2005 NISSAN 350Z check engine

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
CAUTION
Never use a fuse of a higher or lower
amperage rating than that specified on
the fuse box cover. This could damage
the electrical system or cause a fire.
If any electrical equipment does not operate,
check for an open fuse.
1. Be sure the ignition switch and headlight
switch are OFF.2. Open the engine hood and remove the cover
on the battery and the fuse/fusible link holder.
3. Remove the fuse/fusible link holder cover by
pushing the tabs
1
and lifting the cover
2.
4. Remove the fuse with the fuse puller.
5. If the fuse is open
A, replace it with a new
fuse
B.
6. If a new fuse also opens, have the electrical
system checked and repaired by a NISSAN
dealer.
Fusible linksIf any electrical equipment does not operate and
fuses are in good condition, check the fusible
links. If any of these fusible links are melted,
replace only with genuine NISSAN parts.
SDI1479B
SDI1753
Type A
SDI1754
Type B
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


If any undesirable driveability problems such as
engine stalling and hard hot starting are experi-
enced after using oxygenate-blend fuels, imme-
diately change to a non-oxygenate fuel or a fuel
with a low blend of MTBE.
Take care not to spill gasoline during refu-
eling. Gasoline containing oxygenates can
cause paint damage.Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
aftermarket fuel additives (for example, fuel in-
jector cleaner, octane booster, intake valve de-
posit removers, etc.) which are sold commer-
cially. Many of these additives intended for gum,
varnish or deposit removal may contain active
solvents or similar ingredients that can be harm-
ful to the fuel system and engine.Octane rating tipsUsing unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than recommended can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the above stated
octane rating, or if you hear steady spark
knock while holding a steady speed on
level roads, have your dealer correct thecondition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer or other competent service fa-
cility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.9-4
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
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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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04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


Due to legal requirements in some states/
areas, your vehicle may be required to be in what
is called the “ready condition” for an Inspection/
Maintenance (I/M) test of the emission control
system.
The vehicle is set to the “ready condition” when
it is driven through certain driving patterns.
Usually, the “ready condition” can be obtained
by ordinary usage of the vehicle.
If a powertrain system component is repaired or
the battery is disconnected, the vehicle may be
reset to a not “ready condition”. Before taking
the I/M test, check the vehicle’s inspection/
maintenance test readiness condition. Turn the
ignition switch ON without starting the engine. If
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) comes on
steady for 20 seconds and then blinks for 10
seconds, the I/M test condition is “not ready”. If
the MIL does not blink after 20 seconds, the I/M
test condition is “ready”.
If the MIL indicates the vehicle is in a “not ready”
condition, drive the vehicle through the following
pattern to set the vehicle to the ready condition.
If you cannot or do not want to perform the
driving pattern, a NISSAN dealer can conduct it
for you.
WARNING
Always drive the vehicle in a safe and
prudent manner according to traffic
conditions and obey all traffic laws.
1. Start the engine. Allow the engine to idle until
the engine coolant temperature gauge needle
points between the C and H (normal operat-
ing temperature).
2. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h),
then quickly release the accelerator pedal
completely and keep it released for at least
10 seconds.
3. Quickly depress the accelerator pedal for a
moment, then drive the vehicle at a speed of
53 to 60 MPH (86 to 96 km/h) for at least 9
minutes.
4. Stop the vehicle. Leave the engine running.
5. Accelerate the vehicle to 35 MPH (55 km/h)
and maintain the speed for 20 seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 10 times.
7. Accelerate the vehicle to 55 MPH (88 km/h)
and maintain the speed for at least 3 minutes.
8. Stop the vehicle. Place the automatic trans-mission gear selector lever in the P (Park) or
N (Neutral) position or the manual transmis-
sion shift lever in the N position.
9. Turn the engine off.
10. Repeat steps 1 through 8 at least one more
time.
If step 1 through 7 is interrupted, repeat the
preceding step. Any safe driving mode is ac-
ceptable between steps. Do not stop the engine
until step 7 is completed.
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)
Technical and consumer information
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04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-20
Air bag ON/OFF switch .......................................... 1-13
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front air bag
system) .................................................................. 1-35
Side and curtain (See supplemental side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system) ...... 1-37
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-40
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-40, 2-15
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-8
Air conditioner service ............................. 4-8, 4-11
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-12
Air conditioner system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 4-11, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-8
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-5
Anchor point location, Top tether strap .............. 1-25
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-26
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-20
Anti-lock brake warning light.................................. 2-12
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-4
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-18
Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-12Audio system .............................................................. 4-11
Autochanger
Compact Disc (CD) ........................................... 4-24
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror ...................................... 3-17
Automatic adjusting function
(front windows) ................................................... 2-39
Automatic passenger seatback tilt
function......................................................... 1-5, 3-23
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-6, 5-9
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-5
B
Battery .......................................................................... 8-15
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-25
Battery replacement
Remote keyless entry system............................. 3-8
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Booster seats ............................................................. 1-25
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-20
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-22
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-14
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-21Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-21
Brake system ....................................................... 5-20
Parking brake check............................... 5-14, 8-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Warning light ....................................................... 2-13
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-17
Brightness control, Instrument panel ................... 2-26
Bulbcheck/instrument panel.................................. 2-12
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-26
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-26
Cassette player (See audio system) .................... 4-23
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-26
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-17
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-19
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-17
Top tether strap anchor point location ......... 1-25
Child safety ................................................................. 1-12
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-18
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................................ 2-30
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-13
Coat hook.................................................................... 2-37
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-24


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Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-24
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-17
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-38
Console box................................................................ 2-34
Control panel buttons (models with navigation
system) ........................................................................... 4-2
Controls
Control panel buttons (display with navigation
system)..................................................................... 4-2
Heater and air conditioner controls
(automatic) .............................................................. 4-8
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ................................................... 7-5
Cruise control............................................................. 5-15
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-33
Curtain side-impact air bag system (See
supplemental side air bag and curtain air bag
system) ......................................................................... 1-37
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-25
Defroster switch, Rear window and
outside mirror defroster switch.............................. 2-23
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-9
Display controls (See control panel buttons),
With navigation system .............................................. 4-2
Door open warning light .......................................... 2-13
Drive belts ................................................................... 8-17Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-24
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-6, 5-9
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 5-12
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-17
Elapsed time ............................................................... 2-10
Emission control information label ........................ 9-11
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-22
Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-8
Break-in schedule............................................... 5-17
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-6
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-25
Engine compartment check locations.............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation......... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-11
Engine specifications ........................................... 9-8
If your vehicle overheats ...................................... 6-9
Oil pressure gauge ............................................... 2-7
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-8
Event data recorders ................................................ 9-24Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
Filter
Air cleaner housing filter ................................... 8-18
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-27
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Flat tire, Low tire pressure warning system .......... 5-3
Flat towing .................................................................. 9-20
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-4
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-14
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Engine coolant ....................................................... 8-8
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Window washer fluid ......................................... 8-14
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ............................................................................ 4-15
FM-AM-SAT radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) changer ................................. 4-19
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-3
Front power seat adjustment........................... 1-4, 1-5
Fuel
Average fuel consumption ................................ 2-10
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Distance to empty ................................................. 2-9
Filler cap ............................................................... 3-13


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10-2

Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Rear floor box ...................................................... 2-35
Top latch lever ..................................................... 3-22
Trunk lid lock........................................................ 3-11
Low tire pressure warning light ............................. 2-14
Low tire pressure warning system .......................... 5-3
Luggage compartment light.................................... 2-41
M
Maintenance
Battery ................................................................... 8-15
General maintenance ........................................... 8-2
Inside the vehicle................................................... 8-3
Maintenance information (display) .................... 4-3
Maintenance precautions .................................... 8-5
Maintenance requirements.................................. 8-2
Outside the vehicle............................................... 8-2
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-16
Under the hood and vehicle ............................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ........................... 2-16
Manual front seat adjustment ................................... 1-3
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control .......................................................................... 2-26
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .................. 3-17
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-16
Outside mirror control ....................................... 3-18
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-18N
Net, Ventilated net seats ........................................... 1-6
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-17
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ................... 2-19
Engine start............................................................. 5-7
O
Obtaining an air bag ON/OFF switch ................. 1-13
Odometer ....................................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-10
Engine oil .............................................................. 8-10
Engine oil pressure gauge .................................. 2-7
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Opening the top ........................................................ 3-24
Outside air temperature display ............................... 2-9
Outside mirror control .............................................. 3-18
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-18
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-25
P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-21
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-14
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14Parking on hills .................................................... 5-14
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-18
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-26
Power
Power door lock .................................................... 3-2
Power front seat adjustment ..................... 1-4, 1-5
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-31
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Power steering system ...................................... 5-19
Power windows................................................... 2-38
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-39
Precautions
Audio operation ................................................... 4-12
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-20
Child restraints .................................................... 1-17
Cruise control ...................................................... 5-15
Maintenance ........................................................... 8-5
Seat belt usage ................................................... 1-10
Supplemental restraint system ........................ 1-29
When starting and driving .................................. 5-2
Push starting ................................................................. 6-9
R
Radio ............................................................................ 4-11
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-26
FM-AM radio with cassette player and
Compact Disc (CD) changer .......................... 4-19
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ..................................................................... 4-15
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test (US only) ............................................................. 9-23
Rear floor box ............................................................. 2-35
Rear hatch ..................................................................... 3-9


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10-4