towing 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


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REAR PARCEL BOXPush the upper part of the lid to open the rear
parcel box. For models without the Navigation
system, two boxes are available.
WARNING
Keep rear parcel box lid closed while
driving to help prevent injury in an acci-
dent or a sudden stop.
STOWING GOLF BAGSFollow the instructions here to stow golf bags in
the rear cargo space of your vehicle. Normally
two bags can be stowed in the luggage area
(Coupe models) or one bag in the trunk (Road-
ster models).
However, in some cases you may not be able to
stow the above number of golf bags in your
vehicle, depending on their sizes or types.
Coupe modelsNormally, two standard golf bags can be stowed
across the strut tower bar in the luggage area as
illustrated (A and B). When stowing a golf bag A
in the rear space, insert the top of the golf bag
SIC1977
SIC2196
Instruments and controls
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6 In case of emergencyFlat tire .................................................................................... 6-2
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) ................. 6-2
Changing a flat tire ......................................................... 6-2
Jump starting ......................................................................... 6-7
Push starting .......................................................................... 6-9If your vehicle overheats ..................................................... 6-9
Towing your vehicle ........................................................... 6-10
Towing recommended by NISSAN ......................... 6-11
Vehicle recovery (Freeing a stuck vehicle) ............ 6-12


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Installing the spare tireThe spare tire is designed for emergency
use. See specific instructions under the
heading “Wheels and tires” in the “8. Main-
tenance and do-it-yourself” section.
1. Clean any mud or dirt from the surface
between the wheel and hub.
2. Carefully put the wheel on and tighten the
wheel nuts finger tight. When replacing a
front tire, make sure the hole in the spare tire
wheel is aligned with the pin on the brake
rotor.
3. With the wheel nut wrench, tighten wheelnuts alternately and evenly in the sequence
illustrated (
1
-5) until they are tight.
4. Lower the vehicle slowly until the tire touches
the ground. Then, with the wheel nut wrench,
tighten the wheel nuts securely in the se-
quence as illustrated. Lower the vehicle com-
pletely.
WARNING

Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause the
wheel to become loose or come off.
This could cause an accident.

Do not use oil or grease on the wheel
studs or nuts. This could cause the
nuts to become loose.

Retighten the wheel nuts when the
vehicle has been driven for 600 miles
(1,000 km) (also in cases of a flat tire,
etc.).
As soon as possible tighten the wheel nuts
to the specified torque with a torque
wrench.Wheel nut tightening torque:
80 ft-lb (108 N⋅m)
The wheel nuts must be kept tightened to
specification at all times. It is recom-
mended that wheel nuts be tightened to
specification at each lubrication interval.
Adjust tire pressure to the COLD pressure.
COLD pressure:
After vehicle has been parked for three
hours or more or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km).
COLD tire pressures are shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label affixed to
the driver’s side center pillar.
Stowing the damaged tire and toolsSecurely store the spare tire and jacking equip-
ment in the vehicle.
WARNING

Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
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6-6
In case of emergency


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


windows, and move the temperature control
to maximum hot and the fan control to high
speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a
long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a fast
idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the tem-
perature gauge indication returns to normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for
steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or coolant
is escaping, turn off the engine.) Do not open
the hood further until no steam or coolant can
be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check if the cooling fan is running.
The radiator hoses and radiator should not
leak water.
If coolant is leaking or the cooling fan does
not run, stop the engine.
WARNING

Be careful not to allow your hands,
hair, jewelry or clothing to come into
contact with, or get caught in, engine
belts or the engine cooling fan.

The engine cooling fan can start at
any time when the coolant tempera-
ture is high.
7. After the engine cools down, check the cool-
ant level in the reservoir tank with the engine
running. Add coolant to the reservoir tank if
necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at a
NISSAN dealer.When towing your vehicle, all State (Provincial in
Canada) and local regulations for towing must
be followed. Incorrect towing equipment could
damage your vehicle. Towing instructions are
available from a NISSAN dealer. Local service
operators are generally familiar with the appli-
cable laws and procedures for towing. To assure
proper towing and to prevent accidental damage
to your vehicle, NISSAN recommends having a
service operator tow your vehicle. It is advisable
to have the service operator carefully read the
following precautions.
WARNING

Never ride in a vehicle that is being
towed.

Never get under your vehicle after it
has been lifted by a tow truck.
CAUTION

When towing, make sure that the
transmission, axles, steering system
and powertrain are in working condi-TOWING YOUR VEHICLE
6-10
In case of emergency


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tion. If any unit is damaged, dollies
must be used.

Always attach safety chains before
towing.
For information about towing your vehicle behind
a recreational vehicle (RV), refer to “Flat towing”
in the “9. Technical and consumer information”
section of this manual.
TOWING RECOMMENDED BY
NISSANNISSAN recommends that your vehicle be
towed with the driving (rear) wheels off the
ground or place the vehicle on a flat bed truck as
illustrated.
CAUTION

Never tow automatic transmission
models with the rear wheels on the
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In case of emergency
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ground or four wheels on the ground
(forward or backward) as this may
cause serious and expensive damage
to the transmission.
If it is necessary to tow the vehicle
with the front wheels raised, always
use towing dollies under the rear
wheels.

When towing rear wheel drive mod-
els with the front wheels on the
ground or on towing dollies:
Turn the ignition key to the OFF po-
sition, and secure the steering wheel
in a straight ahead position with a
rope or similar device. Never secure
the steering wheel by turning the
ignition key to the LOCK position.
This may damage the steering lock
mechanism.
VEHICLE RECOVERY (Freeing a
stuck vehicle)Use the recovery hook by installing it in the front
of the vehicle. (The rear has no towing points.)
1. Remove the front license plate (if so
equipped).
2. Remove the recovery hook cover
1from the
bumper.
3. Securely install the recovery hook2
stored
with jacking tools.
Make sure that the hook is properly secured in
the stored place after use.
WARNING

Stand clear of a stuck vehicle.

Do not spin your tires at high speed.
This could cause them to explode
and result in serious injury. Parts of
your vehicle could also overheat and
be damaged.
CAUTION

Tow chains or cables must be at-
tached only to the main structural
members of the vehicle or the recov-
ery hook. Otherwise, the vehicle body
will be damaged.

Do not use the vehicle tie down
hooks to free a vehicle stuck in sand,
snow, mud, etc. Never tow a vehicle
using the vehicle tie down hooks.

Always pull the cable straight out
from the front of the vehicle. Never
pull on the vehicle at an angle.
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In case of emergency


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Pulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the
suspension, steering, brake or cool-
ing systems.

Pull devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use
in vehicle towing or recovery.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system or Traction Control System (TCS) (if
so equipped).
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the
vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear
an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back-
ward.

Shift back and forth between R (reverse) and
D (drive) (automatic transmission models) or
1st (low) and R (reverse) (manual transmis-
sion models).

Apply the accelerator as little as possible to
maintain the rocking motion.
Release the accelerator pedal before shifting
between R and D (automatic transmission
models) or 1st and R (manual transmission
models).

Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH (55
km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries,
contact a professional towing service to re-
move the vehicle.
In case of emergency
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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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oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle.
Operation under the following conditions may
require more frequent oil and filter changes:

repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures

driving in dusty conditions

extensive idling

towing a trailer

stop and go commuting
Refer to the “NISSAN Service and Maintenance
Guide” for the maintenance schedule.
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONSThe air conditioner system in your NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or the
exact equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or lubri-
cant will cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and will require the
replacement of all air conditioner sys-
tem components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle will not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect
the earth’s atmosphere, certain governmental
regulations require the recovery and recycling of
any refrigerant during automotive air conditioner
system service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.Contact a NISSAN dealer when servicing your
air conditioner system.
9-6
Technical and consumer information


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