engine oil NISSAN 350Z 2004 Z33 Owners Manual

1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-22)
2. Battery (P.8-15)
3. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-10)
4. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-13)
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T models) (P.8-14)
6. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-14)
7. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-13)
8. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-8)
9. Radiator filler cap (P.8-9)
10. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-10)
11. Air cleaner (P.8-18)
Do not tamper with the strut tower bar
adjustment
A. The strut tower bar has
been adjusted to the most suitable posi-
tion at the factory.
SDI1519
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS0-6
Illustrated table of contents


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2 Instruments and controlsInstrument panel ..................................................................... 2-2
Meters and gauges ............................................................... 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ......................................... 2-4
Tachometer ........................................................................ 2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............................. 2-5
Fuel gauge ......................................................................... 2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge ............................................. 2-6
Volt meter ......................................................................... 2-7
Trip computer .................................................................. 2-8
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ......... 2-11
Checking bulbs .............................................................. 2-11
Warning lights ................................................................ 2-11
Indicator lights ................................................................ 2-14
Audible reminders.......................................................... 2-17
Security systems.................................................................. 2-17
Vehicle security system................................................ 2-17
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS) ............. 2-18
Windshield wiper and washer switch ............................ 2-20
Rear window wiper and washer switch
(Coupe models) .................................................................. 2-21
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch .................................................................. 2-21Headlight and turn signal switch ................................... 2-22
Xenon headlights (if so equipped) .......................... 2-22
Headlight switch ........................................................... 2-23
Daytime running light system (Canada only) ........ 2-23
Turn signal switch ........................................................ 2-24
Instrument brightness control ................................... 2-24
Hazard warning flasher switch ....................................... 2-25
Horn ....................................................................................... 2-25
Heated seats (if so equipped) ........................................ 2-26
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 2-27
Traction control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 2-27
Clock ..................................................................................... 2-28
Adjusting the time ........................................................ 2-28
Power outlet ........................................................................ 2-28
Storage ................................................................................. 2-29
Instrument pocket (except for navigation system
equipped models) ........................................................ 2-29
Sunglasses holder (Coupe models) ........................ 2-30
Tray .................................................................................. 2-31
Cup holders ................................................................... 2-31


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Triple meter:
1. Trip computer
2. Engine oil pressure gauge
3. Volt meter
SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER
SpeedometerThe speedometer indicates vehicle speed.Odometer/Twin trip odometerThe odometer/twin trip odometer are displayed
when the ignition key is in the ON position.
The odometer records the total distance the
vehicle has been driven.
The twin trip odometer records the distance of
individual trips.Changing the display:
Pushing the reset knobchanges the display as
follows:
TRIP A→TRIP B→TRIP A
Resetting the trip odometer:
Pushing the reset knobfor more than 1 second
resets the trip odometer to zero.
SIC1948
SIC1949
2-4
Instruments and controls


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FUEL GAUGEThe gauge indicates the approximate fuel level in
the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hill.
The gauge needle is designed to move to the E
(Empty) position when the ignition key is turned
to the OFF position.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge regis-
ters the E (Empty) position.The low fuel warning light comes on when
the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon
as it is convenient, preferably before the
gauge reaches the E position. There will be
a small reserve of fuel in the tank when the
fuel gauge needle reaches the E position.
The
indicates that the fuel filler lid is lo-
cated on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
CAUTION

If the vehicle runs out of fuel, the
malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon
as possible. After a few driving trips,
the
lamp should turn off. If the
lamp remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer.

For additional information, see the
“Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)”
later in this section.
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGEThe gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running.
When the engine speed is high, the engine oil
pressure is also high. When it is low, the gauge
indicates the low oil pressure.
SIC1952
SIC1954A
Type A
2-6
Instruments and controls


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CAUTION

This gauge is not designed to indi-
cate low engine oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. (See
“Engine oil” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.)

If the gauge needle does not move
with the proper amount of engine oil,
have the vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer. Continued vehicleoperation in such a condition could
cause serious damage to the engine.
VOLT METERWhen the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the volt meter indicates the battery
voltage; while the engine is running, it indicates
the alternator voltage of 11 - 15 volts (normal
range
A). However, while cranking the engine,
the volts drop below the normal range.
If the needle is not in the normal range
A
while
the engine is running, it may indicate that the
charging system is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
SIC1953A
Type B
SIC1955
Instruments and controls
2-7


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


or
Anti-lock brake warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Automatic transmission check warning
light (A/T models)
Seat belt warning light
Slip indicator light
or
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Traction control system (TCS) off indica-
tor light (if so equipped)
Charge warning light
Automatic transmission position indicator
light (A/T models)
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off indica-
tor light (if so equipped)
Door open warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
Soft top indicator light (Roadster models)
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise set switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low tire pressure warning light
(if so equipped)
High beam indicator light (Blue)
CHECKING BULBSApply the parking brake and turn the ignition key
to ON without starting the engine. The following
lights will come on:
,
or
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the anti-lock brake warning light will
illuminate and then turn off. This indicates the
anti-lock brake system (ABS) is operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is running,it may indicate the anti-lock brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function of the brake will cease operation
but the ordinary brakes will continue to operate.
See “Anti-lock brake system (ABS)” in the “5.
Starting and driving” section for further details.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
2-11


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Automatic transmission check
warning light (A/T models)
When the ignition switch is turned ON, the light
comes on for 2 seconds. If the light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds, it may indicate the
automatic transmission system is not functioning
properly. Have your NISSAN dealer check and
repair the transmission. See “Driving the vehicle”
(automatic transmission) in the “5. Starting and
driving” section.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is ap-
plied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as
necessary. See “Brake and clutch fluid” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
WARNING

Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be
dangerous.

Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
greater pedal travel.

If the brake fluid level is below the
MINmark on the brake fluid reser-
voir, do not drive until the brake sys-
tem has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer. Avoid high speed driving and abrupt
braking.
If both the brake warning light and the anti-lock brake warning light come on simulta-
neously, it may indicate the anti-lock brake
system is not functioning properly. See “Anti-
lock brake warning light” earlier in this sec-
tion.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate that the charging system is not
functioning properly. Turn the engine off and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see
your NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or rear hatch are not closed securely while
the ignition key is ON.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
2-12
Instruments and controls


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See “Engine
oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Low tire pressure warning light
(if so equipped)
The light comes on for about 1 second when the
ignition switch is turned ON, and then it turns off.
NISSAN’s low tire pressure warning system is a
tire pressure monitoring system. It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When the
tire pressure monitoring system warning light is
lit, one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. You should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to theproper pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s tire
information placard. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire malfunction. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stop-
ping ability. Each tire, including the spare, should
be checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended inflation pressure as specified in
the vehicle placard and Owner’s Manual.
The recommended inflation pressure may also
be found on the Tire and Loading Information
label.
If the vehicle is being driven with very low tire
pressure (lower than 28 psi), the light will illumi-
nate and the chime will sound for about 10
seconds.
For additional information, see “Low tire pres-
sure warning system” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section and “Flat tire” in the “6. In case
of emergency” section. You can check the tire
pressure of all 4 tires on the trip computer
display. See “Trip computer” earlier in this sec-
tion.
WARNING

If the light does not come on with theignition switch turned ON, have the
vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer
as soon as possible.

If the light comes on while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location
and stop the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible. Serious vehicle damage could
occur and may lead to an accident
and could result in serious personal
injury. Check the pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label to turn the low tire pres-
sure warning light OFF. If the light
still comes on while driving after ad-
justing the tire pressure, a tire may
be flat. If you have a flat tire, replace
it with a spare tire as soon as pos-
sible.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated and the low tire
pressure warning system will not
Instruments and controls
2-13


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Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.

Maintenance items should be checked peri-
odically, for example, each time you check
engine oil.

Check that all windows and lights are clean.

Visually inspect tires for their appearance and
condition. Also check tires for proper infla-
tion.

Lock all doors.

Position seat and adjust head restraints.

Adjust inside and outside mirrors.

Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.

Check the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). (P preferred.)
The starter is designed not to operate if the
selector lever is in one of the driving posi-
tions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position,
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.

If the engine is very hard to start in extremely
cold weather or when restarting, depress the
accelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/3
to the floor) and hold it then crank the engine.
Release the key and the accelerator pedal
when the engine starts.

If the engine is very hard to start because it is
flooded, depress the accelerator pedal all theway to the floor and hold it. Crank the engine
for 5 to 6 seconds. After cranking the engine,
release the accelerator pedal. Crank the en-
ginewith your foot off the accelerator
pedalby turning the ignition key to START.
Release the key when the engine starts. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the
above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the en-
gine while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
In cold weather, keep the engine running for
a minimum of 2 to 3 minutes before shutting
it off. Starting and stopping the engine over a
short period of time may make the vehicle
more difficult to start.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE5-8
Starting and driving


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


leave the windows closed to reduce drag.

Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
See “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion” in the “9. Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section.
WARNING

Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.

Never leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.

Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse) posi-
tion. When parking on an uphill grade, place
the shift lever in the 1 (Low gear) position.
MSD0002
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
5-18
Starting and driving


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