fuel cap NISSAN 350Z 2008 Z33 Owners Manual

Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the
pretensioners may not function properly. For
additional information, see “Supplemental re-
straint system” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” sec-
tion.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag
and/or pretensioner systems will not
operate in an accident. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.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-
tion. See “Driving the vehicle” (automatic trans-mission) in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate the cruise control system is not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Front passenger air bag status
light
The front passenger air bag status light
(
) will be lit and the passenger front air bag
will be OFF depending on how the front passen-
ger seat is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light opera-
tion, see “NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System” in
the “1. Safety — Seats, seat belts and supple-
mental restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam is
selected.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator light may also come on
steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or
if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed tightly,
and that the vehicle has at least 3 US gallons (14
liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control
system inspection/maintenance test. See
“Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test” in the “9. Technical and consumer informa-
Instruments and controls
2-15


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


tion” section of this manual.
Operation
The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:

Malfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If the
fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten or
install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the
light does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.

Malfunction indicator light blinking — An en-
gine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
a) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
b) Avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) Avoid steep uphill grades.
d) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and come on steady.Have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Slip indicator light
The light will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system or the Traction Control
System (TCS) is operating, thus alerting the
driver to the fact that the road surface is slippery
and the vehicle is nearing its traction limits.
This light also comes on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. The light will turn off
if the VDC or TCS is operational.
Traction Control System (TCS)
off indicator light (if so
equipped)
The light comes on when the Traction Control
System (TCS) off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates the TCS is not operating.
This light also comes on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. The light will turn off
if the TCS is operational.
When the TCS off indicator light and slip indi-
cator light come on with the TCS turned on, this
light alerts the driver to the fact that the system’s
fail-safe mode is operating, that is the TCS may
not be functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer. If a malfunction
occurs in the system, the traction control func-
tion will be canceled but the vehicle is still
driveable. For additional information, see “Trac-
tion Control System (TCS)” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section of this manual.
Vehicle Dynamic Control
(VDC) off indicator light (if so
equipped)
The light comes on when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates the VDC system and Traction Control
System (TCS) are not operating.
2-16
Instruments and controls


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


3 Pre-driving checks and adjustmentsKeys ......................................................................................... 3-2
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System keys ................ 3-2
Doors ....................................................................................... 3-3
Locking with key ............................................................. 3-3
Locking with inside lock knob ..................................... 3-4
Locking with power door lock switch ....................... 3-4
Remote keyless entry system ............................................ 3-5
How to use remote keyless entry system ................ 3-5
Hood ........................................................................................ 3-8
Rear hatch (Coupe models) .............................................. 3-9
Opener operation ........................................................... 3-9
Secondary rear hatch release .................................... 3-10
Trunk lid (Roadster models) ............................................ 3-10
Opener operation ......................................................... 3-10
Interior trunk lid release ............................................... 3-11
Secondary trunk lid release ........................................ 3-12
Soft top (Roadster models) .............................................. 3-13Before operating the top ............................................. 3-13
When operating the top .............................................. 3-15
Opening the top ............................................................ 3-18
Closing the top .............................................................. 3-19
If the top does not open or close electrically ........ 3-19
Care of the soft top and the vehicle body.............. 3-22
Fuel-filler door ..................................................................... 3-23
Opener operation ......................................................... 3-23
Fuel-filler cap ................................................................. 3-23
Steering wheel .................................................................... 3-25
Tilt operation .................................................................. 3-25
Sun visors.............................................................................. 3-25
Mirrors ................................................................................... 3-26
Inside mirror .................................................................... 3-26
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror
(if so equipped) ............................................................ 3-26
Outside mirrors ............................................................. 3-27


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OPENER OPERATIONTo open the fuel-filler door, push the opener
switch located below the instrument panel. To
lock, close the fuel-filler door securely.
FUEL-FILLER CAP
1To remove the fuel-filler cap, turn it counter-
clockwise.
2Hang the string of the cap on the hook
Aas
shown while refueling.
The fuel-filler cap is a ratcheting type. Tighten
the cap clockwise until ratcheting clicks are
heard.
WARNING

Gasoline is extremely flammable andhighly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seri-
ously injured if it is misused or mis-
handled. Always stop the engine and
do not smoke or allow open flames
or sparks near the vehicle when refu-
eling.

Do not attempt to top off the fuel
tank after the fuel pump nozzle shuts
off automatically. Continued refuel-
ing may cause fuel overflow, result-
ing in fuel spray and possibly a fire.
SPA1508
SPA2421
FUEL-FILLER DOOR
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
3-23


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Use only an original equipment type
fuel-filler cap as a replacement. It has
a built-in safety valve needed for
proper operation of the fuel system
and emission control system. An in-
correct cap can result in a serious
malfunction and possible injury. It
could also cause the malfunction in-
dicator light to come on.

Do not fill a portable fuel container in
the vehicle or trailer. Static electricity
can cause an explosion of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or
trailer. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death when filling portable
fuel containers:
— Always place the container on the
ground when filling.
— Do not use electronic devices
when filling.
— Keep the pump nozzle in contact
with the container while you are
filling it.
— Use only approved portable fuel
containers for flammable liquid.
Never pour fuel into the throttle body
to attempt to start your vehicle.
CAUTION

If fuel is spilled on the vehicle body,
flush it away with water to avoid
paint damage.

Tighten until the fuel-filler cap clicks.
Failure to tighten the fuel-filler cap
properly may cause the
mal-
function indicator light (MIL) to illu-
minate. If the
light illuminates
because the fuel-filler cap is loose or
missing, tighten or install the cap and
continue to drive the vehicle. The
light should turn off after a few
driving trips. If the
light does
not turn off after a few driving trips,
have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer.

For additional information, see the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” in
the “2. Instruments and controls”section.
3-24
Pre-driving checks and adjustments


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


The air conditioning system in your NISSAN
vehicle is charged with a refrigerant designed
with the environment in mind.This refrigerant
will not harm the earth’s ozone layer.How-
ever, special charging equipment and lubricant
are required when servicing your NISSAN air
conditioner. Using improper refrigerants or lubri-
cants will cause severe damage to your air
conditioning system. See “Capacities and rec-
ommended fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section for air con-
ditioning system refrigerant and lubricant recom-
mendations.
A NISSAN dealer will be able to service your
environmentally friendly air conditioning system.
WARNING
The air conditioner system contains re-
frigerant under high pressure. To avoid
personal injury, any air conditioner ser-
vice should be done only by an experi-
enced technician with proper equip-
ment.
RADIOTurn the ignition key to ACC or ON and press
the POWER, FM or AM button to turn on the
radio. If you listen to the radio with the engine not
running, the key should be turned to the ACC
position.
Radio reception is affected by station signal
strength, distance from radio transmitter, build-
ings, bridges, mountains and other external in-
fluences. Intermittent changes in reception qual-
ity normally are caused by these external
influences.
Using a cellular phone in or near the ve-
hicle may influence radio reception quality.Radio receptionYour radio system is equipped with state-of-the-
art electronic circuits to enhance radio recep-
tion. These circuits are designed to extend re-
ception range, and to enhance the quality of that
reception.
However there are some general characteristics
of FM, AM and SAT (satellite — if so equipped)
radio signals that can affect radio reception
quality in a moving vehicle, even when the finest
equipment is used. These characteristics are
completely normal in a given reception area, anddo not indicate any malfunction in your radio
system.
Remember that a moving vehicle is not the ideal
place to listen to a radio. Because of the move-
ment, reception conditions will constantly
change. Buildings, terrain, signal distance and
interference from other vehicles can work
against ideal reception. Described below are
some of the factors that can affect your radio
reception.
Some cellular phones or other devices may
cause interference or a buzzing noise to come
from the audio system speakers. Storing the
device in a different location may reduce or
eliminate the noise.
SERVICING AIR CONDITIONER AUDIO SYSTEM4-12
Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING

Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For manual trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to N (Neutral) position. For automatic
transmission models, move the se-
lector lever to P (Park).

Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.

If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.

It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove anyjewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.

Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.

If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.

Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.

Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.

On gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION

Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.

Avoid contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed en-
gine oil, engine coolant and/or other
vehicle fluids can damage the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.

Never connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized component
while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.

Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also avail-
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.

Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.

Waste oil must be disposed of properly.

Check your local regulations.
Perform steps 4 to 7 when the engine oil filter
change is needed.
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench2. Remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old gasket mate-
rial remaining on the mounting surface
of the engine. Failure to do so could
lead to engine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight
resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:
11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N⋅m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug and a new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with a
wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N⋅m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and in-
stall the cap securely.
CAUTION
The dipstick must be inserted in place to
prevent oil spillage from the dipstick
hole while filling the engine with oil.
See “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” section for drain and refill capac-
ity. The drain and refill capacity depends on
the oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine the proper amount
of oil in the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage
around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dip-
stick. Add engine oil if necessary.After the operation1. Install the engine undercover into position as
outlined in the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clip out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.
c. Insert the clip through the undercover into the
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


CAUTION

Do not overfill.

Recommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
For more information regarding suitable equiva-
lents, see “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section.For additional brake and clutch fluid information,
refer to “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” section of this manual.
WARNING

Use only new fluid from a sealed
container. Old, inferior or contami-
nated fluid may damage the brake
system. The use of improper fluids
can damage the brake system and
affect the vehicle’s stopping ability.

Clean the filler cap before removing.

Brake fluid is poisonous and should
be stored carefully in marked con-
tainers out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on any painted
surfaces. This will damage the paint. If
fluid is spilled, immediately wash the
surface with water.
BRAKE FLUIDCheck the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line
2or the brake warning light
comes on, add Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid or equivalentDOT 3fluid up to
the MAX line
1. If fluid must be added fre-
quently, the system should be thoroughly
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
SDI1923
BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-13


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


9 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants .............. 9-2
Fuel recommendation .................................................... 9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation .................. 9-5
Air conditioner system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ........................................................... 9-6
Specifications ........................................................................ 9-7
Engine ................................................................................. 9-7
Wheels and tires .............................................................. 9-8
Dimensions and weights ............................................... 9-8
When traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ..................................................................................... 9-9
Vehicle identification ............................................................ 9-9
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ................. 9-9
Vehicle identification number (chassis number) ..... 9-9
Engine serial number ................................................... 9-10
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ................ 9-10
Emission control information label ........................... 9-10
Tire and loading information label ............................ 9-11
Air conditioner specification label ............................ 9-11
Installing front license plate ............................................. 9-12Vehicle loading information ............................................. 9-13
Terms ............................................................................... 9-13
Vehicle load capacity.................................................... 9-14
Loading tips .................................................................... 9-16
Measurement of weights ............................................. 9-16
Towing a trailer ................................................................... 9-17
Maximum load limits .................................................... 9-17
Towing safety ................................................................ 9-18
Flat towing............................................................................. 9-21
Automatic transmission ................................................ 9-22
Manual transmission ..................................................... 9-22
Uniform tire quality grading ............................................. 9-22
Emission control system warranty ................................. 9-23
Reporting safety defects (US only) ............................... 9-23
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) .............................................................................. 9-24
Event data recorders ......................................................... 9-25
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information ... 9-26
In the event of a collision ........................................... 9-26


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