2008 NISSAN 350Z fuel

1
API certification mark
2
API service symbol
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality and viscosity engine oil to ensure satis-
factory engine life and performance. See “Ca-
pacities and recommended fuel/lubricants” ear-
lier in this section. NISSAN recommends the use
of an energy conserving oil in order to improve
fuel economy.Select only engine oils that meet the American
Petroleum Institute (API) certification or Interna-
tional Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee (ILSAC) certification and SAE vis-
cosity standard. These oils have the API certifi-
cation mark on the front of the container. Oils
which do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause engine
damage.
Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.
Oil viscosityThe engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
that the engine oil viscosity be selected based
on the temperatures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change. Choosing
an oil viscosity other than that recommended
could cause serious engine damage.Selecting the correct oil filterYour new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals”.Change intervalsThe oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than the
specified quality, or oil and filter change intervals
longer than recommended could reduce engine
life. Damage to engines caused by improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil and filter
quality and/or viscosity is not covered by the
new NISSAN vehicle limited warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality engine
STI0505
Technical and consumer information
9-5


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


When planning to travel in another country,
you should first find out if the fuel available is
suitable for your vehicle’s engine.
Using fuel with too low an octane rating may
cause engine damage. All gasoline vehicles
must be operated with unleaded engine gaso-
line. Therefore, avoid taking your vehicle to areas
where appropriate fuel is not available.
When transferring the registration of your
vehicle to another country, state, province
or district,it may be necessary to modify the
vehicle to meet local laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle emis-
sion control and safety standards vary according
to the country, state, province or district; there-
fore, vehicle specifications may differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into an-
other country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, transpor-
tation, and registration are the responsibil-
ity of the user. NISSAN is not responsible
for any inconvenience that may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATEThe vehicle identification number plate is at-
tached as shown. This number is the identifica-
tion for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle
registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)The number is stamped as shown.
STI0320
STI0513
WHEN TRAVELING OR
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE IN
ANOTHER COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION
Technical and consumer information
9-9


07.7.25/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 TOWINGTechnical and consumer information
9-21


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ........................... 5-21
Advanced air bag system........................................ 1-35
Air bag system
Advanced Air Bag System ............................... 1-35
Front passenger air bag and status light ..... 1-36
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-42
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-43, 2-14
Air cleaner .................................................................. 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-9
Air conditioner service ............................. 4-9, 4-12
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-11
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ..................... 4-12, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-9
Alarm, How to stop alarm (see vehicle security
system) ......................................................................... 2-19
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-6
Anchor point location, Top tether strap .............. 1-24
Antenna ........................................................................ 4-30
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ........................... 5-21
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light ............................................................................... 2-11
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-5
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-17Audio operation precautions .................................. 4-14
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)............................................................... 2-40
Automatic passenger seatback tilt
function......................................................... 1-5, 3-17
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-7, 5-10
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-5
B
Battery .......................................................................... 8-15
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-25
Keyfob.................................................................... 8-24
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-9
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Booster seats ............................................................. 1-25
Bluetooth
Hands-Free Phone System with
NISSAN Voice Recognition .................................. 4-31
Brake
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................... 5-21
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-13Brake system ....................................................... 5-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Warning light ....................................................... 2-12
Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-18
Brightness control, Instrument panel ................... 2-26
Bulb check/instrument panel.................................. 2-11
Bulb replacement ...................................................... 8-26
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-31
Cargo (See vehicle loading information)............. 2-33
Cargo net .................................................................... 2-33
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-29
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-17
Booster seats ...................................................... 1-25
Installation on front passenger seat ............. 1-20
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-17
Top tether strap .................................................. 1-24
Top tether strap anchor point location ......... 1-24
Child safety ................................................................. 1-12
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-17
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-5
Clock ............................................................................ 2-30
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-13
Coat hook .................................................................. 2-38


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Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-25
Command (See Bluetooth
Hands-Free
Phone System)........................................................... 4-37
Compact Disc (CD) changer (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-26
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-21
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-40
Console box................................................................ 2-35
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 ................................................................ 2-33
D
Daytime running light system ................................. 2-25
Defroster switch, Rear window and outside
mirror defroster switch ............................................. 2-23
Dimensions and weights ............................................ 9-8
Display controls (See control panel buttons),
With navigation system .............................................. 4-2Door open warning light .......................................... 2-12
Drive belts ................................................................... 8-17
Driving
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-25
Driving with automatic transmission ..... 5-7, 5-10
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 ........................ 9-10
Emission control system warranty......................... 9-23
Engine
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-9
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 .................................... 8-9
Coolant temperature gauge ............................... 2-5
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-26
Engine compartment check locations.............. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Engine oil................................................................. 8-9
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation......... 9-5
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-10
Engine specifications ........................................... 9-7
If your vehicle overheats ...................................... 6-9
Oil pressure gauge ............................................... 2-7Starting the engine ............................................... 5-9
Event data recorders ................................................ 9-25
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide).............................. 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............. 9-10
Filter, Changing engine oil and filter .................... 8-10
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch) ... 2-27
Flat tire............................................................................ 6-2
Flat towing .................................................................. 9-21
Floor mat cleaning ....................................................... 7-5
Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-13
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Engine coolant ....................................................... 8-8
Engine oil................................................................. 8-9
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-12
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 .................................. 1-3
Front passenger air bag and status light ............ 1-36
Front power seat adjustment .................................... 1-4
Front seat active head restraints ......................... 1-10
Fuel
Average fuel consumption .................................. 2-9


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10-2

Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Distance to empty ................................................. 2-9
Fuel economy ...................................................... 5-18
Fuel octane rating ................................................. 9-3
Fuel recommendation ........................................... 9-3
Fuel-filler cap ....................................................... 3-23
Fuel-filler door...................................................... 3-23
Gauge ...................................................................... 2-6
Fuses ............................................................................ 8-21
Fusible links ................................................................ 8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-43
Gas cap ....................................................................... 3-23
Gauge ............................................................................. 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................. 2-5
Engine oil pressure gauge .................................. 2-7
Fuel gauge .............................................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................................ 2-4
Speedometer .......................................................... 2-4
Tachometer ............................................................. 2-5
Trip computer ......................................................... 2-8
Volt meter ................................................................ 2-8
General maintenance .................................................. 8-2
Golf bag stowing....................................................... 2-37
H
Hatch, Rear hatch........................................................ 3-9
Hazard warning flasher switch............................... 2-27Head restraints ............................................................. 1-9
Headlights
Bulb replacement ............................................... 8-27
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-24
Xenon headlights ................................................ 2-24
Heated seats .............................................................. 2-28
Heater
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-26
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-9
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ......................... 2-43
Hood release ................................................................ 3-8
Hook, Coat hook ....................................................... 2-38
Horn .............................................................................. 2-27
I
Ignition switch ............................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission models ............. 5-7, 5-10
Key positions .......................................................... 5-8
Manual transmission models .................. 5-7, 5-13
Immobilizer system .................................................... 2-19
Indicator lights............................................................ 2-15
Inside
Automatic anti-glare mirror............................... 3-26
Mirror...................................................................... 3-26
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test ........................ 9-24
Instrument brightness control ................................ 2-26
Instrument panel........................................................... 2-2
Instrument pocket...................................................... 2-32
Interior light replacement......................................... 8-28
Interior lights ............................................................... 2-41
Interior trunk lid release ........................................... 3-11J
Jump starting................................................................. 6-7
K
Keyfob battery replacement.................................... 8-24
Keyless entry (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-5
Keys................................................................................. 3-2
L
Labels
Air bag warning labels ...................................... 1-42
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-11
Emission control information label ................. 9-10
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-10
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ...... 9-10
Tire and Loading Information label ..... 8-32, 9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) .................. 9-9
License plate, Installing front license plate......... 9-12
Light
Air bag warning light ......................................... 1-43
Bulb replacement ............................................... 8-26
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-24
Headlights bulb replacement........................... 8-27
Indicator lights ..................................................... 2-15
Interior lights ........................................................ 2-41
Luggage compartment light ............................. 2-42
Map lights ............................................................. 2-41
Replacement ........................................................ 8-26
Room light ............................................................ 2-41


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10-3

Trunk light ............................................................. 2-42
Vanity mirror light ................................................ 2-42
Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders .............................................................. 2-11
Xenon headlights ................................................ 2-24
Lights, Exterior and interior light replacement ... 8-28
Loading information (See vehicle loading
information) ................................................................. 9-13
Lock
Door locks ............................................................... 3-3
Power door lock .................................................... 3-3
Rear floor box ...................................................... 2-35
Rear hatch lock...................................................... 3-9
Top latch lever ..................................................... 3-16
Trunk lid................................................................. 3-10
Low tire pressure warning light ............................. 2-13
Low tire pressure warning system (See tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)) ..................... 5-3
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 light (MIL) ............................ 2-15
Map lights.................................................................... 2-41Meter, Trip computer .................................................. 2-8
Meters and gauges ..................................................... 2-3
Meters and gauges, Instrument brightness
control .......................................................................... 2-26
Mirror
Automatic anti-glare inside mirror .................. 3-26
Inside mirror ......................................................... 3-26
Outside mirrors ................................................... 3-27
N
Net
Cargo net.............................................................. 2-33
Ventilated net seats .............................................. 1-6
New vehicle break-in ................................................ 5-18
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ................... 2-19
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System, Engine
start.................................................................................. 5-8
O
Odometer ....................................................................... 2-4
Oil
Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Changing engine oil and filter ......................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level .................................... 8-9
Engine oil................................................................. 8-9
Engine oil pressure gauge .................................. 2-7
Engine oil viscosity ............................................... 9-5
Opening the soft top ................................................ 3-13
Outside air temperature display ............................... 2-9
Outside mirrors .......................................................... 3-27
Overheat, If your vehicle overheats ......................... 6-9Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order
information................................................................... 9-26
P
Parking
Brake break-in ..................................................... 5-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-15
Parking on hills .................................................... 5-19
Phone, Car phone or CB radio ............................. 4-31
Power
Front seat adjustment .......................................... 1-4
Power door lock .................................................... 3-3
Power outlet ......................................................... 2-31
Power steering fluid ........................................... 8-12
Power steering system ...................................... 5-20
Power windows................................................... 2-39
Precautions
Audio operation ................................................... 4-14
Braking precautions ........................................... 5-21
Child restraints .................................................... 1-17
Cruise control ...................................................... 5-16
Maintenance ........................................................... 8-5
Seat belt usage ................................................... 1-10
Supplemental restraint system ........................ 1-28
When starting and driving .................................. 5-2
Push starting ................................................................. 6-9
R
Radio ............................................................................ 4-12
Car phone or CB radio ..................................... 4-31


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10-4

FUEL RECOMMENDATION:Use unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating of at least 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index)
number (Research octane number 96).
If premium gasoline is not available, unleaded
regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI
number (Research octane number 91) may be
temporarily used, but only under the following
precautions:

Have the fuel tank filled only partially with
unleaded regular gasoline, and fill up with
unleaded premium gasoline as soon as pos-
sible.

Avoid full throttle driving and abrupt accelera-
tion.
However, for maximum vehicle perfor-
mance, the use of unleaded premium gaso-
line is recommended.
CAUTION

Using a fuel other than that specified
could adversely affect the emission
control system, and may also affect
the warranty coverage.

Under no circumstances should aleaded gasoline be used, because
this will damage the three-way cata-
lyst.

Do not use E-85 fuel in your vehicle.
Your vehicle is not designed to run
on E-85 fuel. Using E-85 fuel can
damage the fuel system components
and is not covered by the NISSAN
vehicle limited warranty.
For additional information, see “Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants” in the “9. Techni-
cal and consumer information” section.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATION:
Engine oil with API Certification Mark

Viscosity SAE 5W-30
See “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” in the “9. Technical and consumer
information” section for engine oil and oil filter
recommendation.COLD TIRE INFLATION
PRESSURES:The label is typically located on the driver side
center pillar or on the driver’s door. For addi-
tional information, see “Wheels and tires” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
NEW VEHICLE BREAK-IN
PROCEDURES
RECOMMENDATION:During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) of ve-
hicle use, follow the recommendations outlined
in the “Break-in schedule” information found in
the “5. Starting and driving” section of this
Owner’s Manual. Follow these recommenda-
tions for the future reliability and economy of
your new vehicle.
GAS STATION INFORMATION


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0