2006 NISSAN 350Z Owner´s Manual

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
9-22
Technical and consumer information


06.1.17/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
TreadwearThe treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified gov-
ernment test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
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 this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking trac-
tion tests, and does not include accel-
eration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.Temperature A, B and CThe temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sus-
tained high temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
Technical and consumer information
9-23


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combi-
nation, can cause heat build-up and
possible tire failure.Your NISSAN vehicle is covered by the following
emission warranties.
For US:

Emission Defects Warranty

Emissions Performance Warranty
(See Warranty Information Booklet for de-
tails.)
For Canada:

Emission Control System Warranty
Details of these warranties may be found with
other vehicle warranties in your Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet that comes with your NISSAN
vehicle. If you did not receive a Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet, or it has become lost, you may
obtain a replacement by writing to:

Nissan North America, Inc.
Consumer Affairs Department
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248-0191

Nissan Canada Inc.
5290 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Z5
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National High-
way Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying
NISSAN.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However,
NHTSA cannot become involved in in-
dividual problems between you, your
dealer, or NISSAN.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the
Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-
9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov;
or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC
20590. You can also obtain other in-
formation about motor vehicle safety
from http://www.safercar.gov.
You may notify NISSAN by contacting
our Consumer Affairs Department, toll- EMISSIONCONTROL SYSTEM
WARRANTYREPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
(US only)
9-24
Technical and consumer information


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


free, at 1-800-NISSAN-1 (1-800-647-
7261).
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-
READINESS FOR INSPECTION/
MAINTENANCE (I/M) TEST (US
only)
Technical and consumer information
9-25


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


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.Your vehicle is equipped with a variety of com-
puters that monitor and control a number of
systems to optimize performance and help ser-
vice technicians with diagnosis and repair. Some
of the computers monitor emission control sys-
tems, braking systems, engine systems, trans-
mission systems, tire pressure systems and air
bag systems. Some data about vehicle operation
may be stored in the computers for use during
servicing. Other data may be stored if a crash
event occurs. For example, vehicle speed, brake
application, steering angle, air bag readiness, air
bag performance, and seat belt use by the driver
or passenger may be recorded. These types of
systems are sometimes called Event Data Re-
corders.
Special equipment can be used to access the
electronic data that may be stored in the vehi-
cle’s computers (sounds are not recorded).
NISSAN and NISSAN dealers have equipment
to access some of this data; others may also
have this equipment. The data may be retrieved
during routine vehicle servicing or for special
research. It might also be accessed with the
consent of the vehicle owner or lessee, in re-
sponse to a request by law enforcement, or as
otherwise required or permitted by law.A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is the best
source of service and repair information for your
vehicle. Filled with wiring diagrams, illustrations
and step-by-step diagnostic and adjustment
procedures, this manual is the same one used by
the factory trained technicians working at
NISSAN dealerships. Also available are genuine
NISSAN Owner’s Manuals, and genuine
NISSAN Service and Owner’s Manuals for older
NISSAN models.
For USA:
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manualsfor the 2000 model
year and later, contact:
Tweddle Litho Company
1-800-450-9491
www.nissan-techinfo.com
For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Service Manualsfor the 1999 model
year and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:
Resolve Corporation
20770 Westwood Road
Strongsville, OH 44136
1-800-247-5321
EVENT DATA RECORDERS
OWNER’S MANUAL/SERVICE
MANUAL ORDER INFORMATION
9-26
Technical and consumer information


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


For current pricing and availability of genuine
NISSAN Owner’s Manualsfor this model year
and prior, see a NISSAN dealer, or contact:
Resolve Corporation
20770 Westwood Road
Strongsville, OH 44136
1-800-247-5321
For Canada:
To purchase a copy of a genuine NISSAN
Service Manual or Owner’s Manual, please con-
tact a NISSAN dealer. For the phone number
and location of a NISSAN dealer in your area call
the NISSAN Information Center at 1-800-387-
0122 and a bilingual NISSAN representative will
assist you.
Also available are Genuine NISSAN Service and
Owner’s Manuals for older NISSAN models.IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISIONUnfortunately, accidents do occur. In this unlikely
event, there is some important information you
should know. Many insurance companies rou-
tinely authorize the use of non-genuine collision
parts in order to cut costs, among other reasons.
Insist on the use of Genuine NISSAN
Collision Parts!If you want your vehicle to be restored using
parts made to NISSAN’s original exacting speci-
fications — if you want to help it to last and hold
its resale value, the solution is simple.Tell your
insurance agent and your repair shop to
only use Genuine NISSAN Collision Parts.
NISSAN does not warrant non-NISSAN parts,
nor does NISSAN’s warranty apply to damage
caused by a non-genuine part.
Using Genuine NISSAN Parts can help protect
your personal safety, preserve your warranty
protection and maintain the resale value of your
vehicle. And if your vehicle was leased, using
Genuine NISSAN Parts may prevent or limit
unnecessary excess wear and tear expenses at
the end of your lease.
NISSAN designs its hoods with crumple zones
to minimize the risk that the hood will penetrate
the windshield of your vehicle in an accident.
Non-genuine (imitation) parts may not provide
such built-in safeguards. Also, non-genuine
parts often show premature wear, rust and cor-
rosion.Why should you take a chance?In over 40 states, the law says you must be
advised if non-genuine parts are used to repairyour vehicle. And some states have enacted
laws that restrict insurance companies from
authorizing the use of non-genuine collision
parts during the new vehicle warranty. These
laws help protect you, so you can take action to
protect yourself.
It’s your right!If you should need further information visit us at:
www.nissanusa.com(for U.S. customers) or
www.nissan.ca(for Canadian customers).Technical and consumer information
9-27


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


MEMO9-28
Technical and consumer information


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-21
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 .................................... 1-41, 2-15
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-9
Air conditioner service ............................. 4-9, 4-12
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 4-12, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-9
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-5
Anchor point location, Top tether strap .............. 1-26
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-30
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-21
Anti-lock brake warning light.................................. 2-12
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-4
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-18Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-13
Audio system .............................................................. 4-12
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-29
Autochanger
Compact Disc (CD) ........................................... 4-26
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror ...................................... 3-26
Automatic adjusting function (front
windows)............................................................... 2-41
Automatic passenger seatback tilt
function......................................................... 1-5, 3-17
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 ......................................... 2-26
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Booster seats ............................................................. 1-26
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-21
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............................... 5-15, 8-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Warning light ....................................................... 2-13
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-18
Brightness control, Instrument panel ................... 2-27
Bulbcheck/instrument panel.................................. 2-12
Bulbreplacement ...................................................... 8-26
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-30
Card holder ................................................................. 2-34
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-34
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-34
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-29
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-17
Booster seats ...................................................... 1-26
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-20
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-17
Top tether strap anchor point location ......... 1-26
Child safety ................................................................. 1-12
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-18
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................................ 2-31


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0