stop start NISSAN 350Z 2004 Owner´s Manual

Shift lock releaseIf the battery charge is low or discharged, the
select lever may not be moved from the P (Park)
position even with the brake pedal depressed.
To move the selector lever, depress the brake
pedal, apply the parking brake, and push the
shift lock release button by using a suitable tool
as shown. Push the selector lever button, then
the selector lever can be moved to N (Neutral).
This allows the vehicle to be moved if the battery
is discharged.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park), have
your NISSAN dealer check the automatic trans-
mission system as soon as possible.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ShiftingTo change gears, or when upshifting or down-
shifting, fully depress the clutch pedal, shift into
the appropriate gear then slowly and smoothly
release the clutch.
This vehicle is equipped with a short throw
shifter manual transmission. To ensure smooth
gear changes, fully depress the clutch pedal
before operating the shift lever. If the clutch
pedal is not fully depressed before the transmis-
sion is shifted, a gear noise may be heard.
Transmission damage could occur.Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd,
4th and 5th up to 6th gear in sequence accord-
ing to the vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shift lever and then
move it to the R (Reverse) position after stop-
ping the vehicle completely.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (Low gear), shift to N (Neutral),
then release the clutch pedal. Fully depress the
clutch pedal again and shift into R or 1.
WARNING

Do not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.

Do not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION

Do not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may damage
the clutch.
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SSD0287
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Fully depress the clutch pedal before
shifting to help prevent transmission
damage.

Stop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).

When the vehicle is stopped for a
period of time, for example at a stop
light, shift to N(Neutral) and release
the clutch pedal with the foot brake
applied.
Up-shift indicatorThe manual transmission up-shift indicator is
situated in the tachometer and shows the driver
the time to shift into a higher gear by illuminating.
The engine speed in revolutions per minute
(rpm) for upshifting can be set on the trip
computer display. (See “Trip computer” in the
“2. Instruments and controls” section for the
display setting information.) The use of the up-
shift indicator will help you to upshift at a
constant engine speed (rpm) from any gear.
The up-shift indicator will start flashing when the
engine speed is within about 500 rpm of the set
figure while driving, and then illuminate after theengine speed reaches the set figure.
For example, you can use the up-shift indicator
when driving as follows:

If the maximum engine speed is desired, set
the figure at 6,600 rpm. (The indicator starts
flashing from about 6,100 rpm and comes on
steady at 6,600 rpm.)

If the maximum engine torque is desired, set
the figure at 4,800 rpm. (The indicator starts
flashing from about 4,300 rpm and comes on
steady at 4,800 rpm.)

If you want to break in your vehicle, use of the
up-shift indicator with a rather low figure will
help you to avoid the high engine speed.
To make the up-shift indicator not come on, set
the figure at above 7,200 rpm.
There may be a slight difference between
the timing of the up-shift indicator illumi-
nation and the tachometer indication.
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SET switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed will decrease by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To resume the preset speed,push and re-
lease the RES/ACCEL set switch. The vehicle
will resume the last set cruising speed when the
vehicle speed is over 25 MPH (40 km/h).During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), follow
these recommendations to obtain maximum en-
gine performance and ensure the future reliability
and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to
follow these recommendations may result in
shortened engine life and reduced engine per-
formance.

Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.

Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.

Avoid quick starts.

Avoid hard braking as much as possible.

Do not tow a trailer for the first 500 miles
(800 km).
Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Maintain
cruising speeds with a constant accelerator
position.

Drive at moderate speeds on the highway.
Driving at high speed will lower fuel economy.

Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking.
Maintain a safe distance behind other ve-
hicles.

Use a proper gear range which suits road
conditions. On level roads, shift into high gear
as soon as possible.

Avoid unnecessary engine idling.

Keep your engine tuned up.

Follow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.

Keep the tires inflated to the correct pres-
sure. Low tire pressure will increase tire wear
and lower fuel economy.

Keep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will increase tire wear
and lower fuel economy.

Air conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.

When cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
BREAK-IN SCHEDULE INCREASING FUEL ECONOMY
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leave the windows closed to reduce drag.

Use the recommended viscosity engine oil.
See “Engine oil and oil filter recommenda-
tion” in the “9. Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section.
WARNING

Do not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.

Never leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.

Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse) posi-
tion. When parking on an uphill grade, place
the shift lever in the 1 (Low gear) position.
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PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
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WARNING

Safe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park) for
automatic transmission models or in
an appropriate gear for manual
transmission models. Failure to do
so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result
in an accident.

Make sure the automatic transmis-
sion selector lever has been pushed
as far forward as it can go and cannot
be moved without depressing the
button at the end of the lever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a sloping drive
way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels
as illustrated.

HEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
1
Turn the wheels into the curband move the
vehicle forward until the curbside wheel
gently touches the curb.
HEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
2
Turn the wheels away from the curband
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.

HEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
3
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the center
of the road if it moves.
4. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to use
a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to assist
steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However, much
greater steering effort is needed, especially in
sharp turns or at low speeds.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be much harder to operate.POWER STEERING
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BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.Vacuum assisted brakesThe brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.Using the brakesAvoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This overheats the brakes, increases
wear on the brake linings and pads, and reduces
gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING

While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.

If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.Wet brakesWhen the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly pressing the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakesat each wheel so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly or when braking on slippery
surfaces. The system detects the rotation speed
at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure
to prevent each wheel from locking and sliding.
By preventing wheel lockup, the system helps
the driver maintain steering control and helps to
minimize swerving and spinning on slippery sur-
faces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator (under the
hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
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While the actuator is working, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the pulsation may
indicate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids
controlled by a computer. The computer has a
built-in diagnostic feature that tests the system
each time you start the engine and move the
vehicle at a low speed in forward or reverse.
When the self-test occurs, you may hear a clunk
noise and/or feel a pulsation in the brake pedal.
This is normal and is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any mal-
function, it switches the anti-lock brake system
OFF and turns on the ABS warning light in the
dashboard. The brake system will then behave
normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at your
earliest convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces, even with the anti-lock brake
system. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of yourself
and others rests in the hands of the
driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.

When replacing tires, install the
specified size for the front and rear
tires.
When installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See “Vehicle iden-
tification” in the “9. Technical and
consumer information” section for
the Tire and Loading Information la-
bel location.
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ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.

a sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.

a shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drifts.

extra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING

Wet ice (32°F, 0°C 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.

Whatever 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.

Allow more stopping distance underthese conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.

Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.

Watch 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.

Do not use cruise control on slippery
roads.

Snow 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.
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LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system which
displays pressure of all tires (except the spare
tire) on the trip computer by sending a signal
from a sensor that is installed in each wheel. If
the vehicle is being driven with very low tire
pressure (lower than 28 psi), the low tire pres-
sure warning system will activate and warn you
of it by the low tire pressure warning light (in the
meter panel) or the PSI indicator (on the trip
computer). This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 20 MPH
(32 km/h). For more details, refer to “Trip com-
puter” and “Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section and “Low tire pressure warning system”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
WARNING

If the low tire pressure warning light
comes on and/or the PSI indicator
flashes while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt brak-
ing, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop thevehicle as soon as possible. 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 Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light
OFF. If you have a flat tire, replace it
with a spare tire as soon as possible.

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

Do not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIREIf you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.Stopping the vehicle1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking
brake. Shift the manual transmission into R
(Reverse) position (automatic transmission in
P (Park) position).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING

Make sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into R (Re-
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WARNING

Always make sure that the spare tire
and jacking equipment are properly
secured after use. Such items can
become dangerous projectiles in an
accident or sudden stop.

The spare tire is designed for emer-
gency use. See specific instructions
under the heading “Wheels and tires”
in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.To start your engine with a booster battery, the
instructions and precautions below must be
followed.
WARNING

If done incorrectly, jump starting can
lead to a battery explosion, resulting
in severe injury or death. It could also
damage your vehicle.

Explosive hydrogen gas is always
present in the vicinity of the battery.
Keep all sparks and flames away
from the battery.

Do not allow battery fluid to come
into contact with eyes, skin, cloth or
painted surfaces. Battery fluid is a
corrosive sulphuric acid solution
which can cause severe burns. If the
fluid should come into contact with
anything, immediately flush the con-
tacted area with water.

Keep battery out of the reach of chil-
dren.

The booster battery must be rated at12 volts. Use of an improperly rated
battery can damage your vehicle.

Whenever working on or near a bat-
tery, always wear suitable eye protec-
tors (for example, goggles or indus-
trial safety spectacles) and remove
rings, metal bands, or any other jew-
elry. Do not lean over the battery
when jump starting.

Do not attempt to jump start a frozen
battery. It could explode and cause
serious injury.JUMP STARTING
In case of emergency
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