2005 NISSAN 350Z engine oil

A suitable adapter should be attached to the
jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the plastic engine undercover.
a. Remove the small plastic clip at the center
point of the undercover.
b. Then remove the other bolts that hold the
undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and sup-
port points are used to avoid vehicle
damage.
Engine oil and filter1. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
1.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.

Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench
2. Remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gas-
ket remaining on the mounting surface
of the engine.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight
resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:
11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N⋅m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug and a new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with a
wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N⋅m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and in-
stall the cap securely.
SDI1520A
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-11


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


CAUTION
The dipstick must be inserted in place to
prevent oil spillage from the dipstick
hole while filling the engine with oil.
See “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” 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.
Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes. Check the oil level with the dip-
stick. Add engine oil if necessary.After the operation1. Install the engine undercover into position as
outlined in 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

Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin can-
cer.

Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.

Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children.When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend a NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CAUTION

Use only Genuine Nissan Matic J ATF.
Do not mix with other fluids.

Using automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine Nissan Matic J
ATF will cause deterioration in drive-
ability and automatic transmission
durability, and may damage the auto-
matic transmission, which is not cov-
ered by the NISSAN new vehicle lim-
ited warranty.
The specified automatic transmission fluid is
also described on caution labels located in the
engine compartment.AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID
8-12
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1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Alternator
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor
: Tension checking points
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual
wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhesion or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose, have
it replaced or adjusted by a NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGSIf replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer
for servicing.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
SDI1389A
DRIVE BELTS SPARK PLUGS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


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


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)
Recommended
specifications US
measureImp
measureLiter
Fuel 20 gal 16-5/8 gal 76 Unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (RON 96)*1
Engine oil (Drain and refill)*2
With oil filter change 5 qt 4-1/8 qt 4.7
API Certification Mark*3, *4

API grade SG/SH, Energy ConservingI&IIorAPIgradeSJorSL,Energy Conserving*3, *4

ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II & GF-III*2, *3 Without oil filter change 4-5/8 qt 3-7/8 qt 4.4
Cooling system
With reservoir 9-1/4 qt 7-5/8 qt 8.7
Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent
Reservoir 7/8 qt 3/5 qt 0.8
Automatic transmission fluid — — — Genuine Nissan Matic J ATF*5
Manual transmission gear oil — — —Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity
SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90
Differential gear oil — — — API GL-5, Viscosity SAE 80W-90*6
Power steering fluid (PSF)
Refill to the proper fluid level according to the instructions in
the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*7
Brake and clutch fluidGenuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*8 or equivalent DOT 3 (U.S. FMVSS No. 116)
Multi-purpose grease — — — NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant — — — HFC-134a (R-134a)*9
Air conditioning system lubricants — — — NISSAN A/C System Oil Type S or exact equivalent
Windshield washer fluid — — — Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Anti-freeze or equivalent
*1: For additional information, see “Fuel recommendation” later in this chapter.
*2: For additional information, see “Engine oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section for changing engine oil.
*3: For additional information, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” later in this chapter.
*4: For additional information, see “Recommended SAE viscosity number” later in this chapter.
*5:Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine Nissan Matic J ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability,
and may damage the automatic transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*6: For hot areas, viscosity SAE 90 is suitable for ambient temperatures above 32°F (0°C).
*7: For Canada, Nissan Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), DEXRON
TMIII/MERCON
TMor equivalent ATF may also be used.
*8: Available in mainland US through a NISSAN dealer.
*9: For additional information, see “Vehicle identification” in this section for air conditioner specification label.
CAPACITIES AND
RECOMMENDED FUEL/
LUBRICANTS9-2
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04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


1
API certification mark
2
API service symbol
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 front
of 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 SAE
viscosity 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 “Rec-
ommended SAE viscosity number” 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 “Change
intervals”.
STI0367A
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9-5


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


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
9-6
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04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


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

When making a turn, your trailer wheels will
be 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.

Increase your following distance to allow for
greater stopping distances while towing a
trailer. Anticipate stops and brake gradually.

Do not use cruise control while towing a
trailer.

Check your hitch, trailer wiring harness con-
nections, and trailer wheel lug nuts after 50
miles (80 km) of travel and at every break.

When stopped in traffic for long periods of
time in hot weather, put the vehicle in the P
(Park) position.
When towing a trailer, change transmis-
sion oil more frequently. For additional
information, see the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.Towing your vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground is sometimes called flat towing. This
method is sometimes used when towing a ve-
hicle behind a recreational vehicle, such as a
motor home.
CAUTION

Failure to follow these guidelines
can result in severe transmission
damage.

Whenever flat towing your vehicle,
always tow forward, never backward.

DO NOT tow any automatic transmis-
sion vehicle with all four wheels on
the ground (flat towing). Doing so
WILL DAMAGE internal transmission
parts due to lack of transmission lu-
brication.

For emergency towing procedures,
refer to “Towing recommended by
NISSAN” in the “6. In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.FLAT TOWING
9-20
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