2006 NISSAN 350Z check engine

Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or air
conditioner.Under the hood and the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*:Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*:Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid levels are between the
MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*:Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.
Engine drive belts*:Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:Check the level on the
dipstick after parking the vehicle on a level spot,
turning off the engine and waiting 10 minutes.
Exhaust system:Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately locate the troubleand correct it. (See “Precautions when starting
and driving” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section for exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
Fluid leaks:Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:Check
the level in the reservoir tank with the engine off.
Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses:Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, deterioration
or loose connections.
Underbody:The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the end
of winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. For additional information, see “Cleaningexterior” in the “7. Appearance and care” sec-
tion.
Window washer fluid*:Check that there is
adequate fluid in the tank.8-4
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1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Engine oil filler cap
4. Brake fluid reservoir
5. Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T models)
6. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
7. Power steering fluid reservoir
8. Engine coolant reservoir
9. Radiator filler cap
10. Engine oil dipstick
11. Air cleaner
Do not tamper with the strut tower bar
adjustment
A. The strut tower bar has
been adjusted to the most suitable posi-
tion at the factory.CAUTION
Tampering with the strut tower bar ad-
justment may cause a noise while driv-
ing or damage to the hood or engine.
SDI1519
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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The engine cooling system is filled at the factory
with a high-quality, year-round, anti-freeze cool-
ant solution. The anti-freeze solution contains
rust and corrosion inhibitors, therefore additional
cooling system additives are not necessary.
WARNING

Never remove the radiator or coolant
reservoir cap when the engine is hot.
Wait until the engine and radiator
cool down. Serious burns could be
caused by high pressure fluid escap-
ing from the radiator. See precau-
tions in “If your vehicle overheats”
found in the “6. In case of emer-
gency” section of this manual.

The radiator is equipped with a pres-
sure type radiator cap. To prevent
engine damage, use only a genuine
NISSAN radiator cap.
Outside temperature
down to
Anti-
freezeDeminer-
alized
water/
distilled
water °C °F
−35 −30 50% 50%
CAUTION
When adding or replacing coolant, be
sure to use only a Genuine NISSAN
Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (green) or
equivalent with the proper mixture ratio
of 50% anti-freeze and 50% demineral-
ized water/distilled water. The use of
other types of coolant solutions may
damage your engine cooling system.
CHECKING ENGINE COOLANT
LEVELCheck the coolant level in the reservoir tank
when the engine is cold. If the coolant level is
below MIN, add coolant up to the MAX level. If
the reservoir tank is empty, check the coolant
level in the radiatorwhen the engine is cold.If
there is insufficient coolant in the radiator, fill the
radiator with coolant up to the filler opening and
also add it to the reservoir tank up to the MAX
level.
If the engine cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
SDI1445
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM8-8
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CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
Major cooling system repairs should be per-
formed by a NISSAN dealer. The service
procedures can be found in the appropriate
NISSAN Service Manual.
Improper servicing can result in reduced
heater performance and engine overheating.
WARNING

To avoid being scalded, never change
the coolant when the engine is hot.

Never remove the radiator cap when
the engine is hot. Serious burns
could be caused by high pressure
fluid escaping from the radiator.

Avoid direct skin contact with used
coolant. If skin contact is made, wash
thoroughly with soap or hand cleaner
as soon as possible.

Keep coolant out of reach of children
and pets.
1. Open radiator drain plug at the bottom of
radiator, and remove radiator filler cap.

Be careful not to allow coolant to con-
tact drive belts.

Waste coolant must be disposed of
properly. Check your local regulations.
2. Close the radiator drain plug securely after
the coolant is drained.3. Fill the radiator slowly with the proper mixture
of anti-freeze solution and demineralized
water/distilled water. Fill the reservoir tank up
to the MAX level. Then install the radiator filler
cap.
4. Start the engine and warm it up until it
reaches normal operating temperature. Then
race the engine 2 or 3 times under no load.
Watch the engine coolant temperature
gauge for signs of overheating.
5. Stop the engine. After it completely cools
down, refill the radiator up to the filler open-
ing. Fill the reservoir tank up to the MAX level.
Check the drain plug for any sign of leakage.
6. Recheck the coolant level after the vehicle
has been driven for a day.
SDI1442
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn off the engine.Wait more than 10
minutes for the oil to drain back into the
oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Rein-
sert it all the way.5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H and L marks
B. If the oil level is below the L mark
A,
remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening.Do not
overfill
C.
6. Recheck oil level with dipstick.
It is normal to add some oil between oil
maintenance intervals or during the
break-in period, depending on the severity
of operating conditions.
CAUTION
Oil level should be checked regularly.
Operating the engine with insufficient
amount of oil can damage the engine,
and such damage is not covered by
warranty.CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND
FILTERChange the engine oil and filter according to the
maintenance log shown in the Service and Main-
tenance Guide.Vehicle set-up1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating
temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 10
minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suit-
able floor jack and safety jack stands.

Place the safety jack stands under the vehicle
jack-up points.
SDI1386C
SDI1781
ENGINE OIL8-10
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06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0


A suitable adapter should be attached to the
jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the plastic engine undercover.
a. Remove the small plastic clip at the center
point of the undercover.
b. Then remove the other bolts that hold the
undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and sup-
port points are used to avoid vehicle
damage.
Engine oil and filter1. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug
1.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug with a wrench and
completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.

Waste oil must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
4. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench
2. Remove the oil filter by turning it by hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface
with a clean rag.
Be sure to remove any old rubber gas-
ket remaining on the mounting surface
of the engine.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean
engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight
resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:
11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N⋅m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug and a new
washer. Securely tighten the drain plug with a
wrench.
Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N⋅m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil and in-
stall the cap securely.
SDI1520A
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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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
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JUMP STARTINGIf jump starting is necessary, see “Jump starting”
in the “6. In case of emergency” section. If the
engine does not start by jump starting, the
battery may have to be replaced. Contact a
NISSAN dealer.1. Power steering fluid pump
2. Alternator
3. Crankshaft pulley
4. Air conditioner compressor
: Tension checking points
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position. The engine could rotate
unexpectedly.1. Visually inspect each belt for signs of unusual
wear, cuts, fraying, oil adhesion or looseness.
If the belt is in poor condition or loose, have
it replaced or adjusted by a NISSAN dealer.
2. Have the belts checked regularly for condi-
tion and tension.
SDI1480
SDI1389A
DRIVE BELTS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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