NISSAN 350Z 2005 Owner´s Manual
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1
Front view
1. Headlight (low-beam, high-beam)
2. Spot light
3. Front park light
4. Front turn signal light
5. Front side marker light2
Rear view (Coupe),
3
Rear view (Roadster)
6. Luggage compartment light (Coupe) or Trunk
light (Roadster)
7. High-mounted stop light
8. Rear combination light
(Side marker, Stop/Tail)
9. License plate lights
10. Rear combination light
(Back-up, Turn signal)
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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.
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EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS
Item Wattage (W) BulbNo.
Front turn signal light* 21 T20
Front park light* 5 T10
Front side marker light* 5 T10
Rear combination light (Upper)
Stop/Tail 21/5 T20
Side marker 5 T10
Rear combination light (Lower)
Back-up* 21 T20
Turn signal* 21 T20
License plate light (x 2) 5 T10
High-mounted stop light* (LED) —
Spot light 8 —
Luggage compartment light (Coupe) 5 —
Trunk light (Roadster)* 3.4 —
Vanity mirror light 1.8 —
Rear floor box light* 1.4 —
*: See a NISSAN dealer for replacement.
Replacement proceduresAll other lights are either type A, B, C or D. When
replacing a bulb, first remove the lens and/or
cover.
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Rear combination light
(Stop/Tail, Side marker)1Remove the covers and the bolts from the 3
places.
2Use a flat-bladed screwdriver to make a
clearance between the light unit and the
vehicle.
3Pull the light unit toward the direction shown
in the illustration. Be careful not to damage
the mounting pins
A.
4Turn the bulb sockets to replace the bulbs.
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Interior light (Roadster)
Be careful not to snap the nails
Aon the plastic
cover when removing it.
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TIRE PRESSURE
Low tire pressure warning systemThis vehicle is equipped with the low tire pres-
sure warning system. It monitors tire pressure of
all tires except the spare. When the low tire
pressure warning light is lit, one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. The system
also displays pressure of all tires (except the
spare tire) on the trip computer by sending a
signal from a sensor that is installed in each
wheel.
The low tire pressure warning system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 20 MPH (32 km/h). Also, this system may
not detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for
example a flat tire while driving).
For more details, refer to “Trip computer” and
“Low tire pressure warning light” in the “2.
Instruments and controls” section, “Low tire
pressure warning system” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section, and “Flat tire” in the “6. In case
of emergency” section.Tire inflation pressureCheck the pressure of the tires (including the
spare) often and always prior to long distance
trips. The recommended tire pressure specifica-
tions are shown on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label under the “Recommended ColdTire Inflation Pressure” heading. The Tire and
Loading Information label is affixed to the driver
side center pillar. Tire pressures should be
checked regularly because:
Most tires naturally lose air over time.
Tires can lose air suddenly when driven over
potholes or other objects or if the vehicle
strikes a curbwhile parking.
The tire pressures should be checked when the
tires are cold. The tires are considered COLD
after the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at
moderate speeds.
Incorrect tire pressure, including under in-
flation, may adversely affect tire life and
vehicle handling.
WARNING
Improperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.
The vehicle weight capacity is indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label. Do not load your ve-
hicle beyond this capacity.
Overloading your vehicle may resultin reduced tire life, unsafe operating
conditions due to premature tire fail-
ure, or unfavorable handling charac-
teristics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle components.
Before taking a long trip, or when-
ever you heavily load your vehicle,
use a tire pressure gauge to ensure
that the tire pressures are at the
specified level.
Do not drive your vehicle over 85
MPH (137 km/h) unless it is equipped
with high speed rated tires. Driving
faster than 85 MPH (137 km/h) may
result in tire failure, loss of control
and possible injury.
For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
WHEELS AND TIRES
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Tire and loading information label
1Seating capacity: The maximum number of
occupants that can be seated in the vehicle.
2Vehicle load limit: See loading information in
the “9. Technical and consumer information”
section.
3Original tire size: The size of the tires origi-
nally installed on the vehicle at the factory.
4Recommended cold tire inflation pressure:
Inflate the tires to this pressure when the tires
are cold. Tires are considered COLD after
the vehicle has been parked for 3 or more
hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km) at
moderate speeds. The recommended cold
tire inflation is set by the manufacturer to
provide the best balance of tire wear, vehicle
handling characteristics, driveability, tire
noise, etc., based on the vehicle’s GVWR.
5Tire size — refer to “Tire labeling” later in this
section.
6and
7
Spare tire size or compact spare tire
size (if so equipped)
Checking the tire pressure1. Remove the valve stem cap from the tire.
2. Press the pressure gauge squarely onto the
valve stem. Do not press too hard or force the
valve stem sideways, or air will escape. If the
hissing sound of air escaping from the tire is
heard while checking the pressure, reposition
the gauge to eliminate this leakage.
3. Remove the gauge.
4. Read the tire pressure on the gauge stem
and compare it to the specification shown on
the Tire and Loading Information label.
5. Add air to the tire as needed. If too much air
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is added, press the core of the valve stem
briefly with the tip of the gauge stem to
release pressure. Recheck the pressure and
add or release air as needed.
6. Install the valve stem cap.
7. Check the pressure of all other tires, includ-
ing the spare.Coupe model SizeCold Tire Inflation
Pressure
Front Original Tire225/50R17
225/45R18240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear Original Tire235/50R17
245/45R18240 kPa (35 psi)
Spare TireT145/90D16
T155/80R17420 kPa (60 psi)Roadster model SizeCold Tire Inflation
Pressure
Front Original Tire225/50R17 220 kPa (32 psi)
225/45R18 240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear Original Tire235/50R17 220 kPa (32 psi)
245/45R18 240 kPa (35 psi)
Spare TireT145/90D16
T155/80R17420 kPa (60 psi)
TIRE LABELINGFederal law requires tire manufacturers to place
standardized information on the sidewall of all
tires. This information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of the tire and
also provides the tire identification number (TIN)
for safety standard certification. The TIN can be
used to identify the tire in case of a recall.
1Tire size (example: P215/60R16 94H)
1. P: The “P” indicates the tire is designed for
passenger vehicles. (Not all tires have this
information.)
2. Three-digit number (215): This number gives
the width in millimeters of the tire from side-
wall edge to sidewall edge.
3. Two-digit number (60): This number, known
as the aspect ratio, gives the tire’s ratio of
height to width.
4. R: The “R” stands for radial.
5. Two-digit number (16): This number is the
wheel or rim diameter in inches.
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6. Two- or three-digit number (94): This number
is the tire’s load index. It is a measurement of
how much weight each tire can support. (You
may not find this information on all tires
because it is not required by law.)
7. H: Tire Speed Rating. The speed rating de-
notes the speed at which a tire is designed to
be driven for extended periods of time. The
ratings range from 98 MPH (miles per hour)
to 186 MPH. (You may not find this informa-
tion on all tires because it is not required by
law.)
2TIN (Tire Identification Number) for new tire
(example: DOT XX XX XXX XXXX)
1. DOT: Abbreviation for the “Department of
Transportation”. The symbol can be
placed above, below or to the left or
right of the Tire Identification Number.
2. Two-digit code: Manufacturer’s identification
mark
3. Two-digit code: Tire size
4. Three-digit code: Tire type code (Optional)
5. Three-digit code: Date of Manufacture
6. Four numbers represent the week and yearthe tire was built. For example, the numbers
3103 means the 31st week of 2003.
3Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of rubber-
coated fabric in the tire.
Tire manufacturers also must indicate the
materials in the tire, which include steel,
nylon, polyester, and others.
4Maximum permissible inflation pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air
pressure that should be put in the tire. Do not
exceed the maximum permissible inflation
pressure.
5Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum load in
kilograms and pounds that can be carried by
the tire. When replacing the tires on the
vehicle, always use a tire that has the same
load rating as the factory installed tire.
6Term of “tubeless” or “tube type”
Indicates that the tire requires an inner tube
(“tube type”) or not (“tubeless”).
7The word “radial”
The word “radial” is shown, if the tire has a
radial structure.
8Manufacturer or Brand name
Manufacturer or Brand name is shown.
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Other tire-related terminologyIn addition to the many terms that are defined
throughout this section, Intended Outboard
Sidewall is (1) the sidewall that contains a
whitewall, bears white lettering or bears manu-
facturer, brand, and/or model name molding that
is higher or deeper than the same molding on the
other sidewall of the tire, or (2) the outward
racing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a
particular side that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
When changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same
type (i.e., Summer, All Season or
Snow) and construction. A NISSAN
dealer may be able to help you with
information about tire type, size,
speed rating and availability.
Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehiclespeed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
For additional information regarding
tires, refer to “Important Tire Safety
Information” (US) or “Tire Safety In-
formation” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
All season tiresNISSAN specifies all season tires on some
models to provide good performance for use all
year round, including snowy and icy road condi-
tions. All season tires are identified by ALL
SEASON and/or M&S on the tire sidewall. Snow
tires have better snow traction than all season
tires and may be more appropriate in some
areas.Summer tiresNISSAN specifies summer tires on some models
to provide superior performance on dry roads.
Summer tire performance in snow and ice will be
substantially reduced. Summer tires do not have
the tire traction rating M&S on the tire sidewall.
If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
snow or all season tires on all four wheels.
Snow tiresIf snow tires are needed, it is necessary to select
tires equivalent in size and load rating to the
original equipment tires. If you do not, it can
adversely affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Generally, snow tires will have lower speed
ratings than factory equipped tires and may not
match the potential maximum vehicle speed.
Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the
tire.
If you operate your vehicle in snowy or icy
conditions, NISSAN recommends the use of
snow or all season tires on all four wheels.
For additional traction on icy roads, studded tires
may be used. However, some provinces and
states prohibit their use. Check local, state and
provincial laws before installing studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded snow
tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be poorer than
that of non-studded snow tires.TIRE CHAINSUse of tire chains may be prohibited according
to location. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the chain
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