2004 NISSAN 350Z engine overheat

The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze cool-
ant solution. The anti-freeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional
cooling system additives are not necessary.
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Anti-freeze Coolant or equiva-
lent with the proper mixture ratio of 50%
anti-freeze and 50% demineralized
water/distilled water. The use of other
types of coolant solutions may damage
your engine cooling system.Outside temperature
down to
Anti-
freezeDeminer-
alized
water/
distilled
water °C °F
−35 −30 50% 50%
WARNING

Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator. Wait
until the engine and radiator cool
down.

See “If your vehicle overheats” in the
“6. In case of emergency” section.

The radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure cap. To prevent engine damage,
use only a genuine NISSAN radiator
cap.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVELCheck the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX level. If
the reservoir tank is empty, check the coolant
level in the radiatorwhen the engine is cold.If
there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the
radiator with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX
level.
If the engine cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
SDI1445
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM8-8
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by your NISSAN dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheating.
WARNING

To avoid being scalded, never change
the coolant when the engine is hot.

Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.

Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.

Keep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
1. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of
radiator, and remove radiator filler cap.

Be careful not to allow coolant to con-
tact drive belts.

Waste 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
8-9


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (that is, fuel injector cleaner, oc-
tane booster, intake valve deposit removers,
etc.) which are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvent or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel sys-
tem and engine.Octane rating tipsIn most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in
these high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and that part of Texas which is directly
south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the above stated
octane rating, or if you hear steady sparkknock while holding a steady speed on
level roads, have your dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer or other competent service fa-
cility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.9-4
Technical and consumer information


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


transmission, first apply the parking brake
and block the wheels, and then move the
transmission selector lever into the P (Park)
position. If you move the selector lever to the
P (Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, the transmis-
sion may get damaged.

When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending on a long grade, downshift
the transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.

If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
opening the windows, switching the fan con-
trol to high and setting the temperature con-
trol to the HOT position.

Trailer towing consumes more fuel than nor-
mal circumstances.

Avoid towing a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).

Have your vehicle serviced more often than at
intervals specified in the recommended main-
tenance schedule.

When making a turn, your trailer wheels willbe closer to the inside of the turn than your
vehicle wheels. To compensate for this, make
a larger than normal turning radius during the
turn.

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely
affect vehicle/trailer handling, possibly caus-
ing vehicle sway. When being passed by
larger vehicles, be prepared for possible
changes in crosswinds that could affect ve-
hicle handling. If swaying does occur, firmly
grip the steering wheel, steer straight ahead,
and immediately (but gradually) reduce ve-
hicle speed. This combination will help stabi-
lize the vehicle. Never increase speed.

Be careful when passing other vehicles.
Passing while towing a trailer requires con-
siderably more distance than normal passing.
Remember the length of the trailer must also
pass the other vehicle before you can safely
change lanes.

To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
6th gear (manual transmission) or 5th posi-
tion (automatic transmission).

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking ef-
ficiency.When towing a trailer, change transmis-
sion oil more frequently. For additional
information, see the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.
Technical and consumer information
9-19


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-11
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-36
Console box................................................................ 2-32
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 ................................................................ 2-31
Curtain side-impact air bag system (See
supplemental side air bag and curtain air bag
system) ......................................................................... 1-17
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........ 5-6, 5-9
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 5-12
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-17
Elapsed time ................................................................. 2-9
Emission control information label ........................ 9-11
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-8
Break-in schedule............................................... 5-17
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
Oil pressure gauge ............................................... 2-6
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-8
Event data recorders ................................................ 9-23
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S. certification label................................... 9-11Filter
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-18
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-25
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Flat tire, 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............................................................. 8-13
Capacities 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 Compact Disc (CD) player .... 4-9
FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) changer ................................. 4-13
Fuel
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Distance to empty ................................................. 2-9
filler cap................................................................. 3-13
filler lid ................................................................... 3-13
Fuel economy ...................................................... 5-17
Fuel octane rating ................................................. 9-3
Fuel recommendation ........................................... 9-3
Gauge ...................................................................... 2-6
Fuses ............................................................................ 8-22
Fusible links ................................................................ 8-23


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0

10-2

Luggage compartment light.................................... 2-39
M
Maintenance
Battery ................................................................... 8-15
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2
Inside the vehicle................................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements.................................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle............................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-29
Under the hood and vehicle ............................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ........................... 2-15
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control .......................................................................... 2-24
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .................. 3-17
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-16
Outside mirror control ....................................... 3-17
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-17
N
Net, Ventilated net seats ........................................... 1-6
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-17
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System ...................... 2-17
Engine start............................................................. 5-7
O
Obtaining an air bag ON/OFF switch ................. 1-25Odometer ....................................................................... 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 pressure gauge .................................. 2-6
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Opening the top ........................................................ 3-23
Outside mirror control .............................................. 3-17
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-17
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-24
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 ............................. 4-20
Power
Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-28
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Power steering system ...................................... 5-19
Power windows................................................... 2-35
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-19
Precautions
Audio operation ..................................................... 4-7Braking precautions ........................................... 5-20
Child restraints .................................................... 1-29
Cruise control ...................................................... 5-15
Maintenance ........................................................... 8-5
Seat belt usage ................................................... 1-23
Supplemental restraint system ........................ 1-10
When starting and driving .................................. 5-2
Push starting ................................................................. 6-9
R
Radio ............................................................................... 4-6
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-20
FM-AM radio with cassette player and Compact
Disc (CD) changer ............................................. 4-13
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ........................................................................ 4-9
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only)...................................................................... 9-22
Rear floor box ............................................................. 2-33
Rear hatch ..................................................................... 3-9
Rear parcel box ......................................................... 2-33
Rear power point....................................................... 2-28
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ........................................................................... 2-21
Recorders, Event data ............................................. 9-23
Registering your vehicle in another country ....... 9-10
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only) ...................... 9-22
Rollover........................................................................... 5-5


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0

10-4