light NISSAN 350Z 2006 Owner´s Manual

In order to maintain the appearance of your
vehicle, it is important to take proper care of it.
In the following cases, please wash your vehicle
as soon as possible to protect the paint surface.

After a rainfall to prevent possible damage
from acid rain

After driving on coastal roads

When contaminants such as soot, bird drop-
pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on
the paint surface

When dust or mud builds up on the surface
Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle
inside a garage or in a covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in a
shady area or protect the vehicle with a body
cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body
cover.WASHINGWash dirt off the vehicle with a wet sponge and
plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly
using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or a
general purpose dish-washing liquid mixed with
clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.
CAUTION

Do not use strong household soap,
strong chemical detergents, gasoline
or solvents.

Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight or while the vehicle body is
hot, as the surface may become
water-spotted.

Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care
must be taken when removing
caked-on dirt or other foreign sub-
stances so the paint surface is not
scratched or damaged.

For Roadster models, observe the
following:
•Do not use an automatic car wash
or a high pressure car wash. The
soft top may be damaged.
•Avoid applying direct water pres-
sure, such as high pressured water
from household hoses, on the lin-
ing of the soft top and vehicle
body. Avoid applying continuouswater on the parts around the soft
top and the windows. These may
cause water to leak into the inside of
your vehicle.
Rinse the vehicle again with plenty of clean
water.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors,
hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to
the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas
must be regularly cleaned. Make sure that the
drain holes in the lower edge of the door are
open. Spray water under the body and in the
wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.
Avoid leaving water spots on the paint surface
by using a damp chamois to dry the vehicle.
Soft top care and cleaning (Roadster
models)Proper care and handling should be observed to
maintain a good appearance of the soft top.
Improper care may cause the top cloth’s surface
to stiffen, stain, or mat. Follow the instructions
shown in this section.
It is not necessary to wash the soft top every
time you wash the vehicle body, but clean the
CLEANING EXTERIOR7-2
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abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based
disinfectant cleaners. They could
damage the electrical conductors or
rear window defroster elements.

If glass cleaner gets on the soft top,
immediately wash it off with clean
water. (Roadster models)
ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELSWash regularly, especially during winter months
in areas where road salt is used. Salt could
discolor the wheel if not removed.CHROME PARTSClean all chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.TIRE DRESSINGNISSAN does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to
the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it
may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint.If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:

Use a water-based tire dressing. The coating
on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.

Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/grooves
(where it would be difficult to remove).

Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is com-
pletely removed from the tire tread/grooves.

Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.Occasionally remove loose dust from the interior
trim, plastic parts and seats using a vacuum
cleaner or soft bristled brush. Wipe the vinyl and
leather surfaces with a clean, soft cloth damp-
ened in mild soap solution, then wipe clean with
a dry soft cloth.
Regular care and cleaning is required in order to
maintain the appearance of the leather.
Before using any fabric protector, read the
manufacturer’s recommendations. Some fabric
protectors contain chemicals that may stain or
bleach the seat material.
Use a cloth dampened only with water, to clean
the meter and gauge lens.
CAUTION

Never use benzine, thinner or any
similar material.

Small dirt particles can be abrasive
and damaging to leather surfaces
and should be removed promptly. Do
not use saddle soap, car waxes, pol-
ishes, oils, cleaning fluids, solvents,
detergents or ammonia-based clean-
ers as they may damage the leatherCLEANING INTERIOR
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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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corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*:When checking
the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and
check for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires cannot be rotated in this
vehicle.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance:If the
vehicle pulls to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. Adjust
the pressure in all tires, including the spare, to
the pressure specified. Check carefully for dam-age, cuts or excessive wear.
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified re-
pair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism:On a fairly steep hill check that the
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any
brakes.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal does
not catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor
mat away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed fully.Check the brake booster function. Be sure to
keep floor mat away from the pedal.
Parking brake*:Check that the lever/pedal
has the proper travel and make sure that the
vehicle is held securely on a fairly steep hill when
only the parking brake is applied.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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A suitable adapter should be attached to the
jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the plastic engine undercover.
a. Remove the small plastic clip at the center
point of the undercover.
b. Then remove the other bolts that hold the
undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and sup-
port points are used to avoid vehicle
damage.
Engine oil and filter1. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
1.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.

Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench
2. Remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gas-
ket remaining on the mounting surface
of the engine.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight
resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:
11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N⋅m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug and a new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with a
wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N⋅m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and in-
stall the cap securely.
SDI1520A
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11


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BRAKE FLUIDCheck the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line or the brake warning light
comes on, add Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line. If fluid must be added frequently,
the system should be thoroughly checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
CLUTCH FLUIDCheck the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid
level is below the MIN. line, add Genuine
NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid or
equivalentDOT 3fluid up to the MAX. line.
If fluid is added frequently, the system should be
thoroughly checked by a NISSAN dealer.Open the cap and add fluid when the low
washer fluid warning light comes on.
Add a washer solvent to the washer fluid for
better cleaning. In the winter season, add a
windshield washer anti-freeze. Follow the manu-
facturer’s instructions for the mixture ratio.
Recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Wind-
shield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-
freeze or equivalent.
SDI0847
SDI1478
SDI1444
WINDOW WASHER FLUID
8-14
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


CHECKING PARKING BRAKEFrom the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the number of
clicks is out of the range listed below, see a
NISSAN dealer.

6 - 7 clicks under pulling force of 45 lb(200
N)
CHECKING BRAKE PEDALWith the engine running, check the distance
A
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
metal floor. If it is out of the range shown below,
see a NISSAN dealer.
Distance
A: Under depressing force of 110 lb
(490 N)
Automatic
Transmission modelManual
Transmission model
3.74 in (95 mm) or more 3.54 in (90 mm) or more
Self-adjusting brakesYour vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See a NISSAN dealer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.Brake pad wear indicatorsThe disc brake pads on your vehicle have au-
dible wear indicators. When a brake pad re-
quires replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound when the vehicle
is in motion whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as
possible if the wear indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect
the function or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
SDI1447A
DI1020MO
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-21


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


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


PASSENGER COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and the headlight
switch are OFF.2. Open the fuse box lid
1.
3. Pinch the fuse perpendicularly with the fuse
puller
2
and pull it out.4. If the fuse is open
A, replace it with a new
fuse
B. Spare fuses
3
are stored in the
fuse box.
5. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
SDI1962
SDI1754
8-24
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


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)
SDI1950
LIGHTS8-26
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


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