ignition NISSAN 350Z 2004 Z33 User Guide

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 vehicleoperation 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.
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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.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) (if so equipped)→Up-shift indi-
cator setting (for M/T models)→Speed indica-
tor
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).
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The ambient temperature sensor is located in
front 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
turned OFF may continue to be dis-
played.

When driving uphill or rounding curves,
the fuel in the tank shifts, which may
momentarily change the display.
Average fuel consumption
(mpg or l (liter)/100 km) and speed
(av. mph or av. km/h)Fuel consumption:
The average fuel consumption mode shows the
average fuel consumption since the last reset.
Resetting is done by pressing the trip computer
setting switch
B
for more than approximately 1
second. (The average speed is also reset at the
same time.)
The display is updated every 30 seconds. At
about the first 1/3 miles (500 m) after a reset,
the display shows (----).
Speed:
The average speed mode shows the average
vehicle speed since the last reset. Resetting is
done by pressing the setting switch
Bfor more
than approximately 1 second. (The average fuel
consumption is also reset at the same time.)
The display is updated every 30 seconds. Thefirst 30 seconds after a reset, the display shows
(----).
Elapsed time (h:m:s) and trip
odometer (mls or km)Elapsed time:
The elapsed time mode shows the time since the
last reset. The displayed time can be reset by
pressing the trip computer setting switch
Bfor
more than approximately 1 second. (The trip
odometer is also reset at the same time.)
Trip odometer:
The trip odometer mode shows the total dis-
tance the vehicle has been driven since the last
reset. Resetting is done by pressing the setting
switch
Bfor more than approximately 1 second.
(The elapsed time is also reset at the same time.)
Stopwatch (h:m:s)You can use the trip computer as a stopwatch.
Each time the trip computer setting switch
Bis
pressed, the stopwatch will be operated as
follows:
After 100 hours, the time will start from the reset
display again.
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Even if the display is switched to the other mode
while the time is starting, the stopwatch contin-
ues to advance until you stop the time in the
stopwatch mode. When the ignition switch is
turned OFF, the time is reset.Tire pressure indicator (PSI) (if so
equipped)The tire pressure indicator shows tire pressure
(0 - 51 psi) of all wheels (except the spare tire)
by sending a signal from a sensor that is installed
in each wheel. Press the trip computer setting
switch
Bto change the display to F (front) or R
(rear).
The tire pressure sensor will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 20 MPH
(32 km/h). If the tire pressure signal cannot be
received correctly, the display shows (----).
The tire pressure indicator mode includes a low
tire pressure warning feature. If the vehicle is
being driven with very low tire pressure (lower
than 28 psi), the tire pressure indicator mode is
automatically selected and the PSI indicator will
blink in order to attract the driver’s attention.
Press the trip computer mode switch
A
if you
wish to return to the mode that was selected
before the warning occurred. The PSI indicator
will continue blinking until the tire pressure of
each tire is properly adjusted.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 to
set 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 “Drivingthe 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
(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
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 may indicate the anti-lock brake system is not
functioning properly. Have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the anti-
lock function of the brake will cease operation
but the ordinary brakes 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 your NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
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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 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
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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
(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
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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-
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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
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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.
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