engine NISSAN 350Z 2005 Owner´s Manual

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE
GAUGEThe gauge indicates the engine coolant tem-
perature.
The engine coolant temperature is within the
normal range
A
when the gauge needle points
within the zone shown in the illustration.
The engine coolant temperature will vary with the
outside air temperature and driving conditions.
CAUTION
If the gauge indicates engine coolant
temperature near the hot (H) end of the
normal range, reduce vehicle speed to
decrease temperature. If the gauge is
over the normal range, stop the vehicle
as soon as safely possible. If the engine
is overheated, continued operation of
the vehicle may seriously damage the
engine. See “If your vehicle overheats”
in the “6. In case of emergency” section
for immediate action required.
FUEL GAUGEThe gauge indicates the approximate fuel level in
the tank.
The gauge may move slightly during braking,
turning, acceleration, or going up or down hill.
The gauge needle is designed to move to the E
(Empty) position when the ignition key is turned
to the OFF position.
Refill the fuel tank before the gauge regis-
ters the E (Empty) position.
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The low fuel warning light comes on when
the fuel tank is getting low. Refuel as soon
as it is convenient, preferably before the
gauge reaches the E position. There will be
a small reserve of fuel in the tank when the
fuel gauge needle reaches the E position.
The
indicates that the fuel filler lid is lo-
cated on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
CAUTION

If the vehicle runs out of fuel, the
malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL) may come on. Refuel as soon
as possible. After a few driving trips,
the
lamp should turn off. If the
lamp remains on after a few driving
trips, have the vehicle inspected by a
NISSAN dealer.

For additional information, see “Mal-
function indicator lamp (MIL)” later in
this section.
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGEThe gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running.
When the engine speed is high, the engine oil
pressure is also high. When it is low, the gauge
indicates the low oil pressure.
CAUTION

This gauge is not designed to indi-
cate low engine oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. (See
“Engine oil” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.)

If the gauge needle does not move
with the proper amount of engine oil,
have the vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer. Continued vehicle
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operation in such a condition could
cause serious damage to the engine.
VOLT METERWhen the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the volt meter indicates the battery
voltage; while the engine is running, it indicates
the alternator voltage of 11 - 15 volts (normal
range
A). However, while cranking the engine,
the volts drop below the normal range.
If the needle is not in the normal range
A
while
the engine is running, it may indicate that the
charging system is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
TRIP COMPUTERThe display of the trip computer is situated in the
triple meter. When the ignition switch is turned
to ON, the display scrolls all the modes of the
trip computer and then shows the mode chosen
before the ignition switch is turned OFF.
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Switches for the trip computer are located on
the side of the combination meter panel. To
operate the trip computer, press the side of the
switches as shown above.A: Trip computer mode switch
B: Trip computer setting switch
When the ignition switch is turned to ON, modes
of the trip computer can be selected by pressing
the trip computer mode switch
A.
Each time the mode switch
A
is pressed, the
display will change as follows:
Speed indicator→Outside air temperature
(ICY)→Distance to empty (dte)→Average fuelconsumption and speed→Elapsed time and
trip odometer→Stopwatch→Tire pressure
indicator (PSI)→Up-shift indicator setting (for
M/T models)→Speed indicator
Speed indicator (mph or km/h)The vehicle speed is displayed in MPH or km/h
while driving.
The speed indicator in the trip computer
indicates the reference speed. The actual
speed indicated by the speedometer (com-
bination meter) may differ from the one in
the trip computer.Outside air temperature
(ICY—°For°C)The outside air temperature is displayed in °F or
°C in the range of −22 to 131°F (−30 to 55°C).
The outside air temperature mode includes a low
temperature warning feature: below 37°F (3°C),
the outside air temperature mode is automati-
cally selected and the ICY indicator will illumi-
nate in order to draw the driver’s attention. Press
the mode switch
A
if you wish to return to the
mode that was selected before the warning
occurred. The ICY indicator will continue blink-
ing as long as the temperature remains below
39°F (4°C).
The ambient temperature sensor is located infront of the radiator. The sensor may be affected
by road or engine heat, wind directions and
other driving conditions. The display may differ
from the actual ambient temperature or the
temperature displayed on various signs or bill-
boards.
Distance to empty (dte — mls or km)The distance to empty (dte) mode provides you
with an estimation of the distance that can be
driven before refueling. The dte is constantly
being calculated, based on the amount of fuel in
the fuel tank and the actual fuel consumption.
The display is updated every 30 seconds.
The dte mode includes a low range warning
feature: when the fuel level is low, the dte mode
is automatically selected and the digits blink in
order to draw the driver’s attention. Press the
mode switch
Aif you wish to return to the mode
that was selected before the warning occurred.
The dte indicator will remain blinking until the
vehicle is refuelled.
When the fuel level drops even lower, the dte
display will change to (----).
NOTE:

If the amount of fuel added while the
ignition switch is OFF is small, the dis-
play just before the ignition switch is
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*: lower than 26 psi (for 225/50R17 and
235/50R17 tires on
Roadster model)
lower than 28 psi (except for the above)
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.
Tire pressure shown in the display may rise
or fall while driving depending on the driv-
ing conditions (heat, etc.) and/or the out-
side temperature. This does not indicate a
system malfunction.
WARNING
The low tire pressure warning system is
not a substitute for the regular tire pres-
sure check. Be sure to check the tire
pressure regularly and adjust it to the
COLD tire pressure shown in the tire
placard.Up-shift indicator setting (rpm) (for
manual transmission models)The up-shift indicator setting mode is used toset the desired engine speed (rpm) for the
up-shift indicator (situated in the tachometer) to
illuminate. When the engine speed approaches
or reaches the set figure, the up-shift indicator
will flash or illuminate to show the driver the
timing for shifting into a higher gear. See “Driving
the vehicle” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section for the use of the up-shift indicator.
When the up-shift indicator setting mode is
selected, the rpm indicator blinks and the engine
speed currently set is displayed. (The initial
factory setting is 6,600 rpm.) The figure can be
changed between 2,000 and 8,000 rpm by
pressing trip computer setting switch
B. Press-
ing the switch for less than approximately 1
second will add the figure by 100 rpm. If press-
ing for more than approximately 1 second, the
figure will increase by 500 rpm.
If the battery cable is disconnected, the set
engine speed will be returned to the initial figure
(6,600 rpm).
Display priorityIf a low outside air temperature warning,
low dte (distance to empty) range warning
and low tire pressure warning occur simul-
taneously, other display modes switch au-
tomatically to the outside air temperature
display.When trip computer mode switch
A
is
pressed, the display switches to the mode
chosen before the warning display, but the
ICY indicator will continue blinking.
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or
Anti-lock brake warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Automatic transmission check warning
light (A/T models)
Seat belt warning light
Slip indicator light
or
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Traction control system (TCS) off indica-
tor light (if so equipped)
Charge warning light
Automatic transmission position indicator
light (A/T models)
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off indica-
tor light (if so equipped)
Door open warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
Soft top indicator light (Roadster models)
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise set switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Low tire pressure warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)
CHECKING BULBSApplythe parking brake and turn the ignition key
to ON without starting the engine. The following
lights will come on:
,
or
,
,
The following lights come on brieflyand then go
off:
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
If anylight fails to come on, it mayindicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the anti-lock brake warning light will
illuminate and then turn off. This indicates the
anti-lock brake system (ABS) is operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is running,it mayindicate the anti-lock brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
bya NISSAN dealer.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function of the brake will cease operation
but the ordinarybrakes will continue to operate.
See “Anti-lock brake system (ABS)” in the “5.
Starting and driving” section for further details.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact a NISSAN dealer for repair.
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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 a 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 a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.

If the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system 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 a
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 switch 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
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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
After the ignition switch is turned ON, this light
comes on for about 1 second and turns off.
This light warns of low tire pressure.
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 low tire pres-
sure*, the light will illuminate and the chime will
sound for about 10 seconds.
*: lower than 26 psi (for 225/50R17 and
235/50R17 tires on
Roadster model)
lower than 28 psi (except for the above)
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 the
ignition 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 tire pressure for all
four tires. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label to turn the low tire
pressure warning light OFF. If the
light still comes on while driving after
adjusting the tire pressure, a tire may
be flat. If you have a flat tire, replace
it with a spare tire as soon as
possible.
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INDICATOR LIGHTS
Automatic transmission
position indicator light (A/T
models)
When the ignition keyis turned to the ON
position, the indicator in the tachometer shows
the automatic transmission selector lever posi-
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 bythe 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 a
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 on
steadyor blinks while the engine is running, it
mayindicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator lamp mayalso come
on steadyif 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.
If this indicator lamp comes on steadyfor 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not readyfor an emission control
system inspection/maintenance test. See
“Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test” in the “9. Technical and consumer informa-tion” section of this manual.
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 bya 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 may
damage 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 maystop
blinking and come on steady.
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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
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 topoperation, see “Soft top” 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 whenthe vehicle is in motion. Have the brakes
checked as soon as possible if the warning
sound is heard.
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