2004 NISSAN 350Z wiper blades

ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.

a sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.

a shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drifts.

extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING

Wet ice (32°F, 0°C and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have a lot less traction or grip under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.

Whatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.

Allow more stopping distance underthese conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.

Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.

Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.

Do not use cruise control on slippery
roads.

Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)An engine block heater to assist extreme cold
temperature starting is available through your
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
Starting and driving
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04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements ................................................. 8-2
General maintenance ........................................................... 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ............... 8-2
Maintenance precautions ................................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ............................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ........................................................ 8-8
Checking engine coolant level .................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ............................................. 8-9
Engine oil ............................................................................. 8-10
Checking engine oil level ........................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter ................................... 8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ........................................... 8-12
Power steering fluid .......................................................... 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................................... 8-13
Brake fluid ....................................................................... 8-13
Clutch fluid ..................................................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ........................................................ 8-14
Battery ................................................................................... 8-15
Jump starting ................................................................. 8-16
Drive belts ............................................................................ 8-17
Spark plugs ......................................................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ................................................ 8-17Air cleaner ............................................................................ 8-18
Windshield wiper blades ................................................. 8-19
Cleaning ......................................................................... 8-19
Replacing ....................................................................... 8-20
Parking brake and brake pedal ...................................... 8-21
Checking parking brake ............................................. 8-21
Checking brake pedal ................................................. 8-21
Brake booster ................................................................ 8-22
Fuses ..................................................................................... 8-22
Engine compartment ................................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ............................................ 8-23
Keyfobbattery replacement ............................................ 8-24
Lights ..................................................................................... 8-25
Headlights ...................................................................... 8-26
Exterior and interior lights .......................................... 8-27
Wheels and tires ................................................................ 8-30
Tire pressure ................................................................. 8-30
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-32
Types of tires ................................................................. 8-33
Tire chains ...................................................................... 8-34
Changing wheels and tires ........................................ 8-34


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*:When checking
the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and
check for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires cannot be rotated in this
vehicle.
Tire, wheel alignment and balance:If the
vehicle pulls to either side while driving on a
straight and level road, or if you detect uneven or
abnormal tire wear, there may be a need for
wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normal
highway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. Adjust
the pressure in all tires, including the spare, to
the pressure specified. Check carefully for dam-age, cuts or excessive wear.
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified re-
pair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism:On a fairly steep hill check that the
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any
brakes.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal does
not catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor
mat away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied.
Brake pedal and booster*:Check the pedal
for smooth operation and make sure it has the
proper distance under it when depressed fully.Check the brake booster function. Be sure to
keep floor mat away from the pedal.
Clutch pedal*:Make sure the pedal operates
smoothly and check that it has the proper free
play.
Parking brake*:Check that the lever has the
proper travel and make sure that the vehicle is
held securely on a fairly steep hill when only the
parking brake is applied.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


CAUTION

After wiper blade replacement, return
the wiper arm to its original position.
Otherwise it may be damaged when
the engine hood is opened.

Make sure the wiper blade contacts
the glass, otherwise the arm may be
damaged from wind pressure.

Worn windshield wiper blades can
damage the windshield and impair
driver vision.CLEANINGIf your windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer or if a wiper blade chatters
when running, wax or other material may be on
the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a
washer solution or a mild detergent. Your wind-
shield is clean if beads do not form when rinsing
with clear water.
Clean the blade by wiping it with a cloth soaked
in a washer solution or a mild detergent. Thenrinse the blade with clear water. If your wind-
shield is still not clear after cleaning the blades
and using the wiper, replace the blades.WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


REPLACINGReplace the wiper blades if they are worn.
1. Pull the wiper arm.
2. Push the lock pin, then remove the wiper
blade.
3. Insert the new wiper blade to the wiper arm
until a click sounds.
If necessary, clean the windshield washer
nozzle with a needle or small pin.
DI1018M
SDI1589
8-20
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-21
Tires
Spare tire .............................................................. 8-36
Tire chains ............................................................ 8-34
Tire pressure ........................................................ 8-30
Tire rotation .......................................................... 8-34
Types of tires ....................................................... 8-33
Wheel/tire size ....................................................... 9-9
Wheels and tires ................................................ 8-30
Top
If the top does not open or close
electrically ............................................................. 3-24
Soft top operation .............................................. 3-18
Top latch lever ..................................................... 3-21
Top tether strap child restraint........................ 1-36
Towing
Tow truck towing ................................................ 6-10
Towing a trailer.................................................... 9-16
Towing load/specification chart ...................... 9-16
Towing safety....................................................... 9-17
Traction control system (TCS)............................... 5-22
Traction control system (TCS) off switch ........... 2-27
Trailer towing .............................................................. 9-16
Transceiver, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-39
Transmission
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-6, 5-9
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 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 ............................................................... 2-8Trip odometer ............................................................... 2-9
Trunk
Interior trunk lid release .................................... 3-12
Secondary trunk lid release ............................. 3-13
Turn signal switch ..................................................... 2-24
U
Underbody cleaning .................................................... 7-3
Uniform tire quality grading .................................... 9-21
Up-shift indicator (M/T models) ............................ 5-13
Up-shift indicator setting (rpm) (M/T models) ... 2-10
V
Vanity mirror light ...................................................... 2-38
Vehicle
Dimensions and weights ..................................... 9-9
Identification number (VIN)............................... 9-10
Loading information............................................ 9-14
Recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ................. 6-12
Security system ................................................... 2-17
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ... 2-27
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system ........ 5-22
Ventilated net seats..................................................... 1-6
Ventilators ...................................................................... 4-2
Volt meter ...................................................................... 2-7
W
Warning labels, Air bag warning labels .............. 1-20
Warning light
Air bag warning light .............................. 1-21, 2-14Anti-lock brake warning light ........................... 2-11
Brake warning light ............................................ 2-12
Door open warning light ................................... 2-12
Low tire pressure warning light ...................... 2-13
Warning lights ............................................................ 2-11
Warning, Hazard warning flasher switch ............ 2-25
Warning, Low tire pressure warning
system.................................................................... 5-3, 6-2
Warning, Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ..................................................................... 2-11
Warranty, Emission control system warranty ..... 9-22
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer switch........ 2-21
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........... 2-20
Washing ......................................................................... 7-2
Waxing............................................................................ 7-3
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ............... 9-9
Wheel/tire size.............................................................. 9-9
Wheels and tires ....................................................... 8-30
Cleaning aluminum alloy wheels ....................... 7-4
Window washer fluid ............................................... 8-14
Window(s)
Automatic adjusting function ........................... 2-37
Cleaning................................................................... 7-3
Power windows................................................... 2-35
Windshield wiper and washer switch .................. 2-20
Wiper
Rear window wiper and washer switch........ 2-21
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........... 2-20
Wiper blades ....................................................... 8-19
X
Xenon headlights....................................................... 2-22


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0

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