2005 NISSAN 350Z steering wheel

pull on the vehicle at an angle.

Pulling devices should be routed so
they do not touch any part of the
suspension, steering, brake or cool-
ing systems.

Pull devices such as ropes or canvas
straps are not recommended for use
in vehicle towing or recovery.
If your vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud, etc.,
use the following procedure:
1. Turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control System
(if so equipped).
2. Make sure the area in front and behind the
vehicle is clear of obstructions.
3. Turn the steering wheel right and left to clear
an area around the front tires.
4. Slowly rock the vehicle forward and back-
ward.

Shift back and forth between R (reverse) and
D (drive) (automatic transmission models) or
1st (low) and R (reverse) (manual transmis-
sion models).

Apply the accelerator as little as possible tomaintain the rocking motion.

Release the accelerator pedal before shifting
between R and D (automatic transmission
models) or 1st and R (manual transmission
models).

Do not spin the tires above 35 MPH (55
km/h).
5. If the vehicle cannot be freed after a few tries,
contact a professional towing service to re-
move the vehicle.
In case of emergency
6-13


04.8.23/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 ....................................................................... 8-14
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 ................................................... 8-23
Passenger compartment ............................................ 8-24
Keyfobbattery replacement ............................................ 8-24
Lights ..................................................................................... 8-26
Headlights ...................................................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .......................................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................................................ 8-31
Tire pressure ................................................................. 8-31
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-33
Types of tires ................................................................. 8-35
Tire chains ...................................................................... 8-35
Changing wheels and tires ........................................ 8-36


04.8.23/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


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point be-
tween the sensor and stop light or light switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tips
Be certain a vehicle maintains a level position
when a loaded and/or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an
unusual nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes of
these conditions.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.

Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.

Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, vehicle
tire pressure, trailer light operation, and trailer
wheel lug nuts every time you attach a trailer
to the vehicle.

Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state and/or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking per-
formance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.

Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.

Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.

Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.

Always drive a vehicle at a moderate speed.
Some states or provinces have specificspeed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.

When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and back
up slowly. If possible, have someone guide
you when you are backing up.

Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if a vehicle is equipped with automatic
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 going up 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
Technical and consumer information
9-19


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
Technical and consumer information


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


Rear parcel box ......................................................... 2-36
Rear power point....................................................... 2-31
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ........................................................................... 2-23
Registering your vehicle in another country ....... 9-10
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-4
Reporting safety defects (US only) ...................... 9-22
Rollover........................................................................... 5-5
S
Safety
Child seat belts ................................................... 1-12
Reporting safety defects (US only)................ 9-22
Towing safety....................................................... 9-17
Satellite (SAT) radio ................................................. 4-12
Seat
Belt warning light .................................... 1-10, 2-15
Lever, Tilting passenger’s seat .......................... 1-7
Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment............................ 1-3
Front power seat adjustment .................... 1-4, 1-5
Seatback tilt cancel switch ....................................... 1-9
Seat belt(s)
Child safety .......................................................... 1-12
Injured persons.................................................... 1-14
Larger children .................................................... 1-13
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-39
Precautions on seat belt usage ...................... 1-10
Pregnant women ................................................. 1-14
Seat belt cleaning ................................................. 7-5
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-16
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-16
Seat belts ............................................................. 1-10Three-point type with retractor ....................... 1-14
Seat(s)
Heated seats........................................................ 2-28
Seats ........................................................................ 1-2
Ventilated net seats .............................................. 1-6
Secondary rear hatch release ................................ 3-10
Secondary trunk lid release .................................... 3-13
Security system, Vehicle security system ........... 2-19
Security systems (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ............................................... 2-20
Servicing air conditioner................................. 4-8, 4-11
Shift lock release ....................................................... 5-12
Shifting
Automatic transmission .............................. 5-6, 5-9
Manual transmission ................................. 5-7, 5-12
Side air bag system (See supplemental side air bag
and curtain air bag system) .................................... 1-37
Soft top
Soft top care and cleaning ................................. 7-2
Soft top indicator light ........................... 2-17, 3-23
Soft top operation .............................................. 3-19
Care of the soft top and the vehicle body... 3-28
If the top does not open or close
electrically ............................................................. 3-25
Spark plugs................................................................. 8-17
Speed, Average speed ............................................ 2-10
Speed, Speed indicator ............................................. 2-9
Speedometer ................................................................ 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-8
Jump starting .......................................................... 6-7
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting .......................................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-8Steering
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Power steering system ...................................... 5-19
Tilting steering wheel......................................... 3-15
Stopwatch ................................................................... 2-10
Storage ........................................................................ 2-32
Stowing golf bags ..................................................... 2-36
Sun visor, Extension ................................................. 3-16
Sunglasses holder .................................................... 2-32
Supplemental air bag warning labels................... 1-40
Supplemental air bag warning light .......... 1-40, 2-15
Supplemental restraint system............................... 1-29
Precautions on supplemental restraint
system.................................................................... 1-29
Supplemental side and curtain air bag
system .......................................................................... 1-37
Switch
Hazard warning flasher switch ........................ 2-27
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-24
Ignition switch ........................................................ 5-6
Ignition switch automatic transmission
models ............................................................ 5-6, 5-9
Ignition switch manual transmission
models .......................................................... 5-7, 5-12
Power door lock switch....................................... 3-4
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch..................................................................... 2-23
Traction control system (TCS) off switch .... 2-29
Turn signal switch .............................................. 2-26
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ... 2-29
T
Tachometer.................................................................... 2-5


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0

10-5

Temperature display .................................................... 2-9
Temperature gauge, Engine coolant
temperature gauge ...................................................... 2-6
Theft (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System),
Engine start................................................................. 2-20
Three way catalyst ....................................................... 5-3
Tilting passenger’s seat ............................................. 1-7
Tilting steering wheel ............................................... 3-15
Tire
Flat tire ..................................................................... 6-2
Low tire pressure warning system........... 5-3, 6-2
Pressure indicator............................................... 2-10
Pressure, Low tire pressure warning light ... 2-14
Uniform tire quality grading .............................. 9-21
Tires
Spare tire .............................................................. 8-38
Tire and loading information label ...... 8-32, 9-12
Tire chains ............................................................ 8-35
Tire pressure ........................................................ 8-31
Tire rotation .......................................................... 8-36
Types of tires ....................................................... 8-35
Wheel/tire size ....................................................... 9-9
Wheels and tires ................................................ 8-31
Top
If the top does not open or close
electrically ............................................................. 3-25
Soft top operation .............................................. 3-19
Top latch lever ..................................................... 3-22
Top tether strap child restraint........................ 1-24
Towing
Flat towing ............................................................ 9-20
Tow truck towing ................................................ 6-10
Towing a trailer.................................................... 9-16
Towing load/specification chart ...................... 9-16Towing safety....................................................... 9-17
Traction control system (TCS)............................... 5-22
Traction control system (TCS) off switch ........... 2-29
Trailer towing .............................................................. 9-16
Transceiver, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-42
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 ............................................................... 2-8
Trip odometer ............................................................. 2-10
Trunk
Light ....................................................................... 2-41
Interior trunk lid release .................................... 3-12
Secondary trunk lid release ............................. 3-13
Turn signal switch ..................................................... 2-26
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) ... 2-11
V
Vanity mirror light ...................................................... 2-41Vehicle
Dimensions and weights ..................................... 9-9
Identification number (VIN)............................... 9-10
Loading information............................................ 9-14
Recovery (freeing a stuck vehicle) ................. 6-12
Security system ................................................... 2-19
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch ... 2-29
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system ........ 5-22
Ventilated net seats..................................................... 1-6
Ventilators ...................................................................... 4-7
Volt meter ...................................................................... 2-8
W
Warning labels, Air bag warning labels .............. 1-40
Warning light
Air bag warning light .............................. 1-40, 2-15
Anti-lock brake warning light ........................... 2-12
Brake warning light ............................................ 2-13
Door open warning light ................................... 2-13
Low tire pressure warning light ...................... 2-14
Warning lights ............................................................ 2-12
Warning, Hazard warning flasher switch ............ 2-27
Warning, Low tire pressure warning system ........ 5-3
Warning, Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders ..................................................................... 2-12
Warranty, Emission control system warranty ..... 9-22
Washer switch
Rear window wiper and washer switch........ 2-22
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........... 2-22
Washing ......................................................................... 7-2
Waxing............................................................................ 7-3
Weights (See dimensions and weights) ............... 9-9
Wheel/tire size.............................................................. 9-9


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0

10-6