service NISSAN 350Z 2008 Z33 Owners Manual

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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NISSAN CUSTOMER CARE
PROGRAMNISSAN CARES ...
Both NISSAN and your NISSAN dealer are dedicated to serving all your automotive needs. Your satisfaction with your vehicle and your NISSAN dealer
are our primary concerns. Your NISSAN dealer is always available to assist you with all your automobile sales and service needs.
However, if there is something that your
NISSAN dealer cannot assist you with or you
would like to provide NISSAN directly with
comments or questions, please contact the
NISSAN Consumer Affairs Department using
our toll-free number:For U.S. customers
1-800-NISSAN-1
(1-800-647-7261)
For Canadian customers
1-800-387-0122
The Consumer Affairs Department will ask for
the following information:
— Your name, address, and telephone
number
— Vehicle identification number (attached to the
top of the instrument panel on the driver’s
side)
— Date of purchase
— Current odometer reading
— Your NISSAN dealer’s name
— Your comments or questions
ORYou can write to NISSAN with the information
on the left at:
For U.S. customers
Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 685003
Franklin, TN 37068-5003
For Canadian customers
Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L4W 4Z5
We appreciate your interest in NISSAN and thank you for buying a quality NISSAN vehicle.


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Tampering with the side air bag sys-
tem may result in serious personal
injury. For example, do not change
the front seats by placing material
near the seatback or by installing
additional trim material, such as seat
covers, around the side air bag.

Work around and on the side air bag
and curtain air bag systems should
be done by a NISSAN dealer. Instal-
lation of electrical equipment should
also be done by a NISSAN dealer.
The SRS wiring harnesses* should
not be modified or disconnected. Un-
authorized electrical test equipment
and probing devices should not be
used on the side air bag system.
* The SRS wiring harness connectors
are yellow and orange for easy iden-
tification.
When selling your vehicle, we request that you
inform the buyer about the side air bag and
curtain air bag systems and guide the buyer to
the appropriate sections in this Owner’s Manual.
Seat belts with pretensioners
WARNING

The pretensioners cannot be reused
after activation. They must be re-
placed together with the retractor
and buckle as a unit.

If the vehicle becomes involved in a
frontal collision but a pretensioner is
not activated, be sure to have the
pretensioner system checked and, if
necessary, replaced by a NISSAN
dealer.

No unauthorized changes should be
made to any components or wiring of
the pretensioner system.
This is to prevent damage to or acci-
dental activation of the pretension-
ers. Tampering with the pretensioner
system may result in serious per-
sonal injury.

Work around and on the preten-
sioner system should be done by aNISSAN dealer. Installation of elec-
trical equipment should also be done
by a NISSAN dealer. Unauthorized
electrical test equipment and probing
devices should not be used on the
pretensioner system.

If you need to dispose of a pre-
tensioner or scrap the vehicle, con-
tact a NISSAN dealer. Correct pre-
tensioner disposal procedures are
set forth in the appropriate NISSAN
Service Manual. Incorrect disposal
procedures could cause personal
injury.
The pretensioner system activates in conjunction
with the front air bag system. Working with the
seat belt retractor, it helps tighten the seat belt
when the vehicle becomes involved in certain
types of collisions, helping to restrain front seat
occupants.
The pretensioner is encased with the seat belt
retractor. These seat belts are used the same
way as conventional seat belts.
When a pretensioner activates, smoke is re-
leased and a loud noise may be heard. The
smoke is not harmful and does not indicate a fire.
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system
1-41


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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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1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position and wait approximately 10 seconds.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,
NISSAN recommends placing the registered
key on a separate key ring to avoid interfer-
ence from other devices.
Statement related to section 15 of FCC
rules for NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem (CONT ASSY-BCM, ANT ASSY-
IMMOBILISER)
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause harmful in-
terference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device.
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EX-
PRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RE-SPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE COULD
VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPER-
ATE THE EQUIPMENT.
Security indicator lightThis light
Ablinks whenever the ignition switch
is in the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This
function indicates the security system equipped
on the vehicle is operational.
If the NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System is
malfunctioning, this light will remain on while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
If the light still remains on and/or the
engine will not start, see a NISSAN dealer
for NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
service as soon as possible. Bring all reg-
istered keys that you have when visiting a
SIC1699A
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Instruments and controls


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NISSAN dealer for service.
The windshield wiper and washer operates
when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
Push the lever down to operate the wiper at the
following speed:
1Intermittent (INT) — intermittent operation
can be adjusted by turning the knob towardA
(Slower) or
B
(Faster).
2Low (LO) — continuous low speed operation
3High (HI) — continuous high speed operation
Push the lever up
4
to have one sweep
operation (MIST) of the wiper.
Pull the lever toward you5
to operate thewasher. Then the wiper will also operate several
times.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer so-
lution may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to
an accident. Warm the windshield with
the defroster before you wash the wind-
shield.
CAUTION

Do not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.

Do not operate the washer if the
reservoir tank is empty.

Do not fill the window washer reser-
voir tank with washer fluid concen-
trates at full strength. Some methyl
alcohol based washer fluid concen-
trates may permanently stain the
grille if spilled while filling the win-
dow washer reservoir tank.
SIC2998
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCH
Instruments and controls
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CLOSING THE TOP1. Apply the parking brake and move the selec-
tor lever to the P (Park) position (for the
automatic transmission model) or the shift
lever to the N (Neutral) position (for the
manual transmission model).
2. Start the engine.
3. Depress the foot brake pedal.
4. Push CLOSE on the soft top operating
switch and hold it until the top is fully closed.
•The soft top indicator light will illuminate
while the top is in motion. (In about 20seconds, the closing movement will fin-
ish.)
•Windows will automatically be fully
opened.
•The passenger seatback will automatically
move forward, unless the seatback tilt
cancel switch is in the CANCEL position.
It will return to the original position after
the top operation. (See “Automatic pas-
senger seatback tilt function” shown on
the previous page of this section.)
5. Release the switch when the top is fully
closed. (The indicator light, which is illumi-
nated, will begin to flash.)
6. Securely engage the front edge of the top to
the vehicle body with the top latch lever. (The
indicator light turns off.)
IF THE TOP DOES NOT OPEN OR
CLOSE ELECTRICALLYIf you cannot operate the soft top with the
operating switch, first check whether all the
following operating conditions are completed:

foot brake pedal is depressed

vehicle is stopped

ignition switch is ON (Run the engine when
operating the top.)If the top still does not move under the above
conditions or has any system malfunction, see a
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible. When you
must close the top by yourself, in the event of
emergency or when an immediate dealer service
is not available, close the top manually according
to the procedures shown in this section.
When closing the soft top manually:

Move the vehicle to a safe place, away from
traffic.

Two people should perform this procedure,
as some of the top parts are extremely heavy.
The top cannot be opened manually.
WARNING

Do not drive with the top partially
opened.

If the top cannot be operated prop-
erly, see a NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible to have your vehicle
checked.
SPA1693
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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to set the other maintenance information.
1. Reset the driving distance to the new main-
tenance schedule.
2. Set the interval (mileage) of the maintenance
schedule. To determine the recommended
maintenance interval, refer to your “NISSAN
Service and Maintenance Guide”.
3. To display the MAINTENANCE INFORMA-
TION automatically when the set trip distance
is reached, highlight the “Interval Re-
minder” key with the joystick and push the
“ENTER” button.
4. To return the display to the “Maintenance”
screen, push the “BACK” button.“Maintenance” display cannot be operated
when the vehicle is moving. Stop the vehicle in a
safe place to see the information.
SAA1291
4-4
Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems


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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
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FM RADIO RECEPTIONRange: FM range is normally limited to 25 to 30
miles (40 to 48 km), with monaural (single
channel) FM having slightly more range than
stereo FM. External influences may sometimes
interfere with FM station reception even if the FM
station is within 25 miles (40 km). The strength
of the FM signal is directly related to the distance
between the transmitter and receiver. FM signals
follow a line-of-sight path, exhibiting many of the
same characteristics as light. For example they
will reflect off objects.
Fade and drift: As your vehicle moves away froma station transmitter, the signals will tend to fade
and/or drift.
Static and flutter: During signal interference from
buildings, large hills or due to antenna position,
usually in conjunction with increased distance
from the station transmitter, static or flutter can
be heard. This can be reduced by lowering the
treble setting to reduce treble response.
Multipath reception: Because of the reflective
characteristics of FM signals, direct and re-
flected signals reach the receiver at the same
time. The signals may cancel each other, result-
ing in momentary flutter or loss of sound.
AM RADIO RECEPTIONAM signals, because of their low frequency, can
bend around objects and skip along the ground.
In addition, the signals can be bounced off the
ionosphere and bent back to earth. Because of
these characteristics. AM signals are also sub-
ject to interference as they travel from transmitter
to receiver.
Fading: Occurs while the vehicle is passing
through freeway underpasses or in areas with
many tall buildings. It can also occur for several
seconds during ionospheric turbulence even in
areas where no obstacles exist.
Static: Caused by thunderstorms, electrical
power lines, electric signs and even traffic lights.
SATELLITE (SAT) RADIO
RECEPTION (if so equipped)When the satellite radio is first installed or the
battery has been replaced, the satellite radio
may not work properly. This is not a malfunction.
Wait more than 10 minutes with the satellite
radio ON for the satellite radio to receive all of
the necessary data.
No satellite radio reception is available when the
SAT band option is selected unless optional
satellite receiver and antenna are installed, and
an XM
®satellite radio service subscription is
active.
Satellite radio performance may be affected if
cargo carried on the roof blocks the satellite
radio signal.
If possible, do not put cargo over the satellite
antenna.
A buildup of ice on the satellite radio antenna
can affect satellite radio performance. Remove
the ice to restore satellite radio reception.
Satellite radio is not available in Alaska and
Hawaii.
SAA0306
Display screen, heater, air conditioner and audio systems
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