2005 NISSAN 350Z trailer

FUEL FILLER CAP
1To remove the fuel filler cap, turn it counter-
clockwise.
2Hang the string of the cap on the hook
Aas
shown while refueling.
The fuel filler cap is a ratcheting type. Tighten the
cap clockwise until ratcheting clicks are heard.
WARNING

Gasoline is extremely flammable andhighly explosive under certain condi-
tions. You could be burned or seri-
ously injured if it is misused or mis-
handled. Always stop the engine and
do not smoke or allow open flames
or sparks near the vehicle when refu-
eling.

Fuel may be under pressure. Turn the
cap a third of a turn, and wait for any
“hissing” sound to stop to prevent
fuel from spraying out and possibly
causing personal injury. Then removethe cap.

Do not attempt to top off the fuel
tank after the fuel pump nozzle shuts
off automatically. Continued refuel-
ing may cause fuel overflow, result-
ing in fuel spray and possibly a fire.

Use only an original equipment type
fuel filler cap as a replacement. It has
a built-in safety valve needed for
proper operation of the fuel system
and emission control system. An in-
correct cap can result in a serious
malfunction and possible injury. It
could also cause the malfunction in-
dicator lamp to come on.

Do not fill a portable fuel container in
the vehicle or trailer. Static electricity
can cause an explosion of flammable
liquid, vapor or gas in any vehicle or
trailer. To reduce the risk of serious
injury or death when filling portable
fuel containers:
— Always place the container on the
ground when filling.
— Do not use electronic devices
SPA1509A
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Pre-driving checks and adjustments


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


WARNING

Do not leave children or adults who
would normally require the support
of others alone in your vehicle. Pets
should not be left alone either. They
could accidentally injure themselves
or others through inadvertent opera-
tion of the vehicle. Also, on hot,
sunny days, temperatures in a closed
vehicle could quickly become high
enough to cause severe or possibly
fatal injuries to people or animals.

Properly secure all cargo to help pre-
vent it from sliding or shifting. Do not
place cargo higher than the seat-
backs. In a sudden stop or collision,
unsecured cargo could cause per-
sonal injury. (Coupe models)

Closely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously
injured. Keep the car locked with the
trunk closed when not in use, andprevent children’s access to car keys.
(Roadster models)
EXHAUST GAS (Carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Do not breathe exhaust gases; they con-
tain colorless and odorless carbon mon-
oxide. Carbon monoxide is dangerous.
It can cause unconsciousness or death.

If you suspect that exhaust fumes are
entering the vehicle, drive with all
windows fully open, and have the
vehicle inspected immediately.

Do not run the engine in closed
spaces such as a garage.

Do not park the vehicle with the en-
gine running for any extended length
of time.

Keep the rear hatch/trunk lid closed
while driving, otherwise exhaust
gases could be drawn into the pas-senger compartment. If you must
drive with the rear hatch/trunk lid
open, follow these precautions:
1. Open all the windows.
2. Set the air recirculation mode OFF
and the fan control at the maxi-
mum position to circulate the air.

If electrical wiring or other cable con-
nections must pass to a trailer
through the seal on the rear
hatch/trunk lid or the body, follow
the manufacturer’s recommendation
to prevent carbon monoxide entry
into the vehicle.

If a special body, camper, or other
equipment is added for recreational
or other usage, follow the manufac-
turer’s recommendation to prevent
carbon monoxide entry into the ve-
hicle. Some recreational vehicle ap-
pliances such as stoves, refrigera-
tors, heaters, etc. may also generate
carbon monoxide.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING
AND DRIVING5-2
Starting and driving


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c) Push, then quickly release the COAST/
SET switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed will decrease by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the ACCEL/RES set switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).
CAUTION
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to ob-
tain maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and
economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may re-
sult in shortened engine life and re-
duced engine performance.

Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.

Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.

Avoid quick starts.

Avoid hard braking as much as possible.

Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.

Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower fuel economy.

Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.

Use a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high gear
as soon as possible.

Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

Keep your engine tuned up.

Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.

Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure will increase tire wear
and lower fuel economy.

Keep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will increase tire wear
and lower fuel economy.

Air conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.

When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner andBREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
Starting and driving
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04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


the front wheels on the vehicle could lead to
transmission damage.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information booklet.Care of wheels
Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle
to maintain their appearance.

Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.

Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.

Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.

NISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in areas
where it is used during winter.Spare tire (T-type spare tire)Observe the following precautions if the T-type
spare tire must be used, otherwise your vehicle
could be damaged or involved in an accident.
CAUTION

The T-type spare tire should be used
for emergency use only. It should be
replaced by the standard tire at the
first opportunity.

Drive carefully while the T-type spare
tire is installed.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt braking
while driving.

Periodically check the T-type spare
tire inflation pressure, and always
keep it at 60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 bar).

Do not drive your vehicle at speeds
faster than 50 MPH (80 km/h).

Do not use tire chains on a T-type
spare tire. Tire chains will not fit
properly on the T-type spare tire and
may cause damage to the vehicle.

Tire tread of the T-type spare tire will
wear at a faster rate than the stan-
dard tire. Replace the T-type spare
tire as soon as the tread wearindicators appear.

Because the T-type spare tire is
smaller than the original tire, ground
clearance is reduced. To avoid dam-
age to the vehicle, do not drive over
obstacles. Also, do not drive the ve-
hicle through an automatic car wash
since it may get caught.

Do not use the T-type spare tire on
other vehicles.

Do not use more than one T-type
spare tire at the same time.

Do not tow a trailer while the T-type
spare tire is installed.
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Maintenance and do-it-yourself


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9 Technical and consumer informationCapacities and recommended fuel/lubricants .............. 9-2
Fuel recommendation .................................................... 9-3
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation .................. 9-5
Recommended SAE viscosity number ...................... 9-6
Air conditioner system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ........................................................... 9-6
Specifications ........................................................................ 9-8
Engine ................................................................................ 9-8
Wheels and tires .............................................................. 9-9
Dimensions and weights ............................................... 9-9
When traveling or registering your vehicle in another
country .................................................................................. 9-10
Vehicle identification ......................................................... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (VIN) plate ............... 9-10
Vehicle identification number (chassis number) .... 9-10
Engine serial number ................................................... 9-11
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ................ 9-11
Emission control information label ........................... 9-11
Tire and loading information label ............................ 9-12
Air conditioner specification label ............................ 9-12Installing front license plate ............................................. 9-13
Vehicle loading information ............................................. 9-14
Terms ............................................................................... 9-14
Vehicle load capacity.................................................... 9-15
Loading tips .................................................................... 9-15
Towing a trailer ................................................................... 9-16
Maximum load limits .................................................... 9-16
Towing safety ................................................................ 9-17
Flat towing............................................................................. 9-20
Automatic transmission ................................................ 9-21
Manual transmission ..................................................... 9-21
Uniform tire quality grading ............................................. 9-21
Emission control system warranty ................................. 9-22
Reporting safety defects (US only) ................................ 9-22
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M) test
(US only) .............................................................................. 9-23
Event data recorders ......................................................... 9-24
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information ............................................................................. 9-25
In the event of a collision ........................................... 9-25


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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.

repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,

driving in dusty conditions,

extensive idling,

towing a trailer,

stop and go “rush hour” traffic.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBERSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30 or
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (−18°C).
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONSThe air conditioner system in your 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 conditioner
system service. A NISSAN dealer has the trained
technicians and equipment needed to recover
and recycle your air conditioner system refriger-
ant.
TI1028-C
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Technical and consumer information


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8. Install the license plate with bolts that are no
longer than 0.55 in (14 mm).
WARNING

It is extremely dangerous to ride in a
cargo area inside the vehicle. In a
collision, people riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously in-
jured or killed.

Do not allow people to ride in any
area of your vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.

Be 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:

CurbWeight (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.

GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) - curbweight
plus the combined weight of passengers and
cargo.
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) -
maximum total combined weight of the un-
loaded vehicle, passengers, luggage, hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment. This information is located on the
F.M.V.S.S. label.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - maxi-
mum weight (load) limit specified for the front
or rear axle. This information is located on the
F.M.V.S.S. label.

GCWR (Gross Combined Weight rating) -
The maximum total weight rating of the ve-
hicle, passengers, cargo, and trailer.

Vehicle Capacity Weight, Load limit, Total
load capacity - maximum total weight limit
specified of the load (passengers and cargo)
for the vehicle. This is the maximum com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo that
can be loaded into the vehicle. If the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer, the trailer tongue weight
must be included as part of the cargo load.
This information is located on the Tire and
Loading Information label.

Cargo capacity - permissible weight of cargo,
the subtracted weight of occupants from the
load limit.VEHICLE LOADING
INFORMATION
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Technical and consumer information


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VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITYDo not exceed the load limit of your vehicle
shown as “The combined weight of occupants
and cargo” on the Tire and Loading Information
label. Do not exceed the number of occupants
shown as “Seating Capacity” on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
To get “the combined weight of occupants and
cargo”, add the weight of all occupants, then
add the total luggage weight. Examples are
shown in the illustration.
Steps for determining correct load
limit(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kilograms or XXX pounds” on your
vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX
pounds.(4) The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1,400 lbs. and there will be five - 150 lb.
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs. [1,400 − 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.]
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. For
safety, that weight must not exceed the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
LOADING TIPS
The GVW must not exceed GVWR or
GAWR as specified on the F.M.V.S.S. certi-
fication label.

Do not load the front and rear axle to the
GAWR. Doing so will exceed the GVWR.
STI0369
Technical and consumer information
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