2007 NISSAN 350Z check engine
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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.Check the fluid level in the reservoir tank.
The fluid level should be checked using the HOT
range at fluid temperatures of 122 - 176°F (50 -
80°C) or using the COLD range at fluid tem-
peratures of 32 - 86°F (0 - 30°C).
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF fluid. Remove the cap and fill
through the opening.
CAUTION
Do not overfill.
Recommended fluid is Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent.
For more information regarding suitable equiva-
lents, see “Capacities and recommended
fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Technical and con-
sumer information” section.
SDI1443
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUIDPOWER STEERING FLUID8-12
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Check the fluid level in each cell. It should be
between the UPPER LEVEL
1
and LOWER
LEVEL
2lines.
If it is necessary to add fluid, add only distilled
water to bring the level to the indicator in each
filler opening.Do not overfill.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
1. Remove the cell plugs
A.
2. Add distilled water up to the UPPER LEVEL
line
1.
3. Tighten cell plugs.
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
5. Drive belt auto-tensioner
WARNING
Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF or
LOCK position before servicing drive
belts. The engine could rotate
DI0137MA
SDI1480
SDI2061
DRIVE BELTS
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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.
REPLACING SPARK PLUGSIf replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer
for servicing.
WARNING
Be sure the engine and ignition switch
are off and that the parking brake is
engaged securely.
CAUTION
Be sure to use the correct socket to
remove the spark plugs. An incorrect
socket can damage the spark plugs.
Iridium-tipped spark plugsIt is not necessary to replace the iridium-tipped
spark plugs as frequently as the conventional
type spark plugs since they will last much longer.
Follow the maintenance log shown in the
“NISSAN Service and Maintenance Guide”, but
do not service iridium-tipped spark plugs by
cleaning or regapping.
Always replace spark plugs with recom-
mended or equivalent ones.
SDI2020
SPARK PLUGS
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Some vehicles are equipped with engine com-
partment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes that use only type
A
fuses. Other ve-
hicles are equipped with typeA
fuses in the
engine compartment fuse box and type
Bfuses
in the passenger compartment fuse box.
Type
Afuses are provided as spare fuses. They
are stored in the passenger compartment fuse
box.
Type
A
fuses can be installed in the engine
compartment and passenger compartment fuse
boxes.If a type
A
fuse is used to replace a type
B
fuse, the type
A
fuse will not be level with the
fuse pocket as shown in the illustration. This will
not affect the performance of the fuse. Make
sure the fuse is installed in the fuse box securely.
Type
B
fuses cannot be installed in the under-
hood fuse boxes. Only use type
A
fuses in the
underhood fuse boxes.
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.
SDI1751
SDI1752
SDI1479B
FUSES
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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. The
fuse puller is located in the passenger com-
partment fuse box.
5. If the fuse is open
A, replace it with a new
fuse
B. Spare fuses are stored in the pas-
senger compartment fuse box.
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.
SDI1753
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hibitors. If not properly formulated with
appropriate cosolvents and corrosion
inhibitors, such methanol blends may
cause fuel system damage and/or ve-
hicle performance problems. At this
time, sufficient data is not available to
ensure that all methanol blends are
suitable for use in NISSAN vehicles.
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.
E-85 fuelE-85 fuel is a mixture of approximately 85% fuel
ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E-85 can
only be used in a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV). Do
not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle. U.S. govern-
ment regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to be identified by a small, square, or-
ange and black label with the common abbre-
viation or the appropriate percentage for that
region.
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 the
condition. 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 aNISSAN 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.
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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 tipsBe 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
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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 TOWINGTechnical and consumer information
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