2008 NISSAN 350Z light

system turned off, all VDC system functions will
be turned off. The ABLS system and ABS will
still operate with the VDC system off. When the
ABLS system is activated, the “SLIP” indicator
light will blink and you may hear a clunk noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
normal and is not an indication of a malfunction.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
feel a vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The VDC system computer has a built-in diag-
nostic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle at a
low speed forward or backward. When the
self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk noise
and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal. This is
normal and is not an indication of a malfunction.
WARNING

The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
due to careless or dangerous drivingtechniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.

Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars and bushings and wheels
are not NISSAN-approved or are ex-
tremely deteriorated the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the “VDC OFF” indica-
tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.

If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated, the “VDC OFF” indica-
tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.

If engine related parts such as a muf-
fler are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the “VDC
OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indicator orboth indicator lights may illuminate.

When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the “VDC OFF” indi-
cator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.

When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the “VDC OFF” indicator or
“SLIP” indicator or both indicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface.

If wheels or tires other than those
recommended are used, the VDC sys-
tem may not operate properly and the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indi-
cator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.

The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow-covered road.5-24
Starting and driving


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire pres-
sure of all tires except the spare. When the low
tire pressure warning light is lit, one or more of
your tires is significantly under-inflated. If the
vehicle is being driven with low tire pressure, the
TPMS will activate and warn you of it by the low
tire pressure warning light (in the meter panel).
This system will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). For
more details, refer to “Warning/indicator lights
and audible reminders” in the “2. Instruments
and controls” section and “Tire pressure moni-
toring system (TPMS)” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section.
WARNING

If the light illuminates while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location
and stop the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible. Driving with under-inflated
tires may permanently damage thetires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an acci-
dent and could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Check the tire pressure
for all four tires. Adjust the tire pres-
sure to the recommended COLD tire
pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label to turn the
low tire pressure warning light OFF.
If you have a flat tire, replace it with a
spare tire as soon as possible.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure
warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will remain
on after 1 minute. Contact your
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible
for tire replacement and/or system
resetting.

Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could af-
fect the proper operation of the
TPMS.
Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIREIf you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.Stopping the vehicle1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking
brake. Shift the manual transmission into R
(Reverse) position (automatic transmission in
P (Park) position).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
FLAT TIRE6-2
In case of emergency


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause per-
sonal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle,
position the two vehicles to bring their bat-
teries into close proximity to each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply parking brake. Move the selector leverto the P (Park) position (automatic transmis-
sion models) or move the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position (manual transmission mod-
els). Switch off all unnecessary electrical
systems (light, heater, air conditioner, etc.).
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so
equipped). Cover the battery with an old
cloth to reduce explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as
illustrated. (
1
-4)
CAUTION

Always connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative (−) to body
ground (for example, strut mounting
bolt, etc. — not to the battery).

Make sure that the jumper cables do
not touch moving parts in the engine
compartment and that the cable
clamps do not contact any other
metal.
5. Start the engine of the other vehicle and let it
run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the other vehicle at
about 2,000 rpm, and start your engine in the
normal manner.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged
for more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, turn the key
off and wait 3 to 4 seconds before trying
again.
SCE0664
6-8
In case of emergency


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


In order to maintain the appearance of your
vehicle, it is important to take proper care of it.
In the following cases, please wash your vehicle
as soon as possible to protect the paint surface.

After a rainfall to prevent possible damage
from acid rain

After driving on coastal roads

When contaminants such as soot, bird drop-
pings, tree sap, metal particles or bugs get on
the paint surface

When dust or mud builds up on the surface
Whenever possible, store or park your vehicle
inside a garage or in a covered area.
When it is necessary to park outside, park in a
shady area or protect the vehicle with a body
cover.
Be careful not to scratch the paint surface
when putting on or removing the body
cover.WASHINGWash dirt off the vehicle with a wet sponge and
plenty of water. Clean the vehicle thoroughly
using a mild soap, a special vehicle soap or a
general purpose dish-washing liquid mixed with
clean, lukewarm (never hot) water.
CAUTION

Do not use car washes that use acid
in the detergent. Some car washes,
especially brushless ones, use some
acid for cleaning. The acid may react
with some plastic vehicle compo-
nents, causing them to crack. This
could affect their appearance, and
also could cause them not to function
properly. Always check with your car
wash to confirm that acid is not used.

Do not use strong household soap,
strong chemical detergents, gasoline
or solvents.

Do not wash the vehicle in direct
sunlight or while the vehicle body is
hot, as the surface may become
water-spotted.

Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. Care
must be taken when removing
caked-on dirt or other foreign sub-
stances so the paint surface is not
scratched or damaged.
For Roadster models, observe the
following:
•Do not use an automatic car wash
or a high pressure car wash. The
soft top may be damaged.
•Avoid applying direct water pres-
sure, such as high pressured water
from household hoses, on the lin-
ing of the soft top and vehicle
body. Avoid applying continuous
water on the parts around the soft
top and the windows. These may
cause water to leak into the inside
of your vehicle.
Rinse the vehicle again with plenty of clean
water.
Inside flanges, seams and folds on the doors,
hatches and hood are particularly vulnerable to
the effects of road salt. Therefore, these areas
must be regularly cleaned. Make sure that the
drain holes in the lower edge of the door are
open. Spray water under the body and in the
wheel wells to loosen the dirt and wash away
road salt.
Avoid leaving water spots on the paint surface
by using a damp chamois to dry the vehicle.
CLEANING EXTERIOR7-2
Appearance and care


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


become coated with a film after the vehicle is
parked in the hot sun. Glass cleaner and a soft
cloth will easily remove this film.
CAUTION

When cleaning the inside of the win-
dows, do not use sharp-edged tools,
abrasive cleaners or chlorine-based
disinfectant cleaners. They could
damage the electrical conductors or
rear window defroster elements.

If glass cleaner gets on the soft top,
immediately wash it off with clean
water. (Roadster models)ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELSWash regularly with a sponge dampened in a
mild soap solution, especially during winter
months in areas where road salt is used. Salt
could discolor the wheels if not removed.
CAUTION
Follow the directions below to avoidstaining or discoloring the wheels:

Do not use a cleaner that uses strong
acid or alkali contents to clean the
wheels.

Do not apply wheel cleaners to the
wheels when they are hot. The wheel
temperature should be the same as
ambient temperature.

Rinse the wheel to completely re-
move the cleaner within 15 minutes
after the cleaner is applied.
CHROME PARTSClean all chrome parts regularly with a non-
abrasive chrome polish to maintain the finish.TIRE DRESSINGNISSAN does not recommend the use of tire
dressings. Tire manufacturers apply a coating to
the tires to help reduce discoloration of the
rubber. If a tire dressing is applied to the tires, it
may react with the coating and form a com-
pound. This compound may come off the tire
while driving and stain the vehicle paint.If you choose to use a tire dressing, take the
following precautions:

Use a water-based tire dressing. The coating
on the tire dissolves more easily with an
oil-based tire dressing.

Apply a light coat of tire dressing to help
prevent it from entering the tire tread/grooves
(where it would be difficult to remove).

Wipe off excess tire dressing using a dry
towel. Make sure the tire dressing is com-
pletely removed from the tire tread/grooves.

Allow the tire dressing to dry as recom-
mended by tire dressing manufacturer.
7-4
Appearance and care


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


8 Maintenance and do-it-yourselfMaintenance requirements ................................................. 8-2
General maintenance ........................................................... 8-2
Explanation of general maintenance items ............... 8-2
Maintenance precautions ................................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ............................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ........................................................ 8-8
Checking engine coolant level .................................... 8-8
Changing engine coolant ............................................. 8-9
Engine oil ................................................................................ 8-9
Checking engine oil level .............................................. 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter ................................... 8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ........................................... 8-12
Power steering fluid .......................................................... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................................... 8-13
Brake fluid ....................................................................... 8-13
Clutch fluid ..................................................................... 8-14
Window washer fluid ........................................................ 8-14
Battery ................................................................................... 8-15
Jump starting ................................................................. 8-16
Drive belts ............................................................................ 8-17
Spark plugs ......................................................................... 8-17Replacing spark plugs ................................................ 8-17
Air cleaners .......................................................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades ................................................. 8-19
Cleaning ......................................................................... 8-19
Replacing ....................................................................... 8-20
Brakes ................................................................................... 8-21
Self-adjusting brakes .................................................. 8-21
Brake pad wear indicators ......................................... 8-21
Fuses ..................................................................................... 8-21
Engine compartment ................................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment ............................................ 8-23
Keyfob battery replacement .............................................. 8-24
Lights ..................................................................................... 8-26
Headlights ...................................................................... 8-27
Exterior and interior lights .......................................... 8-28
Wheels and tires ................................................................ 8-30
Tire pressure ................................................................. 8-30
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-34
Types of tires ................................................................. 8-36
Tire chains ...................................................................... 8-37
Changing wheels and tires ........................................ 8-37


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*:Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, tail
lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are all
operating properly and installed securely. Also
check headlight aim.
Road wheel nuts (lug nuts)*:When checking
the tires, make sure no nuts are missing, and
check for any loose nuts. Tighten if necessary.
Tire rotation*:Tires cannot be rotated in this
vehicle.
Tires*:Check the pressure with a gauge often
and always prior to long distance trips. Adjust
the pressure in all tires, including the spare, to
the pressure specified. Check carefully for dam-
age, cuts or excessive wear.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
transmitter components:Replace the TPMS
transmitter grommet seal, valve core and cap
when the tires are replaced due to wear or age.
Wheel alignment and balance:If the vehicle
pulls to either side while driving on a straight and
level road, or if you detect uneven or abnormal
tire wear, there may be a need for wheel align-
ment.
If the steering wheel or seat vibrates at normalhighway speeds, wheel balancing may be
needed.
For additional information regarding tires, refer to
“Important Tire Safety Information” (US) or “Tire
Safety Information” (Canada) in the Warranty
Information Booklet.
Windshield:Clean the windshield on a regular
basis. Check the windshield at least every six
months for cracks or other damage. Have a
damaged windshield repaired by a qualified re-
pair facility.
Windshield wiper blades*:Check for cracks
or wear if they do not wipe properly.
Inside the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked on a regular basis, such as when
performing periodic maintenance, cleaning the
vehicle, etc.
Automatic transmission P (Park) position
mechanism:On a fairly steep hill check that the
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in
the P (Park) position without applying any
brakes.
Accelerator pedal:Check the pedal for
smooth operation and make sure the pedal does
not catch or require uneven effort. Keep the floor
mat away from the pedal.Brake pedal:Check the pedal for smooth
operation. If the brake pedal suddenly goes
down further than normal, the pedal feels spongy
or the vehicle seems to take longer to stop, see
a NISSAN dealer immediately. Keep the floor
mat away from the pedal.
Brakes:Check that the brakes do not pull the
vehicle to one side when applied. Check the
brake booster function. Be sure to keep floor mat
away from the pedal.
Parking brake:Check the parking brake op-
eration regularly. The vehicle should be securely
held on a fairly steep hill with only the parking
brake applied. If the parking brake needs to be
adjusted, see a NISSAN dealer.
Seats:Check seat position controls such as
seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. to ensure
they operate smoothly and that all latches lock
securely in every position. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that
the locks (if equipped) hold securely in all
latched positions.
Seat belts:Check that all parts of the seat belt
system (for example, buckles, anchors, adjusters
and retractors) operate properly and smoothly,
and are installed securely. Check the belt web-
bing for cuts, fraying, wear or damage.
Steering wheel:Check for changes in the
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-3


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
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 trouble
and 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 “Cleaning
exterior” in the “7. Appearance and care” sec-
tion.
Window washer fluid*:Check that there is
adequate fluid in the tank.8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0