maintenance NISSAN 350Z 2006 Owner´s Manual

The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended
specifications US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 76 Unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (RON 96)*1
Engine oil (Drain and refill)*2
With oil filter change 5 qt 4-1/8 qt 4.7
API Certification Mark*3, *4

API grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgradeSJorSL,Energy Conserving*3, *4

ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III*2, *3 Without oil filter change 4-5/8 qt 3-7/8 qt 4.4
Cooling system
With reservoir 9-1/4 qt 7-5/8 qt 8.7
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/5 qt 0.8
Automatic transmission fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF*5
Manual transmission gear oil — — —Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity
SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90
Differential gear oil — — — API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90*6
Power steering fluid (PSF)
Refill to the proper fluid level according to the instructions in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*7
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*8 or equivalent DOT 3 (U.S. FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*9
Air conditioning system lubricants — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-freeze or equivalent
*1: For additional information, see “Fuel recommendation” later in this section.
*2: For additional information, see “Engine oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for changing engine oil.
*3: For additional information, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” later in this section.
*4: For additional information, see “Recommended SAE viscosity number” later in this section.
*5:Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission
durability, and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*6: For hot areas, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 32°F (0°C).
*7: For Canada, Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TMor equivalent ATF may also be used.
*8: Available in mainland US through a NISSAN dealer.
*9: For additional information, see “Vehicle identification” in this section for air conditioner specification label.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS9-2
Technical and consumer information


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


1
API certification mark
2
API service symbol
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality and viscosity engine oil to ensure satis-
factory engine life and performance. See “Ca-
pacities and recommended fuel/lubircants” ear-
lier in this section. NISSAN recommends the use
of an energy conserving oil in order to improve
fuel economy.Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifi-
cation mark on the front of the container. Oils
which do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause engine
damage.
Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosityThe engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
that the engine oil viscosity be selected based
on the temperatures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change. The “Rec-
ommended SAE viscosity number” chart (on the
next page) shows the recommended oil viscosi-
ties for the expected ambient temperatures.
Choosing an oil viscosity other than that recom-
mended could cause serious engine damage.Selecting the correct oil filterYour new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals”.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
STI0367A
Technical and consumer information
9-5


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


quality and/or viscosity is not covered by the
new NISSAN vehicle limited 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 frequent 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 commuting
Refer to the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.
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.
TI1028-C
9-6
Technical and consumer information


06.1.17/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
9-22
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06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-
7261).
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-
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)
Technical and consumer information
9-25


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


Fuel
Average fuel consumption ................................ 2-10
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Distance to empty ................................................. 2-9
Fuel-filler cap ....................................................... 3-23
Fuel-filler door...................................................... 3-23
Fuel economy ...................................................... 5-18
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 .................................................................. 2-43
Gas cap ....................................................................... 3-23
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....................................................... 2-37H
Hatch, Rear hatch........................................................ 3-9
Hazard warning flasher switch............................... 2-27
Head restraints ............................................................. 1-9
Headlights
Bulbreplacement ............................................... 8-27
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-25
Xenon headlights ................................................ 2-24
Heated seats .............................................................. 2-28
Heater
Engine coolant heater ....................................... 5-26
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-9
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ......................... 2-43
Hood release ................................................................ 3-8
Horn .............................................................................. 2-28
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, 5-13
Immobilizer system .................................................... 2-20
Indicator lights............................................................ 2-16
Inside
Automatic anti-glare mirror............................... 3-26
Mirror...................................................................... 3-26
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test ........................ 9-25
Instrument brightness control ................................ 2-27
Instrument panel........................................................... 2-2
Instrument pocket...................................................... 2-33Interior light replacement......................................... 8-28
Interior lights ............................................................... 2-41
Interior trunk lid release ........................................... 3-11
J
Jump starting................................................................. 6-7
K
Keyless entry (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-5
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 ......................................... 1-41
Bulbreplacement ............................................... 8-26
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-25
Headlights Bulbreplacement .......................... 8-27
Interior lights ........................................................ 2-41
Luggage compartment light ............................. 2-42
Replacement ........................................................ 8-26


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Trunk light ............................................................. 2-43
Vanity mirror light ................................................ 2-42
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 ............................................................... 3-3
Power door lock .................................................... 3-3
Rear floor box ...................................................... 2-36
Top latch lever ..................................................... 3-16
Trunk lid lock........................................................ 3-10
Low tire pressure warning light ............................. 2-14
Luggage compartment light.................................... 2-42
M
Maintenance
Battery ................................................................... 8-15
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2
Inside the vehicle................................................... 8-3
Maintenance information (display) .................... 4-3
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements.................................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle............................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-17
Under the hood and vehicle ............................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ........................... 2-16
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control .......................................................................... 2-27Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .................. 3-26
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-26
Outside mirror control ....................................... 3-27
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-27
N
Net, Cargo net ........................................................... 2-34
Net, Ventilated net seats ........................................... 1-6
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-18
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ................... 2-19
Engine start............................................................. 5-8
O
Obtaining an air bag ON/OFF switch ................. 1-13
Odometer ....................................................................... 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 .................................. 2-7
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Opening the soft top ................................................ 3-13
Outside mirror control .............................................. 3-27
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-27
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-26P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-21
Parking brake break-in ...................................... 5-21
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-15
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-15
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-19
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-30
Power
Power door lock .................................................... 3-3
Power front seat adjustment ..................... 1-4, 1-5
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-32
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Power steering system ...................................... 5-20
Power windows................................................... 2-39
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-39
Precautions
Audio operation ................................................... 4-13
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-20
Child restraints .................................................... 1-17
Cruise control ...................................................... 5-16
Maintenance ........................................................... 8-5
Seat belt usage ................................................... 1-10
Supplemental restraint system ........................ 1-30
When starting and driving .................................. 5-2
Push starting ................................................................. 6-9


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R
Radio ............................................................................ 4-12
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-30
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) changer ....................................................... 4-23
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ..................................................................... 4-19
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-29
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test (US only) ............................................................. 9-25
Rear floor box ............................................................. 2-36
Rear hatch ..................................................................... 3-9
Rear parcel box ......................................................... 2-37
Rear power point....................................................... 2-32
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ........................................................................... 2-24
Recorders, Event data ............................................. 9-26
Registering your vehicle in another country ....... 9-10
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only) ...................... 9-24
Rollover........................................................................... 5-5
Roof, Soft top............................................................. 3-13
S
Safety
Child seat belts ................................................... 1-12
Reporting safety defects (US only)................ 9-24
Towing safety....................................................... 9-19
Satellite (SAT) radio ................................................. 4-13
Seat
Lever, Tilting passenger’s seat .......................... 1-7Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment............................ 1-3
Front power seat adjustment .................... 1-4, 1-5
Seatback tilt cancel switch ....................................... 1-9
Seat belt(s)
Child safety .......................................................... 1-12
Infants .................................................................... 1-13
Injured persons.................................................... 1-14
Larger children .................................................... 1-13
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-39
Precautions on seat belt usage ...................... 1-10
Pregnant women ................................................. 1-14
Seat belt cleaning ................................................. 7-5
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-16
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-17
Seat belts ............................................................. 1-10
Shoulder belt arm ............................................... 1-16
Small children ...................................................... 1-13
Seat belt warning light ...................................... 2-15
Three-point type with retractor ....................... 1-14
Seat(s)
Heated seats........................................................ 2-28
Seats ........................................................................ 1-2
Ventilated net seats .............................................. 1-6
Secondary rear hatch release ................................ 3-10
Secondary trunk lid release .................................... 3-12
Security system, Vehicle security system ........... 2-19
Security systems (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ............................................... 2-20
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ......................................................................... 2-19
Servicing air conditioner................................. 4-9, 4-12
Shift lock release ....................................................... 5-12Shifting
Automatic transmission .............................. 5-6, 5-9
Manual transmission ................................. 5-7, 5-13
Shoulder belt arm...................................................... 1-16
Side air bag system (See supplemental side
air bag and curtain air bag system) ..................... 1-37
Soft top
Care and cleaning ............................................... 7-2
If the top does not open or close ................. 3-19
Soft top care and cleaning ................................. 7-2
Soft top indicator light ........................... 2-17, 3-17
Soft top operation .............................................. 3-13
Spark plugs................................................................. 8-18
Speed, Average speed ............................................ 2-10
Speed, Speed indicator ............................................. 2-9
Speedometer ................................................................ 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-8
Jump starting .......................................................... 6-7
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting .......................................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-9
Steering
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Power steering system ...................................... 5-20
Steering wheel switch for audio controls..... 4-29
Tilting steering wheel......................................... 3-25
Stopwatch ................................................................... 2-10
Storage ........................................................................ 2-33
Stowing golf bags ..................................................... 2-37
Sun visors ................................................................... 3-25
Sunglasses holder .................................................... 2-33
Supplemental air bag warning labels................... 1-40
Supplemental air bag warning light .......... 1-41, 2-15


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10-5