2003 NISSAN 350Z change time

Shift lock releaseIf the battery charge is low or discharged, the
select lever may not be moved from the P (Park)
position even with the brake pedal depressed.
To move the select lever, depress the brake
pedal, apply the parking brake, and push the
shift lock release button by using a suitable tool
as shown. The select lever can be moved to N
(Neutral). This allows the vehicle to be moved if
the battery is discharged.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park), have
your NISSAN dealer check the automatic trans-
mission system as soon as possible.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ShiftingTo change gears, or when up shifting or down
shifting fully depress the clutch pedal, shift into
the appropriate gear then slowly and smoothly
release the clutch.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd,
4th and 5th up to 6th gear in sequence accord-
ing to the vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shift lever and then
move it to the R (Reverse) position after stop-
ping the vehicle completely.If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (Low gear), shift into N (Neutral),
then release the clutch pedal and shift into R or
1 again.
WARNING
IDo not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
IDo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
IDo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may damage
the clutch.
IStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).
IWhen the vehicle is stopped for a
period of time, for example at a stop
SSD0277
SSD0287
5-12
Starting and driving
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTIMajor cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by your NISSAN dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual.IImproper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheating.
WARNING
ITo avoid being scalded, never change
the coolant when the engine is hot.
INever remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.
IAvoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.
IKeep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
1. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of
radiator, and remove radiator filler cap.
IBe careful not to allow coolant to con-
tact drive belts.
IWaste coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
2. Close the radiator drain plug securely after
the coolant is drained.3. Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mixture
of anti-freeze solution and demineralized
water/distilled water. Fill the reservoir tank up
to the MAX level. Then install the radiator filler
cap.
4. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature. Then
race the engine 2 or 3 times under no load.
Watch the engine coolant temperature
gauge for signs of overheating.
5. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler open-
ing. Fill the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
Check the drain plug for any sign of leakage.
6. Recheck the coolant level after the vehicle
has been driven for a day.
SDI1442
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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BRAKE BOOSTERCheck the brake booster function as follows:
1. With the engine off, press and release the
brake pedal several times. When brake pedal
movement (distance of travel) remains the
same from one pedal application to the next,
continue on to the next step.
2. While depressing the brake pedal, start the
engine. The pedal height should drop a little.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the
engine. Keeping the pedal depressed for
about 30 seconds, the pedal height should
not change.
4. Run the engine for one minute without de-
pressing the brake pedal, then turn it off.
Depress the brake pedal several times. The
pedal travel distance will decrease gradually
with each depression as the vacuum is re-
leased from the booster.
If the brakes do not operate properly, see your
NISSAN dealer.
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specified on the fuse
box cover. This could damage the elec-
trical system or cause a fire.
ENGINE COMPARTMENTIf any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition key and headlight switch
are OFF.
2. Open the engine hood and remove the cover
on the battery and the fuse/fusible link holder.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder cover.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open, replace it with a new fuse.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
SDI1479
FUSES
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Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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Replace the battery as follows:
1. Open the lid using a suitable tool.
2. Replace the battery with a new one.
Recommended battery: CR2025 or equiva-
lentMake sure that theÅside faces the
bottom case.
3. Close the lid securely.
4. Push the keyfob button two or three times to
check its operation.
See your NISSAN dealer if you need any assis-
tance for replacement.
If the battery is removed for any reason
other than replacement, perform step 4
above.
IBe careful not to touch the circuit board
and the battery terminal.
IAn improperly disposed battery can
harm the environment. Always confirm
local regulations for battery disposal.
IThe keyfob is water-resistant; however,
if it gets wet, immediately wipe it com-
pletely dry.
IWhen changing batteries, do not let
dust or oil get on the keyfob.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer compliance
could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment. This device complies with
Part 15 of the FCC Rules and RSS-210 ofIndustry 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.
SPA1374
KEYFOB BATTERY
REPLACEMENT8-24
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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FUEL RECOMMENDATIONUse unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 96).
If premium gasoline is not available, unleaded
regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI
number (Research octane number 91) may be
temporarily used, but only under the following
precautions:
IHave the fuel tank filled only partially with
unleaded regular gasoline, and fill up with
unleaded premium gasoline as soon as pos-
sible.
IAvoid full throttle driving and abrupt accelera-
tion.
However, for maximum vehicle perfor-
mance, the use of unleaded premium gaso-
line is recommended.
CAUTION
Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission con-
trol devices and systems, and could also
affect the warranty coverage.Under no circumstances should a
leaded gasoline be used, since this will
damage the three-way catalyst.
Reformulated gasolineSome fuel suppliers are now producing reformu-
lated gasolines. These gasolines are specially
designed to reduce vehicle emissions. NISSAN
supports efforts towards cleaner air and sug-
gests that you use reformulated gasoline when
available.Gasoline containing oxygenatesSome fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing
oxygenates such as ethanol, MTBE and metha-
nol with or without advertising their presence.
NISSAN does not recommend the use of fuels of
which the oxygenate content and the fuel com-
patibility for your NISSAN cannot be readily
determined. If in doubt, ask your service station
manager.
If you use oxygenate-blend gasoline, please take
the following precautions as the usage of such
fuels may cause vehicle performance problems
and/or fuel system damage.
IThe fuel should be unleaded and have
an octane rating no lower than thatrecommended for unleaded gasoline.
IIf an oxygenate-blend, excepting a
methanol blend, is used, it should con-
tain no more than 10% oxygenate.
(MTBE may, however, be added up to
15%.)
IIf a methanol blend is used, it should
contain no more than 5% methanol (me-
thyl alcohol, wood alcohol). It should
also contain a suitable amount of ap-
propriate cosolvents and corrosion in-
hibitors. If not properly formulated with
appropriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are
suitable for use in NISSAN vehicles.
If any undesirable driveability problems such as
engine stalling and hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, imme-
diately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel
with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.
Technical and consumer information
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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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