engine overheat NISSAN 350Z 2005 Owner´s Manual

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGEThe gauge indicates the engine coolant tem-
perature.
The engine coolant temperature is within the
normal range
A
when the gauge needle points
within the zone shown in the illustration.
The engine coolant temperature will vary with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature near the hot (H) end of the
normal range, reduce vehicle speed to
decrease temperature. If the gauge is
over the normal range, stop the vehicle
as soon as safely possible. If the engine
is overheated, continued operation of
the vehicle may seriously damage the
engine. See “If your vehicle overheats”
in the “6. In case of emergency” section
for immediate action required.
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.
SIC2371A
SIC2556
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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
After the ignition switch is turned ON, this light
comes on for about 1 second and turns off.
This light warns of low tire pressure.
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 low tire pres-
sure*, the light will illuminate and the chime will
sound for about 10 seconds.
*: lower than 26 psi (for 225/50R17 and
235/50R17 tires on
Roadster model)
lower than 28 psi (except for the above)
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 the
ignition 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 tire pressure for all
four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low tire
pressure warning light OFF. If the
light still comes on while driving after
adjusting the tire pressure, a tire may
be flat. If you have a flat tire, replace
it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
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The seats are warmed by built-in heaters. The
switches located on the center console can be
operated independently of each other (
A
for
driver’s seat,
B
for passenger’s seat).
1. Start the engine.
2. Select heat range.
1For low heat, press the
(Low) side
of the switch.
2For high heat, press the
(High) side
of the switch.
3For no heat, the switch has a center OFF
position between low and high.The indicator light
C
in the switch will
illuminate when low or high is selected.
The heater is controlled by a thermostat,
automatically turning the heater on and off.
The indicator light will remain on as long as
the switch is on.
3. When the vehicle’s interior is warmed, or
before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn
the switch to the OFF position (center).
An optional ventilated net seat has this built-in
heater only in the seat cushion part, not in the
seatback.
CAUTION

The battery could be discharged if
the seat heater is operated while the
engine is not running.

Do not use the seat heater for ex-
tended periods or when no one is
using the seat.

Do not put anything on the seat
which insulates heat, such as a blan-
ket, cushion, seat cover, etc. Other-
wise, the seat may becomeoverheated.

Do not place anything hard or heavy
on the seat or pierce it with a pin or
similar object. This may result in
damage to the heater.

Any liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with
a dry cloth.

When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any
similar materials.

If any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn
the switch off and have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
SIC2321A
HEATED SEATS (if so equipped)2-28
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The power outlet is for powering electrical ac-
cessories such as cellular telephones.
CAUTION

The outlet and plug may be hot dur-
ing or immediately after use.

This power outlet is not designed for
use with a cigarette lighter unit.

Do not use accessories that exceed a
combined power draw of 12 volt,
120W (10A) for both the front andrear power outlets. Do not use
double adapters or more than one
accessory with a single power outlet.

Use power outlet with the engine
running to avoid discharging the ve-
hicle battery.

Avoid using power outlets when the
air conditioner, headlights or rear
window defroster is on.

Before inserting or disconnecting a
plug, be sure to turn off the power
switch of electrical accessory beingused or the ACC power of the vehicle.

Push the plug in as far as it will go. If
good contact is not made, the plug
may overheat or the internal tem-
perature fuse may open.

Do not allow water to contact the
outlet. When not in use, be sure to
close the lid.
SIC2258
Front
SIC1968
Rear
POWER OUTLET
Instruments and controls
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The exhaust system and body should
be inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
•The vehicle is raised for service.
•You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
•You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
•You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.THREE WAY CATALYSTThe three way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the converter are burned at high tem-
peratures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING

The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.

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.
CAUTION

Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline will seriously
reduce the three-way catalyst’s abil-
ity to help reduce exhaust pollutants.

Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three-way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by a NISSAN
dealer.
Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three-way catalyst.

Do not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.

Do not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
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.
The low tire pressure warning system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 20 MPH (32 km/h). This system may not
detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for ex-
ample, a flat tire by catching something while
driving).
Starting and driving
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BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.Vacuum assisted brakesThe brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.Using the brakesAvoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This overheats the brakes, increases
wear on the brakes and pads, and reduces gas
mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING

While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.

If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.Wet brakesWhen the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakesso the wheels will not lock when braking abruptly
or when braking on slippery surfaces. The sys-
tem detects the rotation speed at each wheel
and varies the brake fluid pressure to prevent
each wheel from locking and sliding. By prevent-
ing wheel lockup, the system helps the driver
maintain steering control and helps to minimize
swerving and spinning on slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator (under the
hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
While the actuator is working, you may feel a
BRAKE SYSTEM5-20
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04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the
vent holes as it may be contaminated with
corrosive acid.Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
CAUTION

Automatic transmission models can-
not be push started. Attempting to do
so may cause transmission damage.

Three way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three way catalyst may be
damaged.

Never try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.
WARNING

Do not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause engine damage or a vehicle
fire.

To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the ra-
diator cap is removed, pressurized
hot water will spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.

Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the
parking brake and move the shift lever to the
N (Neutral) position (automatic transmission
to the P (Park) position).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner switch. Open all
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency
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04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


the windows, move the heater or air condi-
tioner temperature control to maximum hot
and fan control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a
long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a fast
idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the tem-
perature gauge indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or coolant
is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not open
the hood further until no steam or coolant can
be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
The radiator hoses and radiator should not
leak water.
If coolant is leaking or the cooling fan does
not run, stop the engine.
WARNING

Be careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or get caught in, engine
belts or the engine cooling fan.

The engine cooling fan can start at
any time when the coolant tempera-
ture is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the reservoir tank with the engine
running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if
necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at a
NISSAN dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from a NISSAN dealer. Local service
operators are generally familiar with the appli-
cable laws and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental damage
to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a
service operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable
to have the service operator carefully read the
following precautions.
WARNING

Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.

Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION

When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working condi-TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
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The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze cool-
ant solution. The anti-freeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional
cooling system additives are not necessary.
WARNING

Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Wait until the en-
gine and radiator cool down. Serious
burns could be caused by high pres-
sure fluid escaping from the radiator.

See “If your vehicle overheats” in the
“6. In case of emergency” section of
this manual.

The radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent
engine damage, use only a genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
Outside temperature
down to
Anti-
freezeDeminer-
alized
water/
distilled
water °C °F
−35 −30 50% 50%
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (green) or
equivalent with the proper mixture ratio
of 50% anti-freeze and 50% demineral-
ized water/distilled water. The use of
other types of coolant solutions may
damage your engine cooling system.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVELCheck the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX level. If
the reservoir tank is empty, check the coolant
level in the radiatorwhen the engine is cold.If
there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the
radiator with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX
level.
If the engine cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
SDI1445
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM8-8
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by a NISSAN dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheating.
WARNING

To avoid being scalded, never change
the coolant when the engine is hot.

Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.

Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.

Keep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
1. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of
radiator, and remove radiator filler cap.

Be careful not to allow coolant to con-
tact drive belts.

Waste coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
2. Close the radiator drain plug securely after
the coolant is drained.3. Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mixture
of anti-freeze solution and demineralized
water/distilled water. Fill the reservoir tank up
to the MAX level. Then install the radiator filler
cap.
4. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature. Then
race the engine 2 or 3 times under no load.
Watch the engine coolant temperature
gauge for signs of overheating.
5. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler open-
ing. Fill the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
Check the drain plug for any sign of leakage.
6. Recheck the coolant level after the vehicle
has been driven for a day.
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