2003 NISSAN 350Z warning

Platinum-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the platinum-tipped
spark plugs as frequently as the conventional
type spark plugs since they will last much longer.
Follow the maintenance schedule but, do not
reuse them by cleaning or regapping.
Always replace with recommended
platinum-tipped spark plugs.To remove the filter from the air cleaner, pull off
the lock pins
q1
and pull the unit upward
q2.
The filter element should not be cleaned and
reused. Replace it according to the maintenance
log shown in the Service and Maintenance
Guide. When replacing the filter, wipe the inside
of the air cleaner housing and the cover with a
damp cloth.
WARNING
IOperating the engine with the air
cleaner removed can cause you orothers to be burned. The air cleaner
not only cleans the air, it stops flame
if the engine backfires. If it is not
there, and the engine backfires, you
could be burned. Do not drive with
the air cleaner removed and be care-
ful when working on the engine with
the air cleaner removed.
INever pour fuel into the throttle body
or attempt to start the engine with
the air cleaner removed. Doing so
could result in serious injury.
SDI0145
SDI1446
AIR CLEANER
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CHECKING PARKING BRAKEFrom the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the number of
clicks is out of the range listed above, see your
NISSAN dealer.
CHECKING BRAKE PEDALWith the engine running, check the distance
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
metal floor. If it is out of the range shown above,
see your NISSAN dealer.Self-adjusting brakesYour vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See your NISSAN dealer and have it
checked if the brake pedal height does
not return to normal.Brake pad wear indicatorsThe disc brake pads on your vehicle have au-
dible wear indicators. When a brake pad re-
quires replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound when the vehicle
is in motion whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as
possible if the wear indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect
the function or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
be followed.For additional information, see the
appropriate maintenance log shown in the Ser-
vice and Maintenance Guide.
SDI1447
DI1020MI
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL
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HEADLIGHTS
ReplacingIf replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer.
Xenon headlight bulb:
WARNINGHIGH VOLTAGE
When xenon headlights are on, they
produce a high voltage. To prevent an
electric shock, never attempt to modify
or disassemble the headlight assembly.
Always have your xenon headlights re-
placed at a NISSAN dealer. For addi-
tional information, see ªHeadlight and
turn signal switchº in the ª2. Instruments
and controlsº section.
Halogen headlight bulb:
The headlight is a semi-sealed beam type which
uses a replaceable headlight (halogen) bulb. A
bulb can be replaced from under the engine
compartment without removing the headlight
assembly.
CAUTION
IHigh pressure halogen gas is sealed
inside the halogen bulb. The bulb
may break if the glass envelope is
scratched or the bulb is dropped.
IWhen handling the bulb, do not touch
the glass envelope.
IDo not touch the bulb.
IUse the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Bulb no. (Wattage)
D2R (35W) - Xenon low-beam
H7 (55W) - High-beam
or
H7 (55W) - Halogen low-beam
H1 (55W) - High-beam
IDo not leave the bulb out of the
headlight reflector for a long period
of time as dust, moisture, and smoke
may enter the headlight body and
affect the performance of the head-
light.
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parked for 3 or more hours, or driven less than 1
mile (1.6 km) at moderate speeds. COLD tire
pressures are shown on the tire placard affixed
to the inside of the console box lid.Low tire pressure warning system (if
so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system displays
the tire pressure of all tires (except the spare tire)
on the trip computer by sending a signal from a
sensor that is installed in each wheel. For more
details, refer to ªTrip computerº and ªLow tire
pressure warning lightº in the ª2. Instruments
and controlsº section, ªLow tire pressure warn-
ing systemº in the ª5. Starting and drivingº
section, and ªFlat tireº in the ª6. In case of
emergencyº section. If the tire pressure dis-
played on the trip computer is lower than the
COLD tire pressure shown on the tire placard,
check the pressure of all four tires and adjust
them to the COLD tire pressure as indicated
above. The low tire pressure warning system will
activate only when the vehicle is driven at
speeds above 20 MPH (32 km/h).
WARNING
IImproperly inflated tires can fail sud-
denly and cause an accident.IThe vehicle capacity weight is indi-
cated on the tire placard. Do not load
your vehicle beyond this capacity.
Overloading your vehicle may result
in reduced tire life, unsafe operating
conditions due to premature tire fail-
ure, or unfavorable handling charac-
teristics and could also lead to a
serious accident. Loading beyond the
specified capacity may also result in
failure of other vehicle components.
IBefore taking a long trip, or when-
ever you have loaded your vehicle
heavily, use a tire pressure gauge to
ensure that the tire pressure is at the
specified level.
IDo not drive your vehicle over 85
MPH (140 km/h) unless it is equipped
with high speed capability tires. Driv-
ing faster than 85 MPH (140 km/h)
may result in tire failure, loss of con-
trol and possible injury.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-formationº (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
TYPES OF TIRES
WARNING
IWhen changing or replacing tires, be
sure all four tires are of the same
type (for example, summer, all sea-
son or snow) and construction. Your
NISSAN dealer may be able to help
you with information about tire type,
size, speed rating and availability.
Replacement tires may have a lower
speed rating than the factory
equipped tires, and may not match
the potential maximum vehicle
speed. Never exceed the maximum
speed rating of the tire.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
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Tire wear and damage
WARNING
ITires should be periodically in-
spected for wear, cracking, bulging,
or objects caught in the tread. If ex-
cessive wear, cracks, bulging, or
deep cuts are found, the tire should
be replaced.
IThe original tires have a built-in tread
wear indicator. When the wearindicator is visible, the tire should be
replaced.
IImproper service for a spare tire may
result in serious personal injury. If it
is necessary to repair the spare tire,
contact your NISSAN dealer.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Replacing wheels and tiresWhen replacing a tire, use the same size, speed
rating and load carrying capacity as originally
equipped. See ªSpecificationsº in the ª9. Tech-
nical and consumer informationº section for rec-
ommended types and sizes of tires and wheels.
WARNING
IThe use of tires other than those
recommended or the mixed use of
tires of different brands, construction(bias, bias-belted or radial), or tread
patterns can adversely affect the ride,
braking, handling, ground clearance,
body-to-tire clearance, tire chain
clearance, speedometer calibration,
headlight aim and bumper height.
Some of these effects may lead to
accidents and could result in serious
personal injury.
IIf the wheels are changed for any
reason, always replace with wheels
which have the same offset dimen-
sion. Wheels of a different offset
could cause early tire wear, possibly
degraded vehicle handling character-
istics and/or interference with the
brake discs. Such interference can
lead to decreased braking efficiency
and/or early brake pad wear.
IWhen a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated and the low tire
pressure warning system will not
function. Contact your NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible for tire
MDI0004
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replacement and/or system reset-
ting. (For models with the low tire
pressure warning system)
IDo not install a deformed wheel or
tire even if it has been repaired. Such
wheels or tires could have structural
damage and could fail without warn-
ing.
IThe use of retread tire is not recom-
mended.
IFor additional information regarding
tires, refer to ªImportant Tire Safety
Informationº (US) or ªTire Safety In-
formationº (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Wheel balanceUnbalanced wheels may affect vehicle handling
and tire life. Even with regular use, wheels can
get out of balance. Therefore, they should be
balanced as required.
Wheel balance service should be performed
with the wheels off the vehicle. Spin balancing
the front wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission damage.For additional information regarding tires, refer to
ªImportant Tire Safety Informationº (US) or ªTire
Safety Informationº (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.
Care of wheelsIWash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.
IClean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
IDo not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
IInspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
INISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.Spare tire (T-type spare tire)Observe the following precautions if the T-type
spare tire must be used, otherwise your vehicle
could be damaged or involved in an accident.
CAUTION
IThe T-type spare tire should be used
only for emergency. It should be re-
placed by the standard tire at the first
opportunity.
IDrive carefully while the T-type spare
tire is installed.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking
while driving.
IPeriodically check the T-type spare
tire inflation pressure, and always
keep it at 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 bar).
IAlways keep the pressure of the full
size spare tire (if so equipped) at the
recommended pressure for standard
tires, as indicated on the tire placard.
For tire placard location, see ªTire
placardº in the ª9. Technical and con-
sumer informationº.
IDo not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).
IDo not use tire chains on a T-type
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8. Install the license plate with bolts that are no
longer than 0.55 in (14 mm).
WARNING
IIt is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside of a vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously in-
jured or killed
IDo not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
IBe sure everyone in your vehicle is in
a seat and using a seat belt properly.TERMSIt is important to familiarize yourself with the
following terms before loading your vehicle:
ICurb Weight (actual weight of your vehicle) -
vehicle weight including: standard and op-
tional equipment, fluids, emergency tools,
and spare tire assembly. This weightdoes
notinclude passengers and cargo.
IGVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curb weight
plus the combined weight of passengers and
cargo.IGVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total weight (load) limit specified for
the vehicle.
IGAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the front
or rear axle.
DETERMINING VEHICLE LOAD
CAPACITYThe load capacity of this vehicle is determined
by weight, not by available cargo space. For
example, a luggage rack, bike carrier, cartop
carrier or similar equipment does not increase
load carrying capacity of your vehicle.
To determine vehicle load capacity:
Vehicle weight can be determined by using a
commercial-grade scale, found at places such
as a truck stop, gravel quarry, grain elevator, or a
scrap metal recycling facility.
1. Determine the curb weight of your vehicle.
2. Compare the curb weight amount to the
GVWR specified for your vehicle to deter-
mine how much more weight your vehicle can
carry.
3. After loading (cargo and passengers), re-
weigh your vehicle to determine if either
GVWR or GAWR for your vehicle is ex-
VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION
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ceeded. If GVWR is exceeded, remove cargo
as necessary. If either the front or rear GAWR
is exceeded, shift the load or remove cargo
as necessary.
LOADING TIPSIThe GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. certi-
fication label.
IDo not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
WARNING
IProperly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury.
IDo not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts on
your vehicle can break, or it can
change the way your vehicle handles.
This could result in loss of controland cause personal injury.
IOverloading can shorten the life of
your vehicle. Failures caused by over-
loading are not covered by your war-
ranty.
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer will place additional
loads on your vehicle's engine, drive train, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
Information on trailer towing ability and the spe-
cial equipment required should be obtained from
your NISSAN dealer. He can obtain aNISSAN
Trailer Towing Guide(US only) for you.
TI1011M
TOWING A TRAILERTechnical and consumer information
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