2003 NISSAN 350Z check engine light

could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment. This device complies with
Part 15 of the FCC Rules and RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This de-
vice may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any inter-
ference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the
device.
1. Pull the hood lock release handle
q1
located
below the instrument panel; the hood will
then spring up slightly.
2. Raise the lever
q2
at the front of the hood
with your fingertips and raise the hood.
3. Insert the assist bar into the slot
q3
in the
front edge of the hood.
4. When closing the hood, reset the assist bar
to its original position, then slowly close the
hood and make sure it locks into place.
WARNING
IMake sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the hood
to fly open and result in an accident.
IIf you see steam or smoke coming
from the engine compartment, to
avoid injury do not open the hood.
SPA1506
HOOD
3-8
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYSTThe three way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the converter are burned at high tem-
peratures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
IThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.
IDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
CAUTION
IDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst's ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
IKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by a NISSAN
dealer.
IAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
IDo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
IDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system displays
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.
The low tire pressure warning system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 20 MPH (32 km/h). Also, this system may
not detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for
example, a flat tire by catching something while
driving).
Frequently check the tire pressure indicator on
the trip computer and adjust pressure of each
tire properly. See ªTrip computerº in the ª2.
Instruments and controlsº section for the tire
pressure indicator.Flat tire warningIf the vehicle is being driven with a flat tire or
extremely low tire pressure (lower than 28 psi),
the low tire pressure warning light comes on,
and the chime sounds for about 10 seconds. On
the trip computer, the PSI indicator starts flash-
ing and the current display switches to the tire
pressure indicator.
For additional information regarding the above
warning, see ªTrip computerº and
Starting and driving
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IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
IMaintenance items should be checked peri-
odically, for example, each time you check
engine oil.
ICheck that all windows and lights are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance and
condition. Also, check tires for proper infla-
tion.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). (P preferred.)
The starter is designed not to operate if the
selector lever is in one of the driving posi-
tions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position,
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.
IWhen the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/5 to the floor) and hold it then
crank the engine. Release the key and the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
IWhen the engine is very hard to start be-
cause it is flooded, depress the acceleratorpedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5 to 6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accelerator
pedal. Crank the enginewith your foot off
the accelerator pedalby turning the igni-
tion key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. 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, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE5-8
Starting and driving
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shift mode. Shift range can be selected manu-
ally.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:M1®
¬
M2®
¬
M3®
¬
M4®
¬
M5
M5 (5th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.M4 (4th):
For driving up or down long slopes where engine
braking would be advantageous.M3 (3rd) and
M2 (2nd):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on down-
hill grades.
M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill grades.
IRemember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than
M4
range. This reduces the fuel economy.
IWhen shifting up, move the selector lever to
the + (up) side. (Shifts to higher range.)IWhen shifting down, move the selector lever
to the þ (down) side. (Shifts to lower range.)
IMoving the selector lever to the same side
twice will shift the ranges in succession.
However, if this motion is rapidly done, the
second shifting may not be completed prop-
erly.
IIn the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts down to 1st
gear before the vehicle comes to a stop.
When accelerating again, it is necessary
to shift up to the desired range.
IWhen canceling the manual shift mode, re-
turn the selector lever to the D position. The
transmission returns to the normal driving
mode.
IIn the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving performance
and reduces the chance of vehicle dam-
age or loss of control.
Accelerator downshift
Ð In D position ÐFor passing or hill climbing, fully depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into the lower gear, depend-
ing on the vehicle speed.
Fail-safeWhen the fail-safe operation occurs, the next
time the key is turned to the ON position, the
warning light will blink for approximately 8
seconds after coming on for 2 seconds. While
the vehicle can be driven under these circum-
stances please note that the gears in the auto-
matic transmission will be locked in 4th gear.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the
key back to the ON position. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating con-
dition. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition, have your NISSAN
dealer check the transmission and repair if
necessary.
Starting and driving
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4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
WARNING
IBe sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.
IDo not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
IDo not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.
IDo not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
Iwhen it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
Iin heavy traffic or in traffic that varies
in speed.
Ion winding or hilly roads.
Ion slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.).
Iin very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N (Neutral) without depressing
the clutch pedal when the cruise control
is set. Should this occur, depress the
clutch pedal and turn the main switch
off immediately. Failure to do so maycause engine damage.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROLIIf the cruise control system malfunctions, it
cancels automatically. The SET indicator light
on the meter panel then blinks to warn the
driver.
IIf the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
IThe SET indicator light may blink when the
cruise control main switch is turned on while
pushing the RES/ACCEL, COAST/
SET, or CANCEL switch (located on the
steering wheel). To properly set the cruise
control system, perform the preceding steps
in the order indicated.
CRUISE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
Starting and driving
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While the actuator is working, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the pulsation may
indicate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids
controlled by 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 is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any mal-
function, it switches the anti-lock brake system
OFF and turns on the ABS warning light in the
dashboard. The brake system will then behave
normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at your
earliest convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces, even with the anti-lock sys-
tem. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of yourself
and others rests in the hands of the
driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.
IWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size for the front and rear
tires.IWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. See
ªVehicle identificationº in the ª9.
Technical and consumer informationº
section for tire placard location.
Starting and driving
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LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system which
displays 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. If
the vehicle is being driven with a flat tire or very
low tire pressure (lower than 28 psi), the low tire
pressure warning system will activate and warn
you of it by the low tire pressure warning light (in
the meter panel) or the PSI indicator (on the trip
computer). This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 20 MPH
(32 km/h). For more details, refer to ªTrip com-
puterº and ªWarning/indicator lights and audible
remindersº in the ª2. Instruments and controlsº
section and ªLow tire pressure warning systemº
in the ª5. Starting and drivingº section.
WARNING
IIf the low tire pressure warning light
comes on and/or the PSI indicator
flashes while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt brak-
ing, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop thevehicle as soon as possible. Serious
vehicle damage could occur and may
lead to an accident and could result
in serious personal injury. Check the
pressure for all four tires and adjust
the pressure to the COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the tire placard. If you
have a flat tire, replace it with a spare
tire as soon as possible.
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
replacement and/or system reset-
ting.
IDo not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIREIf you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.Stopping the vehicle1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking
brake. Shift the manual transmission into R
(Reverse) position (automatic transmission in
P (Park) position).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
IMake sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into R (Re-
FLAT TIRE6-2
In case of emergency
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8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements .................................................. 8-2
General maintenance ............................................................ 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ................ 8-2
Maintenance precautions ..................................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations .............................. 8-7
Engine cooling system.......................................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level...................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ............................................... 8-9
Engine oil ............................................................................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ............................................ 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter .................................... 8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ............................................. 8-12
Power steering fluid ............................................................ 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid ........................................................ 8-13
Brake fluid ....................................................................... 8-13
Clutch fluid ...................................................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid.......................................................... 8-14
Battery .................................................................................... 8-15
Jump starting .................................................................. 8-16
Drive belts ............................................................................. 8-17
Spark plugs ........................................................................... 8-17Replacing spark plugs.................................................. 8-17
Air cleaner ............................................................................. 8-18
Windshield wiper blades ................................................... 8-19
Cleaning ........................................................................... 8-19
Replacing ......................................................................... 8-20
Parking brake and brake pedal ........................................ 8-21
Checking parking brake ............................................... 8-21
Checking brake pedal .................................................. 8-21
Brake booster ................................................................. 8-22
Fuses ...................................................................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-23
Keyfob battery replacement .............................................. 8-24
Lights ...................................................................................... 8-25
Headlights ....................................................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights............................................ 8-27
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 8-29
Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-29
Types of tires .................................................................. 8-30
Tire chains ....................................................................... 8-31
Changing wheels and tires ......................................... 8-31
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