2008 NISSAN 350Z parking brake

WARNING

Make sure the parking brake is se-
curely applied and the manual trans-
mission is shifted into R (Reverse), or
the automatic transmission into P
(Park).

Never change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.

Never change tires if oncoming traffic
is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.
Blocking wheelsPlace suitable blocks
1
at both the front and
back of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire
to prevent the vehicle from moving when it
is jacked up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the ve-
hicle may move and result in personal
injury.
Getting the spare tire and toolsRemove jacking tools and spare tire from the
storage area located in the luggage/trunk as
illustrated.
Coupe models:
1. Spare tire — Turn the retainer counterclock-
wise to remove.
2. Jack — Turn it counterclockwise to remove.
3. Jacking tools
MCE0001A
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Coupe modelsIn case of emergency
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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.
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07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-
nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable.
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be
sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover the
vent holes as it may be contaminated with
corrosive acid.Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.
CAUTION

Automatic transmission models can-
not be push started. Attempting to do
so may cause transmission damage.

Three-way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three-way catalyst may be
damaged.

Never try to start the vehicle by tow-
ing it; when the engine starts, the
forward surge could cause the ve-
hicle to collide with the tow vehicle.
WARNING

Do not continue to drive if your ve-
hicle overheats. Doing so could
cause engine damage or a vehicle
fire.

To avoid the danger of being scalded,
never remove the radiator cap while
the engine is still hot. When the ra-
diator cap is removed, pressurized
hot water will spurt out, possibly
causing serious injury.

Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading), or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the
parking brake and move the shift lever to the
N (Neutral) position (automatic transmission
to the P (Park) position).
Do not stop the engine.
2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all the
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
In case of emergency
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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
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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
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When performing any inspection or maintenance
work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent
serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to
the vehicle. The following are general precau-
tions which should be closely observed.
WARNING

Park the vehicle on a level surface,
apply the parking brake securely and
block the wheels to prevent the ve-
hicle from moving. For manual trans-
mission models, move the shift lever
to N (Neutral) position. For automatic
transmission models, move the se-
lector lever to P (Park).

Be sure the ignition key is in the OFF
or LOCK position when performing
any parts replacement or repairs.

If you must work with the engine
running, keep your hands, clothing,
hair and tools away from moving
fans, belts and any other moving
parts.

It is advisable to secure or remove
any loose clothing and remove anyjewelry, such as rings, watches, etc.
before working on your vehicle.

Always wear eye protection when-
ever you work on your vehicle.

If you must run the engine in an
enclosed space such as a garage, be
sure there is proper ventilation for
exhaust gases to escape.

Never get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by a jack. If it is nec-
essary to work under the vehicle,
support it with safety stands.

Keep smoking materials, flame and
sparks away from the fuel tank and
battery.

On gasoline engine models with the
multiport fuel injection (MFI) system,
the fuel filter or fuel lines should be
serviced by a NISSAN dealer because
the fuel lines are under high pressure
even when the engine is off.
CAUTION

Do not work under the hood while
the engine is hot. Turn the engine off
and wait until it cools down.

Avoid contact with used engine oil
and coolant. Improperly disposed en-
gine oil, engine coolant and/or other
vehicle fluids can damage the envi-
ronment. Always conform to local
regulations for disposal of vehicle
fluid.

Never connect or disconnect the bat-
tery or any transistorized component
while the ignition switch is in the ON
position.

Never leave the engine or automatic
transmission related component har-
nesses disconnected while the igni-
tion switch is in the ON position.
This “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section
gives instructions regarding only those items
which are relatively easy for an owner to perform.
A genuine NISSAN Service Manual is also avail-
MAINTENANCE PRECAUTIONS
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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If the engine cooling system frequently
requires coolant, have it checked by a
NISSAN dealer.CHANGING ENGINE COOLANTContact a NISSAN dealer if replacement is
required.

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.
Engine coolant must be disposed of properly.
Check your local regulations.
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
the 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.
SDI2045
ENGINE OIL
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5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil
level. It should be between the H and L marks
1. If the oil level is below the L mark
2,
remove the oil filler cap and pour recom-
mended oil through the opening.Do not
overfill
3.
6. Recheck oil level with the 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 an insuffi-
cient 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 “NISSAN Service
and Maintenance Guide”.
Vehicle set-up1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply
the parking brake.
2. Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches
the 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.

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.
WARNING

Prolonged and repeated contact with
used engine oil may cause skin
cancer.
SDI2052
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