weight NISSAN 350Z 2008 Z33 User Guide

Steps for determining correct load
limit1. Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs” onyour vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the
driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.3. Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the XXX
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb. passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400 − 750 (5×150) = 650 lbs) or
(640 − 340 (5×70) = 300 kg)
5. Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step
4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces
the available cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.
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Before driving a loaded vehicle, confirm
that you do not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for your
vehicle. See “Measurement of Weights”
later in this section.
Also check tires for proper inflation pres-
sures. See the Tire and Loading Informa-
tion label.LOADING TIPS
The GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification la-
bel.

Do not load the front and rear axle to
the GAWR. Doing so will exceed the
GVWR.
WARNING

Properly secure all cargo with
ropes or straps to help prevent
it from sliding or shifting. Donot place cargo higher than the
seatbacks. In a sudden stop or
collision, unsecured cargo
could cause personal injury.

Do not load your vehicle any
heavier than the GVWR or the
maximum front and rear
GAWRs. If you do, parts of your
vehicle can break, tire damage
could occur, or it can change
the way your vehicle handles.
This could result in loss of con-
trol and cause personal injury.

Overloading not only could
shorten the life of your vehicle
and the tire, but can also cause
unsafe vehicle handling and
long braking distances. This
may cause a premature tire fail-
ure, which could result in a se-
rious accident and personal in-
jury. Failures caused by over
loading are not covered by thevehicle’s warranty.
MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHTSSecure loose items to prevent weight
shifts that could affect the balance of
your vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded,
drive to a scale and weigh the front and
the rear wheels separately to determine
axle loads. Individual axle loads should
not exceed either of the gross axle weight
ratings (GAWR). The total of the axle
loads should not exceed the gross ve-
hicle weight rating (GVWR). These rat-
ings are given on the vehicle certification
label. If weight ratings are exceeded,
move or remove items to bring all weights
below the ratings.
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Roadster model:
Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
Coupe model:
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer places additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
A NISSAN Towing Guide (U.S. only) is available
on the website at www.nissanusa.com. This
guide includes information on trailer towing ca-
pability and the special equipment required for
proper towing.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION

Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy
load for the first 500 miles (800 km).Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.

For the first 500 miles (800 km) that
you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50
mph (80 km/h) and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of your ve-
hicle wear in at the heavier loads.
MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed 1,000
lb (454 kg). The total trailer load equals trailer
weight plus its cargo weight. Towing loads
greater than 1,000 lb (454 kg) or using improper
towing equipment could adversely affect vehicle
handling, braking and performance.
The ability of a vehicle to tow a trailer is not only
related to the maximum trailer loads, but also the
places you plan to tow. Tow weights appropriate
for level highway driving may have to be reduced
on very steep grades or in low traction situations
(for example, on slippery boat ramps).
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures are not cov-
ered by NISSAN warranties.
TOWING A TRAILER
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Tongue loadKeep the tongue load between 9 and 11% of the
total trailer load within the maximum tongue load
limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specification chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weightThe gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed. GVWR shown on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. The
gross vehicle weight equals the combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle, passengers,
luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed GAWR
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD100 (45.4)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchChoose a proper hitch for a vehicle and trailer.
Make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached to
the vehicle, to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by cross-
winds, rough road surfaces or passing trucks.Hitch ballChoose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:

The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on top of the ball.

Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.

The diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should be
TI1011M
TI1012M
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no more than 1/16″smaller than the hole in
the ball mount.

The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2 threads
showing beyond the lock washer and nut.
Class I hitchClass I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb (909 kg).
You may add Class I trailer hitch equipment to
the vehicle that has a 2,000 lb (909 kg) maxi-
mum weight rating, but your vehicle is only
capable of towing the maximum trailer weights
shown in the Towing Load/Specification Chart
earlier in this section.
CAUTION

Do not use axle-mounted hitches.

The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.

Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install atrailer hitch.

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if a vehicle is struck
from the rear, where practical, re-
move the hitch and/or receiver when
not in use.

After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.

Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.Tire pressures
When towing a trailer, inflate the ve-
hicle tires to the recommended cold
tire pressure indicated on the Tire and
Loading Information label.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating
and proper inflation pressure should
be in accordance with the trailer and
tire manufacturers’ specifications.
Safety chainsAlways use a suitable chain between a vehicle
and the trailer. The safety chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not
to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners.Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available
power-type module/converter must be
used to provide power for all trailer
lighting. This unit uses the vehicle bat-
tery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/
converter must draw no more than 15
milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer dealer to obtainTechnical and consumer information
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Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-25
Command (See Bluetooth
Hands-Free
Phone System)........................................................... 4-37
Compact Disc (CD) changer (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-26
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-21
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-40
Console box................................................................ 2-35
Control panel buttons (models with navigation
system) ........................................................................... 4-2
Controls
Control panel buttons (display with
navigation system) ................................................ 4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) .............................................................. 4-9
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-29
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ................................................... 7-6
Cruise control............................................................. 5-16
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-33
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-25
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch ............................................. 2-23
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-8
Display controls (See control panel buttons),
With navigation system .............................................. 4-2Door open warning light .......................................... 2-12
Drive belts ................................................................... 8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-25
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-7, 5-10
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 5-13
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-18
Elapsed time ............................................................... 2-10
Emission control information label ........................ 9-10
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-23
Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-9
Break-in schedule............................................... 5-18
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 .................................... 8-9
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-5
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-26
Engine compartment check locations.............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Engine oil................................................................. 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation......... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-10
Engine specifications ........................................... 9-7
If your vehicle overheats ...................................... 6-9
Oil pressure gauge ............................................... 2-7Starting the engine ............................................... 5-9
Event data recorders ................................................ 9-25
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............. 9-10
Filter, Changing engine oil and filter .................... 8-10
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-27
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Flat towing .................................................................. 9-21
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-5
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-13
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Engine coolant ....................................................... 8-8
Engine oil................................................................. 8-9
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-12
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-14
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ............................................................................ 4-19
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
changer ........................................................................ 4-23
Front manual seat adjustment ................................. 1-3
Front power seat adjustment .................................. 1-3
Front passenger air bag and status light ............ 1-36
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-4
Front seat active head restraints ......................... 1-10
Fuel
Average fuel consumption .................................. 2-9


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Ignition switch manual transmission
models .......................................................... 5-7, 5-13
Power door lock switch....................................... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch..................................................................... 2-23
Traction control system (TCS) off switch .... 2-29
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-26
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ... 2-29
T
Tachometer.................................................................... 2-5
Temperature display .................................................... 2-9
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................................................... 2-5
Theft (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start................................................................. 2-19
Three-way catalyst....................................................... 5-3
Tilting passenger’s seat ............................................. 1-7
Tilting steering wheel ............................................... 3-25
Tire pressure, Low tire pressure warning
light ............................................................................... 2-13
Tires
Flat tire ..................................................................... 6-2
Low tire pressure warning system .................... 5-3
Spare tire .............................................................. 8-40
Tire and Loading information label ................. 8-32
Tire and Loading Information label................. 9-11
Tire chains ............................................................ 8-37
Tire dressing ........................................................... 7-4
Tire pressure ........................................................ 8-30
Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS)............................................................ 5-3, 6-2
Tire rotation .......................................................... 8-37Types of tires ....................................................... 8-36
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-22
Wheel/tire size ....................................................... 9-8
Wheels and tires ................................................ 8-30
Top tether strap child restraints ............................ 1-24
Top, Soft top .............................................................. 3-13
Towing
Flat towing ............................................................ 9-21
Tow truck towing ................................................ 6-10
Towing a trailer.................................................... 9-17
Towing load/specification chart ...................... 9-17
Towing safety....................................................... 9-18
TPMS, Tire pressure monitoring system................ 5-3
TPMS, Tire pressure warning system..................... 6-2
Traction control system (TCS)............................... 5-23
Traction control system (TCS) off switch ........... 2-29
Trailer towing .............................................................. 9-17
Transceiver, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-43
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-7, 5-10
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 5-13
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-13
Transmitter (See remote keyless entry system) ... 3-5
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ............................................................................ 9-9
Trip computer ............................................................... 2-8
Trip odometer ............................................................. 2-10
Trunk
Interior trunk lid release .................................... 3-11
Light ....................................................................... 2-42
Secondary trunk lid release ............................. 3-12
Trunk lid................................................................. 3-10Turn signal switch ..................................................... 2-26
U
Underbody cleaning .................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading .................................... 9-22
Up-shift indicator (M/T models) ............................ 5-14
Up-shift indicator setting (rpm) (M/T models) ... 2-10
V
Vanity mirror light ...................................................... 2-42
Vehicle
Dimensions and weights ..................................... 9-8
Identification number (VIN) ................................. 9-9
Loading information............................................ 9-13
Recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ................. 6-12
Security system ................................................... 2-18
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ... 2-29
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system ........ 5-23
Ventilated net seats..................................................... 1-6
Ventilators ...................................................................... 4-8
Voice command (See Bluetooth
Hands-Free
Phone System)........................................................... 4-37
Volt meter ...................................................................... 2-8
W
Warning labels, Air bag warning labels .............. 1-42
Warning light
Air bag warning light .............................. 1-43, 2-14
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning
light......................................................................... 2-11


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Brake warning light ............................................ 2-12
Door open warning light ................................... 2-12
Low tire pressure warning light ...................... 2-13
Seat belt warning light ...................................... 2-14
Warning lights ............................................................ 2-11
Warning, Hazard warning flasher switch ............ 2-27
Warning, Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) .................................................................. 5-3, 6-2
Warning, Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ..................................................................... 2-11
Warranty, Emission control system warranty ..... 9-23
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer switch........ 2-22
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........... 2-21
Washing ......................................................................... 7-2
Waxing............................................................................ 7-3
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ............... 9-8
Wheel/tire size.............................................................. 9-8
Wheels and tires ....................................................... 8-30
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels ....................... 7-4
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-14
Window(s)
Automatic adjusting function ........................... 2-40
Cleaning................................................................... 7-3
Power windows................................................... 2-39
Windshield wiper and washer switch .................. 2-21
Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer switch........ 2-22
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........... 2-21
Wiper blades ....................................................... 8-19
X
Xenon headlights....................................................... 2-24


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