check engine NISSAN 350Z 2003 Z33 Owner's Guide

IA 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.
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.
IWaste oil must be disposed of properly.
ICheck your local regulations.4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench.
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 with 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.
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Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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CAUTION
The dipstick must be inserted in place to
prevent oil spillage from the dipstick
hole while filling the engine with oil.
See ªCapacities and recommended fuel/
lubricantsº in the ª9. Technical and consumer
informationº section for drain and refill capac-
ity. The drain and refill capacity depends on
the oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine the proper amount
of oil in the engine.
10.Start the engine and check for leakage
around the drain plug and the oil filter. Cor-
rect as required.
11.Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.After the operation1. Install the engine undercover into position as
the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clip out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.
c. Insert the clip through the undercover into thehole in the frame, then push the center of the
clip in to lock the clip in place.
d. Install the other bolts that hold the under-
cover in place. Be careful not to strip the
bolts or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
WARNING
IProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
ITry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
IKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CAUTION
IUse only Genuine Nissan ATF Matic
Fluid J. Do not mix with other fluids.
IUsing automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine Nissan ATF Matic
Fluid J will cause deterioration in
driveability and automatic transmis-
sion durability, and may damage the
automatic transmission, which is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle
limited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is
also described on caution labels located in the
engine compartment.AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
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or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If you get acid on your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15 min-
utes and seek medical attention.
IDo not operate the vehicle if the
battery fluid is low. Low battery fluid
can cause a higher load on the bat-
tery which can generate heat, reduce
battery life, and in some cases lead
to an explosion.
IWhen working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
IBattery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after han-
dling.
IKeep the battery out of the reach of
children.Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the MAX and MIN lines.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level to the indicator in each
filler opening.Do not overfill.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
1. Remove the cell plugs.
2. Add distilled water up to the MAX level.
3. Tighten cell plugs.
JUMP STARTINGIf jump starting is necessary, see ªJump startingº
in the ª6. In case of emergencyº section. If the
engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact your
NISSAN dealer.
DI0137M
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1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Alternator
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor
H: Tension checking points
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual
wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhesion or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose, have
it replaced or adjusted by your NISSAN
dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.REPLACING SPARK PLUGSIf replacement is required, see your NISSAN
dealer for servicing.
SDI1389A
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUGS
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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 above, see your
NISSAN dealer.
CHECKING BRAKE PEDALWith the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
metal floor. If it is out of the range shown above,
see your NISSAN dealer.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 your NISSAN dealer and have it
checked 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
be followed.For additional information, see the
appropriate maintenance log shown in the Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide.
SDI1447
DI1020MI
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL
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BRAKE BOOSTERCheck the brake booster function as follows:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake pedal
movement (distance of travel) remains the
same from one pedal application to the next,
continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height should
not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without de-
pressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradually
with each depression as the vacuum is re-
leased from the booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, see your
NISSAN dealer.
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
ENGINE COMPARTMENTIf any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key 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.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new fuse.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
SDI1479
FUSES
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Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (that is, fuel injector cleaner, oc-
tane booster, intake valve deposit removers,
etc.) which are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvent or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel sys-
tem and engine.Octane rating tipsIn most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in
these high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and that part of Texas which is directly
south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the above stated
octane rating, or if you hear steady sparkknock while holding a steady speed on
level roads, have your dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer or other competent service fa-
cility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.9-4
Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-20
Air bag ON/OFF switch .......................................... 1-21
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front air bag
system) .................................................................. 1-11
Side and curtain (See supplemental side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system) ...... 1-13
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-16
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-16, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-3
Air conditioner service ................................ 4-3, 4-6
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ......................................... 4-6, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-3
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-5
Anchor point location, Top tether strap ............. 1-27
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-20
Anti-lock brake warning light.................................. 2-11
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-4
Ashtrays (See cigarette lighter and ashtray)...... 2-28
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-16
Audio operation precautions ..................................... 4-7Audio system ................................................................ 4-6
Autochanger
Compact Disc (CD) ........................................... 4-17
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror ...................................... 3-13
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-5, 5-9
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-4
B
Battery .......................................................................... 8-15
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-22
Battery replacement, (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-7
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-20
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-22
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-13
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-21
Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-21
Brake system ....................................................... 5-20
Parking brake check............................... 5-14, 8-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Warning light ....................................................... 2-12Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-17
Bulb check/instrument panel.................................. 2-11
Bulb replacement ...................................................... 8-25
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-19
Cassette player (See audio system) .................... 4-16
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-19
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-25
Top tether strap anchor point location ......... 1-27
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-28
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-25
With top tether strap ......................................... 1-27
Child safety ................................................................. 1-20
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-16
Cigarette lighter and ashtray .................................. 2-28
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................................ 2-27
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-14
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-24
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-17
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-11
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-33
Console box................................................................ 2-31
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Controls, Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) ..................................................................... 4-3
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 ................................................................ 2-30
Curtain side-impact air bag system (See
supplemental side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag system) .......................................................... 1-13
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-23
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ......................................................... 2-21
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-9
Door open warning light .......................................... 2-12
Drive belts ................................................................... 8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-24
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-5, 5-9
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-6, 5-12
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-17
Emission control information label ........................ 9-11
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-20Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-8
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 ............................... 2-5
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
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-8
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label................................... 9-11
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter .............................. 8-18
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-24
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Low tire pressure warning system .................... 5-3
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-13Capacities 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 cassette player and Compact
Disc (CD) changer.................................................... 4-13
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ......................................................................... 1-11
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-3
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
filler cap................................................................. 3-10
filler lid ................................................................... 3-10
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 .................................................................. 2-36
Gas cap ....................................................................... 3-10
Gauge ............................................................................. 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................. 2-5
Fuel gauge .............................................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................................ 2-4
Speedometer .......................................................... 2-4
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10-2

N
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-17
Nissan vehicle Immobilizer System....................... 2-16
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Engine
start.................................................................................. 5-7
O
Obtaining an air bag ON/OFF switch ................. 1-21
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 viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Outside mirror control .............................................. 3-14
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-14
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9
P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-21
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-14
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-14
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-18
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-19Power
Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-27
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Power steering system ...................................... 5-19
Power windows................................................... 2-33
Power front seat adjustment .............................. 1-4
Precautions
Audio operation precautions .............................. 4-7
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-20
Cruise control precautions ............................... 5-15
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
On child restraints .............................................. 1-25
On seat belt usage ............................................ 1-18
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ...................................................................... 1-6
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-15
Push starting ................................................................. 6-8
R
Radio, Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-19
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test (US
only) .............................................................................. 9-21
Rear floor box ............................................................. 2-32
Rear hatch .................................................................... 3-9
Rear hatch opener ....................................................... 3-9
Rear parcel box ......................................................... 2-32
Rear power point....................................................... 2-27
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ........................................................................... 2-21
Rear window wiper and washer switch .............. 2-20
Registering your vehicle in another country ....... 9-10Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only) ...................... 9-20
Rollover........................................................................... 5-4
S
Safety
Child seat belts ................................................... 1-20
Reporting safety defects (US only)................ 9-20
Towing safety....................................................... 9-17
Seat
Belt warning light................................................ 1-18
Belt warning light and chime ........................... 2-14
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment............................ 1-3
Front power seat adjustment ............................. 1-4
Seat belt(s)
Child safety .......................................................... 1-20
Infants and small children ................................. 1-21
Injured persons.................................................... 1-22
Larger children .................................................... 1-21
Precautions on seat belt usage ...................... 1-18
Pregnant women ................................................. 1-21
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-15
Seat belt cleaning ................................................. 7-5
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-24
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-24
Seat belts ............................................................. 1-18
Three-point type.................................................. 1-22
Seat(s)
Heated seats........................................................ 2-25
Seats ........................................................................ 1-2
Secondary rear hatch release ................................ 3-10
Security system, vehicle security system ............ 2-17
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