maintenance NISSAN 350Z 2004 Z33 Owners Manual

ForewordWelcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of
driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
explains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle. The NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide explains details
about maintaining and servicing your ve-
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
law.
Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best.
When you require any service or have any
questions, we will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to us.READ FIRST — THENDRIVE
SAFELYBefore driving your vehicle please read
your Owner’s Manual carefully. This will
ensure familiarity with controls and main-tenance requirements, assisting you in the
safe operation of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMA-
TION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!

Never drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.

Always observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for condi-
tions.

Always use your seat belts. Refer to
“Child safety” and “Child restraints”
in the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” sec-
tion for precautions regarding chil-
dren.

Always provide information about the
proper use of vehicle safety features
to all occupants of the vehicle.

Always review this Owner’s Manual
for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLEThis vehicle should not be modified. Modi-
fication could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate
governmental regulations. In addition,
damage or performance problems result-
ing from modification may not be covered
under NISSAN warranties.WHEN READING THE MANUALThis manual includes information for all
options available on this model. There-
fore, you may find some information that
does not apply to your vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustrations in
this manual are those in effect at the time of
printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
specifications or design at any time without
notice.


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Welcome To The World Of NISSANYour new NISSAN is the result of our dedication to
produce the finest in safe, reliable and economical
transportation. Your vehicle is the product of a
successful worldwide company that manufactures
cars and trucks in over 17 countries and distributes
them in 170 nations.
NISSAN vehicles are designed and manufactured
by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. which was founded in
Tokyo, Japan in 1933, and NISSAN affiliates world
wide, collectively growing to become the fifth
largest automaker in the world. In addition to cars
and trucks, NISSAN also makes forklift trucks,
marine engines, boats and other diversified prod-
ucts.
NISSAN has made a substantial and growing
investment in North America. NISSAN’s commit-
ment is nearly $4 billion dollars in capital invest-
ments in facilities across the continent. Some ofthe facilities include the Nissan Manufacturing
facility in Smyrna, Tennessee, vehicle styling de-
sign at Nissan Design America, Inc. in San Diego,
California, and engineering at Nissan Technical
Center North America in Farmington Hills, Michi-
gan. Additionally, NISSAN employs nearly 18,000
people throughout the United States, Canada, and
Mexico. An additional 71,000 people work for the
1,500 NISSAN and INFINITI dealers across North
America.
NISSAN is also a substantial contributor to the
Canadian economy. Nissan Canada Inc., its sup-
pliers and over 140 dealers employ approximately
4,500 people. These include company employees
and the staffs of NISSAN dealers all across
Canada. In addition, many Canadians work for
companies that supply NISSAN and NISSAN deal-
ers with materials and services ranging from op-
eration of port facilities and transportation servicesto the supply of lubricants, parts and accessories.
NISSAN pioneered the use of electronics and
computers in automobiles, and has led the industry
in improving both performance and fuel efficiency
through new engine designs and the use of syn-
thetic materials to reduce vehicle weight. The
company has also developed ways to build quality
into its vehicles at each stage of the production
process, both through extensive use of automation
and — most importantly — through an awareness
thatpeopleare the central element in quality
control.
From the time the parts arrived from our suppliers
until you took delivery of your new NISSAN, dozens
of checks were made to ensure that only the best
jobwas being done in producing and delivering
your vehicle. NISSAN also takes great care to
ensure that when you take your NISSAN to your
dealer for maintenance, the service technician will
perform his work according to the quality stan-
dards that have been established by NISSAN.
Safety has also been built into your NISSAN. As
you know, seat belts are an integral part of the
safety systems that will help protect you and your
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or an
accident. We urge you to use the seat belts every
time you drive the vehicle.
The NISSAN story of growth and achievement
reflects our major goal: to provide you, our cus-
tomer, with a vehicle that is built with quality and
craftsmanship — a product that we can be proud
to build and you can be proud to own.
WFW0002

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Table of
Contents
Illustrated table of contentsSafety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint systemInstruments and controlsPre-driving checks and adjustmentsHeater, air conditioner and audio systemsStarting and drivingIn case of emergencyAppearance and careMaintenance and do-it-yourselfTechnical and consumer informationIndex


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1 Safety — Seats, seat belts and supple-
mental restraint systemSeats ......................................................................................... 1-2
Front manual seat adjustment
(for Coupe models) ......................................................... 1-3
Front power seat adjustment
(for Coupe models — if so equipped)........................ 1-4
Front power seat adjustment
(for Roadster models) ..................................................... 1-5
Seat lifter (for driver’s seat) ........................................... 1-7
Tilting and reclining passenger’s seat from driver’s
seat ...................................................................................... 1-7
Head restraint adjustment.............................................. 1-9
Supplemental restraint system ......................................... 1-10
Precautions on supplemental restraint system ...... 1-10
Components of the supplemental restraint
system .............................................................................. 1-15
Supplemental air bag warning labels ....................... 1-20Supplemental air bag warning light .......................... 1-21
Seat belts .............................................................................. 1-23
Precautions on seat belt usage ................................. 1-23
Child safety ..................................................................... 1-25
Obtaining an air bag ON/OFF switch...................... 1-25
After an air bag ON/OFF switch is installed.......... 1-25
Pregnant women ............................................................ 1-26
Injured persons............................................................... 1-26
Three-point type seat belt ........................................... 1-26
Seat belt extenders ....................................................... 1-28
Seat belt maintenance ................................................. 1-29
Child restraints ..................................................................... 1-29
Precautions on child restraints................................... 1-29
Installation on front passenger seat.......................... 1-31
Top tether strap child restraint (Coupe models) ... 1-36


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SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHTThe supplemental air bag warning light, display-
ing
in the instrument panel, monitors the
circuits of the supplemental front air bag,
supplemental side air bag (if so equipped) and
curtain side-impact air bag (if so equipped for
Coupe models) systems, and pre-tensioner seat
belt. The circuits monitored by the air bag warn-
ing light are the diagnosis sensor unit, satellite
sensors, front air bag modules, side air bag
modules, curtain side-impact air bag modules,
pre-tensioner seat belt and all related wiring.
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,the supplemental air bag warning light illumi-
nates. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
bag and curtain side-impact air bag systems,
and pre-tensioner seat belt need servicing:

The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.

The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.

The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the supplemental front
air bags, supplemental side air bags, curtain
side-impact air bags and/or pre-tensioner seat
belt may not operate properly. They must be
checked and repaired. Take your vehicle to the
nearest NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that thesupplemental front air bag, supplemen-
tal side air bag, curtain side-impact air
bag systems and/or pre-tensioner seat
belt will not operate in an accident.
Repair and replacement procedureThe supplemental front air bags, supplemental
side air bags (if so equipped), curtain side-
impact air bags (if so equipped for Coupe
models) and pre-tensioner seat belt are de-
signed to inflate on a one-time-only basis. As a
reminder, unless it is damaged, the supplemen-
tal air bag warning light will remain illuminated
after inflation has occurred. Repair and replace-
ment of these systems should be done only by a
NISSAN dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the supplemental front air bags, side air
bags, curtain side-impact air bags, related parts
and pre-tensioner seat belt should be pointed
out to the person conducting the maintenance.
The ignition key should always be in the LOCK
position when working under the hood or inside
the vehicle.
SPA1097
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
1-21


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member never to use a child restraint
unless an air bag ON/OFF switch has
been installed and is being used
properly.)
SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
To clean the seat belt webbings,apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpets.
Then brush the webbing, wipe it with a cloth
and allow it to dry in the shade. Do not allow
the seat belts to retract until they are com-
pletely dry.

If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide of
the seat belt anchors, the seat belts may
retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide
with a clean, dry cloth.

Periodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal componentssuch as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires
and anchors work properly. If loose parts,
deterioration, cuts or other damage on the
webbing is found, the entire belt assembly
should be replaced.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD
RESTRAINTS
WARNING
The information in this section is pro-
vided only for those owners who have
received permission to install an air bag
ON/OFF switch and the switch has been
installed. See “Obtaining an air bag
ON/OFF switch” earlier in this manual.
Never let children 12 or under ride in this
vehicle unless an air bag ON/OFF
switch is installed and it is being prop-
erly used.
WARNING

Infants and small children should al-
ways be placed in an appropriate
child restraint while riding in the ve-
hicle. Failure to use a child restraint
can result in serious injury or death.

Infants and small children should
never be carried on your lap. It is notpossible for even the strongest adult
to resist the forces of a severe acci-
dent. The child could be crushed be-
tween the adult and parts of the ve-
hicle. Also, do not put the same seat
belt around both your child and your-
self.

Never install a child restraint in the
front seat unless an air bag ON/OFF
switch has been installed and the air
bag has been turned OFF. An inflat-
ing supplemental air bag could seri-
ously injure or kill your child.

An improperly installed child re-
straint could lead to serious injury or
death in an accident.
CAUTION
For Roadster models, when installing a
child restraint, be sure to turn off the
automatic passenger seatback tilt func-
tion with the seatback tilt cancel switch
(located on the back of the passenger
CHILD RESTRAINTS
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
1-29


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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


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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


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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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function. Contact your NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible for tire
replacement and/or system reset-
ting.
CAUTION

The low tire pressure warning system
is not a substitute for the regular tire
pressure check. Be sure to check the
tire pressure regularly.

If the vehicle is being driven at
speeds of less than 20 MPH (32
km/h), the low tire pressure warning
system may not operate correctly.

Be sure to install the specified size
tires to the front and rear.
Low washer fluid warning light
This light comes on when the washer fluid is at a
low level. Add washer fluid as necessary. See
“Window washer fluid” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.
Seat belt warning light
The seat belt warning light and chime remind you
to fasten seat belts. The light illuminates when-
ever the ignition key is turned to ON, and will
remain illuminated until the driver’s seat belt is
fastened.
See “Seat belts” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the supplemental air bag warning light will illu-
minate. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
bag and curtain side-impact air bag systems,
and pre-tensioner seat belt need servicing and
your vehicle must be taken to your nearest
NISSAN dealer.

The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.

The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemental
Restraint System and/or the pre-tensioner seat
belt may not function properly. For additional
information, see “Supplemental restraint system”
in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat belts and supple-
mental restraint system” section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental front air bag, supplemen-
tal side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag systems and/or pre-tensioner
seat belt system will not operate in an
accident.INDICATOR LIGHTS
Automatic transmission
position indicator light (A/T
models)
When the ignition key is turned to the ON
position, the indicator in the tachometer shows
the automatic transmission selector lever posi-
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Instruments and controls


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