2005 NISSAN 350Z transmission

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


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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


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When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING

Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For manual trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to N(Neutral) position. For automatic
transmission models, move the se-
lector lever to P (Park).

Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.

Never connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized component
while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.

Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the igni-tion switch is in the ONposition.

If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.

It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove any
jewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.

Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.

If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.

Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.

Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.
On gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION

Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.

Avoid contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed en-
gine oil, engine coolant and/or other
vehicle fluids can damage the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also avail-
able. See “Owner’s Manual/Service Manual or-
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-5


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
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


CHECKING PARKING BRAKEFrom the released position, pull the parking
brake lever up slowly and firmly. If the number of
clicks is out of the range listed below, see a
NISSAN dealer.

6 - 7 clicks under pulling force of 45 lb(200
N)
CHECKING BRAKE PEDALWith the engine running, check the distance
A
between the upper surface of the pedal and the
metal floor. If it is out of the range shown below,
see a NISSAN dealer.
Distance
A: Under depressing force of 110 lb
(490 N)
Automatic
Transmission modelManual
Transmission model
3.74 in (95 mm) or more 3.54 in (90 mm) or more
Self-adjusting brakesYour vehicle is equipped with self-adjusting
brakes.
The disc-type brakes self-adjust every time the
brake pedal is applied.
WARNING
See a NISSAN dealer for a brake system
check if the brake pedal height does not
return to normal.Brake pad wear indicatorsThe disc brake pads on your vehicle have au-
dible wear indicators. When a brake pad re-
quires replacement, it will make a high pitched
scraping or screeching sound when the vehicle
is in motion whether or not the brake pedal is
depressed. Have the brakes checked as soon as
possible if the wear indicator sound is heard.
Under some driving or climate conditions, occa-
sional brake squeak, squeal or other noise may
be heard. Occasional brake noise during light to
moderate stops is normal and does not affect
the function or performance of the brake system.
Proper brake inspection intervals should
SDI1447A
DI1020MO
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
PEDAL
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-21


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.
8-38
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


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
Technical and consumer information


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0