NISSAN 350Z 2004 Owner´s Manual

Automatic transmission check
warning light (A/T models)
When the ignition switch is turned ON, the light
comes on for 2 seconds. If the light blinks for
approximately 8 seconds, it may indicate the
automatic transmission system is not functioning
properly. Have your NISSAN dealer check and
repair the transmission. See “Driving the vehicle”
(automatic transmission) in the “5. Starting and
driving” section.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition key is in the ON position, the
light comes on when the parking brake is ap-
plied.
Low brake fluid warning light:
The light warns of a low brake fluid level. If the
light comes on while the engine is running with
the parking brake not applied, stop the vehicle
and perform the following:
1. Check the brake fluid level. Add brake fluid as
necessary. See “Brake and clutch fluid” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself” section.
WARNING

Your brake system may not be work-
ing properly if the warning light is on.
Driving could be dangerous. If you
judge it to be safe, drive carefully to
the nearest service station for re-
pairs. Otherwise, have your vehicle
towed because driving it could be
dangerous.

Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
greater pedal travel.

If the brake fluid level is below the
MINmark on the brake fluid reser-
voir, do not drive until the brake sys-
tem has been checked at a NISSAN
dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer. Avoid high speed driving and abrupt
braking.
If both the brake warning light and the anti-lock brake warning light come on simulta-
neously, it may indicate the anti-lock brake
system is not functioning properly. See “Anti-
lock brake warning light” earlier in this sec-
tion.
Charge warning light
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate that the charging system is not
functioning properly. Turn the engine off and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose,
broken, missing or if the light remains on, see
your NISSAN dealer immediately.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving if the belt is
loose, broken or missing.
Door open warning light
This light comes on when any of the doors
and/or rear hatch are not closed securely while
the ignition key is ON.
Engine oil pressure warning
light
This light warns of low engine oil pressure. If the
light flickers or comes on during normal driving,
pull off the road in a safe area, stop the engine
2-12
Instruments and controls


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See “Engine
oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Low tire pressure warning light
(if so equipped)
The light comes on for about 1 second when the
ignition switch is turned ON, and then it turns off.
NISSAN’s low tire pressure warning system is a
tire pressure monitoring system. It monitors tire
pressure of all tires except the spare. When the
tire pressure monitoring system warning light is
lit, one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. You should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to theproper pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s tire
information placard. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire malfunction. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life,
and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stop-
ping ability. Each tire, including the spare, should
be checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended inflation pressure as specified in
the vehicle placard and Owner’s Manual.
The recommended inflation pressure may also
be found on the Tire and Loading Information
label.
If the vehicle is being driven with very low tire
pressure (lower than 28 psi), the light will illumi-
nate and the chime will sound for about 10
seconds.
For additional information, see “Low tire pres-
sure warning system” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section and “Flat tire” in the “6. In case
of emergency” section. You can check the tire
pressure of all 4 tires on the trip computer
display. See “Trip computer” earlier in this sec-
tion.
WARNING

If the light does not come on with theignition switch turned ON, have the
vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer
as soon as possible.

If the light comes on 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. Serious vehicle damage could
occur and may lead to an accident
and could result in serious personal
injury. Check the pressure for all four
tires. Adjust the tire pressure to the
recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Infor-
mation label to turn the low tire pres-
sure warning light OFF. If the light
still comes on while driving after ad-
justing the tire pressure, a tire may
be flat. If you have a flat tire, replace
it with a spare tire as soon as pos-
sible.

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated and the low tire
pressure warning system will not
Instruments and controls
2-13


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


function. Contact your NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible for tire
replacement and/or system reset-
ting.
CAUTION

The low tire pressure warning system
is not a substitute for the regular tire
pressure check. Be sure to check the
tire pressure regularly.

If the vehicle is being driven at
speeds of less than 20 MPH (32
km/h), the low tire pressure warning
system may not operate correctly.

Be sure to install the specified size
tires to the front and rear.
Low washer fluid warning light
This light comes on when the washer fluid is at a
low level. Add washer fluid as necessary. See
“Window washer fluid” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.
Seat belt warning light
The seat belt warning light and chime remind you
to fasten seat belts. The light illuminates when-
ever the ignition key is turned to ON, and will
remain illuminated until the driver’s seat belt is
fastened.
See “Seat belts” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” section
for precautions on seat belt usage.
Supplemental air bag warning
light
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the supplemental air bag warning light will illu-
minate. The supplemental air bag warning light
will turn off after about 7 seconds if the system is
operational.
If any of the following conditions occur, the
supplemental front air bag, supplemental side air
bag and curtain side-impact air bag systems,
and pre-tensioner seat belt need servicing and
your vehicle must be taken to your nearest
NISSAN dealer.

The supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.

The supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
The supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemental
Restraint System and/or the pre-tensioner seat
belt may not function properly. For additional
information, see “Supplemental restraint system”
in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat belts and supple-
mental restraint system” section.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the
supplemental front air bag, supplemen-
tal side air bag and curtain side-impact
air bag systems and/or pre-tensioner
seat belt system will not operate in an
accident.INDICATOR LIGHTS
Automatic transmission
position indicator light (A/T
models)
When the ignition key is turned to the ON
position, the indicator in the tachometer shows
the automatic transmission selector lever posi-
2-14
Instruments and controls


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


tion. See “Driving the vehicle” (automatic trans-
mission) in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate the cruise control system is not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by
your NISSAN dealer.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam is
selected.
Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) comes onsteady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator lamp may also come
on steady if the fuel filler cap is loose or missing,
or if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make
sure the fuel filler cap is installed and closed
tightly, and that the vehicle has at least 3 US
gallons (14 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
lamp should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
Operation
The malfunction indicator lamp will come on in
one of two ways:

Malfunction indicator lamp on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel filler cap. If the
fuel filler cap is loose or missing, tighten or
install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
lamp should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the
lamp does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.

Malfunction indicator lamp blinking — An
engine misfire has been detected which maydamage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
a) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
b) Avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) Avoid steep uphill grades.
d) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator lamp may stop
blinking and come on steady.
Have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Slip indicator light
The light will blink when the vehicle dynamic
control (VDC) system or the traction control
Instruments and controls
2-15


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


system (TCS) is operating, thus alerting the
driver to the fact that the road surface is slippery
and the vehicle is nearing its traction limits.
This light also comes on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. The light will turn off
if the VDC or TCS is operational.
Traction control system (TCS)
off indicator light (if so
equipped)
The light comes on when the traction control
system (TCS) off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates the traction control system is not op-
erating.
This light also comes on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position. The light will turn off
if the traction control system (TCS) is opera-
tional.
When the traction control system off indicator
light and slip indicator light come on with the
traction control system turned on, this light alerts
the driver to the fact that the traction control
system’s fail-safe mode is operating, that is the
system may not be functioning properly. Have
the system checked by your NISSAN dealer. If a
malfunction occurs in the system, the traction
control function will be canceled but the vehicle
is still driveable. For additional information, see
“Traction control system (TCS)” in the “5. Start-ing and driving” section of this manual.
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC)
off indicator light (if so
equipped)
The light comes on when the vehicle dynamic
control (VDC) off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates the vehicle dynamic control system
and traction control system are not operating.
This light also comes on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON position. The light will turn off
if the vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system is
operational.
When the vehicle dynamic control off indicator
light and slip indicator light come on with the
vehicle dynamic control system turned on, this
light alerts the driver to the fact that the vehicle
dynamic control system’s fail-safe mode is op-
erating, that is the system may not be functioning
properly. Have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer. If a malfunction occurs in the
system, the vehicle dynamic control system
function will be canceled but the vehicle is still
driveable. For additional information, see “Ve-
hicle dynamic control (VDC) system” in the “5.
Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Soft top indicator light
(Roadster models)
This light comes and stays on when the soft top
is being operated or it is stopped before reach-
ing a full open/close state. The light will turn off
when the top is fully opened or closed.
The soft top can be moved with the soft top
operating switch only under all of the following
conditions:

When the vehicle is stopped.

When the foot brake pedal is depressed.

When the ignition switch is ON.
CAUTION
Operate the soft top with the engine
running to prevent a discharged battery.
When the soft top is in motion, and any of the
above conditions are discontinued or the pas-
senger power seat switches (on the cushion or
the seatback) are operated, the top will stop
moving. Remove your hand from the operating
switch, and press it again under the above
conditions until the top is fully opened or closed.
The indicator light will go off when the top
2-16
Instruments and controls


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


open/close operation is completely finished.
If the soft top indicator light flashes with the
ignition switch ON (whether the top is operated
or not), it may indicate the electric soft top
control unit is not functioning properly. Have
your vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.
For more details about the electric soft top
operation, see “Soft top operation” in the “3.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments” section.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chimeThe chime will sound if the driver’s side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition switch
(ignition switch is turned off). Remove the key
and take it with you when leaving the vehicle.Light reminder chimeThe chime will sound when the driver’s door is
opened with the headlight switch on unless the
key is in the ignition switch. Make sure to turn the
light switch off when you leave the vehicle.
Seat belt warning chimeThe chime will sound for about 6 seconds unless
the driver’s seat belt is securely fastened.Brake pad wear warningThe disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement, it
will make a high pitched scraping sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
soon as possible if the warning sound is heard.
Your vehicle has two types of security systems,
as follows:

Vehicle Security System

Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS)
The security condition will be shown by the
security indicator light.
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEMThe vehicle security system provides visual and
audio alarm signals if parts of the vehicle are
disturbed.
SIC2132
SECURITY SYSTEMS
Instruments and controls
2-17


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


Security indicator lightThis light blinks whenever the ignition switch is in
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This is normal.How to arm the vehicle security
system1. Close all windows.
The system can be activated even if the
windows are open.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
3. Close and lock all doors and rear hatch/trunk
lid.Lock all doors by pressing the LOCK button
on the keyfob. When using the keyfob, the
hazard indicators flash twice to indicate all
doors are locked.
4. Confirm that the security indicator light
comes on. The security indicator light glows
for about 30 seconds and then blinks. The
system is now activated. If, during this 30
second time period, the door is unlocked by
the key or the keyfob, or the ignition key is
turned to ACC or ON, the system will not
activate.
Even when the driver and/or passengers
are in the vehicle, the system will activate
with all doors and rear hatch/trunk lid
locked and ignition key off. Turn the igni-
tion key to ACC to turn the system off.
Vehicle security system activationThe security system will give the following alarm:

The headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.

The alarm automatically turns off after ap-
proximately 50 seconds. However, the alarm
reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by unlocking
a door with the key, or by pressing the
UNLOCK button on the keyfob.The alarm is activated by:

Opening the door without using the key or
keyfob.

Opening the rear hatch or the trunk lid with-
out using the release switch or keyfob.
How to stop an activated alarmThe alarm will stop only by unlocking a door with
the key, or by pressing the UNLOCK button on
keyfob. The alarm will not stop if the ignition
switch is turned to ACC or ON.
If the system does not operate as de-
scribed above, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS)The Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS)
will not allow the engine to start without the use
of the registered NVIS key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered
NVIS key, it may be due to interference caused
by another NVIS key, an automated toll road
device or automated payment device on the key
ring. Restart the engine using the following
procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
SIC1699
2-18
Instruments and controls


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF or LOCK
position and wait approximately 10 seconds.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 again.
4. Restart the engine while holding the device
(which may have caused the interference)
separate from the registered NVIS key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,
NISSAN recommends placing the registered
NVIS key on a separate key ring to avoid
interference from other devices.
Statement related to section 15 of FCC
rules for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem (CONT ASSY-BCM, ANT ASSY-
IMMOBILIZER)
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the follow-
ing two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause harmful in-
terference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device.
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EX-
PRESSLY APPROVED BY THE MANUFAC-
TURE RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE
COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TOOPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
Security indicator lightThis light blinks whenever the ignition switch is in
the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This function
indicates the security system equipped on the
vehicle is operational.
If the Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS)
is malfunctioning, this light will remain on while
the ignition key is in the ON position.
If the light still remains on and/or the
engine will not start, see your NISSAN
dealer for Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
tem service as soon as possible. Please
bring all NVIS keys that you have when
SIC1699
Instruments and controls
2-19


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


visiting your NISSAN dealer for service.
The windshield wiper and washer operates
when the ignition key is in the ON position.
Push the lever down to operate the wiper at the
following speed:
1Intermittent — intermittent operation can be
adjusted by turning the knob toward
A
(Slower) or
B(Faster). Also, the intermittent
operation speed varies in accordance with
the vehicle speed. (For example, when the
vehicle speed is high, the intermittent opera-
tion speed will be faster.)
2Low — continuous low speed operation
3High — continuous high speed operationPush the lever up
4
to have one sweep
operation of the wiper.
Pull the lever toward you5
to operate the
washer. Then the wiper will also operate several
times.
CAUTION
The following could damage the washer
system:

Do not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.

Do not operate the washer if the
reservoir tank is empty.
WARNING
In freezing temperature the washer fluid
may freeze on the windshield and ob-
scure your vision which may lead to an
accident. Warm the windshield with the
defroster before you wash the wind-
shield.
SIC2235
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCH
2-20
Instruments and controls


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0


The rear window wiper and washer operate
when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
Turn the switch clockwise from the OFF position
to operate the wiper.1Intermittent — intermittent operation (not ad-
justable)
2Low — continuous low speed operation
Push the switch forward
3
to operate the
washer. Then the wiper will also operate several
times.
CAUTION

If the rear window wiper operation is
interrupted by snow or ice, the wiper
may stop moving to protect its motor.
If this occurs, turn the wiper switch to
OFF and remove the snow or ice on
and around the wiper arms. After
about 1 minute, turn the switch ON
again to operate the wiper.

The following could damage the
washer system:
•Do not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
•Do not operate the washer if reser-
voir tank is empty.
WARNING
In freezing temperature the washer fluid
may freeze on the rear window glass
and obscure your vision. Warm the rear
window glass with the defroster before
you wash the rear window.To defog/defrost the rear window glass and
outside mirrors (if so equipped), start the engine
and push the switch on. The indicator light will
come on. Push the switch again to turn the
defroster off.
It will automatically turn off in approximately 15
minutes.
CAUTION

When cleaning the inner side of the
rear window, be careful not to scratch
SIC1959
SIC1960
REAR WINDOW WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCH (Coupe
models)REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE
MIRROR (if so equipped)
DEFROSTER SWITCH
Instruments and controls
2-21


04.5.17/Z33-D/V5.0