maintenance NISSAN 350Z 2008 Z33 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 2008, Model line: 350Z, Model: NISSAN 350Z 2008 Z33Pages: 313
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ForewordWelcome to the growing family of new NISSAN
owners. This vehicle is delivered to you with
confidence. It was produced using the latest
techniques and strict quality control.
This manual was prepared to help you under-
stand the operation and maintenance of your
vehicle so that you may enjoy many miles of
driving pleasure. Please read through this
manual before operating your vehicle.
A separate Warranty Information Booklet
explains details about the warranties cov-
ering your vehicle. The NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide explains details
about maintaining and servicing your ve-
hicle. Additionally, a separate Customer
Care/Lemon Law Booklet (U.S. only) will
explain how to resolve any concerns you
may have with your vehicle, as well as
clarify your rights under your state’s lemon
law.
Your NISSAN dealer knows your vehicle best.
When you require any service or have any
questions, we will be glad to assist you with the
extensive resources available to us.READ FIRST — THEN DRIVE
SAFELYBefore driving your vehicle please read
your Owner’s Manual carefully. This will
ensure familiarity with controls and main-
tenance requirements, assisting you in the
safe operation of your vehicle.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMA-
TION
REMINDERS FOR SAFETY!Follow these important driving rules to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip
for you and your passengers!
NEVER drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
ALWAYS observe posted speed limits
and never drive too fast for condi-
tions.
ALWAYS give your full attention to
driving and avoid using vehicle fea-
tures or taking other actions that
could distract you.
ALWAYS use your seat belts. Refer to
“Child safety” and “Child restraints”
in the “Safety — Seats, seat belts and
supplemental restraint system” sec-
tion for precautions regarding chil-
dren.
ALWAYS provide information about
the proper use of vehicle safety fea-tures to all occupants of the vehicle.
ALWAYS review this Owner’s Manual
for important safety information.
MODIFICATION OF YOUR VEHICLEThis vehicle should not be modified. Modi-
fication could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even violate
governmental regulations. In addition,
damage or performance problems result-
ing from modification may not be covered
under NISSAN warranties.WHEN READING THE MANUALThis manual includes information for all
options available on this model. There-
fore, you may find some information that
does not apply to your vehicle.
All information, specifications and illustrations in
this manual are those in effect at the time of
printing. NISSAN reserves the right to change
specifications or design at any time without
notice.
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Table of
Contents
Illustrated table of contentsSafety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental
restraint systemInstruments and controlsPre-driving checks and adjustmentsDisplay screen, heater, air conditioner and audio
systemsStarting and drivingIn case of emergencyAppearance and careMaintenance and do-it-yourselfTechnical and consumer informationIndex
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1 Safety — Seats, seat belts and supple-
mental restraint systemSeats ........................................................................................ 1-2
Front manual seat adjustment
(for Coupe models) ........................................................ 1-3
Front power seat adjustment
(for Coupe models — if so equipped) ...................... 1-3
Front power seat adjustment
(for Roadster models) .................................................... 1-4
Seat lifter (for driver’s seat) ......................................... 1-6
Tilting and reclining passenger’s seat from driver’s
seat ..................................................................................... 1-7
Head restraint adjustment ............................................ 1-9
Front-seat Active Head Restraints (except for
ventilated net seats)...................................................... 1-10
Seat belts ............................................................................. 1-10
Precautions on seat belt usage ................................ 1-10
Child safety .................................................................... 1-12
Pregnant women .......................................................... 1-13
Injured persons ............................................................. 1-14Three-point type seat belt with retractor ............... 1-14
Seat belt extenders ...................................................... 1-16
Seat belt maintenance ................................................ 1-17
Child restraints ................................................................... 1-17
Precautions on child restraints ................................. 1-17
Child restraint installation on front passenger
seat (Coupe models only) .......................................... 1-20
Top tether strap child restraint
(Coupe models only) ................................................... 1-24
Booster seats ....................................................................... 1-25
Precautions on booster seats .................................... 1-25
Booster seat installation on front passenger
seat.................................................................................... 1-27
Supplemental restraint system ....................................... 1-28
Precautions on supplemental restraint system ..... 1-28
Supplemental air bag warning labels ...................... 1-42
Supplemental air bag warning light ......................... 1-43
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dealer for assistance if the extender is required.
WARNING
Only NISSAN seat belt extenders,
made by the same company which
made the original equipment seat
belts, should be used with NISSAN
seat belts.
Persons who can use the standard
seat belt should not use an extender.
Such unnecessary use could result in
serious personal injury in the event
of an accident.
Never use seat belt extenders to in-
stall child restraints. If the child re-
straint is not secured properly, the
child could be seriously injured in a
collision or a sudden stop.SEAT BELT MAINTENANCETo clean the seat belt webbings,apply a
mild soap solution or any solution recom-
mended for cleaning upholstery or carpets.
Then brush the webbing, wipe it with a cloth
and allow it to dry in the shade. Do not allowthe seat belts to retract until they are com-
pletely dry.
If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide of
the seat belt anchors, the seat belts may
retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide
with a clean, dry cloth.
Periodically check to see that the seat
belt and the metal componentssuch as
buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires
and anchors work properly. If loose parts,
deterioration, cuts or other damage on the
webbing is found, the entire belt assembly
should be replaced.
PRECAUTIONS ON CHILD
RESTRAINTS
WARNING
Children should always be placed in
an appropriate child restraint while
riding in the vehicle. Failure to use a
child restraint can result in serious
injury or death.
Children should never be carried on
your lap. It is not possible for even
SSS0099
CHILD RESTRAINTS
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
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SUPPLEMENTAL AIR BAG
WARNING LIGHTThe supplemental air bag warning light, display-
ing
in the instrument panel, monitors the
circuits of the supplemental front-impact air bag,
front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air
bag (if so equipped), roof-mounted curtain side-
impact supplemental air bag (if so equipped for
Coupe models) and seat belt pretensioner sys-
tems. The monitored circuits include the Air bag
Control Unit (ACU), crash zone sensor, satellite
sensors, front air bag modules, side air bag
modules, curtain air bag modules, pretensioners
and all related wiring.After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the supplemental air bag warning light illumi-
nates. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the front
air bag, side air bag and curtain air bag, and
pretensioner systems need servicing:
The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Under these conditions, the front air bag, side air
bag, curtain air bag and/or pretensioner systems
may not operate properly. They must be checked
and repaired. Take your vehicle to a NISSAN
dealer.
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 notoperate in an accident. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.
Repair and replacement procedureThe front air bags, side air bags (if so equipped),
curtain air bags (if so equipped for Coupe
models) and pretensioners are designed to in-
flate on a one-time-only basis. As a reminder,
unless it is damaged, the supplemental air bag
warning light will remain illuminated after inflation
has occurred. Repair and replacement of these
systems should be done only by a NISSAN
dealer.
When maintenance work is required on the
vehicle, the front air bags, side air bags, curtain
air bags, pretensioners and related parts should
be pointed out to the person conducting the
maintenance. The ignition key should always be
in the LOCK position when working under the
hood or inside the vehicle.
WARNING
Once a front air bag, side air bag or
SPA1097
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
1-43
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ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGEThe gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running.
When the engine speed is high, the engine oil
pressure is also high. When it is low, the gauge
indicates the low oil pressure.
CAUTION
This gauge is not designed to indi-
cate low engine oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. (See
“Engine oil” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.)
If the gauge needle does not move
with the proper amount of engine oil,
have the vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer. Continued vehicleoperation in such a condition could
cause serious damage to the engine.
SIC1954A
Type A
SIC1953A
Type B
Instruments and controls
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Automatic transmission check
warning light (A/T models)
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the automatic transmission check
warning light comes on and then turns off. This
indicates that the automatic transmission system
is operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is running
or while driving, it may indicate that the auto-
matic transmission system is not functioning
properly. Have a NISSAN dealer check and
repair the transmission.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as
necessary. See “Brake and clutch fluid” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
WARNING
Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be
dangerous.
Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.
If the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator:
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the ABS warning light illumi-
nate, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning
properly. Have the brake system checked by a
NISSAN dealer. See “Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light” earlier in this section.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate that the charging system is not
functioning properly. Turn the engine off and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see a
NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or rear hatch are not closed securely while
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
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Instruments and controls
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Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See “Engine
oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Low tire pressure warning light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of lowtire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is turned ON, this light
illuminates for about 1 second and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire pres-
sure, the warning light will illuminate.
When the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates, you should stop and adjust the tire pres-
sure to the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.
The low tire pressure warning light does not
automatically turn off when the tire pressure is
adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the recom-
mended pressure, the vehicle must be driven at
speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) to activate the
TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure warning
light. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire
pressure.
For additional information, see “Tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS)” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section and in the “6. In case of
emergency” section.
TPMS malfunction:
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the low
tire pressure warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute when the ignition switch isturned ON. The light will remain on after the 1
minute. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
For additional information, see “Tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS)” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section.
WARNING
If the light does not illuminate with
the ignition switch turned ON, have
the vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.
If the light illuminates while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location
and stop the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible. Driving with under-inflated
tires may permanently damage the
tires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an acci-
dent and could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Check the tire pressure
for all four tires. Adjust the tire pres-
Instruments and controls
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sure to the recommended COLD tire
pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label to turn the
low tire pressure warning light OFF.
If the light stays on after adjusting
the tire pressure and driving over 16
MPH (25 km/h), have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer. If you
have a flat tire, replace it with a spare
tire as soon as possible.
When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure
warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will remain
on after 1 minute. Contact your
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible
for tire replacement and/or system
resetting.
Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could af-
fect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
CAUTION
The TPMS is not a substitute for the
regular tire pressure check. Be sure
to check the tire pressure regularly.
If the vehicle is being driven at
speeds of less than 16 MPH (25
km/h), the TPMS may not operate
correctly.
Be sure to install the specified size of
tires to the front and rear.
Low washer fluid warning light
This light comes on when the washer fluid is at a
low level. Add washer fluid as necessary. See
“Window washer fluid” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.
Seat belt warning light
The seat belt warning light and chime remind you
to fasten seat belts. The light illuminates when-
ever the ignition key is turned to ON, and will
remain illuminated until the driver’s seat belt is
fastened.
The seat belt warning light may also illuminate ifthe front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened
when the front passenger’s seat is occupied. For
5 seconds after the ignition switch is in the ON
position, the system does not activate the warn-
ing light for the front passenger.
See “Seat belts” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the supplemental air bag warning light will illu-
minate. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the front
air bag, side air bag (if so equipped) and curtain
air bag (if so equipped), and pretensioner sys-
tems need servicing and your vehicle must be
taken to a NISSAN dealer.
The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.
The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
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Instruments and controls
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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
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