2012 NISSAN 370Z COUPE check oil

7-4Appearance and care
.If glass cleaner gets on the soft top,
immediately wash it off with clean
water.
. Do not apply direct water pressure,
such as high pressured water from
household hoses, on the lining of
the soft top and vehicle body, as this
may cause water to leak into the
inside of your vehicle.
After cleaning, always be sure the top and its
storage are completely drybefore opening the
top. Opening the top while it is wet or damp may
cause interior water damage, water stains or
mildew on the top.
WAXING
Regular waxing protects the paint surface and
helps retain new vehicle appearance. Polishing
is recommended to remove built-up wax residue
and to avoid a weathered appearance before
reapplying wax.
A NISSAN dealer can assist you in choosing the
proper product.
. Wax your vehicle only after a thorough
washing. Follow the instructions supplied
with the wax.
. Do not use a wax containing any abrasives,
cutting compounds or cleaners that may damage the vehicle finish.
Machine compound or aggressive polishing on a
base coat/clear coat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
REMOVING SPOTS
Remove tar and oil spots, industrial dust,
insects, and tree sap as quickly as possible
from the paint surface to avoid lasting damage
or staining. Special cleaning products are
available at a NISSAN dealer or any automotive
accessory stores.
UNDERBODY
In areas where road salt is used in winter, the
underbody must be cleaned regularly. This will
prevent dirt and salt from building up and
causing the acceleration of corrosion on the
underbody and suspension. Before the winter
period and again in the spring, the underseal
must be checked and, if necessary, re-treated.
GLASS
Use glass cleaner to remove smoke and dust
film from the glass surfaces. It is normal for glass
to 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
windows, do not use sharp-edged
tools, abrasive cleaners or chlorine-
based disinfectant cleaners. They
could damage the electrical conduc-
tors, radio antenna elements or rear
window defroster elements.
. If glass cleaner gets on the soft top,
immediately wash it off with clean
water (Roadster models) .
WHEELS
Wash the wheels when washing the vehicle to
maintain their appearance.
.Clean the inner side of the wheels when the
wheel is changed or the underside of the
vehicle is washed.
. Inspect wheel rims regularly for dents or
corrosion. Such damage may cause loss of
pressure or poor seal at the tire bead.
. NISSAN recommends that the road wheels
be waxed to protect against road salt in
areas where it is used during winter.

8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Maintenance requirement ........................................................ 8-3Scheduled maintenance .................................................... 8-3
General maintenance ......................................................... 8-3
Where to go for service .................................................... 8-3
General maintenance ............................................................... 8-3 Explanation of maintenance items ................................... 8-3
Maintenance precautions ........................................................ 8-6
Engine compartment check locations .................................. 8-8 VQ37VHR engine model .................................................. 8-8
Engine cooling system ............................................................. 8-9
Checking engine coolant level ...................................... 8-10
Changing engine coolant ............................................... 8-10
Engine oil ........................................................................\
......... 8-11
Checking engine oil level ............................................... 8-11
Changing engine oil and filter ....................................... 8-11
Automatic transmission fluid ............................................... 8-13
Power steering fluid ............................................................... 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid ........................................................... 8-14 Brake fluid ........................................................................\
.. 8-14
Clutch fluid (Manual transmission models) ............... 8-15
Window washer fluid ............................................................ 8-15
Battery ........................................................................\
............... 8-16 Jump starting ..................................................................... 8-17 Variable voltage control system ......................................... 8-18
Drive belts ........................................................................\
....... 8-18
Spark plugs ........................................................................\
..... 8-19
Replacing spark plugs .................................................. 8-19
Air cleaner ........................................................................\
....... 8-19
Windshield wiper blades ..................................................... 8-20
Cleaning ........................................................................\
... 8-20
Replacing ........................................................................\
. 8-21
Brakes ........................................................................\
.............. 8-22 Self-adjusting brakes .................................................... 8-22
Brake pad wear warning .............................................. 8-22
Fuses ........................................................................\
................ 8-22 Engine compartment ..................................................... 8-22
Passenger compartment .............................................. 8-24
Intelligent Key battery replacement ................................... 8-25
Lights ........................................................................\
................ 8-27
Coupe ........................................................................\
....... 8-27
Roadster ........................................................................\
... 8-28
Headlights ........................................................................\
8-29
Exterior and interior lights ............................................ 8-29
Wheels and tires ................................................................... 8-31 Tire pressure ................................................................... 8-31
Tire labeling ..................................................................... 8-34

Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Under the hood and vehicle
The 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 condition 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
reservoirs.
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 after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 15 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan. 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 have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. (See
“Precautions when starting and driving” (P.5-2)
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
immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines: Check
the level 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, rot 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” (P.7-2).
Windshield washer fluid*:
Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-5

8-8Maintenance and do-it-yourself
JVM0086X
VQ37VHR ENGINE MODEL1. Fuse/fusible link holder
2. Battery
3. Radiator filler cap
4. Engine oil dipstick
5. Engine oil filler cap
6. Brake fluid reservoir7. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Transmission
models)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir
9. Window washer fluid reservoir
10 Air cleaner
11. Drive belt location 12. Engine coolant reservoir
ENGINE COMPARTMENT CHECK
LOCATIONS

SDI2348
CHECKING ENGINE OIL LEVEL
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and applythe parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn off the engine. Wait more than 15
minutes for the oil to drain back into
the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way.
5. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be within the range
*1. If the
oil level is below
*2, remove the oil filler cap
and pour recommended 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 cov-
ered by warranty.
CHANGING ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Vehicle set-up
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
3. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes.
4. Raise and support the vehicle using a suitable floor jack and safety jack stands.
.Place the safety jack stands under the
vehicle jack-up points.
.A suitable adapter should be attached tothe jack stand saddle.
5. Remove the plastic engine undercover. a. Remove the small plastic clips at thecenter of the undercover.
b. Then remove the bolts that hold the undercover in place.
CAUTION
Make sure the correct lifting and sup-
port points are used to avoid vehicle
damage.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-11
ENGINE OIL

8-12Maintenance and do-it-yourself
SDI2335
Engine oil and filter
1. Place a large drain pan under the drain plug.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug
*1with a wrench
and completely drain the oil.
CAUTION
Be careful not to burn yourself, as the
engine oil is hot.
.Waste oil must be disposed of
properly.
.Check your local regulations.
(Perform steps 4 to 7 only when the engine
oil filter change is needed.)
4. Loosen the oil filter
*2with an oil filter
wrench. Remove the oil filter by turning it by
hand.
5. Wipe the engine oil filter mounting surface with a clean rag.
CAUTION
Be sure to remove any old rubber
gasket remaining on the mounting sur-
face of the engine. Failure to do so
could lead to engine damage.
6. Coat the gasket on the new filter with clean engine oil.
7. Screw in the oil filter clockwise until a slight resistance is felt, then tighten additionally
more than 2/3 turn.
Oil filter tightening torque:11 to 15 ft-lb
(14.7 to 20.5 N·m)
8. Clean and re-install the drain plug with a new washer. Securely tighten the drain plug
with a wrench. Drain plug tightening torque:
22 to 29 ft-lb
(29 to 39 N·m)
Do not use excessive force.
9. Refill engine with recommended oil through the oil filler opening, and install the oil filler
cap securely.
See “Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants” (P.9-2) for drain and refill capa-
city. The drain and refill capacity depends on
the oil temperature and drain time. Use
these specifications for reference only. Al-
ways use the dipstick to determine the
proper amount of oil in the engine.
10. Start the engine and check for leakage around the drain plug and the oil filter.
Correct as required.
11. Turn the engine off and wait more than 15 minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick.
Add engine oil if necessary.
After the operation
1. Install the engine undercover into position asthe following steps.
a. Pull the center of the small plastic clipout.
b. Hold the engine undercover into position.

c. Insert the clip through the undercoverinto the hole in the frame, then push the
center of the clip in to lock the clip in
place.
d. Install the bolts that hold the undercover in place. Be careful not to strip the bolts
or over-tighten them.
2. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground.
3. Dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
WARNING
. Prolonged and repeated contact
with used engine oil may cause skin
cancer.
. Try to avoid direct skin contact with
used oil. If skin contact is made,
wash thoroughly with soap or hand
cleaner as soon as possible.
. Keep used engine oil out of reach of
children. When checking or replacement is required, we
recommend a NISSAN dealer for servicing.
CAUTION
.
Use only Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF. Do not mix with other fluids.
. Using automatic transmission fluid
other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S
ATF will cause deterioration in dri-
veability and automatic transmis-
sion durability, and may damage
the automatic transmission, which
is not covered by the NISSAN new
vehicle limited warranty.
SDI1765A
Check the fluid level in the reservoir.
The fluid level should be checked with the
engine off using the HOT range (
*1:HOT
MAX.,
*2: HOT MIN.) at fluid temperatures of
122 to 1768F (50 to 808C) or using the COLD
range (
*3: COLD MAX.,*4: COLD MIN.) at
fluid temperatures of 32 to 868F(0to30 8C) .
If the fluid is below the MIN line, add Genuine
NISSAN PSF or equivalent. Remove the cap
and fill through the opening.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-13
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID POWER STEERING FLUID

10-2
Console box ................................................................. 2-42
CoolantCapacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant................................... 8-10
Checking engine coolant level.......................... 8-10
Corrosion protection .................................................... 7-8
Cover, Cargo cover.................................................... 2-43
Cruise control............................................................... 5-21
Cup holders.................................................................. 2-40
D
Dampers, Performance dampers ............................ 5-30
Daytime running light system................................... 2-34
Defroster switch, Rear window
defroster switch........................................................... 2-31
Dimensions ................................................................... 9-10
Drive belts..................................................................... 8-18
Driving Cold weather driving........................................... 5-31
Driving with automatic transmission................ 5-12
Driving with manual transmission..................... 5-16
Precautions when starting and driving .............. 5-2
DVD player operation................................................. 4-56
E
Economy, Fuel.............................................................. 5-23
Elapsed time................................................................. 2-23
Emergency tire puncture repair kit ........................... 6-8
Emission control information label.......................... 9-12
Emission control system warranty........................... 9-22
Engine Before starting the engine................................. 5-11
Break-in schedule ................................................ 5-23 Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Changing engine coolant................................... 8-10
Changing engine oil and filter........................... 8-11
Checking engine coolant level.......................... 8-10
Checking engine oil level................................... 8-11
Coolant temperature gauge ................................. 2-7
Emergency engine shut off................................ 5-10
Engine block heater............................................. 5-32
Engine compartment check locations................ 8-8
Engine cooling system........................................... 8-9
Engine oil................................................................ 8-11
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation........... 9-6
Engine oil replacement indicator...................... 2-21
Engine oil temperature gauge.............................. 2-8
Engine oil viscosity.................................................. 9-6
Engine serial number........................................... 9-12
Engine specifications ............................................. 9-8
Engine start operation indicator ....................... 2-18
Engine start operation indicator (Manual
Transmission models) ......................................... 2-19
If your vehicle overheats..................................... 6-16
Starting the engine .............................................. 5-11
Event Data Recorders (EDR)................................... 9-23
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)................................ 5-2
F
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ............... 9-12
Filter Air cleaner housing filter .................................... 8-19
Changing engine oil and filter........................... 8-11
Flashers (See hazard warning flasher switch)..... 2-35
Flat tire............................................................................. 6-2 Repairing flat tire (with emergency tire
puncture repair kit) ................................................. 6-8 Flat towing .................................................................... 9-20
Floor mat cleaning ........................................................ 7-6
Fluid Automatic transmission fluid (ATF).................. 8-13
Brake and clutch fluid......................................... 8-14
Brake fluid.............................................................. 8-14
Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Engine coolant......................................................... 8-9
Engine oil................................................................ 8-11
Power steering fluid............................................. 8-13
Window washer fluid .......................................... 8-15
FM-AM radio with Compact Disc (CD) player.... 4-43
FM-AM-SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
changer (models without navigation system) ...... 4-47
FM-AM-SAT radio with compact disc (CD)
player (models with navigation system) ................ 4-52
Fog light switch........................................................... 2-35
Front manual seat adjustment.................................... 1-4
Front passenger air bag and status light.............. 1-35
Front power seat adjustment ..................................... 1-2
Front seat, Front seat adjustment............................. 1-2
Fuel Capacities and
recommended fuel/lubricants............................... 9-2
Fuel economy........................................................ 5-23
Fuel economy information (display).................... 4-9
Fuel octane rating ................................................... 9-4
Fuel recommendation............................................. 9-4
Fuel-filler cap......................................................... 3-34
Fuel-filler door....................................................... 3-34
Gauge ........................................................................ 2-7
LOOSE FUEL CAP warning ............................. 3-35
Fuses.............................................................................. 8-22
Fusible links.................................................................. 8-23