2003 NISSAN 350Z maintenance

ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct quality, and
viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory engine life and
performance. NISSAN recommends the use of a
low friction oil (energy conserving oil) in order to
improve fuel economy and conserve energy. Oils
which do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause engine
damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Petro-
leum Institute (API) certification mark on the frontof the container should be used. This type of oil
supersedes the existing API SG, SH, or SJ and
Energy ConservingI&IIcategories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the API certifi-
cation mark, use an API grade SG/SH, Energy
ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy
conserving oil. An oil with a single designation
SG or SH, or in combination with other catego-
ries (for example, SG/CC or SG/CD) may also
be used if one with the API certification mark
cannot be found. An ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II &
GF-III oil can also be used.
NISSAN recommends mineral based oils. These
oils must however, meet the API quality and SAEviscosity ratings specified for your vehicle.
Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.Oil viscosityThe engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
that the engine oil viscosity be selected based
on the temperatures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change. The ªRec-
ommended SAE viscosity numberº chart (on the
next page) shows the recommended oil viscosi-
ties for the expected ambient temperatures.
Choosing an oil viscosity other than that recom-
mended could cause serious engine damage.Selecting the correct oil filterYour new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in ªChange
intervalsº.
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Change intervalsThe oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than the
specified quality, or oil and filter change intervals
longer than recommended could reduce engine
life. Damage to engines caused by improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil and filter
quality and/or viscosity is not covered by the
new NISSAN vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle. Operation under
the following conditions may require more fre-
quent oil and filter changes.
Irepeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,
Idriving in dusty conditions,
Iextensive idling,
Itowing a trailer,
Istop and go ªrush hourº traffic.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBERSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30,
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0ÉF (þ18ÉC).
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONSThe air conditioning system in this NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or the exact
equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or lubri-
cant will cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and will require the
replacement of all air conditioner sys-
tem components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle will not harm the earth's ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect
the earth's atmosphere, certain governmental
regulations require the recovery and recycling of
any refrigerant during automotive air condition-
ing system service. Your NISSAN dealer has the
trained technicians and equipment needed to
recover and recycle your air conditioning system
refrigerant.
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sion oil more frequently. See the Service
and Maintenance Guide.DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TreadwearTreadwear grade is a comparative rating based
on tire wear rate when tested under controlled
conditions on specified government test
courses. For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. How-
ever, relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.Traction AA, A, B and CThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.Temperature A, B and CTemperature grades are A (the highest), B, and
C. They represent a tire's resistance to heat
build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a speci-
fied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause tire material to degener-
ate, reducing tire life. Excessive temperatures
can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corre-
sponds to a performance level which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and
B represent higher levels of performance on
laboratory test wheels than the minimum re-
quired by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
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Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in what
is called the ªready conditionº for an
Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test of the emis-
sion control system.
The vehicle is set to the ªready conditionº when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the ªready conditionº can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a not ªready conditionº. Before taking
the I/M test, drive the vehicle through the follow-
ing pattern to set the vehicle to the ready
condition. If you cannot or do not want to
perform the driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer
can conduct it for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions, and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle until
the engine coolant temperature gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal operat-
ing temperature).2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h),
then quickly release the accelerator pedal
completely and keep it released for at least 6
seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least 5
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle. Leave the engine running.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 3 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the automatic trans-
mission gear selector lever in the P (Park) or
N (Neutral) position or the manual transmis-
sion shift lever in the N position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10.Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the engine
until step 7 is completed.READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)
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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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