2012 NISSAN 370Z COUPE engine oil

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

9 Technical and consumer information
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ................... 9-2Fuel recommendation ......................................................... 9-4
Engine oil and oil filter recommendation ....................... 9-6
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations ............................................... 9-7
Specifications ........................................................................\
..... 9-8
Engine ........................................................................\
............ 9-8
Wheels and tires ................................................................. 9-9
Dimensions ........................................................................\
9-10
When traveling or registering your vehicle in
another country ....................................................................... 9-11
Vehicle identification .............................................................. 9-11 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate .................. 9-11
Vehicle identification number (chassis number) ....... 9-11
Engine serial number ....................................................... 9-12
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label .................... 9-12
Emission control information label ............................... 9-12
Tire and Loading Information label .............................. 9-13
Air conditioner specification label ................................ 9-13
Installing front license plate ................................................. 9-14
Except for NISMO models ............................................. 9-14
For NISMO models .......................................................... 9-16 Removing air deflectors (except for
NISMO models) ..................................................................... 9-16
Vehicle loading information ................................................. 9-17
Terms ........................................................................\
......... 9-17
Vehicle load capacity .................................................... 9-18
Loading tips ..................................................................... 9-19
Measurement of weights .............................................. 9-19
Towing a trailer ....................................................................... 9-20
Flat towing ........................................................................\
....... 9-20 Automatic transmission ................................................ 9-20
Manual transmission ...................................................... 9-20
Uniform tire quality grading ................................................. 9-21 Treadwear ........................................................................\
9-21
Traction AA, A, B and C .............................................. 9-21
Temperature A, B and C .............................................. 9-21
Emission control system warranty ..................................... 9-22
Reporting safety defects ..................................................... 9-22
Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) test ......... 9-23
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ............................................. 9-23
Owner’s Manual/Service Manual order information ..... 9-24

9-2Technical and consumer information
The following are approximate capacities. The actual refill capacities may be a little different. When refilling, follow the procedure
instructed in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section to determine the proper refill capacity.
Capacity (Approximate)Recommended specifications
US measure Imp measure Liter
Fuel 19 gal 15-7/8 gal 71.9 See “Fuel recommendation” (P.9-4).
Engine oil*1
Drain and refill With oil filter change 5-1/8 qt 4-3/8 qt 4.9 .Engine oil with API Certification Mark*2, *3
. Viscosity SAE 5W-30*2, *3
Without oil filter change 4-7/8 qt 4 qt 4.6
Cooling system
Automatic transmission model With reservoir
9-5/8 qt8 qt 9.1
Pre-diluted Genuine NISSAN Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue) or
equivalent
Reservoir
7/8 qt3/4 qt 0.8
Manual transmission model With reservoir
9-3/4 qt8-1/8 qt 9.2
Reservoir 7/8 qt3/4 qt 0.8
Automatic transmission fluid —— —Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF*4
Manual transmission gear oil —— —Genuine NISSAN Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
HQ Multi 75W-85 or API GL-4, Viscosity SAE 75W-85
Differential gear oil —— —For AT models:
API GL-5 Synthetic Gear Oil, Viscosity SAE 75W-90*5
For MT models:
Genuine NISSAN Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90 or API GL-5,
Viscosity SAE 80W-90*9
Power steering fluid (PSF) Refill to the proper oil level according to the instructions in the “8.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.Genuine NISSAN PSF or equivalent*6
Brake and clutch fluid Genuine NISSAN Super Heavy Duty Brake Fluid*7 or equivalent DOT 3
Multi-purpose grease NLGI No. 2 (Lithium soap base)
Air conditioning system refrigerant —— —HFC-134a (R-134a)*8
Air conditioning system lubricants —— —NISSAN UV Luminous Oil Type S or exact equivalent
Window washer fluid 4-3/444.5Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner & Antifreeze or
equivalent
*1: For additional information, see “Engine oil” (P.8-11) for changing engine oil.
*2: For additional information, see “Engine oil and oil filter recommendation” (P.9-6).
*3: NISSAN recommends Genuine NISSAN Ester Oil available at a NISSAN dealer.
*4: Using automatic transmission fluid other than Genuine NISSAN Matic S ATF will cause deterioration in driveability and automatic transmission durability, and may damage the automatic
transmission, which is not covered by the NISSAN new vehicle limited warranty.
*5: See a NISSAN dealer for service for synthetic oil.
CAPACITIES AND RECOMMENDED
FUEL/LUBRICANTS

9-6Technical and consumer information
STI0505
1. API certification mark
2. API service symbol
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER RE-
COMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oil
It is essential to choose the correct grade,
quality, and viscosity engine oil to ensure
satisfactory engine life and performance, see
“Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants”
(P.9-2) . 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
certification 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 additives
NISSAN 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 viscosity
The 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 filter
Your new vehicle is equipped with a high-quality
genuine NISSAN oil filter. When replacing, use
the genuine oil filter or its equivalent for the
reason described in change intervals.
Change intervals
The 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
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle. Operation under

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