2003 NISSAN 350Z Fluids

When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING
IPark the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
N (Neutral) position. For an auto-
matic transmission, move the selec-
tor lever to P (Park) position.
IBe sure the ignition key is OFF or
LOCK when performing any parts re-
placement or repairs.
IIf you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.
IIt is advised to secure or remove any
loose clothing and any jewelry, suchas rings, watches, etc. before work-
ing on your vehicle.
IAlways wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.
IIf you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.
IKeep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from fuel and the bat-
tery.
IOn gasoline engine models with the
Multiport Fuel Injection (MFI) Sys-
tem, the fuel filter or fuel lines should
be serviced by a NISSAN dealer be-
cause the fuel lines are under high
pressure even when the engine is off.
CAUTION
IDo not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn off the engine
and wait until it cools down.
INever connect or disconnect either
the battery or any transistorized
component connector while the igni-
tion key is on.
INever leave the engine or the auto-
matic transmission related compo-
nent harness connector discon-
nected while the ignition key is on.
IAvoid direct contact with used engine
oil and coolant. Improperly disposed
engine oil, engine coolant and/or
other vehicle fluids can hurt the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also avail-
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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CAUTION
The dipstick must be inserted in place to
prevent oil spillage from the dipstick
hole while filling the engine with oil.
See ªCapacities and recommended fuel/
lubricantsº in the ª9. Technical and consumer
informationº section for drain and refill capac-
ity. The drain and refill capacity depends on
the oil temperature and drain time. Use these
specifications for reference only. Always use
the dipstick to determine the proper amount
of oil in the engine.
10.Start the engine and check for leakage
around the drain plug and the oil filter. Cor-
rect as required.
11.Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.After the operation1. Install the engine undercover into position as
the following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clip out.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.
c. Insert the clip through the undercover into thehole in the frame, then push the center of the
clip in to lock the clip in place.
d. Install the other bolts that hold the under-
cover in place. Be careful not to strip the
bolts or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
WARNING
IProlonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.
ITry to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
IKeep used engine oil out of reach of
children.When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend your NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CAUTION
IUse only Genuine Nissan ATF Matic
Fluid J. Do not mix with other fluids.
IUsing automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine Nissan ATF Matic
Fluid J will cause deterioration in
driveability and automatic transmis-
sion durability, and may damage the
automatic transmission, which is not
covered by the NISSAN new vehicle
limited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is
also described on caution labels located in the
engine compartment.AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
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Check the fluid level in the reservoir tank.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range at fluid temperatures of 122 - 176ÉF (50 -
80ÉC) or using the COLD range at fluid tem-
peratures of 32 - 86ÉF (0 - 30ÉC).
CAUTION
IDo not overfill.
IUse Genuine Nissan PSF II or equiva-
lent.
BRAKE FLUIDCheck the fluid level in the reservoir. If the fluid is
below the MIN line or the brake warning light
comes on, addDOT 3fluid up to the MAX line.
If fluid must be added frequently, the system
should be thoroughly checked by your NISSAN
dealer.
WARNING
Use only new fluid. Old, inferior, or con-
taminated fluid may damage the brakesystem. Do not add synthetic brake
fluid. The use of improper fluids can
damage the brake system and affect the
vehicle's stopping ability.
CAUTION
Do not spill the fluid on painted sur-
faces. This will damage the paint. If fluid
is spilled, wash with water.
SDI1443
SDI0847
POWER STEERING FLUID BRAKE AND CLUTCH FLUID
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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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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