2006 NISSAN 350Z steering

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 section.
*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 section.
*4: For additional information, see “Recommended SAE viscosity number” later in this section.
*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


06.1.17/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
9-21


06.1.17/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
9-22
Technical and consumer information


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


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


Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-13
Coat hook.................................................................... 2-39
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-25
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-26
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-21
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-39
Console box................................................................ 2-36
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) .............................................................. 4-9
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-29
Coolant
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine coolant .................................... 8-9
Checking engine coolant level........................... 8-8
Corrosion protection ................................................... 7-6
Cruise control............................................................. 5-16
Cup holders ................................................................ 2-35
Curtain side-impact air bag system (See
supplemental side air bag and curtain air bag
system) ......................................................................... 1-37
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-26
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch ............................................. 2-24
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-9Display controls (See control panel buttons),
With navigation system .............................................. 4-2
Door open warning light .......................................... 2-13
Drive belts ................................................................... 8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-25
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-6, 5-9
Driving with manual transmission .......... 5-7, 5-13
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
E
Economy, Fuel............................................................ 5-18
Elapsed time ............................................................... 2-10
Emission control information label ........................ 9-11
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-24
Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-8
Break-in schedule............................................... 5-18
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 ........................................... 5-26
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 ........................................... 9-8If your vehicle overheats ...................................... 6-9
Oil pressure gauge ............................................... 2-7
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-9
Event data recorders ................................................ 9-26
Exhaust 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, Tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) .......................................................................... 5-3
Flat towing .................................................................. 9-22
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-5
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 ............................................................................ 4-19
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc (CD)
changer ........................................................................ 4-23
Front manual seat adjustment .................................. 1-3
Front power seat adjustment........................... 1-4, 1-5


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0

10-2

Trunk light ............................................................. 2-43
Vanity mirror light ................................................ 2-42
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .................................................. 2-12, 2-16
Xenon headlights ................................................ 2-24
Lights, Exterior and interior light replacement ... 8-28
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................................. 9-14
Lock
Door locks ............................................................... 3-3
Power door lock .................................................... 3-3
Rear floor box ...................................................... 2-36
Top latch lever ..................................................... 3-16
Trunk lid lock........................................................ 3-10
Low tire pressure warning light ............................. 2-14
Luggage compartment light.................................... 2-42
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 ...................................... 1-17
Under the hood and vehicle ............................... 8-4
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) ........................... 2-16
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control .......................................................................... 2-27Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .................. 3-26
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-26
Outside mirror control ....................................... 3-27
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-27
N
Net, Cargo net ........................................................... 2-34
Net, Ventilated net seats ........................................... 1-6
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-18
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ................... 2-19
Engine start............................................................. 5-8
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 soft top ................................................ 3-13
Outside mirror control .............................................. 3-27
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-27
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-26P
Parking
Brake check ......................................................... 8-21
Parking brake break-in ...................................... 5-21
Parking brake check .......................................... 5-15
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-15
Parking/parking on hills ........................................... 5-19
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-30
Power
Power door lock .................................................... 3-3
Power front seat adjustment ..................... 1-4, 1-5
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-32
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Power steering system ...................................... 5-20
Power windows................................................... 2-39
Pre-tensioner seat belt system .............................. 1-39
Precautions
Audio operation ................................................... 4-13
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-20
Child restraints .................................................... 1-17
Cruise control ...................................................... 5-16
Maintenance ........................................................... 8-5
Seat belt usage ................................................... 1-10
Supplemental restraint system ........................ 1-30
When starting and driving .................................. 5-2
Push starting ................................................................. 6-9


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0

10-4

R
Radio ............................................................................ 4-12
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-30
FM-AM-SAT radio with Compact Disc
(CD) changer ....................................................... 4-23
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD)
player ..................................................................... 4-19
Steering wheel audio controls ........................ 4-29
Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test (US only) ............................................................. 9-25
Rear floor box ............................................................. 2-36
Rear hatch ..................................................................... 3-9
Rear parcel box ......................................................... 2-37
Rear power point....................................................... 2-32
Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch ........................................................................... 2-24
Recorders, Event data ............................................. 9-26
Registering your vehicle in another country ....... 9-10
Remote keyless entry system ................................... 3-5
Reporting safety defects (US only) ...................... 9-24
Rollover........................................................................... 5-5
Roof, Soft top............................................................. 3-13
S
Safety
Child seat belts ................................................... 1-12
Reporting safety defects (US only)................ 9-24
Towing safety....................................................... 9-19
Satellite (SAT) radio ................................................. 4-13
Seat
Lever, Tilting passenger’s seat .......................... 1-7Seat adjustment
Front manual seat adjustment............................ 1-3
Front power seat adjustment .................... 1-4, 1-5
Seatback tilt cancel switch ....................................... 1-9
Seat belt(s)
Child safety .......................................................... 1-12
Infants .................................................................... 1-13
Injured persons.................................................... 1-14
Larger children .................................................... 1-13
Pre-tensioner seat belt system ....................... 1-39
Precautions on seat belt usage ...................... 1-10
Pregnant women ................................................. 1-14
Seat belt cleaning ................................................. 7-5
Seat belt extenders ............................................ 1-16
Seat belt maintenance ...................................... 1-17
Seat belts ............................................................. 1-10
Shoulder belt arm ............................................... 1-16
Small children ...................................................... 1-13
Seat belt warning light ...................................... 2-15
Three-point type with retractor ....................... 1-14
Seat(s)
Heated seats........................................................ 2-28
Seats ........................................................................ 1-2
Ventilated net seats .............................................. 1-6
Secondary rear hatch release ................................ 3-10
Secondary trunk lid release .................................... 3-12
Security system, Vehicle security system ........... 2-19
Security systems (NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer
System), Engine start ............................................... 2-20
Security systems (See vehicle security
system) ......................................................................... 2-19
Servicing air conditioner................................. 4-9, 4-12
Shift lock release ....................................................... 5-12Shifting
Automatic transmission .............................. 5-6, 5-9
Manual transmission ................................. 5-7, 5-13
Shoulder belt arm...................................................... 1-16
Side air bag system (See supplemental side
air bag and curtain air bag system) ..................... 1-37
Soft top
Care and cleaning ............................................... 7-2
If the top does not open or close ................. 3-19
Soft top care and cleaning ................................. 7-2
Soft top indicator light ........................... 2-17, 3-17
Soft top operation .............................................. 3-13
Spark plugs................................................................. 8-18
Speed, Average speed ............................................ 2-10
Speed, Speed indicator ............................................. 2-9
Speedometer ................................................................ 2-4
Starting
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-8
Jump starting .......................................................... 6-7
Precautions when starting and driving ............ 5-2
Push starting .......................................................... 6-9
Starting the engine ............................................... 5-9
Steering
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-13
Power steering system ...................................... 5-20
Steering wheel switch for audio controls..... 4-29
Tilting steering wheel......................................... 3-25
Stopwatch ................................................................... 2-10
Storage ........................................................................ 2-33
Stowing golf bags ..................................................... 2-37
Sun visors ................................................................... 3-25
Sunglasses holder .................................................... 2-33
Supplemental air bag warning labels................... 1-40
Supplemental air bag warning light .......... 1-41, 2-15


06.1.17/Z33-D/V5.0

10-5