NISSAN 350Z 2003 Z33 Workshop 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.
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 ªBrake and clutch fluidº in the
ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº section.
WARNING
IYour 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.
IPressing 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.
IIf the brake fluid level is below the
MIN mark 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 ªAnti-
lock brake warning lightº 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
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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 ªEngine
oilº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
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
key switch is turned ON, and then it turns off.
If the vehicle is being driven with a flat tire or
extremely low tire pressure, the light will illumi-
nate. Also a chime will sound for about 10
seconds if a tire is flat.
For additional information, see ªLow tire pres-
sure warning systemº in the ª5. Starting and
drivingº section and ªFlat tireº in the ª6. In caseof emergencyº section. Also, you can check the
tire pressure of all 4 tires on the trip computer
display. See ªTrip computerº earlier in this sec-
tion.
WARNING
IIf the light does not come on with the
key switch turned ON, have the ve-
hicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.
IIf 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 and adjust the pressure to the
COLD tire pressure shown on the tire
placard. 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.IWhen 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
function. Contact your NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible for tire
replacement and/or system reset-
ting.
CAUTION
IThe low tire pressure warning is not a
substitute for the regular tire pres-
sure check. Be sure to check the tire
pressure regularly.
IIf 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.
IBe sure to install the specified size
for the front and rear tires.
Low washer fluid warning light
This light comes on when the washer tank fluid is
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at a low level. Add washer fluid as necessary.
See ªWindow washer fluidº in the ª8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourselfº section.
Seat belt warning light and
chime
The light and chime remind you to fasten seat
belts. The light illuminates whenever the ignition
key is turned to ON, and will remain illuminated
until the driver's seat belt is fastened.
See ªSeat beltsº in the ª1. Seats, restraints and
supplemental air bag systemsº section for pre-
cautions 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.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light re-
mains on after approximately 7 seconds.IThe supplemental air bag warning light
flashes intermittently.
IThe supplemental air bag warning light does
not come on at all.
Unless checked and repaired, the Supplemental
Restraint Systems and/or the pre-tensioner seat
belt may not function properly. For additional
information, see ªSupplemental restraint systemº
in the ª1. Seats, restraints and supplemental air
bag systemsº 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 ONposition, the indicator in the tachometer shows
the automatic transmission selector lever posi-
tion. See ªDriving with automatic transmissionº
in the ª5. Starting and drivingº 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.
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Malfunction indicator lamp
(MIL)
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
steady 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:
IMalfunction indicator lamp on steady Ð 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. Youdo not need to have your vehicle towed to the
retailer.
IMalfunction indicator lamp blinking Ð 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 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 retailer.
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 come on for about 1 second and go
off after the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. This light will blink when the vehicle
dynamic control (VDC) system or the traction
control 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.
Traction control system off
indicator light (if so equipped)
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the light will illuminate. The light will turn off in
about 1 second if the traction control system
(TCS) is operational.
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. 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 an abnormality occurs in the system,
the traction control function will be canceled but
the vehicle is still driveable. For additional infor-
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mation, see ªTraction control system (TCS)º in
the ª5. Starting and drivingº section of this
manual.
Vehicle dynamic control off
indicator light (if so equipped)
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the light will illuminate. The light will turn off in
about 1 second if the vehicle dynamic control
(VDC) system is operational.
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.
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 an abnormality occurs in the
system, the vehicle dynamic control system
function will be canceled but the vehicle is still
driveable. For additional information, see ªVe-
hicle dynamic control (VDC) systemº in the ª5.
Starting and drivingº section of this manual.
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.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:
IVehicle Security System
INissan Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS)
SECURITY SYSTEMS
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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.How to activate 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, hood and rear
hatch.
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.
IIf the key is turned slowly toward the
rear of the vehicle when locking the
door, the system may not activate. If the
key is returned beyond the vertical po-
sition toward the front of the vehicle to
remove the key, the system may be
deactivated. If the indicator light fails to
glow for 30 seconds, unlock the door
once and lock it again.
IEven when the driver and/or passengers
are in the vehicle, the system will acti-
vate with all doors, hood and rear hatch
locked and ignition key off. Turn theignition key to ACC to turn the system
off.
Vehicle security system operationThe security system will give the following alarm:
IThe headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
IThe alarm automatically turns off after ap-
proximately 1 minute. 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:
IOpening the door without using the key or
keyfob.
IOpening the rear hatch without using the rear
hatch release switch or keyfob.
IOpening the hood.How to stop 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-
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scribed above, have it checked by your
NISSAN dealer.NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEM (NVIS)The Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System
key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System key, it may be
due to interference caused by another Nissan
Vehicle Immobilizer System key, an automated
toll road device or automated payment device on
the key ring. Restart the engine using the follow-
ing procedures:
1. Leave the ignition switch in the ON position
for approximately 5 seconds.
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 Nissan Vehicle
Immobilizer System key.
If this procedure allows the engine to start,
NISSAN recommends placing the registeredNissan Vehicle Immobilizer System 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 TO
OPERATE 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 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 Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer Sys-
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tem keys that you have when 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:
q1Intermittent Ð intermittent operation can be
adjusted by turning the knob toward
qA
(Slower) or
qB(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.)
q2Low Ð continuous low speed operation
q3High Ð continuous high speed operationPush the lever up
q4
to have one sweep opera-
tion of the wiper.
Pull the lever toward you
q5
to operate the
washer. Then the wiper will also operate several
times.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer so-
lution may freeze on the windshield and
obscure your vision which may lead to
an accident. Warm the windshield with
the defroster before you wash the wind-
shield.
CAUTION
The following could damage the washer
system:
IDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
IDo not operate the washer if the
reservoir tank is empty.
SIC1958
WINDSHIELD WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCH
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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.q1Intermittent Ð intermittent operation (not ad-
justable)
q2Low Ð continuous low speed operation
Push the switch forward
q3
to operate the
washer. Then the wiper will also operate several
times.
CAUTION
IIf the rear window wiper operation is
interrupted by snow etc., the wiper
may stop moving to protect its motor.
If this occurs, turn the wiper switch to
OFF and remove the snow etc. on
and around the wiper arms. After
about 1 minute, turn the switch ON
again to operate the wiper.
IDo not operate the washer continu-
ously for more than 30 seconds.
IDo not operate the washer if reser-
voir tank is empty.
IDo not operate the washer when the
rear hatch is open.
WARNING
In freezing temperatures the washer so-
lution may freeze on the rear window
glass and obscure your vision. Warm the
rear window glass with the defrosterbefore you wash.
SIC1959
REAR WINDOW WIPER AND
WASHER SWITCH2-20
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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 or
damage the rear window defroster.
XENON HEADLIGHTS (if so
equipped)
WARNINGHIGH VOLTAGE
IWhen xenon headlights are on, they
produce a high voltage. To prevent an
electric shock, never attempt to
modify or disassemble. Always have
your xenon headlights replaced at a
NISSAN dealer.
IXenon headlights provide consider-
ably more light than conventional
headlights. If they are not correctly
aimed, they might temporarily blind
an oncoming driver or the driver
ahead of you and cause a serious
accident. If headlights are not aimed
correctly, immediately take your ve-
hicle to a NISSAN dealer and have
the headlights adjusted correctly.
When the xenon headlight is initially turned on,
its brightness or color varies slightly. However,
the color and brightness will soon stabilize.IThe life of xenon headlights will be
shortened by frequent on-off operation.
It is generally desirable not to turn off
the headlights for short intervals (for
example, when the vehicle stops at a
traffic signal). Even when the daytime
running lights are active (Canada only),
the xenon headlights do not turn on.
This way the life of the xenon headlights
is not reduced.
IIf the xenon headlight bulb is close to
burning out, the brightness will drasti-
cally decrease, the light will start blink-
ing, or the color of the light will become
reddish. If one or more of the above
signs appear, contact a NISSAN dealer.
SIC1960
REAR WINDOW AND OUTSIDE
MIRROR (if so equipped)
DEFROSTER SWITCHHEADLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL
SWITCH
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