handling and long braking distance.
This could cause a premature tire
malfunction, which could result in a
serious accident and personal injury.
Failures caused by overloading are
not covered by the vehicle’s warranty.Roadster model:
Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
Coupe model:
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer places additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
ANISSAN Trailer Towing Guide(US only) is
available from a NISSAN dealer. This guide
includes information on trailer towing ability and
the special equipment required for proper tow-
ing.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION

Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy
load for the first 500 miles (800 km).
Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.

For the first 500 miles (800 km) that
you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50
mph (80 km/h) and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of your ve-
hicle wear in at the heavier loads.MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed 1,000
lb(454 kg). The total trailer load equals trailer
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TOWING A TRAILER
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weight plus its cargo weight. Towing loads
greater than 1,000 lb(454 kg) or using improper
towing equipment could adversely affect vehicle
handling, braking and performance.
The ability of a vehicle to tow a trailer is not only
related to the maximum trailer loads, but also the
places you plan to tow. Tow weights appropriate
for level highway driving may have to be reduced
on very steep grades or in low traction situations
(for example, on slippery boat ramps).
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures are not cov-
ered by NISSAN warranties. A NISSAN
Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only) contain-
ing information on trailer towing ability
and the special equipment required may
be obtained from a NISSAN dealer.Tongue loadKeep the tongue load between 9 and 11% of the
total trailer load within the maximum tongue load
limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specification chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weightThe gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed. GVWR shown on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. The
gross vehicle weight equals the combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle, passengers,
luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed GAWR
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb(kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD100 (45.4)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchChoose a proper hitch for a vehicle and trailer.
Make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached to
the vehicle, to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by cross-
winds, rough road surfaces or passing trucks.Hitch ballChoose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:

The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on top of the ball.

Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.

The diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should be
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no more than 1/16″smaller than the hole in
the ball mount.

The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2 threads
showing beyond the lock washer and nut.
Class I hitchClass I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb(909 kg).
You may add Class I trailer hitch equipment to
the vehicle that has a 2,000 lb(909 kg) maxi-
mum weight rating, but your vehicle is only
capable of towing the maximum trailer weights
shown in the Towing Load/Specification Chart
earlier in this section.
CAUTION

Do not use axle-mounted hitches.

The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.

Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install atrailer hitch.

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if a vehicle is struck
from the rear, where practical, re-
move 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 trailer hitch
mounting 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 a vehicle
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 lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available
power-type module/converter must be
used to provide power for all trailer
lighting. This unit uses the vehicle bat-
tery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/
converter must draw no more than 15
milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer dealer to obtain
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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
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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
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONTo tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Always tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.

After towing 500 miles, start and idle the
engine with the transmission in Neutral for
two minutes. Failure to idle the engine after
every 500 miles of towing may cause damage
to internal transmission parts.DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TreadwearTreadwear grade is a comparative rating based
on tire wear rate when tested under controlled
conditions on specified government test
courses. For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. How-
ever, relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.Traction AA, A, B and CThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing or peak traction characteristics.Temperature A, B and CTemperature grades are A (the highest), B, and
C. They represent a tire’s resistance to heat
build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a speci-
fied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause tire material to degener-
ate, reducing tire life. Excessive temperatures
can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corre-
sponds to a performance level which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and
B represent higher levels of performance on
laboratory test wheels than the minimum re-
quired by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
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Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-24
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-17
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-38
Console box................................................................ 2-34
Control panel buttons (models with navigation
system) ........................................................................... 4-2
Controls
Control panel buttons (display with navigation
system)..................................................................... 4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) .............................................................. 4-8
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ................................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................................. 5-15
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-33
Curtain side-impact air bag system (See
supplemental side air bag and curtain air bag
system) ......................................................................... 1-37
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-25
Defroster switch, Rear window and
outside mirror defroster switch.............................. 2-23
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-9
Display controls (See control panel buttons),
With navigation system .............................................. 4-2
Door open warning light .......................................... 2-13
Drive belts ................................................................... 8-17Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-24
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-6, 5-9
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 5-12
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-17
Elapsed time ............................................................... 2-10
Emission control information label ........................ 9-11
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-8
Break-in schedule............................................... 5-17
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-6
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-25
Engine compartment check locations.............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation......... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-11
Engine specifications ........................................... 9-8
If your vehicle overheats ...................................... 6-9
Oil pressure gauge ............................................... 2-7
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-8
Event data recorders ................................................ 9-24Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
Filter
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-18
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-27
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Flat tire, Low tire pressure warning system .......... 5-3
Flat towing .................................................................. 9-20
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Engine coolant ....................................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-14
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ............................................................................ 4-15
FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) changer ................................. 4-19
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-3
Front power seat adjustment........................... 1-4, 1-5
Fuel
Average fuel consumption ................................ 2-10
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Distance to empty ................................................. 2-9
Filler cap ............................................................... 3-13


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Filler lid .................................................................. 3-13
Fuel economy ...................................................... 5-17
Fuel octane rating ................................................. 9-3
Fuel recommendation ........................................... 9-3
Gauge ...................................................................... 2-6
Fuses ............................................................................ 8-22
Fusible links ................................................................ 8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-42
Gas cap ....................................................................... 3-13
Gauge ............................................................................. 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................. 2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge .................................. 2-7
Fuel gauge .............................................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................................ 2-4
Speedometer .......................................................... 2-4
Tachometer ............................................................. 2-5
Trip computer ......................................................... 2-8
Volt meter ................................................................ 2-8
General maintenance .................................................. 8-2
Golf bag stowing....................................................... 2-36
H
Hatch, Rear hatch........................................................ 3-9
Hazard warning flasher switch............................... 2-27
Head restraints ............................................................. 1-9
Headlights
Bulbreplacement ............................................... 8-27
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-24Xenon headlights ................................................ 2-24
Heated seats .............................................................. 2-28
Heater
Engine coolant heater ....................................... 5-25
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-8
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ......................... 2-42
Hood release ................................................................ 3-9
Horn .............................................................................. 2-27
How to stop alarm, Vehicle security .................... 2-20
I
Ignition switch ............................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission models................ 5-6, 5-9
Key positions .......................................................... 5-7
Manual transmission models .................. 5-7, 5-12
Immobilizer system .................................................... 2-20
Indicator lights............................................................ 2-16
Inside
Automatic anti-glare mirror............................... 3-17
Mirror...................................................................... 3-16
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test ........................ 9-23
Instrument brightness control ................................ 2-26
Instrument panel........................................................... 2-2
Interior light replacement......................................... 8-28
Interior lights ............................................................... 2-40
Interior trunk lid release ........................................... 3-12
J
Jump starting................................................................. 6-7K
Keyless entry (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-4
Keys................................................................................. 3-2
L
Labels
Air bag warning labels ...................................... 1-40
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-12
Emission control information label ................. 9-11
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ...... 9-11
Tire and loading information label ...... 8-32, 9-12
Vehicle identification number (VIN)................ 9-10
License plate, Installing front license plate......... 9-13
Light
Air bag warning light ......................................... 1-40
Bulbreplacement ............................................... 8-26
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-24
Headlights Bulbreplacement .......................... 8-27
Interior lights ........................................................ 2-40
Replacement ........................................................ 8-26
Vanity mirror light ................................................ 2-41
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .................................................. 2-12, 2-16
Xenon headlights ................................................ 2-24
Lights, Exterior and interior light replacement ... 8-28
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................................. 9-14
Lock
Door locks ............................................................... 3-2


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