AT check light NISSAN 350Z 2004 Z33 Owner's Manual

CAUTION
Store the main sun visor after storing
the extension sun visor.
To use the extension sun visor, pull it out from
the main sun visor as shown.
INSIDE MIRRORThe night position will reduce glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
WARNING
Use the night position only when neces-
sary, because it reduces rear view clar-
ity.
SPA1592A
PD1006M
EXTENSIONSUNVISOR (if so
equipped)MIRRORS3-16
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AUTOMATIC ANTI-GLARE INSIDE
MIRROR (if so equipped)The inside mirror is designed so that it automati-
cally changes reflection according to the inten-
sity of the headlight of the following vehicle.
When the inside mirror is in the AUTO position,
excessive glare from the headlights of the ve-
hicle behind you will be reduced. When the
switch of the inside mirror is in the OFF position,
the inside mirror will operate normally.
For HomeLink
Universal Transceiver, see the
description in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.
OUTSIDE MIRRORS
WARNING
Objects viewed in the outside mirror on
the passenger side are closer than they
appear. Be careful when moving to the
right. Using only this mirror could cause
an accident. Use inside mirror or glance
over your shoulder to properly judge
distances to other objects.The outside mirror will operate only when the
ignition switch is in the ACC or ON position.
Turn the control knob(located on the driver side
door armrest) to right or left to select the right or
left outside mirror, then adjust using the knob.
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Foldable outside mirrorsFold the outside mirror by pushing it toward the
rear of the vehicle.1. Soft top operating switch
2. Soft top indicator light (on the combination
meter)
3. Top side rail
4. Top latch lever
5. Soft top
6. Top storage lid
7. Trunk lid
8. Rear window
9. Rear section of the top
BEFORE OPERATING THE TOPThe soft top of your 350Z Roadster is electrically
operated. You can fully open or close the top
only by pressing the operating switch (on the
lower side of the instrument panel).
The soft top operating switch must be operated
under all of the following conditions:

When the foot brake pedal is depressed.

When the vehicle is stopped.

When the engine is running.
IC0565
SPA1689
Interior/exterior view
SOFT TOP OPERATION(Roadster
models)
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3Rotate the lever forward until the front edge
of the top is completely joined to the vehicle
body.
4Rotate the lever toward you and push it up
into the stored position. Make sure the top is
securely engaged to the vehicle body.
When releasing or engaging the top latch,
you may hear the latch operating. This is
normal and not a malfunction.
Soft top indicator lightThe soft top indicator light in the instrument
panel shows the conditions of top operation.
This light comes and stays on when the soft top
is being operated or if it is stopped before it is
fully opened or closed. The light will go off when
the top is fully opened or closed.
When the soft top is in motion, and any of the
following conditions occur, the top will stop
moving:

The vehicle is moved.

The ignition switch is turned to OFF.
The foot brake pedal is released.

The passenger power seat switch (on the
cushion or the seatback) is operated.
Remove your hand from the soft top operating
switch, and press the switch again to move the
top to the fully opened or closed position. 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 top operating system
is not functioning properly. Have your vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
Automatic passenger seatback tilt
functionThe passenger seatback will automatically tilt
forward when the soft top is operated. This
function is designed to draw your passenger’s
attention to the rear section of the top, which will
come into the passenger compartment from
behind during the top operation. The seatback
will return to the original position when the entire
top operation is completed.
This automatic seatback movement will be
stopped:

When the passenger seat sliding or reclining
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•The soft top indicator light will illuminate
while the top is in motion. (In about 20
seconds, the opening movement will finish
and the indicator light goes off.)
•Windows will automatically be fully
opened.
•The passenger seatback will automatically
move forward, unless the seatback tilt
cancel switch is in the CANCEL position.
It will return to the original position after
the top operation. (See “Automatic pas-
senger seatback tilt function” shown on
the previous page of this section.)
6. Release the switch when the top is fully
opened. (The indicator light goes off.)
NOTE:
If you release the switch and press it again
while the top is being opened, the top will
slightly move to the closing direction, then
start moving to the opening direction
again. The top is designed to move in this
way. It is not a malfunction.
CLOSING THE TOP1. Apply the parking brake and move the selec-
tor lever to the P (Park) position (for the
automatic transmission model) or the shift
lever to the N (Neutral) position (for the
manual transmission model).
2. Start the engine.
3. Depress the foot brake pedal.
4. Press CLOSE on the soft top operating
switch and hold it until the top is fully closed.
•The soft top indicator light will illuminate
while the top is in motion. (In about 20seconds, the closing movement will finish
and the indicator light goes off.)
•Windows will automatically be fully
opened.
•The passenger seatback will automatically
move forward, unless the seatback tilt
cancel switch is in the CANCEL position.
It will return to the original position after
the top operation. (See “Automatic pas-
senger seatback tilt function” shown on
the previous page of this section.)
5. Release the switch when the top is fully
closed. (The indicator light goes off.)
6. Securely engage the front edge of the top to
the vehicle body with the top latch lever.
IF THE TOP DOES NOT OPEN OR
CLOSE ELECTRICALLYIf you cannot operate the soft top with the
operating switch, first check whether all the
following operating conditions are completed:

foot brake pedal is depressed

vehicle is stopped

ignition switch is ON (Run the engine when
operating the top.)
If the top still does not move under the above
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5. Lower the rear section of the top.
a. Remove the shock absorber
K
which sup-
ports the rear section of the top from the
vehicle body. (Both the left and right side
must be removed — the figure above shows
the left side.) To remove the shock absorber,
remove the holder
L
on the terminal part
using a flat-bladed screwdriver
M.
CAUTION
When the shock absorber is removed,
the rear section of the top loses supportand falls simultaneously. Support the
top by hand so it does not strike the
body.
b. Lower the rear part of the top and push it
onto the top storage lid. The top is locked to
the storage lid, but the bottom of the rear part
is not closed tightly.
CAUTION

After closing the top manually, have
the system checked and/or repaired
by a NISSAN dealer as soon as pos-
sible.

Avoid leaving the vehicle outside for
long periods or driving at high
speeds. The rear of the top is not
locked completely, and this may al-
low wind and rain to get into your
vehicle.CARE OF THE SOFT TOP AND THE
VEHICLE BODYTo use your Roadster safely and comfortably,you need to observe all the warnings and cau-
tions shown in the previous pages. Also, to
maintain a good appearance of the soft top and
the vehicle body, you need to care for them by
cleaning and/or washing properly.
CAUTION

Do not use an automatic car wash or
a high-pressure car wash to clean
your vehicle. The top may be dam-
aged and water may leak into the
inside of the vehicle.

Store the vehicle with the top closed
if it is not to be used for long periods.
Keeping the top stowed for long pe-
riods may cause wrinkles on the sur-
face of the top.
See “Cleaning exterior” in the “7. Appearance
and care” section for detailed instructions.

A protective clear tape is applied to the top
storage lid painted surface where the soft top
contacts the surface. When the top is fully
closed, the tape may transmit some light,
visible from the inside of the vehicle. This
does not affect the water and air tightness of
the seal.
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The exhaust system and body should
be inspected by a qualified mechanic
whenever:
•The vehicle is raised for service.
•You suspect that exhaust fumes
are entering into the passenger
compartment.
•You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust system.
•You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.THREE WAY CATALYSTThe three way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the converter are burned at high tem-
peratures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING

The exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.

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.
CAUTION

Do not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst’s ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.

Keep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by a NISSAN
dealer.
Avoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.

Do not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.

Do not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system 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.
Tire pressure rises and falls depending on the
heat caused by the vehicle’s operation and the
outside temperature. Low outside temperature
can lower the temperature of the air inside the
tire which can cause a lower tire inflation pres-
sure. This may cause the low tire pressure
warning light to illuminate.
If the warning light illuminates in low ambient
temperatures as described above, check the tire
pressure for all four tires. Adjust the tire pressure
to the recommended COLD tire pressure shown
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on the Tire and Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light OFF.
The low tire pressure warning system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 20 MPH (32 km/h). This system may not
detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for ex-
ample, a flat tire by catching something while
driving).
Frequently check the tire pressure indicator on
the trip computer and adjust pressure of each
tire properly. See “Trip computer” in the “2.
Instruments and controls” section for the tire
pressure indicator.Low tire pressure warningIf the vehicle is being driven with very low tire
pressure (lower than 28 psi), the low tire pres-
sure warning light comes on, and the chime
sounds for about 10 seconds. On the trip com-
puter, the PSI indicator starts flashing and the
current display switches to the tire pressure
indicator.
For additional information regarding the above
warning, see “Trip computer” and
“Warning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.
WARNING

If the low tire pressure warning light
in the meter panel comes on and/or
the PSI indicator on the trip computer
flashes while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt brak-
ing, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop the
vehicle 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.
(See “Flat tire” in the “6. In case of
emergency” section for changing a
flat tire.)

When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure willnot 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.
CAUTION
Do not place metalized film or any metal
parts (antenna, etc.) on the windows.
This may cause poor reception of the
signals from the tire pressure sensors,
and the low tire pressure warning sys-
tem will not function properly.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
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Make sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.

Maintenance items should be checked peri-
odically, for example, each time you check
engine oil.

Check that all windows and lights are clean.

Visually inspect tires for their appearance and
condition. Also check tires for proper infla-
tion.

Lock all doors.

Position seat and adjust head restraints.

Adjust inside and outside mirrors.

Fasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.

Check the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position. See
“Warning/indicator lights and audible re-
minders” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). (P preferred.)
The starter is designed not to operate if the
selector lever is in one of the driving posi-
tions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position,
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.

If the engine is very hard to start in extremely
cold weather or when restarting, depress the
accelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/3
to the floor) and hold it then crank the engine.
Release the key and the accelerator pedal
when the engine starts.

If the engine is very hard to start because it is
flooded, depress the accelerator pedal all theway to the floor and hold it. Crank the engine
for 5 to 6 seconds. After cranking the engine,
release the accelerator pedal. Crank the en-
ginewith your foot off the accelerator
pedalby turning the ignition key to START.
Release the key when the engine starts. If the
engine starts, but fails to run, repeat the
above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the en-
gine while warming it up. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
In cold weather, keep the engine running for
a minimum of 2 to 3 minutes before shutting
it off. Starting and stopping the engine over a
short period of time may make the vehicle
more difficult to start.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE5-8
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shift mode. Shift range can be selected manu-
ally.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:M1→
←
M2→
←
M3→
←
M4→
←
M5
M5 (5th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.M4 (4th):
For driving up or down long slopes where engine
braking would be advantageous.M3 (3rd) and
M2 (2nd):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on down-
hill grades.
M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill grades.

Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than
M4
range. This reduces fuel economy.

When shifting up, move the selector lever to
the + (up) side. (Shifts to higher range.)
When shifting down, move the selector lever
to the − (down) side. (Shifts to lower range.)

Moving the selector lever to the same side
twice will shift the ranges in succession.
However, if this motion is rapidly done, the
second shifting may not be completed prop-
erly.

In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts down to 1st
gear before the vehicle comes to a stop.
When accelerating again, it is necessary
to shift up to the desired range.

When canceling the manual shift mode, re-
turn the selector lever to the D position. The
transmission returns to the normal driving
mode.

In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving performance
and reduces the chance of vehicle dam-
age or loss of control.
Accelerator downshift
— In D position —For passing or hill climbing, fully depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into the lower gear, depend-
ing on the vehicle speed.
Fail-safeWhen the fail-safe operation occurs, the next
time the key is turned to the ON position, the
warning light will blink for approximately 8
seconds after coming on for 2 seconds. While
the vehicle can be driven under these circum-
stances please note that the gears in the auto-
matic transmission will be locked in 4th gear.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the
key back to the ONposition. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating con-
dition. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition, have your NISSAN
dealer check the transmission and repair if
necessary.
Starting and driving
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