oil NISSAN 370Z ROADSTER 2010 Owner's Manual

Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
Maintenance requirement..................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance ................................... 8-2
General maintenance ...................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ................................... 8-2
General maintenance .......................................... 8-2
Explanation of maintenance items ....................... 8-2
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ...................... 8-7
VQ37VHR engine model. ................................. 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 ............................ 8-9
Automatic transmission fluid ................................ 8-11
Power steering fluid .......................................... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-12
Brake fluid .................................................. 8-13
Clutch fluid ................................................. 8-13
Window washer fluid ........................................ 8-13
Battery .......................................................... 8-14
Jump starting .............................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system ............................ 8-16
Drive belts ...................................................... 8-16 Spark plugs
.................................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ................................... 8-17
Air cleaner ...................................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .................................... 8-18
Cleaning .................................................... 8-18
Replacing ................................................... 8-19
Brakes ........................................................... 8-20
Self-adjusting brakes .................................... 8-20
Brake pad wear warning ................................ 8-20
Fuses ............................................................ 8-20
Engine compartment ..................................... 8-20
Passenger compartment ................................ 8-22
Intelligent Key battery replacement ....................... 8-22
Lights ............................................................ 8-24
Coupe ....................................................... 8-24
Roadster .................................................... 8-25
Headlights .................................................. 8-26
Exterior and interior lights ............................... 8-26
Wheels and tires .............................................. 8-28
Tire pressure ............................................... 8-28
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-31
Types of tires .............................................. 8-33
Tire chains .................................................. 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ............................. 8-35
Emergency tire puncture repair kit
(if so equipped) ........................................... 8-37

Black plate (344,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
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 properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating 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 vehicleThe 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 temperatures or under
severe condition require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*: Make sure
that the brake and clutch fluid levels are
between the MAX and MIN lines on the
reservoirs.
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, immediately have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. (See
“PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND
DRIVING” in the “5. St arting and driving”
section 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
immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines: Check
the level 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 ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise 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 may accumu-
late. For additional information, see “CLEANING
EXTERIOR” in the “7. Appearance and care”
section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Black plate (345,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
When performing any inspection or mainte-
nance work on your vehicle, always take care
to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or
damage to the vehicle. The following are general
precautions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
.Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely
and block the wheels to prevent
the vehicle from moving. For man-
ual transmission models, move the
shift lever to N (Neutral) . For auto-
matic transmission models, move
the selector lever to P (Park) .
. Be sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF or LOCK position when per-
forming any parts replacement or
repairs.
. Never connect or disconnect the
battery or any transistorized com-
ponent while the ignition switch is
in the ON position.
. Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component
harnesses disconnected while the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
. If you must work with the engine running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
. It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.
. Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
. 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 warn-
ing, even if the ignition key is in the
OFF position and the engine is not
running. To avoid injury, always
disconnect the negative battery cable before working near the fan.
. The fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is
off.
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 en-
gine oil and coolant. Improperly
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. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions 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” in the “9.
Technical and consumer information” section.)
Youshouldbeawarethatincompleteor
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5

Black plate (347,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
SSI0510
VQ37VHR ENGINE MODEL1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Radiator filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Engine oil filler cap6. Brake fluid reservoir
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Transmission mod-
els)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Window washer fluid reservoir
10 Air cleaner
11. Drive belt location 12. Engine coolant reservoirENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-7

Black plate (349,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTMajor cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by a NISSAN dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheat-
ing.
WARNING
.To avoid the danger of being
scalded, never change the coolant
when the engine is hot.
. Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
. Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
. Keep coolant out of reach of chil-
dren and pets.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
SDI2348
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating 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
*1. If the
oil level is below
*2, remove the oil filler cap and pour recommended oil through the
opening.
Do not overfill
*3.
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 severity 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 cov-
ered by warranty.CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Vehicle set-up1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating 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 under the
ENGINE OIL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-9

Black plate (350,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
vehicle jack-up points.
. A suitable adapter should be attached to
the jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the plastic engine undercover. a. Remove the small plastic clips at thecenter of the undercover.
b. Then remove the bolts that hold the undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and sup-
port points are used to avoid vehicle
damage.
SDI2335
Engine oil and filter1. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
*1
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
*2
with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning 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 sur-
face 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)
8-10
Maintenance and do-it-yourself

Black plate (351,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
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
FUEL/LUBRICANTS” in the “9. Technical
and consumer information” section for drain
and refill capacity. The drain and refill
capacity depends on the oil temperature
and drain time. Use these specifications for
reference only. Always use the dipstick to
determine the proper amount of oil in the
engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage 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 operation1. Install the engine undercover into position as
the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clipout.
b. Hold the engine undercover into posi- tion. c. Insert the clip through the undercover
into the hole in the frame, then push the
center of the clip in to lock the clip in
place.
d. Install the bolts that hold the undercover 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 possible.
. Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children. When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend a NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CAUTION
.
Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF. Do not mix with other fluids.
. Using automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF will cause deterioration in dri-
veability and automatic transmis-
sion durability, and may damage
the automatic transmission, which
is not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11

Black plate (28,1)
9 Technical and consumer information
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants............ 9-2
Fuel recommendation ...................................... 9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ............... 9-5
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ........................................... 9-6
Specifications. ................................................... 9-7
Engine ......................................................... 9-7
Wheels and tires ............................................ 9-8
Dimensions ................................................... 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ................................................ 9-10
Vehicle identification ......................................... 9-10
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate ........... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (chassis number) .... 9-10
Engine serial number .................................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............. 9-11
Emission control information label .................... 9-11
Tire and loading information label ..................... 9-12
Air conditioner specification label ..................... 9-12
Installing front license plate ................................ 9-13
Except for NISMO models .............................. 9-13
For NISMO models ...................................... 9-15 Removing air deflectors
(except for NISMO models)
................................ 9-16
Vehicle loading information ................................. 9-17
Terms ........................................................ 9-17
Vehicle load capacity .................................... 9-18
Loading tips ................................................ 9-19
Measurement of weights ................................ 9-19
Towing a trailer ................................................ 9-19
Flat towing ..................................................... 9-20
Automatic transmission .................................. 9-20
Manual Transmission ..................................... 9-20
Uniform tire quality grading ................................. 9-20
Treadwear .................................................. 9-20
Traction AA, A, B and C ................................ 9-20
Temperature A, B and C ................................ 9-21
Emission control system warranty ......................... 9-21
Reporting safety defects (US only) ....................... 9-22
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) ....................................................... 9-22
Event Data Recorders (EDR) .............................. 9-23
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information . . . 9-24 In the event of a collision ............................... 9-24

Black plate (380,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 19 gal 15-7/8 gal 71.9 See “FUEL RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill With oil filter change 5-1/8 qt 4-3/8 qt 4.9 .Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2, *3
. Viscosity SAE 5W-30*2, *3
Without oil filter change 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
Cooling system
Automatic transmission model With reservoir 9 qt 7-1/2 qt 8.5
50% Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
50% Demineralized or distilled water
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/4 qt 0.8
Manual transmission model With reservoir 9-1/8 qt 7-5/8 qt 8.6
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/4 qt 0.8
Automatic transmission fluid —— —Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*4
Manual transmission gear oil —— —Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Differential gear oil —— —Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Synthetic 75W-90 or API GL-5 synthetic
gear oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90*5
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*6
Brake and clutch fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*7 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant —— —HFC-134a (R-134a)*8
Air conditioning system lubricants —— —NISSAN UV Luminous Oil Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid 4-3/444.5Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or
equivalent
*1: For additional information, see “ENGINE OIL” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for changing engine oil.
*2: For additional information, see “ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RECOMMENDATION” later in this section.
*3: NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Engine Oil, which is available at a NISSAN dealer.
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic
transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: See a NISSAN dealer for service for synthetic oil.
*6: DEXRON
TMVI type ATF may also be used.
*7: Available in mainland US through a NISSAN dealer.
*8: For additional information, see “VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION” later in this section for air conditioner specification label.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS9-2
Technical and consumer information

Black plate (383,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2009/ 9/ 10
STI0505
1. API certification mark
2. API service symbolENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance, see
“CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS” earlier in this section. NISSAN
recommends the use of an energy conserving oil
in order to improve fuel economy.
Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-tional Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API
certification mark on the front of the container.
Oils which do not have the specified quality
label should not be used as they could cause
engine damage.
Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosityThe engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
that the engine oil viscosity be selected based
on the temperatures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change. Choosing
an oil viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.Selecting the correct oil filterYour new vehicle is equipped with a high-quality
genuine NISSAN oil filter. When replacing, use
the genuine oil filter or its equivalent for the
reason described in change intervals.Change intervalsThe oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than the
specified quality, or oil and filter change intervals
longer than recommended could reduce engine
life. Damage to engines caused by improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil and filter
quality and/or viscosity is not covered by the
new NISSAN vehicle limited warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality engine
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
Technical and consumer information
9-5