tires NISSAN 350Z 2005 Owner´s Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 2005, Model line: 350Z, Model: NISSAN 350Z 2005Pages: 279, PDF Size: 3.25 MB
Page 182 of 279
The ABLS system works when one of the driving
wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The
ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel, which
distributes the driving power to the other driving
wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
system turned off, all VDC system functions and
TCS functions will be turned off. The ABLS
system and ABS will still operate with the VDC
system off. When the ABLS system is activated,
the “SLIP” indicator light will blink and you may
hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
feel a vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The VDC system computer has a built-in diag-
nostic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle for-
ward or backward. When the self-test occurs,
you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal and is not
an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING
The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
due to careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
If engine related parts such as a muf-
fler are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the “VDC
OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars and bushings are not
NISSAN-approved or are extremely
deteriorated the VDC system may not
operate properly. This could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the “VDC OFF” indica-tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.
If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated, the “VDC OFF” indica-
tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.
When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the “VDC OFF” indi-
cator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.
When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the “VDC OFF” indicator or
“SLIP” indicator or both indicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface.
If wheels or tires other than those
recommended are used, the VDC sys-
Starting and driving
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tem may not operate properly and the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indi-
cator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.
The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow-covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, see “Engine Cooling
System” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the battery should be
checked regularly. For additional information,
see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the
drain plug located under the radiator. Refill
before operating the vehicle. See “Engine cool-
ing system” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section for changing engine coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle
on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends
the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON
tires on all four wheels. Consult a NISSAN
dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and
availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some provinces
and states prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before installing
studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make sure
they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the
chain manufacturer’s suggestions. Use of tire
chains may be prohibited according to loca-
tion. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according to
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
5-24
Starting and driving
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LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEMThis vehicle is equipped with the low tire pres-
sure warning system. It monitors tire pressure of
all tires except the spare. When the low tire
pressure warning light is lit, one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. The system
also displays pressure of all tires (except the
spare tire) on the trip computer by sending a
signal from a sensor that is installed in each
wheel. If the vehicle is being driven with low tire
pressure*, the low tire pressure warning system
will activate and warn you of it by the low tire
pressure warning light (in the meter panel) or the
PSI indicator (on the trip computer). This system
will activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 20 MPH (32 km/h). For more
details, refer to “Trip computer” and
“Warning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section
and “Low tire pressure warning system” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section.
*: lower than 26 psi (for 225/50R17 and
235/50R17 tires on
Roadster model)
lower than 28 psi (except for the above)
WARNING
If the low tire pressure warning light
comes on and/or the PSI indicator
flashes while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt brak-
ing, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Serious
vehicle damage could occur and may
lead to an accident and could result
in serious personal injury. Check the
tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recom-
mended COLD tire pressure shown
on the Tire and Loading Information
label to turn the low tire pressure
warning light OFF. If you have a flat
tire, replace it with a spare tire as
soon as possible.
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
function. Contact a NISSAN dealer assoon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.
Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIREIf you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.Stopping the vehicle1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking
brake. Shift the manual transmission into R
(Reverse) position (automatic transmission in
P (Park) position).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
FLAT TIRE6-2
In case of emergency
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WARNING
Make sure the parking brake is se-
curely applied and the manual trans-
mission is shifted into R (Reverse), or
the automatic transmission into P
(Park).
Never change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
Never change tires if oncoming traffic
is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.
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
function. Contact a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting. (For models
with the low tire pressure warning
system)
Blocking wheelsPlace suitable blocks
1
at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire
to prevent the vehicle from moving when it
is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the ve-
hicle may move and result in personal
injury.
Getting the spare tire and toolsRemove spare tire and jacking tools from the
storage area located in the luggage/trunk as
illustrated.
Coupe models:
1. Spare tire — Turn the retainer counterclock-
wise to remove.
2. Jack — Turn it counterclockwise to remove.
3. Jacking tools
MCE0001A
SCE0409
Coupe modelsIn case of emergency
6-3
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Installing the spare tireThe spare tire is designed for emergency
use. See specific instructions under the
heading “Wheels and tires” in the “8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface
between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the wheel on and tighten the
wheel nuts finger tight. When replacing a
front tire, make sure the hole in the spare tire
wheel is aligned with the pin on the brake
rotor.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheelnuts alternately and evenly in the sequence
illustrated (
1
-5) until they are tight.
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire touches
the ground. Then, with the wheel nut wrench,
tighten the wheel nuts securely in the se-
quence as illustrated. Lower the vehicle com-
pletely.
WARNING
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.
Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the
nuts to become loose.
Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
As soon as possible tighten the wheel nuts
to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.Wheel nut tightening torque:
80 ft-lb (108 N⋅m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
specification at each lubrication interval.
Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.
COLD pressure:
After vehicle has been parked for three
hours or more or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label affixed to
the driver’s side center pillar.
For models equipped with the low tire
pressure warning system:
After adjusting tire pressure to the COLD tire
pressure, the display of the tire pressure infor-
mation may show higher pressure than the
COLD tire pressure after the vehicle has been
driven more than 1 mile (1.6 km). This is because
the tire pressurizes as the tire temperature rises.
This does not indicate a system malfunction.
Stowing the tire and toolsSecurely store the spare tire and jacking equip-
ment in the vehicle.
SCE0039
6-6
In case of emergency
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WARNING
Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.
The spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use. See specific instructions
under the heading “Wheels and tires”
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section of this manual.To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
WARNING
If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting
in severe injury or death. It could also
damage your vehicle.
Explosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.
Do not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, clothing
or painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulfuric acid solution which
can cause severe burns. If the fluid
should come into contact with any-
thing, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.
Keep battery out of the reach of chil-
dren.
The booster battery must be rated at12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.
Whenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye protec-
tors (for example, goggles or indus-
trial safety spectacles) and remove
rings, metal bands, or any other jew-
elry. Do not lean over the battery
when jump starting.
Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.JUMP STARTING
In case of emergency
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ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward) as this may
cause serious and expensive damage
to the transmission.
If it is necessary to tow the vehicle
with the front wheels raised, always
use towing dollies under the rear
wheels.
When towing rear wheel drive mod-
els with the front wheels on the
ground or on towing dollies:
Turn the ignition key to the OFF po-
sition, and secure the steering wheel
in a straight ahead position with a
rope or similar device. Never secure
the steering wheel by turning the
ignition key to the LOCK position.
This may damage the steering lock
mechanism.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle)Use the towing hook by installing it in the front of
the vehicle. (The rear has no towing points.)
After removing the front license plate (if so
equipped),1Remove the towing hook cover from the
bumper.
2Securely install the towing hook stored with
jacking tools.
Make sure that the hook is properly secured in
the stored place after use.
WARNING
Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.
Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode
and result in serious injury. Parts of
your vehicle could also overheat and
be damaged.
CAUTION
Tow chains or cables must be at-
tached only to the vehicle recovery
hooks or main structural members of
the vehicle. Otherwise, the vehicle
body will be damaged.
Do not use the vehicle tie downs to
free a vehicle stuck in sand, snow,
mud, etc. Never tow a vehicle using
the vehicle tie downs or recovery
hooks.
Always pull the cable straight out
from the front of the vehicle. Never
SCE0413
6-12
In case of emergency
04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0
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pull on the vehicle at an angle.
Pulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the
suspension, steering, brake or cool-
ing systems.
Pull devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use
in vehicle towing or recovery.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control System
(if so equipped).
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the
vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear
an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back-
ward.
Shift back and forth between R (reverse) and
D (drive) (automatic transmission models) or
1st (low) and R (reverse) (manual transmis-
sion models).
Apply the accelerator as little as possible tomaintain the rocking motion.
Release the accelerator pedal before shifting
between R and D (automatic transmission
models) or 1st and R (manual transmission
models).
Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH (55
km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries,
contact a professional towing service to re-
move the vehicle.
In case of emergency
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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 ................................................................. 8-16
Drive belts ............................................................................ 8-17
Spark plugs ......................................................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ................................................ 8-17Air 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 ............................................ 8-24
Lights ..................................................................................... 8-26
Headlights ...................................................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .......................................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................................................ 8-31
Tire pressure ................................................................. 8-31
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-33
Types of tires ................................................................. 8-35
Tire chains ...................................................................... 8-35
Changing wheels and tires ........................................ 8-36
04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0
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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.
Clutch pedal*:Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
play.
Parking brake*:Check that the lever 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.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3
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