brake fluid NISSAN 370Z ROADSTER 2011 Owners Manual

Black plate (15,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
SSI0510
VQ37VHR ENGINE MODEL1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-21)
2. Battery (P.8-14)
3. Radiator filler cap (P.8-8)
4. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-9)
5. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-9)6. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-13)
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Transmission mod-
els) (P.8-13)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-12)
9. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-14)
10. Air cleaner (P.8-18)
11. Drive belt location (P.8-17) 12. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-8)ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Illustrated table of contents
0-13

Black plate (67,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This indicates
the ABS is operational.
If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may
indicate the ABS is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock assis-
tance. (See “BRAKE SYSTEM” in the “5.
Starting and driving” section.)
Automatic transmission check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the light comes on for 2 seconds. If the
light comes on at any other time, it may indicate
the transmission is not functioning properly.
Have your 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:
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
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 fluidas necessary. (See “BRAKE AND CLUTCH
FLUID” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warningsystemcheckedbyaNISSAN
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 Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked, and if necessary re-
paired, by a NISSAN dealer promptly. (See
“Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
earlier in this section.)
WARNING
.
Your brake system may not be
working properly if the warning light
is on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your
vehicle towed because driving it
could be dangerous.
. Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or 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.
Instruments and controls
2-9

Black plate (69,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
minute. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
For additional information, see “TIRE PRES-
SURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section.
WARNING
.If the light does not illuminate with
the ignition switch pushed 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 possible. Driving with un-
der-inflated tires may permanently
damage the tires and increase the
likelihood of tire failure. Serious
vehicle damage could occur and
may lead to an accident and could
result in serious personal injury.
Check the tire pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure
shownontheTireandLoading
Information label to turn the low tire pressure warning light OFF. If
the light still illuminates while driv-
ing after adjusting the tire pressure,
a tire may be flat. 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 the 1 minute. Con-
tact your NISSAN dealer as soon as
possible for tire replacement and/or
system resetting.
. Replacing tires with those not ori-
ginally specified by NISSAN could
affect 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 four wheels correctly.
Master warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the master warning light illuminates if any of the
following are displayed on the vehicle informa-
tion display:
.No key warning
. Low fuel warning
. Low washer fluid warning
. Parking brake release warning
. Door/rear hatch open warning
. Loose fuel cap warning
See “VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY” later
in this section.
Seat belt warning light and chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the ignition
switch is pushed to the ON position, and will
remain illuminated until the driver’s seat belt is
fastened. At the same time, the chime will sound
for about 6 seconds unless the driver’s seat belt
Instruments and controls
2-11

Black plate (76,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
SIC4677
WARNINGS AND ALERTS
1. Parking brake release warningThis warning appears when the vehicle speed is
above 4 MPH (7 km/h) and the parking brake is
applied.
2. Low fuel warningThis warning appears when the fuel level in the
tank is getting low. Refuel as soon as it is
convenient, preferably before the fuel gauge
reaches the empty (E) position.There is a small reserve of fuel remaining
in the tank when the fuel gauge reaches
the empty (E) position.
3. Low washer fluid warningThis warning appears when the washer tank fluid
is at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary.
(See “WINDOW WASHER FLUID” in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.)4. Door/rear hatch/trunk open warning
(ignition switch is in the ON position)This warning appears if any of the doors and/or
the rear hatch/trunk are open or not closed
securely. The vehicle icon indicates which door
is open on the display.5. Loose fuel cap warningThis warning appears when the fuel-filler cap is
not tightened correctly after the vehicle has
been refueled. (See “FUEL-FILLER CAP” in the
“3. Pre-driving checks and adjustments” sec-
tion.)6. “TIMER” indicatorThis indicator appears when the set “TIMER”
indicator activates. You can set the time for up to
6 hours. (See “TRIP COMPUTER” later in this
section.)
2-18
Instruments and controls

Black plate (82,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
.LANGUAGE
Select this submenu to choose English or
French for display.
. UNIT
Select this submenu to choose the unit from
US or METRIC.
. EFFECTS
Select this menu to set the dial effects
described below to on or off.
— The indicator needles sweep in the meters when the engine is started.
To return to the top page of the setting mode,
select “BACK”.
SIC3993
Warning checkTo see if there are any of the following warnings
and corresponding details, select this menu.
. No key warning
. Low fuel warning
. Low washer fluid warning
. Parking brake release warning
. Door/rear hatch open warning
. Loose fuel cap warning SKIP:
Push the
switch
*A
to move to the
warning check mode.
Push the
switch
*B
to select other menus.
DETAIL:
This item is available only when a warning is
displayed.
Select this menu to see the details of warnings.
2-24
Instruments and controls

Black plate (288,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
SSD0826
INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY DIS-
CHARGEIf the battery of the Intelligent Key is almost
discharged, the guide light
*B
of the Intelligent
Key port
*A
blinks and the indicator appears on
the vehicle information display. (See “VEHICLE
INFORMATION DISPLAY” in the “2. Instruments
and controls” section.)
In this case, inserting the Intelligent Key into the
port
*1
allows you to start the engine. Make
sure that the key ring side faces backward as
illustrated. Insert the Intelligent Key in the port
until it is latched and secured.
To remove the Intelligent Key from the port, push the ignition switch to the OFF position and pull
the Intelligent Key out of the port.
NOTE:
The Intelligent Key port does not charge
the Intelligent Key battery. If you see the
low battery indicator in the vehicle infor-
mation display, replace the battery as soon
as possible. (See “INTELLIGENT KEY BAT-
TERY REPLACEMENT” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section.)
CAUTION
.
Never place anything except the
Intelligent Key in the Intelligent
Key port. Doing so may cause da-
mage to the equipment.
. Make sure the Intelligent Key is in
the correct direction when inserting
it to the Intelligent Key port. The
engine may not start if it is in the
incorrect direction.
. Remove the Intelligent Key from the
Intelligent Key port after the ignition
switch is pushed to the OFF posi-
tion. .
Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
. Check fluid levels such as engine oil, cool-
ant, 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 appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
. Lock all doors.
. Position seat and adjust head restraints.
. Adjust inside and outside mirrors.
. Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
. Check the operation of warning lights when
the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position. (See “WARNING/INDICATOR
LIGHTS AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” section.)
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
5-10
Starting and driving

Black plate (305,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Alwaysmaintainasafedistance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper
size and type as specified on the
Tire and Loading Information
label. See “TIRE AND LOADING
INFORMATION LABEL” in the “9.
Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section of this manual.
— For detailed information, see “WHEELS AND TIRES” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-your-
self” section of this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Self-test featureThe ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine
and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward
or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and does not
indicate a malfunction. If the computer senses
a malfunction, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on theinstrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Normal operationThe ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h) .
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.
Starting and driving
5-27

Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 28
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 ........................... 8-9
Changing engine coolant ................................. 8-9
Engine oil ......................................................... 8-9
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter .......................... 8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ................................ 8-12
Power steering fluid .......................................... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid .................................................. 8-13
Clutch fluid ................................................. 8-13
Window washer fluid ........................................ 8-14
Battery .......................................................... 8-14
Jump starting .............................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system ............................ 8-16
Drive belts ...................................................... 8-17 Spark plugs
.................................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ................................... 8-18
Air cleaner ...................................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .................................... 8-19
Cleaning .................................................... 8-19
Replacing ................................................... 8-19
Brakes ........................................................... 8-20
Self-adjusting brakes .................................... 8-20
Brake pad wear warning ................................ 8-20
Fuses ............................................................ 8-21
Engine compartment ..................................... 8-21
Passenger compartment ................................ 8-22
Intelligent Key battery replacement ....................... 8-23
Lights ............................................................ 8-25
Coupe ....................................................... 8-25
Roadster .................................................... 8-26
Headlights .................................................. 8-27
Exterior and interior lights ............................... 8-27
Wheels and tires .............................................. 8-29
Tire pressure ............................................... 8-29
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-32
Types of tires .............................................. 8-34
Tire chains .................................................. 8-35
Changing wheels and tires ............................. 8-36
Emergency tire puncture repair kit
(if so equipped) ........................................... 8-38

Black plate (348,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
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 (349,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
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