traction control NISSAN 350Z 2003 Z33 Owners Manual

2 Instruments and controlsInstrument panel ..................................................................... 2-2
Meters and gauges ............................................................... 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ......................................... 2-4
Tachometer ........................................................................ 2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............................. 2-5
Fuel gauge ......................................................................... 2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge ............................................. 2-6
Volt meter ......................................................................... 2-7
Trip computer .................................................................. 2-8
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ......... 2-11
Checking bulbs .............................................................. 2-11
Warning lights ................................................................ 2-11
Indicator lights ................................................................ 2-14
Audible reminders.......................................................... 2-16
Security systems.................................................................. 2-16
Vehicle security system................................................ 2-17
Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System (NVIS) ............ 2-18
Windshield wiper and washer switch ............................ 2-19
Rear window wiper and washer switch ........................ 2-20
Rear window and outside mirror (if so equipped)
defroster switch ................................................................... 2-21
Headlight and turn signal switch..................................... 2-21
Xenon headlights (if so equipped) ............................ 2-21
Headlight switch ............................................................ 2-22Turn signal switch ......................................................... 2-23
Instrument brightness control ..................................... 2-23
Daytime running light system (Canada only) .......... 2-23
Hazard warning flasher switch ......................................... 2-24
Horn ........................................................................................ 2-24
Heated seats (if so equipped) ......................................... 2-25
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped).................................................................... 2-26
Traction control system (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped).................................................................... 2-26
Clock ...................................................................................... 2-27
Adjusting the time ......................................................... 2-27
Power outlet.......................................................................... 2-27
Cigarette lighter and ashtray (accessory) .................... 2-28
Storage ................................................................................. 2-29
Instrument pocket (Except for Navigation system
equipped models) ........................................................ 2-29
Sunglasses holder ......................................................... 2-29
Tray.................................................................................... 2-30
Cup holders .................................................................... 2-30
Console box .................................................................... 2-31
Rear floor box ................................................................. 2-32
Rear parcel box .............................................................. 2-32
Windows................................................................................ 2-33
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1. Headlight and turn signal switch (P.2-21)
2. Instrument brightness control switch
(P.2-23)
3. Driver supplemental air bag (P.1-6)/Horn
(P.2-24)
4. Meters/gauges (P.2-3)5. Cruise control main/set switch (P.5-15)
6. Trip computer mode/setting switch (P.2-8)
7. Windshield wiper/washer switch (P.2-19)
8. Center ventilator (P.4-2)
9. Cup holder (P.2-30)
10. Passenger supplemental air bag (P.1-6)11. Side ventilator (P.4-2)
12. VDC (Vehicle dynamic control) OFF switch
(P.2-26) or TCS (Traction control system)
OFF switch (P.2-26)
13. Fuel filler lid opener switch (P.3-10)
14. Hood lock release handle (P.3-8)
15. Fuse box (P.8-23)
16. Tilting steering wheel lock lever (P.3-12)
17. Ignition switch/steering lock (P.5-5)
18. Navigation system* or Instrument pocket
(P.2-29)
19. Rear window and outside mirror (if so
equipped) defroster switch (P.2-21)
20. Heater/air conditioner control (P.4-3)
21. Audio system (P.4-6)/Clock (P.2-27)
22. Heated seat switch (P.2-25)
23. Hazard warning flasher switch (P.2-24)
24. Ashtray (P.2-28) or Tray (P.2-30)
See the page indicated in parentheses for
operating details.
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System
Owner's Manual.
SIC1943
INSTRUMENT PANEL2-2
Instruments and controls
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or
Anti-lock brake warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Automatic transmission check warning
light
Seat belt warning light
Slip indicator light
or
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Traction control system off indicator light
(if so equipped)
Charge warning light
Automatic transmission position indicator
light
Vehicle dynamic control off indicator light
(if so equipped)
Door open warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise set switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
Low tire pressure warning light (if so
equipped)
High beam indicator light (Blue)
CHECKING BULBSApply the 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 briefly and then go
off:
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate 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
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the light will illuminate. The light will turn off after
about 1 second if the system is operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the anti-lock brake system is notfunctioning properly. Have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally. See
ªAnti-lock brake system (ABS)º in the ª5. Start-
ing and drivingº section for further details.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
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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-
Instruments and controls
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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
2-16
Instruments and controls
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The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) System ON for most
driving conditions.
When the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the
VDC system reduces the engine output to re-
duce wheel spin. The engine speed will be
reduced even if the accelerator is depressed to
the floor. If maximum engine power is needed to
free a stuck vehicle, turn the VDC system off.
To cancel the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
System, push the VDC OFF switch to turn off
the system. The
indicator light will come
on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart theengine to turn ON the system. See ªVehicle
dynamic control (VDC) systemº in the ª5. Start-
ing and drivingº section.
To cancel the Traction Control System (TCS),
push the TCS OFF switch. The
indicator
light will come on. Push it again or restart the
engine to turn the system back on.
See ªTraction control system (TCS)º in the ª5.
Starting and drivingº section.
SIC1881
SIC1967
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) OFF SWITCH (if so
equipped)TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(TCS) OFF SWITCH (if so
equipped)2-26
Instruments and controls
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5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ............................. 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .................................. 5-2
Three way catalyst ........................................................... 5-3
Low tire pressure warning system
(if so equipped) ................................................................ 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ...................................... 5-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............................. 5-5
Ignition switch ......................................................................... 5-5
Automatic transmission................................................... 5-5
Manual transmission ........................................................ 5-6
Key positions ..................................................................... 5-7
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS)................. 5-7
Before starting the engine ................................................... 5-8
Starting the engine ................................................................ 5-8
Driving the vehicle ................................................................. 5-9
Automatic transmission................................................... 5-9
Manual transmission ..................................................... 5-12
Parking brake........................................................................ 5-14
Cruise control (if so equipped)........................................ 5-15
Precautions on cruise control .................................... 5-15Cruise control operations ............................................ 5-16
Break-in schedule ............................................................... 5-17
Increasing fuel economy .................................................... 5-17
Parking/parking on hills...................................................... 5-18
Power steering ..................................................................... 5-19
Brake system ........................................................................ 5-20
Braking precautions ...................................................... 5-20
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................... 5-20
Traction control system (TCS) (if so equipped).......... 5-22
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 5-22
Cold weather driving .......................................................... 5-24
Freeing a frozen door lock .......................................... 5-24
Anti-freeze ....................................................................... 5-24
Battery .............................................................................. 5-24
Draining of coolant water ............................................ 5-24
Tire equipment................................................................ 5-24
Special winter equipment ............................................ 5-24
Driving on snow or ice ................................................. 5-25
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ....................... 5-25
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On slippery surfaces such as wet asphalt roads,
vehicle wheels may spin when the vehicle is
accelerated. This wheel spin reduces accelera-
tion, or causes the vehicle to swerve, thus
decreasing vehicle stability.
When the vehicle drive wheels begin to spin, the
traction control system (TCS) controls the en-
gine torque using an electronic control system,
and it also controls automatic control shifting if
necessary (for automatic transmission models).
This reduces spinning of the drive wheels, and
result in improved vehicle acceleration perfor-
mance. It also improves the vehicle stability by
swerving motion.
IIndicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the traction control
system, the SLIP and
indicator lights
come on in the meter panel.
As long as these indicator lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled. The
vehicle will behaves like a model without the
traction control system.
To cancel the traction control system manu-
ally, turn off the traction control system off
switch. (The
indicator light illuminates.)
WARNING
The traction control system is designed
to prevent the wheels from spinning.
However, it does not prevent vehicle
slipping or spinning due to abrupt steer-
ing operation at high speeds or by care-
less or dangerous driving techniques.
Be especially careful when driving on
slippery surfaces and always drive
safely.When driving on slippery surfaces or suddenly
avoiding obstacles on roads, the vehicle might
swerve or slip. With the vehicle dynamic control
(VDC) system, sensors detect these movements
and control the braking and engine output to
help improve vehicle stability while driving.
IWhen the vehicle dynamic control system is
operating, the slip indicator light in the meter
panel blinks.
IWhen only the traction control system (TCS)
portion of the vehicle dynamic control system
is operating, the slip indicator light will also
blink.
IIf the slip indicator light blinks, the vehicle is
under slippery conditions. Be sure to drive
carefully. See ªSlip indicator lightº and ªVe-
hicle dynamic control off indicator lightº in the
ª2. Instruments and controlsº section.
IIndicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
SLIP and
indicator lights come on in
the meter panel.
As long as these indicator lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled.
The VDC system uses a Brake Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) system to improve vehicle
traction. The brake LSD system works when one
of the driving wheels is spinning on a slippery
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(TCS) (if so equipped)VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)5-22
Starting and driving
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ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
Ia sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
Ia shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drifts.
Iextra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
IWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have a lot less traction or grip under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
IWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.
IAllow more stopping distance underthese conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
IAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
IWatch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
IDo not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
ISnow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)An engine block heater to assist extreme cold
temperature starting is available through your
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
Starting and driving
5-25
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sion oil more frequently. See the Service
and Maintenance Guide.DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality
Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to
federal safety requirements in addition to these
grades.
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
TreadwearTreadwear grade is a comparative rating based
on tire wear rate when tested under controlled
conditions on specified government test
courses. For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100. How-
ever, relative tire performance depends on actual
driving conditions, and may vary significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.Traction AA, A, B and CThe traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as mea-
sured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and con-crete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to your ve-
hicle tires is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not in-
clude acceleration, cornering, hydro-
planing, or peak traction characteristics.Temperature A, B and CTemperature grades are A (the highest), B, and
C. They represent a tire's resistance to heat
build-up, and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a speci-
fied indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause tire material to degener-
ate, reducing tire life. Excessive temperatures
can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corre-
sponds to a performance level which all passen-
ger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and
B represent higher levels of performance on
laboratory test wheels than the minimum re-
quired by law.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY
GRADING
Technical and consumer information
9-19
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