check engine light NISSAN 350Z 2008 Z33 Owner's Manual

If the brakes do not operate properly, have the
brakes checked by a NISSAN dealer.SELF-ADJUSTING BRAKESYour vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See a NISSAN dealer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATORSThe disc brake pads on your vehicle have au-
dible wear indicators. When a brake pad re-
quires replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound when the vehicle
is in motion whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as
possible if the wear indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affectthe function or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For additional information, see the
appropriate maintenance log shown in the
NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide.
Some vehicles are equipped with engine com-
partment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes that use only type
A
fuses. Other ve-
hicles are equipped with typeA
fuses in the
engine compartment fuse box and type
Bfuses
in the passenger compartment fuse box.
Type
Afuses are provided as spare fuses. They
are stored in the passenger compartment fuse
box.
Type
A
fuses can be installed in the engine
compartment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes.
SDI1751
BRAKES FUSES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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If a type
A
fuse is used to replace a type
B
fuse, the type
A
fuse will not be level with the
fuse pocket as shown in the illustration. This will
not affect the performance of the fuse. Make
sure the fuse is installed in the fuse box securely.
Type
B
fuses cannot be installed in the under-
hood fuse boxes. Only use type
A
fuses in the
underhood fuse boxes.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and headlight
switch are OFF.2. Open the engine hood and remove the cover
on the battery and the fuse/fusible link holder.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder cover by
pushing the tabs
1
and lifting the cover
2.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller. The
fuse puller is located in the passenger com-
partment fuse box.
5. If the fuse is open
A, replace it with a new
fuse
B. Spare fuses are stored in the pas-
senger compartment fuse box.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
SDI1752
SDI1479B
SDI1753
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07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


hibitors. If not properly formulated with
appropriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are
suitable for use in NISSAN vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such as
engine stalling and hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, imme-
diately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel
with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
E-85 fuelE-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square, or-
ange and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for that
region.
Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel in-
jector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve de-
posit removers, etc.) which are sold commer-
cially. Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain active
solvents or similar ingredients that can be harm-
ful to the fuel system and engine.Octane rating tipsUsing unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the above stated
octane rating, or if you hear steady spark
knock while holding a steady speed on
level roads, have your dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at aNISSAN dealer or other competent service fa-
cility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.
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07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point be-
tween the sensor and stop light or light switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tips
Be certain a vehicle maintains a level position
when a loaded and/or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an
unusual nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes of
these conditions.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.

Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.

Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, vehicle
tire pressure, trailer light operation, and trailer
wheel lug nuts every time you attach a trailer
to the vehicle.

Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state and/or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking per-
formance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.

Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.

Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.

Always drive a vehicle at a moderate speed.
Some states or provinces have specificspeed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.

When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and back
up slowly. If possible, have someone guide
you when you are backing up.

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if a vehicle is equipped with automatic
transmission, first apply the parking brake
and block the wheels, and then move the
transmission selector lever into the P (Park)
position. If you move the selector lever to the
P (Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, the transmis-
sion may get damaged.

When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.

If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
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free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-
7261).
Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in what
is called the “ready condition” for an Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) test of the emission control
system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the “ready condition” can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a not “ready condition”. Before taking
the I/M test, check the vehicle’s inspection/
maintenance test readiness condition. Turn the
ignition switch ON without starting the engine. If
the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) comes on
steady for 20 seconds and then blinks for 10
seconds, the I/M test condition is “not ready”. If
the MIL does not blink after 20 seconds, the I/M
test condition is “ready”.
If the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready”
condition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition.
If you cannot or do not want to perform the
driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it
for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle until
the engine coolant temperature gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal operat-
ing temperature).
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h),
then quickly release the accelerator pedal
completely and keep it released for at least
10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle. Leave the engine running.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the automatic trans-
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)
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07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........................... 5-21
Advanced air bag system........................................ 1-35
Air bag system
Advanced Air Bag System ............................... 1-35
Front passenger air bag and status light ..... 1-36
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-42
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-43, 2-14
Air cleaner .................................................................. 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-9
Air conditioner service ............................. 4-9, 4-12
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-11
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 4-12, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-9
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle security
system) ......................................................................... 2-19
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-6
Anchor point location, Top tether strap .............. 1-24
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-30
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........................... 5-21
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light ............................................................................... 2-11
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-5
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-17Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-14
Audio system .............................................................. 4-12
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-29
Autochanger
Compact Disc (CD) ........................................... 4-26
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror ...................................... 3-26
Automatic adjusting function (front
windows)............................................................... 2-40
Automatic passenger seatback tilt
function......................................................... 1-5, 3-17
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-7, 5-10
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-5
B
Battery .......................................................................... 8-15
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-25
Keyfob.................................................................... 8-24
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-9
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Booster seats ............................................................. 1-25
Bluetooth
Hands-Free Phone System with
NISSAN Voice Recognition .................................. 4-31
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................... 5-21
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-13Brake system ....................................................... 5-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Warning light ....................................................... 2-12
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-18
Brightness control, Instrument panel ................... 2-26
Bulb check/instrument panel.................................. 2-11
Bulb replacement ...................................................... 8-26
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-31
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-33
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-33
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-29
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-17
Booster seats ...................................................... 1-25
Installation on front passenger seat ............. 1-20
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-17
Top tether strap .................................................. 1-24
Top tether strap anchor point location ......... 1-24
Child safety ................................................................. 1-12
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-17
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-5
Clock ............................................................................ 2-30
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-13
Coat hook .................................................................. 2-38


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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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10-2

Trunk light ............................................................. 2-42
Vanity mirror light ................................................ 2-42
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .............................................................. 2-11
Xenon headlights ................................................ 2-24
Lights, Exterior and interior light replacement ... 8-28
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................................. 9-13
Lock
Door locks ............................................................... 3-3
Power door lock .................................................... 3-3
Rear floor box ...................................................... 2-35
Rear hatch lock...................................................... 3-9
Top latch lever ..................................................... 3-16
Trunk lid................................................................. 3-10
Low tire pressure warning light ............................. 2-13
Low tire pressure warning system (See tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)) ..................... 5-3
Luggage compartment light.................................... 2-42
M
Maintenance
Battery ................................................................... 8-15
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2
Inside the vehicle................................................... 8-3
Maintenance information (display) .................... 4-3
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements.................................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle............................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-17
Under the hood and vehicle ............................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator light (MIL) ............................ 2-15
Map lights.................................................................... 2-41Meter, Trip computer .................................................. 2-8
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control .......................................................................... 2-26
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .................. 3-26
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-26
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-27
N
Net
Cargo net.............................................................. 2-33
Ventilated net seats .............................................. 1-6
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-18
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ................... 2-19
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System, Engine
start.................................................................................. 5-8
O
Odometer ....................................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level .................................... 8-9
Engine oil................................................................. 8-9
Engine oil pressure gauge .................................. 2-7
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Opening the soft top ................................................ 3-13
Outside air temperature display ............................... 2-9
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-27
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-26
P
Parking
Brake break-in ..................................................... 5-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-19
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-31
Power
Front seat adjustment .......................................... 1-4
Power door lock .................................................... 3-3
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-31
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-12
Power steering system ...................................... 5-20
Power windows................................................... 2-39
Precautions
Audio operation ................................................... 4-14
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-21
Child restraints .................................................... 1-17
Cruise control ...................................................... 5-16
Maintenance ........................................................... 8-5
Seat belt usage ................................................... 1-10
Supplemental restraint system ........................ 1-28
When starting and driving .................................. 5-2
Push starting ................................................................. 6-9
R
Radio ............................................................................ 4-12
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-31


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