headlights NISSAN 350Z 2008 Z33 Owners Manual

2 Instruments and controlsInstrument panel ................................................................... 2-2
Meters and gauges .............................................................. 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ........................................ 2-4
Tachometer ....................................................................... 2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............................ 2-5
Fuel gauge ........................................................................ 2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge ........................................... 2-7
Volt meter ......................................................................... 2-8
Trip computer .................................................................. 2-8
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ........ 2-11
Checking bulbs ............................................................. 2-11
Warning lights ............................................................... 2-11
Indicator lights ............................................................... 2-15
Audible reminders ........................................................ 2-17
Security systems ................................................................ 2-18
Vehicle security system .............................................. 2-18
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ...................... 2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........................... 2-21
Rear window wiper and washer switch
(Coupe models) .................................................................. 2-22
Rear window and outside mirror defroster switch .... 2-23
Headlight and turn signal switch ................................... 2-24
Xenon headlights .......................................................... 2-24
Headlight switch ........................................................... 2-24Daytime running light system (Canada only) ........ 2-25
Turn signal switch ........................................................ 2-26
Instrument brightness control ................................... 2-26
Hazard warning flasher switch ....................................... 2-27
Horn ....................................................................................... 2-27
Heated seats (if so equipped) ........................................ 2-28
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 2-29
Traction Control System (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 2-29
Clock ..................................................................................... 2-30
Adjusting the time ........................................................ 2-30
Power outlet ........................................................................ 2-31
Storage ................................................................................. 2-32
Instrument pocket (except for navigation system
equipped models) ........................................................ 2-32
Sunglasses holder (Coupe models) ........................ 2-32
Cargo net......................................................................... 2-33
Cup holders ................................................................... 2-33
Console box .................................................................. 2-35
Rear floor box ................................................................ 2-35
Rear parcel box ............................................................ 2-37
Stowing golf bags ......................................................... 2-37
Coat hook (Coupe models) ........................................ 2-38


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


Security indicator lightThis light
Ablinks whenever the ignition switch
is in the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This is
normal.
How to arm the vehicle security
system1. Close all windows.
The system can be activated even if the
windows are open.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.3. Close and lock all doors and rear hatch/trunk
lid.
Lock all doors by using the key or the keyfob.
When using the keyfob, the hazard indicators
flash twice to indicate all doors are locked.
4. Confirm that the security indicator light
comes on. The security indicator light glows
for about 30 seconds and then blinks. The
system is now activated. If, during this 30
second time period, the door is unlocked by
the key or the keyfob, or the ignition key is
turned to ACC or ON, the system will not
activate.
Even when the driver and/or passengers
are in the vehicle, the system will activate
with all doors and rear hatch/trunk lid
locked and ignition key off. Turn the igni-
tion key to ACC to turn the system off.
Vehicle security system activationThe security system will give the following alarm:

The headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.

The alarm automatically turns off after ap-
proximately 50 seconds. However, the alarm
reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by unlocking
a door with the key, or by pushing theUNLOCK
button on the keyfob.
The alarm is activated by:

Opening the door without using the key or
keyfob.

Opening the rear hatch or the trunk lid with-
out using the keyfob.
How to stop an activated alarmThe alarm will stop only by unlocking a door with
the key, or by pushing the UNLOCK
but-
ton on keyfob. The alarm will not stop if the
ignition key is turned to ACC or ON.
If the system does not operate as de-
scribed above, have it checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEMThe NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automated payment device on the key
ring), restart the engine using the following
procedures:
SIC1699A
Instruments and controls
2-19


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


XENON HEADLIGHTS
WARNINGHIGH VOLTAGE

When xenon headlights are on, they
produce a high voltage. To prevent an
electric shock, never attempt to
modify or disassemble. Always have
your xenon headlights replaced at a
NISSAN dealer.

Xenon headlights provide consider-
ably more light than conventional
headlights. If they are not correctly
aimed, they might temporarily blind
an oncoming driver or the driver
ahead of you and cause a serious
accident. If headlights are not aimed
correctly, immediately take your ve-
hicle to a NISSAN dealer and have
the headlights adjusted correctly.
When the xenon headlight is initially turned on,
its brightness or color varies slightly. However,
the color and brightness will soon stabilize.
The life of xenon headlights will be
shortened by frequent on-off operation.
It is generally desirable not to turn off
the headlights for short intervals (for
example, when the vehicle stops at a
traffic signal). Even when the daytime
running lights are active (Canada only),
the xenon headlights do not turn on.
This way the life of the xenon headlights
is not reduced.

If the xenon headlight bulb is close to
burning out, the brightness will drasti-
cally decrease, the light will start blink-
ing, or the color of the light will become
reddish. If one or more of the above
signs appear, contact a NISSAN dealer.
HEADLIGHT SWITCH
Lighting
1Turn the switch to the
position:
The front park, side marker, tail, license plate
and instrument lights will come on.
2Turn the switch to the
position:
Headlights will come on and all the other
lights remain on.
SIC3291
HEADLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL
SWITCH2-24
Instruments and controls


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


CAUTION
Use the headlights with the engine run-
ning to avoid discharging the vehicle
battery.
Headlight beam select
1To select the high beam, push the lever
forward. The high beam lights come on and
the high beam indicator light
illumi-
nates.
2Pull the lever back to select the low beam.
3Pulling the lever toward you will flash the
headlight high beam.
Battery saver system
When the headlight switch is in the
or
position while the ignition switch is in
the ON position, the lights will automaticallyturn off 5 minutes after the ignition switch has
been turned to the OFF position.

After the headlights automatically turn off with
the headlight switch in the
or
po-
sition, the headlights will illuminate again for 5
minutes if the headlight switch is turned to
the OFF position and then turned to the
or
position.CAUTION
Even though the battery saver feature
automatically turns off the headlights
after a period of time, you should turn
the headlight switch to the OFF position
when the engine is not running to avoid
discharging the vehicle battery.DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT SYSTEM
(Canada only)The headlights (low beam) automatically illumi-
nate when the engine is started with the parking
brake released. The daytime running lights op-
erate with the headlight switch in the OFF
position or in the
position.
If the parking brake is applied before the engine
is started, the daytime running lights do not
SIC3315
Instruments and controls
2-25


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


minute. Pushing the
or
side will
advance the time and the
or
side
will turn back the time.
3. Push the DISP button
A
(Type A), or RPT
B
button (Type B) to finish the adjustment.
ResettingType A (audio with 1 CD player):
Push the DISP
A
and TUNE
D
buttons.
Type B (audio with 6 CD changer):
Push the RPT
B
and TUNE
D
buttons.
The time will be set to a time signal.
For example, if these buttons are pushed while
the time is between 8:00 and 8:29, the display
will be reset to 8:00. If pushed while it is
between 8:30 and 8:59, the display will be reset
to 9:00. At the same time the display will return
to the previous audio mode.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 being
SIC2258
Front
SIC1968
Rear
POWER OUTLET
Instruments and controls
2-31


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


4. All the doors will lock.
All of the doors will lock when the LOCK
button on the keyfob is pushed even
though a door remains open and/or the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
5. The hazard indicator flashes twice and the
horn chirps once.

When the LOCK
button is pushed with
all doors locked, the hazard indicator flashes
twice and the horn chirps once as a reminder
that the doors are already locked.
*1: Doors lock with the keyfob while a key is in
the ignition switch. However, the panic
alarm and the rear hatch/trunk lid release will
not activate when the key is in the ignition
switch.
*2: Doors lock with the keyfob while the ignition
switch is in the ON position. However, the
hazard indicator and horn will not function.
*3: Doors lock with the keyfob while any door is
open. However, the hazard indicator and
horn will not function.
Unlocking doors1. Push the UNLOCK
button on the key-
fob once.
The driver’s door and rear hatch/trunk lid
unlock.

The hazard indicator flashes once if all doors
are completely closed with the ignition switch
in any position except the ON position.

The interior light turns on and the light timer
activates for 30 seconds when the switch is
in the DOOR position with the ignition switch
in any position except the ON position.
2. Push the UNLOCK
button on the key-
fob again within 5 seconds.

Passenger’s door unlocks.

The hazard indicator flashes once if all doors
are completely closed.
All doors will be locked automatically unless one
of the following operations is performed within 1
minute of pushing the UNLOCK
button.

Any door or rear hatch/trunk lid is opened.

The ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
The interior light can be turned off without
waiting for 30 seconds by turning the ignition
switch to the ON position or by locking the
doors with the keyfob.
Opening the windowsPush the UNLOCK
button on the keyfob
and the driver’s door will unlock.
Continue to push the UNLOCK
button for
3 seconds. All the door windows will start to be
lowered. Keep pushing the UNLOCK
but-
ton until the windows are fully open.
To stop lowering the windows, release the UN-
LOCK
button. To start lowering the win-
dows again, push the UNLOCK
button
again for 3 more seconds.
Releasing the rear hatch/trunk lid1. Push the HATCH/TRUNK
button on
the keyfob for longer than 0.5 second with
the key removed from the ignition switch.
2. The rear hatch (Coupe) or trunk lid (Road-
ster) opens.
Using the panic alarmIf you are near your vehicle and feel threatened,
you may activate the alarm to call attention by
pushing and holding the PANIC
button on
the keyfob forlonger than 0.5 second(with
the key removed from the ignition switch).
The theft warning alarm and headlights will stay
on for 30 seconds.
3-6
Pre-driving checks and adjustments


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


INSIDE MIRRORAdjust the height and the angle of the inside
mirror to the desired position.The night position
1
will reduce glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
Use the day position2when driving in daylight
hours.
WARNING
Use the night position only when neces-
sary, because it reduces rear view clar-
ity.
AUTOMATIC ANTI-GLARE INSIDE
MIRROR (if so equipped)The inside mirror is designed so that it automati-
cally changes reflection according to the inten-
sity of the headlight of the following vehicle.
When the inside mirror is in the “I” (AUTO)
position
1, excessive glare from the headlights
of the vehicle behind you will be reduced. The
AUTO indicator light
A
(green) will be on.
When the switch of the inside mirror is in the
“” (OFF) position
2, the inside mirror will
operate normally.
For HomeLink
Universal Transceiver, see the
SPA1792
SPA2143
SPA2157
MIRRORS3-26
Pre-driving checks and adjustments


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


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 ................................................................................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level .............................................. 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter ................................... 8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ........................................... 8-12
Power steering fluid .......................................................... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................................... 8-13
Brake fluid ....................................................................... 8-13
Clutch fluid ..................................................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ........................................................ 8-14
Battery ................................................................................... 8-15
Jump starting ................................................................. 8-16
Drive belts ............................................................................ 8-17
Spark plugs ......................................................................... 8-17Replacing spark plugs ................................................ 8-17
Air cleaners .......................................................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades ................................................. 8-19
Cleaning ......................................................................... 8-19
Replacing ....................................................................... 8-20
Brakes ................................................................................... 8-21
Self-adjusting brakes .................................................. 8-21
Brake pad wear indicators ......................................... 8-21
Fuses ..................................................................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ................................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ............................................ 8-23
Keyfob battery replacement .............................................. 8-24
Lights ..................................................................................... 8-26
Headlights ...................................................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .......................................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................................................ 8-30
Tire pressure ................................................................. 8-30
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-34
Types of tires ................................................................. 8-36
Tire chains ...................................................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires ........................................ 8-37


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


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.
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.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components:Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
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 align-
ment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normalhighway 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.
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.Brake pedal:Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels spongy
or the vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see
a NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor
mat away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied. Check the
brake booster function. Be sure to keep floor mat
away from the pedal.
Parking brake:Check the parking brake op-
eration regularly. The vehicle should be securely
held on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied. If the parking brake needs to be
adjusted, see a NISSAN dealer.
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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


HEADLIGHTS
ReplacingIf replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer.
Xenon headlight bulb:
WARNINGHIGH VOLTAGE
When xenon headlights are on, they
produce a high voltage. To prevent an
electric shock, never attempt to modify
or disassemble. Always have your xe-
non headlights replaced at a NISSAN
dealer. For additional information, see
“Headlight and turn signal switch” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” sec-
tion.
CAUTION
Use the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Bulb no. (Wattage)
D2S (35W) - Xenon low/high-beam
Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the
exterior lights in the rain or in a car wash. A
temperature difference between the inside and
the outside of the lens causes the fog. This is not
a malfunction. If large drops of water collect
inside the lens, contact a NISSAN dealer.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-27


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0