oil level NISSAN 370Z COUPE 2018 Owners Manual

2-8Instruments and controls
SIC3976
FUEL GAUGE
The gauge indicates theapproximate
fuel level in the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during
braking, turning, acceleration, or going
up or down hills.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge
registers “E” (Empty).
The low fuel warning
appears on the
vehicle information display when the
amount of fuel in the tank is getting low.
Refuel as soon as it is convenient, pre-
ferably before the gauge reaches “E”.
There will be a small reserve of fuel in
the tank when the fuel gauge reaches “E”. The
indicates that the fuel-filler door
is located on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle.
CAUTION
. If the vehicle runs out of fuel, themalfunction indicator light
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as
soon as possible. After a few
driving trips, the
light should
turn off. If the light remains on
after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected. It is recom-
mended you visit a NISSAN dealer
for this service.
. For additional information, see
“Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)” (P.2-16).
SIC4003
Triple meter1. Engine oil temperature gauge
2. Voltmeter
3. Clock
TRIPLE METER
Engine oil temperature gauge
Oil temperature, as well as the rate of
temperature change, will vary based on
ambient conditions and driving pat-
terns. Under normal operating condi-
tions, oil temperature will remain below
280°F (140°C).
If the engine oil temperature gauge
indicates more than 280°F (140°C) while
driving, reduce the engine speed (RPM).

2-12Instruments and controls
system checked, and if necessary re-
paired. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. (See “Anti-
lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
(P.2-11).)
WARNING
.Your brake system may not be
working properly if the warning
light is on. Driving could be dan-
gerous. If you judge it to be safe,
drive carefully to the nearest
service station for repairs. Other-
wise, have your vehicle towed
because driving it could be dan-
gerous.
. Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your
stopping distance and braking
will require 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. It is recommended you
visit a NISSAN dealer for this
service.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is
running, it may indicate 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, have your vehicle
serviced immediately. It is recommended
you visit a NISSAN dealer for this service.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the alter-
nator belt is loose, broken or miss-
ing.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pres-
sure. If the light flickers or comes on
during normal driving, pull off the road in
a safe area, stop the engine immediately
and call a NISSAN dealer or other author-
ized 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” (P.8-6).)
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine
oil pressure warning light on could
cause serious damage to the engine
almost immediately. Such damage is
not covered by warranty. Turn off the
engine as soon as it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Key system warn-
ing light
After the ignition switch is pushed to the
ON position, this light comes on for about
2 seconds and then turns off.
This light warns of a malfunction with the
Intelligent Key system.
If the light comes on while the engine is
stopped, it may be impossible to start the
engine. If the light comes on while the
engine is running, you can drive the
vehicle. However in these cases, it is
recommended you visit a NISSAN dealer
for repair as soon as possible.

.Make sure the area around the vehicle
is clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil,
coolant, brake fluid and window
washer fluid as frequently as possible,
or at least whenever you refuel.
. Check that all windows and lights are
clean.
. Visually inspect tires for their appear-
ance and condition. Also check tires
for proper inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head re-
straints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passen-
gers to do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights
when the ignition switch is pushed to
the ON position. (See “Warning lights,
indicator lights and audible remin-
ders” (P.2-10).)1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic Transmission (AT) model:
Move the shift lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the shift lever is in either of the
above positions.
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position. Depress the clutch pedal fully
to the floor.
The starter is designed not to operate
unless the clutch pedal is fully de-
pressed.
The Intelligent Key must be carried
when operating the ignition switch.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON position. Depress the brake pedal (AT
model) or the clutch pedal (MT model)
and push the ignition switch to start
the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push
and release the ignition switch while
depressing the brake pedal or the
clutch pedal with the ignition switch
in any position.
.If the engine is very hard to start inextremely cold weather or when
restarting, depress the accelerator
pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to the floor) and while holding, crank
the engine. Release the accelerator
pedal when the engine starts.
.If the engine is very hard to start
because it is flooded, depress the
accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it. Push the ignition
switch to the ON position to start
cranking the engine. After 5 or 6
seconds, stop cranking by pushing
the ignition switch to OFF. After
cranking the engine, release the
accelerator pedal. Crank the engine
with your foot off the accelerator
pedal by depressing the brake
pedal and pushing the push-button
ignition switch to start the engine.
If the engine starts, but fails to run,
repeat the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more
than 15 seconds at a time. If the
engine does not start, push the
ignition switch to OFF and wait 10
seconds before cranking again,
otherwise the starter could be da-
maged.
Starting and driving5-11
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE

5-18Starting and driving
SSD0536
Shifting
To change gears, or when upshifting or
downshifting, fully depress the clutch
pedal, shift into an appropriate gear, and
then slowly and smoothly release the
clutch pedal.
This vehicle is equipped with a short
throw shifter manual transmission. To
ensure smooth gear changes, be sure to
fully depress the clutch pedal before
operating the shift lever. If the clutch
pedal is not fully depressed before the
transmission is shifted, a gear noise may
be heard. Transmission damage could
occur.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and upshift to2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gear in
sequence according to the vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shift knob and
then move the shift lever to the R
(Reverse) position after stopping the ve-
hicle completely.
The shift knob returns to its original
position when the shift lever is moved to
the N (Neutral) position.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into
R (Reverse) or 1st (Low gear), shift to N
(Neutral), then release the clutch pedal.
Fully depress the clutch pedal again and
shift into R or 1st.
SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE)
(if so equipped for Manual Trans-
mission models)
The SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE)
automatically adjusts the engine speed to
match the selecting gear ratio while
changing gears.
Precautions:
.
Shift lever and clutch pedal operations
are not different than a conventional
manual transmission.
. Fully depress the clutch pedal. Insuffi-
cient pedal depression may cause
slow response of this system. .
When the clutch pedal is depressed
with the gear still engaged, the engine
speed is kept at the proper level for
the engaged gear. Thus, the engine
speed may be kept high depending on
the gear position and vehicle speed.
. When the clutch pedal is depressed
with the transmission in neutral, the
system operates for approximately 2
seconds, and then the engine speed
will decrease to the idle speed.
. When the engine coolant temperature
is low right after starting the engine,
engine speed synchronization will be
delayed or may be insufficient.
. The system controls the engine speed
up to the rev limit. Note that S-MODE
is not a function that prevents over-
revving resulting from shifting mis-
takes.
. The system does not operate while
the vehicle is backing up.
. If the engine speed is limited lower
than usual when the engine oil tem-
perature is extremely high, the system
will control up to the limited engine
speed.
. If the malfunction indicator light illu-
minates, the system may not operate
and the S-MODE indicator turns off.

8 Do-it-yourself
Maintenance precautions ....................................................... 8-2
Engine compartment check locations ......................... 8-3VQ37VHR engine model .................................................... 8-3
Engine cooling system .............................................................. 8-4 Checking engine coolant level ..................................... 8-5
Changing engine coolant ................................................. 8-5
Engine oil ........................................................................\
...................... 8-6 Checking engine oil level .................................................. 8-6
Changing engine oil and filter ...................................... 8-6
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) .............................. 8-8
Power steering fluid .................................................................... 8-8
Brake and clutch fluid ................................................................ 8-9 Brake fluid ........................................................................\
............. 8-9
Clutch fluid (Manual transmission models) ..... 8-10
Window washer fluid ............................................................... 8-10
Battery ........................................................................\
........................... 8-11
Jump starting ........................................................................\
... 8-13
Variable voltage control system ..................................... 8-13
Drive belts ........................................................................\
.................. 8-14
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
............... 8-14
Replacing spark plugs ....................................................... 8-15
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
................. 8-15 Windshield wiper blades ....................................................... 8-16
Cleaning ........................................................................\
............. 8-16
Replacing ........................................................................\
.......... 8-16
Brakes ........................................................................\
.......................... 8-17 Self-adjusting brakes ....................................................... 8-17
Brake pad wear warning .............................................. 8-17
Fuses ........................................................................\
............................. 8-18 Engine compartment ...................................................... 8-18
Passenger compartment ............................................. 8-19
Intelligent Key battery replacement ........................... 8-20
Lights ........................................................................\
........................... 8-22 Coupe ........................................................................\
................. 8-22
Roadster ........................................................................\
........... 8-23
Headlights ........................................................................\
....... 8-23
Exterior and interior lights ......................................... 8-24
Wheels and tires ........................................................................\
. 8-26
Tire pressure ........................................................................\
. 8-26
Tire labeling ........................................................................\
.. 8-30
Types of tires ........................................................................\
8-32
Tire chains ........................................................................\
....... 8-33
Changing wheels and tires ....................................... 8-33
Emergency tire puncture repair kit (if
so equipped) ........................................................................\
.. 8-37

8-2Do-it-yourself
When performing any inspection or main-
tenance 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 sur-
face, apply the parking brake
securely and block the wheels to
prevent the vehicle from moving.
For manual transmission models,
move the shift lever to N (Neutral).
For automatic transmission mod-
els, move the shift lever to P
(Park).
. Be sure the ignition switch is in
the OFF or LOCK position when
performing any parts replace-
ment or repairs.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized
component while the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
. Never leave the engine or auto-
matic transmission related com-
ponent harnesses disconnected
while the ignition switch is in the
ON position. .
If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, cloth-
ing, hair and tools away from
moving fans, belts and any other
moving parts.
. It is advisable to secure or re-
move any loose clothing and
remove any jewelry, such as
rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection
whenever you work on your ve-
hicle.
. 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 necessary to work under the
vehicle, support it with safety
stands.
. Keep smoking materials, flame
and sparks away from fuel tank
and the battery.
. Your vehicle is equipped with an
automatic engine cooling fan. It
may come on at any time without
warning, even if the ignition key is
in the OFF position and the en-
gine is not running. To avoid injury, always disconnect the ne-
gative battery cable before work-
ing near the fan.
. Because the fuel lines are under
high pressure even when the
engine is off, it is recommended
you visit a NISSAN dealer for
service of the fuel filter or fuel
lines.
CAUTION
.Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine
off and wait until it cools down.
. Avoid direct contact with used
engine oil and coolant. Impro-
perly disposed engine oil, coolant,
and/or other vehicle fluids can
damage the environment. Always
conform to local regulations for
disposal of vehicle fluid.
This “8. Do-it-yourself” section gives in-
structions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to
perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also
available. (See “Owner’s Manual/Service
Manual order information” (P.10-26).)
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS

8-6Do-it-yourself
SDI2348
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface andapply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches oper- ating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than
15 minutes for the oil to drain back
into the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the
range
. If the oil level is below,
remove the oil filler cap and pour
recommended oil through the open- ing.
Do not overfill
.
6. Recheck oil level with the dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the se-
verity of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with an insuffi-
cient amount of oil can damage the
engine, and such damage is not
covered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Vehicle set-up
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches oper- ating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack
stands.
.Place the safety jack stands underthe vehicle jack-up points.
.A suitable adapter should be at-
tached to the jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the plastic engine under- cover.
a. Remove the small plastic clips at
the center of the undercover.
b. Then remove the bolts that hold the undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and
support points are used to avoid
vehicle damage.
ENGINE OIL

SDI2335
Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under thedrain plug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
with a
wrench and completely drain the oil.
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 only when the
engine oil filter change is needed.)
4. Loosen the oil filter
with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turn-
ing it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber
gasket 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 with 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 through the oil filler opening, and
install the oil filler cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended
fluids/lubricants” (P.10-2) for drain
and refill capacity. The drain and refill
capacity depends on the oil tempera-
ture and drain time. Use these speci-
fications for reference only. Always
use the dipstick to determine the
proper amount of oil in the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leak- age around the drain plug and the oil
filter. Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes. Check the oil level
with the dipstick. Add engine oil if
necessary.
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover intoposition as 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 under- cover into the hole in the frame,
then push the center of the clip in
to lock the clip in place.
Do-it-yourself8-7

8-8Do-it-yourself
d. Install the bolts that hold the un-dercover in place. Be careful not to
strip the bolts or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
WARNING
. Prolonged and repeated contact
with used engine oil may cause
skin cancer.
. Try to avoid direct skin contact
with used oil. If skin contact is
made, wash thoroughly with soap
or hand cleaner as soon as pos-
sible.
. Keep used engine oil out of reach
of children. When checking or replacement is re-
quired, we recommend a NISSAN dealer
for servicing.
CAUTION
.
It is recommended that you use
only Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.
. Using automatic transmission
fluid other than Genuine NISSAN
Matic S ATF may cause deteriora-
tion in driveability and automatic
transmission durability, and may
damage the automatic transmis-
sion. Damage caused by the use
of fluid other than as recom-
mended is not covered by the
NISSAN new vehicle limited war-
ranty.
SDI1765A
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked with the
engine off using the HOT range (
: HOT
MAX.,: HOT MIN.) at fluid temperatures
of 122 to 176°F (50 to 80°C) or using the
COLD range (
: COLD MAX.,: COLD MIN.)
at fluid temperatures of 32 to 86°F (0 to
30°C).
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add
Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent. Re-
move the cap and fill through the open-
ing.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF)POWER STEERING FLUID

9-4Maintenance and schedules
properly and smoothly, and are installed
securely. Check the belt webbing for cuts,
fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive
free play, hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes: Make sure
that all warning lights and chimes are
operating properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets prop-
erly and in sufficient quantity when oper-
ating the heater or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check
that the wipers and washer operate
properly and that the wipers do not
streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should
be checked periodically (for example,
each time you check the engine oil or
refuel).
Battery*: Check the fluid level in each cell.
It should be between the MAX and MIN
lines. Vehicles operated in high tempera-
tures or under severe condition require
frequent checks of the battery fluid level. NOTE:
Care should be taken to avoid situations
that can lead to potential battery dis-
charge and potential no-start condi-
tions such as:
1.
Installation or extended use of elec-
tronic accessories that consume
battery power when the engine is
not running (Phone chargers, GPS,
DVD players, etc.)
2. Vehicle is not driven regularly and/
or only driven short distances.
In these cases, the battery may need to
be charged to maintain battery health.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*: Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid levels are
between the MAX and MIN lines on the
reservoir.
Engine coolant level*: Check the coolant
level when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*: Make sure that no
belt is frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*: Check the level after
parking the vehicle on a level spot and
turning off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
Exhaust system: Make sure there are no
loose supports, cracks or holes. If the
sound of the exhaust seems unusual or
there is a smell of exhaust fumes, im- mediately have the exhaust system in-
spected. It is recommended you visit a
NISSAN dealer for this service. (See “Pre-
cautions when starting and driving” (P.5-
2) for exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
Fluid leaks:
Check under the vehicle for
fuel, oil, water or other fluid leaks after the
vehicle has been parked for a while. Water
dripping from the air conditioner after use
is normal. If you should notice any leaks
or if gasoline fumes are evident, check for
the cause and have it corrected immedi-
ately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:
Check the level when the fluid is cold, with
the engine off. Check the lines for proper
attachment, leaks, cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses: Check the front of
the radiator and clean off any dirt, insects,
leaves, etc., that may have accumulated.
Make sure the hoses have no cracks,
deformation, rot or loose connections.
Underbody: The underbody is frequently
exposed to corrosive substances such as
those used on icy roads or to control
dust. It is very important to remove these
substances, otherwise rust will form on
the floor pan, frame, fuel lines and around
the exhaust system. At the end of winter,
the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to
clean those areas where mud and dirt