2003 NISSAN 350Z Owners Manual

A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is the best
source of service and repair information for your
vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illustrations
and step-by-step diagnostic and adjustment
procedures, this manual is the same one used by
the factory trained technicians working at autho-
rized NISSAN dealerships. Also available are
genuine NISSAN Owner's Manuals, and genu-
ine NISSAN Service and Owner's Manuals for
older NISSAN models.In the USA:
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manualsfor the 2000 model
year and later, contact:
Tweddle Litho Company
1-800-639-8841
www.nissan-techinfo.com
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manualsfor the 1999 model
year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:
DDS Distribution Services, Ltd.
20770 Westwood Dr.
Strongsville OH 44136
1-800-247-5321For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Owner's Manualsfor the 2003
model year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or
contact:
DDS Distribution Services, Ltd.
20770 Westwood Dr.
Strongsville OH 44136
1-800-247-5321
In Canada:
To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN
Service Manual or Owner's Manual please con-
tact your nearest NISSAN dealer. For the phone
number and location of a NISSAN Dealer in your
area call the NISSAN Satisfaction Center at
1-800-387-0122 and a bilingual
NISSAN representative will assist you.
Also available are Genuine NISSAN Service and
Owner's Manuals for older NISSAN models.
IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISIONUnfortunately, accidents do occur. In this unlikely
event, there is some important information you
should know. Many insurance companies rou-
tinely authorize the use of non-genuine collision
parts in order to cut costs, among other reasons.
OWNER'S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION9-22
Technical and consumer information
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Insist on the use of Genuine Nissan
Collision Parts!If you want your vehicle to be restored using
parts made to Nissan's original exacting speci-
fications Ð if you want to help it to last and hold
its resale value, the solution is simple.Tell your
insurance agent and your repair shop to
only use Genuine Nissan Collision Parts.
Nissan does not warrant non-Nissan parts, nor
does Nissan's warranty apply to damage caused
by a non-genuine part.
Using Genuine Nissan Parts can help protect
your personal safety, preserve your warranty
protection and maintain the resale value of your
vehicle. And if your vehicle was leased, using
Genuine Nissan Parts may prevent or limit un-
necessary excess wear and tear expenses at the
end of your lease.
Nissan designs its hoods with crumple zones to
minimize the risk that the hood will penetrate the
windshield of your vehicle in an accident. Non-
genuine (imitation) parts may not provide such
built in safeguards. Also, non-genuine parts of-
ten show premature wear, rust and corrosion.Why should you take a chance?In over 40 states, the law says you must be
advised if non-genuine parts are used to repair
your vehicle. And some states have enactedlaws that restrict insurance companies from
authorizing the use of non-genuine collision
parts during the new vehicle warranty. These
laws help protect you, so you can take action to
protect yourself.
It's your right!If you should need further information visit us at:
www.nissanusa.com.
Technical and consumer information
9-23
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MEMO9-24
Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-20
Air bag ON/OFF switch .......................................... 1-21
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front air bag
system) .................................................................. 1-11
Side and curtain (See supplemental side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system) ...... 1-13
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-16
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-16, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-3
Air conditioner service ................................ 4-3, 4-6
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ......................................... 4-6, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-3
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-5
Anchor point location, Top tether strap ............. 1-27
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-20
Anti-lock brake warning light.................................. 2-11
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-4
Ashtrays (See cigarette lighter and ashtray)...... 2-28
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-16
Audio operation precautions ..................................... 4-7Audio system ................................................................ 4-6
Autochanger
Compact Disc (CD) ........................................... 4-17
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror ...................................... 3-13
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-5, 5-9
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-4
B
Battery .......................................................................... 8-15
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-22
Battery replacement, (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-7
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-20
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-22
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-13
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-21
Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-21
Brake system ....................................................... 5-20
Parking brake check............................... 5-14, 8-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Warning light ....................................................... 2-12Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-17
Bulb check/instrument panel.................................. 2-11
Bulb replacement ...................................................... 8-25
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-19
Cassette player (See audio system) .................... 4-16
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-19
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-25
Top tether strap anchor point location ......... 1-27
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-28
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-25
With top tether strap ......................................... 1-27
Child safety ................................................................. 1-20
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-16
Cigarette lighter and ashtray .................................. 2-28
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................................ 2-27
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-14
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-24
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-17
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-11
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-33
Console box................................................................ 2-31
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Controls, Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) ..................................................................... 4-3
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ................................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................................. 5-15
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-30
Curtain side-impact air bag system (See
supplemental side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag system) .......................................................... 1-13
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-23
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside mirror
defroster switch ......................................................... 2-21
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-9
Door open warning light .......................................... 2-12
Drive belts ................................................................... 8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-24
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-5, 5-9
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-6, 5-12
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-17
Emission control information label ........................ 9-11
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-20Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-8
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-5
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-25
Engine compartment check locations.............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation......... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-11
Engine specifications ........................................... 9-8
If your vehicle overheats ...................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-8
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label................................... 9-11
Filter, Air cleaner housing filter .............................. 8-18
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-24
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Low tire pressure warning system .................... 5-3
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-13Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Engine coolant ....................................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-14
FM-AM radio with cassette player and Compact
Disc (CD) changer.................................................... 4-13
Front air bag system (See supplemental restraint
system) ......................................................................... 1-11
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-3
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-4
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
filler cap................................................................. 3-10
filler lid ................................................................... 3-10
Fuel economy ...................................................... 5-17
Fuel octane rating ................................................. 9-3
Fuel recommendation ........................................... 9-3
Gauge ...................................................................... 2-6
Fuses ............................................................................ 8-22
Fusible links ................................................................ 8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-36
Gas cap ....................................................................... 3-10
Gauge ............................................................................. 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................. 2-5
Fuel gauge .............................................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................................ 2-4
Speedometer .......................................................... 2-4
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Tachometer ............................................................. 2-5
Trip computer ......................................................... 2-8
General maintenance .................................................. 8-2
H
Hatch, Rear hatch........................................................ 3-9
Hazard warning flasher switch............................... 2-24
Head restraints ............................................................. 1-5
Headlights
Bulb replacement ............................................... 8-26
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-22
Xenon headlights ................................................ 2-21
Heated seats .............................................................. 2-25
Heater
Engine coolant heater ....................................... 5-25
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-3
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ......................... 2-36
Hood, release ............................................................... 3-8
Horn .............................................................................. 2-24
How to stop alarm, Vehicle security .................... 2-17
I
Ignition switch ............................................................... 5-5
Automatic transmission models................ 5-5, 5-9
Key positions .......................................................... 5-7
Manual transmission models .................. 5-6, 5-12
Immobilizer system .................................................... 2-18
Indicator lights............................................................ 2-14
Inside
Automatic anti-glare mirror............................... 3-13
Mirror...................................................................... 3-13Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test ........................ 9-21
Instrument panel........................................................... 2-2
Instrument pocket...................................................... 2-29
Interior light ................................................................. 2-35
Interior light replacement......................................... 8-27
J
Jump starting................................................................. 6-6
K
Keyless entry (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-4
Keys................................................................................. 3-2
L
Label, Air conditioner specification label ............ 9-12
Label, Emission control information label............ 9-11
Label, F.M.V.S.S. certification label ...................... 9-11
Labels
Air bag warning labels ...................................... 1-16
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN)................ 9-10
License plate, Installing front license plate......... 9-13
Light
Air bag warning light ......................................... 1-16
Bulb replacement ............................................... 8-25
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-22
Headlights, Bulb replacement ......................... 8-26
Interior light .......................................................... 2-35
Luggage compartment light ............................. 2-36Replacement ........................................................ 8-25
Vanity mirror light ................................................ 2-36
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .................................................. 2-11, 2-14
Xenon headlights ................................................ 2-21
Lights, Exterior and interior light replacement ... 8-27
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................................. 9-14
Lock
Door locks ............................................................... 3-2
Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Rear hatch lock...................................................... 3-9
Low tire pressure warning light ............................. 2-13
Low tire pressure warning system .......................... 5-3
Luggage compartment light.................................... 2-36
M
Maintenance
Battery ................................................................... 8-15
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2
Inside the vehicle................................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
Outside the vehicle............................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-24
Under the hood and the vehicle........................ 8-4
Manual front seat adjustment ................................... 1-3
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .................. 3-13
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-13
Outside mirror control ....................................... 3-14
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-14
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N
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-17
Nissan vehicle Immobilizer System....................... 2-16
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System, Engine
start.................................................................................. 5-7
O
Obtaining an air bag ON/OFF switch ................. 1-21
Odometer ....................................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Outside mirror control .............................................. 3-14
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-14
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9
P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-21
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-14
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-14
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-18
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-19Power
Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-27
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Power steering system ...................................... 5-19
Power windows................................................... 2-33
Power front seat adjustment .............................. 1-4
Precautions
Audio operation precautions .............................. 4-7
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-20
Cruise control precautions ............................... 5-15
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
On child restraints .............................................. 1-25
On seat belt usage ............................................ 1-18
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ...................................................................... 1-6
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-15
Push starting ................................................................. 6-8
R
Radio, Car phone or CB radio .............................. 4-19
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test (US
only) .............................................................................. 9-21
Rear floor box ............................................................. 2-32
Rear hatch .................................................................... 3-9
Rear hatch opener ....................................................... 3-9
Rear parcel box ......................................................... 2-32
Rear power point....................................................... 2-27
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ........................................................................... 2-21
Rear window wiper and washer switch .............. 2-20
Registering your vehicle in another country ....... 9-10Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only) ...................... 9-20
Rollover........................................................................... 5-4
S
Safety
Child seat belts ................................................... 1-20
Reporting safety defects (US only)................ 9-20
Towing safety....................................................... 9-17
Seat
Belt warning light................................................ 1-18
Belt warning light and chime ........................... 2-14
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment............................ 1-3
Front power seat adjustment ............................. 1-4
Seat belt(s)
Child safety .......................................................... 1-20
Infants and small children ................................. 1-21
Injured persons.................................................... 1-22
Larger children .................................................... 1-21
Precautions on seat belt usage ...................... 1-18
Pregnant women ................................................. 1-21
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-15
Seat belt cleaning ................................................. 7-5
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-24
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-24
Seat belts ............................................................. 1-18
Three-point type.................................................. 1-22
Seat(s)
Heated seats........................................................ 2-25
Seats ........................................................................ 1-2
Secondary rear hatch release ................................ 3-10
Security system, vehicle security system ............ 2-17
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Security systems (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ............................................... 2-18
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ......................................................................... 2-16
Servicing air conditioner ................................... 4-3, 4-6
Shift lock release ....................................................... 5-12
Shifting
Automatic transmission .............................. 5-5, 5-9
Manual transmission ................................. 5-6, 5-12
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system)............. 1-13
Spark plugs................................................................. 8-17
Speedometer ................................................................ 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-8
Jump starting .......................................................... 6-6
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting .......................................................... 6-8
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-8
Steering
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Power steering system ...................................... 5-19
Tilting steering wheel......................................... 3-12
Storage ........................................................................ 2-29
Sunglasses holder .................................................... 2-29
Supplemental air bag warning labels................... 1-16
Supplemental air bag warning light .......... 1-16, 2-14
Supplemental front air bag system....................... 1-11
Supplemental side and curtain side-impact air bag
system ......................................................................... 1-13
Supplemental restraint system ................................. 1-6
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system ...................................................................... 1-6Switch
Hazard warning flasher switch ........................ 2-24
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-22
Ignition switch ........................................................ 5-5
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models ............................................................ 5-5, 5-9
Ignition switch manual transmission
models .......................................................... 5-6, 5-12
Obtaining an air bag ON/OFF switch........... 1-21
Power door lock switch....................................... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch..................................................................... 2-21
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-23
T
Tachometer.................................................................... 2-5
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant temperature
gauge .............................................................................. 2-5
Theft (Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System), Engine
start ............................................................................... 2-18
Three way catalyst ....................................................... 5-3
Tilting and reclining passenger's seat .................. 1-5
Tilting steering wheel ............................................... 3-12
Tire
Flat tire ..................................................................... 6-2
Low tire pressure warning system .................... 5-3
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-19
Tire pressure, Low tire pressure warning
light ............................................................................... 2-13
Tires
Spare tire .............................................................. 8-33
Tire chains ............................................................ 8-31
Tire placard .......................................................... 9-12Tire pressure ........................................................ 8-29
Tire rotation .......................................................... 8-31
Types of tires ....................................................... 8-30
Wheel/tire size ....................................................... 9-9
Wheels and tires ................................................ 8-29
Top tether strap child restraints ............................ 1-27
Towing
Tow truck towing ................................................ 6-10
Towing a trailer.................................................... 9-15
Towing load/specification chart ...................... 9-15
Towing safety....................................................... 9-17
Traction control system (TCS)............................... 5-22
Traction control system (TCS) off switch ........... 2-26
Trailer towing .............................................................. 9-15
Transceiver, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-36
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-5, 5-9
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-6, 5-12
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Transmitter (See remote keyless entry system) ... 3-4
Traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country ......................................................................... 9-10
Trip computer ............................................................... 2-8
Turn signal switch ..................................................... 2-23
U
Underbody cleaning .................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading .................................... 9-19
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