engine NISSAN 350Z 2006 Owner´s Manual

be damaged and/or vehicle handling and perfor-
mance may be adversely affected.

Never install the tire chains on a T-type
spare tire.

Do not use the tire chains on dry roads.

Tire chains must be installed only on the
rear wheels and not on the front wheels.SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:

a scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.

a sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.

a shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drifts.

extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING

Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have much less traction or “grip” un-
der these conditions. Try to avoid
driving on wet ice until the road is
salted or sanded.

Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.

Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.

Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.

Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake beforereaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.

Do not use cruise control on slippery
roads.

Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)An engine block heater to assist extreme cold
temperature starting is available through a
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
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Starting and driving


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TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)This vehicle is equipped with the tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS). It monitors tire pres-
sure 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 sys-
tem 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. If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure, the TPMS will activate and warn you of
it by the low tire pressure warning light (in the
meter panel) or the PSI indicator (on the trip
computer). This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 16 MPH
(25 km/h). For more details, refer to “Trip com-
puter” and “Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section and “Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS)” in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
WARNING

If the low tire pressure warning light
illuminates and/or the PSI indicator
flashes while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt brak-
ing, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Serious
vehicle damage could occur and may
lead to an accident and could result
in serious personal injury. Check the
tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown
on the Tire and Loading Information
label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If you have a flat
tire, replace it with a spare tire as
soon as possible.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure
warning light will flash. Contact yourNISSAN dealer as soon as possible
for tire replacement and/or system
resetting.

Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could af-
fect the proper operation of the
TPMS.

Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIREIf you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.Stopping the vehicle1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking
brake. Shift the manual transmission into R
(Reverse) position (automatic transmission in
P (Park) position).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to
FLAT TIRE6-2
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06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


Roadster models:
1. Spare tire — Turn the retainer counterclock-
wise to remove.
2. Jack — Unfasten the belt and lift the jack up
to remove.
3. Jacking tools — They are in the tool bag.
Jacking up the vehicle and removing
the damaged tire
WARNING

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

Use only the jack provided with your
vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use
the jack provided with your vehicleon other vehicles. The jack is de-
signed for lifting only your vehicle
during a tire change.

Use the correct jack up points. Never
use any other part of the vehicle for
jack support.

Never jack up the vehicle more than
necessary.

Never use blocks on or under the
jack.

Do not start or run the engine while
vehicle is on the jack, as it may cause
the vehicle to move. This is especially
true for vehicles with limited slip dif-
ferentials.

Do not allow passengers to stay in
the vehicle while it is on the jack.
Carefully read the caution label attached to
the jack body and the following instruc-
tions.
1. Place the jack directly under the jack-up point
as illustrated above so that top of the jack
contacts the vehicle at the jack up point.
Align the jack head between the two notches
SCE0491
Roadster models
SCE0410A
Jack-up point
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In case of emergency


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


WARNING

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

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

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

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

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

Keep battery out of the reach of chil-
dren.

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

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

Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.JUMP STARTING
In case of emergency
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06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


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

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

Make sure that the jumper cables do
not touch moving parts in the engine
compartment and that the cable
clamps do not contact any other
metal.
5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and let it
run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the other vehicle at
about 2,000 rpm, and start your engine in the
normal manner.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged
for more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying
again.
SCE0492
6-8
In case of emergency


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


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. Open all the
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency
6-9


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


windows, and move the temperature control
to maximum hot and the fan control to high
speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a
long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a fast
idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the tem-
perature gauge indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or coolant
is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not open
the hood further until no steam or coolant can
be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
The radiator hoses and radiator should not
leak water.
If coolant is leaking or the cooling fan does
not run, stop the engine.
WARNING

Be careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or get caught in, engine
belts or the engine cooling fan.

The engine cooling fan can start at
any time when the coolant tempera-
ture is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the reservoir tank with the engine
running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if
necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at a
NISSAN dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from a NISSAN dealer. Local service
operators are generally familiar with the appli-
cable laws and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental damage
to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a
service operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable
to have the service operator carefully read the
following precautions.
WARNING

Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.

Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION

When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working condi-TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
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In case of emergency


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements ................................................. 8-2
General maintenance ........................................................... 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ............... 8-2
Maintenance precautions ................................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ............................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ........................................................ 8-8
Checking engine coolant level .................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ............................................. 8-9
Engine oil ............................................................................. 8-10
Checking engine oil level ........................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ................................... 8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ........................................... 8-12
Power steering fluid .......................................................... 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................................... 8-13
Brake fluid ....................................................................... 8-14
Clutch fluid ..................................................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ........................................................ 8-14
Battery ................................................................................... 8-15
Jump starting ................................................................. 8-17
Drive belts ............................................................................ 8-17
Spark plugs ......................................................................... 8-18
Replacing spark plugs ................................................ 8-18Air cleaner ............................................................................ 8-18
Windshield wiper blades ................................................. 8-19
Cleaning ......................................................................... 8-19
Replacing ....................................................................... 8-20
Parking brake and brake pedal ...................................... 8-21
Checking parking brake ............................................. 8-21
Checking brake pedal ................................................. 8-21
Brake booster ................................................................ 8-22
Fuses ..................................................................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ................................................... 8-23
Passenger compartment ............................................ 8-24
Keyfobbattery replacement ............................................ 8-25
Lights ..................................................................................... 8-26
Headlights ...................................................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .......................................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................................................ 8-30
Tire pressure ................................................................. 8-30
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-34
Types of tires ................................................................. 8-36
Tire chains ...................................................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires ........................................ 8-37


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Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with longer
service intervals to save you both time and
money. However, some day-to-day and regular
maintenance is essential to maintain your
NISSAN’s good mechanical condition, as well
as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance care. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.
Scheduled maintenance:
For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your “NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide”. You must refer to that
guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is
performed on your NISSAN at regular intervals.
General maintenance:
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-to-
day operation. They are essential for proper
vehicle operation. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer, a
NISSAN dealer.
Where to go for service:
If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and tuned by a NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up to date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-dealership training programs. They
are completely qualified to work on NISSAN
vehiclesbeforethey work on your vehicle,
rather than after they have worked on it.
You can be confident that a NISSAN dealer’s
service department performs the best job to
meet the maintenance requirements of your ve-
hicle — in a reliable and economic way.During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smells, be sure to check for the cause or have a
NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify a NISSAN dealer if you think that
repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, closely observe the “Maintenance precau-
tions” later in this section.
EXPLANATION OF GENERAL
MAINTENANCE ITEMSAdditional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this section.Outside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood:Check that all doors
and the engine hood operate smoothly as well as
the trunk lid or back hatch. Also make sure that
all latches lock securely. Lubricate if necessary.
Make sure that the secondary latch keeps the
hood from opening when the primary latch is
released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS GENERAL MAINTENANCE8-2
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


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 troubleand 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 end
of 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 “Cleaningexterior” 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


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0