2005 NISSAN 350Z Owner´s Manual

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
9-14
Technical and consumer information


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


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
9-15


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


WARNING

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.

Do not load your vehicle any heavier
than the GVWR or the maximum front
and rear GAWRs. If you do, parts of
your vehicle can break, tire damage
could occur, or it can change the way
your vehicle handles. This could re-
sult in loss of control and cause per-
sonal injury.

Overloading not only could shorten
the life of your vehicle and the tires,
but also could lead to unsafe vehicle
handling and long braking distance.
This could cause a premature tire
malfunction, which could result in a
serious accident and personal injury.
Failures caused by overloading are
not covered by the vehicle’s warranty.Roadster model:
Do not tow a trailer with your vehicle.
Coupe model:
Your new vehicle was designed to be used
primarily to carry passengers and cargo. Re-
member that towing a trailer places additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drive train, steer-
ing, braking and other systems.
ANISSAN Trailer Towing Guide(US only) is
available from a NISSAN dealer. This guide
includes information on trailer towing ability and
the special equipment required for proper tow-
ing.
WARNING
Overloading or improper loading of a
trailer and its cargo can adversely affect
vehicle handling, braking and perfor-
mance and may lead to accidents.
CAUTION

Do not tow a trailer or haul a heavy
load for the first 500 miles (800 km).
Your engine, axle or other parts
could be damaged.

For the first 500 miles (800 km) that
you tow a trailer, do not drive over 50
mph (80 km/h) and do not make
starts at full throttle. This helps the
engine and other parts of your ve-
hicle wear in at the heavier loads.MAXIMUM LOAD LIMITS
Maximum trailer loadsNever allow the total trailer load to exceed 1,000
lb(454 kg). The total trailer load equals trailer
TI1011M
TOWING A TRAILER
9-16
Technical and consumer information


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


weight plus its cargo weight. Towing loads
greater than 1,000 lb(454 kg) or using improper
towing equipment could adversely affect vehicle
handling, braking and performance.
The ability of a vehicle to tow a trailer is not only
related to the maximum trailer loads, but also the
places you plan to tow. Tow weights appropriate
for level highway driving may have to be reduced
on very steep grades or in low traction situations
(for example, on slippery boat ramps).
CAUTION
Vehicle damage resulting from im-
proper towing procedures are not cov-
ered by NISSAN warranties. A NISSAN
Trailer Towing Guide (U.S. only) contain-
ing information on trailer towing ability
and the special equipment required may
be obtained from a NISSAN dealer.Tongue loadKeep the tongue load between 9 and 11% of the
total trailer load within the maximum tongue load
limits shown in the following Towing
Load/Specification chart. If the tongue load be-
comes excessive, rearrange cargo to allow for
proper tongue load.
Maximum gross vehicle weight/
maximum gross axle weightThe gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle
must not exceed. GVWR shown on the
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label. The
gross vehicle weight equals the combined
weight of the unloaded vehicle, passengers,
luggage, hitch, trailer tongue load and any other
optional equipment. In addition, front or rear
gross axle weight must not exceed GAWR
shown on the F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certifica-
tion label.
TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb(kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD100 (45.4)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchChoose a proper hitch for a vehicle and trailer.
Make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached to
the vehicle, to help avoid personal injury or
property damage due to sway caused by cross-
winds, rough road surfaces or passing trucks.Hitch ballChoose a hitch ball of the proper size and weight
rating for your trailer:

The required hitch ball size is stamped on
most trailer couplers. Most hitch balls also
have the size printed on top of the ball.

Choose the proper class hitch ball based on
the trailer weight.

The diameter of the threaded shank of the
hitch ball must be matched to the ball mount
hole diameter. The hitch ball shank should be
TI1012M
Technical and consumer information
9-17


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


no more than 1/16″smaller than the hole in
the ball mount.

The threaded shank of the hitch ball must be
long enough to be properly secured to the
ball mount. There should be at least 2 threads
showing beyond the lock washer and nut.
Class I hitchClass I trailer hitch equipment (receiver, ball
mount and hitch ball) can be used to tow trailers
of a maximum weight of 2,000 lb(909 kg).
You may add Class I trailer hitch equipment to
the vehicle that has a 2,000 lb(909 kg) maxi-
mum weight rating, but your vehicle is only
capable of towing the maximum trailer weights
shown in the Towing Load/Specification Chart
earlier in this section.
CAUTION

Do not use axle-mounted hitches.

The hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.

Do not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install atrailer hitch.

To reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if a vehicle is struck
from the rear, where practical, re-
move the hitch and/or receiver when
not in use.

After the hitch is removed, seal the
bolt holes to prevent exhaust fumes,
water or dust from entering the pas-
senger compartment.

Regularly check that all trailer hitch
mounting bolts are securely mounted.Tire pressures
When towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the Tire and Loading Information
label.

Trailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturers’
specifications.
Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between a vehicle
and the trailer. The safety chain should be
crossed and should be attached to the hitch, not
to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners.Trailer lights
CAUTION
When splicing into the vehicle electrical
system, a commercially available
power-type module/converter must be
used to provide power for all trailer
lighting. This unit uses the vehicle bat-
tery as a direct power source for all
trailer lights while using the vehicle tail
light, stoplight and turn signal circuits
as a signal source. The module/
converter must draw no more than 15
milliamps from the stop and tail lamp
circuits. Using a module/converter that
exceeds these power requirements may
damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
See a reputable trailer dealer to obtain
9-18
Technical and consumer information


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


AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONTo tow a vehicle equipped with an automatic
transmission, an appropriate vehicle dollyMUST
be placed under the towed vehicle’s drive
wheels.Alwaysfollow the dolly manufacturer’s
recommendations when using their product.MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Always tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.

After towing 500 miles, start and idle the
engine with the transmission in Neutral for
two minutes. Failure to idle the engine after
every 500 miles of towing may cause damage
to internal transmission parts.DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TreadwearTreadwear grade is a comparative rating based
on tire wear rate when tested under controlled
conditions on specified government test
courses. For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. How-
ever, relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.Traction AA, A, B and CThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing or peak traction characteristics.Temperature A, B and CTemperature grades are A (the highest), B, and
C. They represent a tire’s resistance to heat
build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a speci-
fied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause tire material to degener-
ate, reducing tire life. Excessive temperatures
can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corre-
sponds to a performance level which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and
B represent higher levels of performance on
laboratory test wheels than the minimum re-
quired by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
Technical and consumer information
9-21


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0