parking brake NISSAN 350Z 2004 Z33 Owners Manual

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
Instruments and controls
2-11


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


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
2-12
Instruments and controls


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


HEADLIGHT SWITCH
Lighting
1Turn the switch to the
position:
The front park, side marker, tail, license plate
and instrument lights will come on.
2Turn the switch to the
position:
Headlights will come on and all the other
lights remain on.
Headlight beam select
1To select the high beam, push the lever
forward. The high beam lights come on and
the high beam indicator light
illumi-
nates.
2Pull the lever back to select the low beam.
3Pulling the lever toward you will flash the
headlight high beam.
Battery saver system
When the headlight switch is in the
or
position while the ignition switch is in
the ON position, the lights will automaticallyturn off 5 minutes after the ignition switch has
been turned to the OFF position.

When the headlight switch remains in the
or
position after the lights auto-
matically turn off, the lights will turn on for 5
minutes when the headlight switch is turned
to the OFF position and turn to the
or
position.
CAUTION

Be sure to turn the light switch to the
OFF position when you leave the ve-
hicle for extended periods of time,
otherwise the battery will go dead.

Never leave the light switch on when
the engine is not running for ex-
tended periods of time even if the
headlights turn off automatically.DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT SYSTEM
(Canada only)The headlights automatically illuminate at a re-
duced intensity when the engine is started with
the parking brake released. The daytime running
lights operate with the headlight switch in the
OFF position or in the
position. Turn the
SIC1961
SIC1962A
Instruments and controls
2-23


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


headlight switch to the
position for full
illumination when driving at night.
If the parking brake is applied before the engine
is started, the daytime running lights do not
illuminate. The daytime running lights illuminate
once the parking brake is released. The daytime
running lights will remain on until the ignition
switch is turned off.
WARNING
When the daytime running light system
is active, tail lights on your vehicle are
not on. It is necessary at dusk to turn on
your headlights. Failure to do so could
cause an accident injuring yourself and
others.
TURN SIGNAL SWITCH1
Turn signal
Move the lever up or down to signal the turning
direction. When the turn is completed, the turn
signals cancel automatically.2
Lane change signal
To indicate a lane change, move the lever up or
down to the point where lights begin flashing.
INSTRUMENT BRIGHTNESS
CONTROLThe instrument brightness control operates
when the light switch is in the
or
position and the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
To adjust the brightness of instrument panel
lights, press the control switches located on the
left side of the meter panel. Pressing the upper
switchA
will brighten the lights. The lower
switch
B
will dim the lights. Repeatedly press-
ing the lower switch will turn the lights off.
SIC1963
SIC2236
2-24
Instruments and controls


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


CAUTION
Always keep the engine running while
operating the soft top. The top will also
operate when the ignition switch is in
the ONposition, but run the engine to
prevent a discharged battery.
Be sure to follow the operating instructions, and
all the warnings and cautions in this section.
Improper operation of the top could cause
a system malfunction, damage, or deterio-
ration of the top material and related parts.
WARNING

Park the vehicle in a safe and level
place and apply the parking brake.

Make sure the area is clear of ob-
stacles and there is enough clear-
ance over the top (for example, in a
garage or a covered area). More than
approximately 6.6 ft (2 m) from the
ground is required to open or close
the top safely. Otherwise, the top
may damage any objects above itwhile moving. The top operating sys-
tem could also be damaged.

Do not operate the top in a strong
wind. It could be blown by the wind,
striking someone or damage the top.

Do not allow anyone to stand up or
extend any portion of their body out
of the opening while the vehicle is in
motion or while the top is being op-
erated.

In an accident you could be thrown
from the vehicle with an open top.
Always use seat belts and proper
child restraints.
CAUTION

Do not operate the top when the
temperature is below 32°F (0°C). This
may result in damage to the top ma-
terial or operating system.

Remove water drops, snow, ice or
sand from the top, and dry the sur-face of the top completely before
opening it.

Do not open the top when it is wet or
damp. This may cause interior water
damage, stains or mildew on the top
material.

Be sure to turn off the rear window
defroster switch. Never turn it on
while the top is being operated or
fully opened. The heat may damage
the top material.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
3-19


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


switch (on the seat cushion) is operated.

When the power seatback tilt switch is op-
erated.

When the seatback tilt cancel switch is
turned to the CANCEL position.
Remove your hand from the soft top operating
switch, and press it again to resume operation.
The passenger seatback will start tilting forward
again from the present position, and the soft top
will start opening or closing. If the top movement
is interrupted at this time, the next time you
resume top operation, the seatback will first tilt
forward from the present position, then the top
will start moving again.
If you need to cancel this function or when a
child restraint is installed in the passenger seat,
push the seatback tilt cancel switch to the
CANCEL position. For the seatback tilt cancel
switch, see “Tilting and reclining passenger’s
seat from driver’s seat” in the “1. Safety —
Seats, seat belts and supplemental restrain sys-
tem” section.
If the seatback tilt cancel switch is in the CAN-
CEL position and the passenger seat is occu-
pied, ask the passenger to sit forward when the
top is being opened or closed.
Automatic window loweringWhen the soft top operating switch is pressed,
the power windows will automatically be low-
ered completely. The windows do not rise auto-
matically after the top operation is completed.
Use the power window switches to raise them.
OPENING 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. Release the front edge of the top from the
vehicle body with the top latch lever.
5. Press OPEN on the soft top operating switch
and hold it until the top is fully opened.
SPA1692
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
3-23


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


•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
SPA1693
3-24
Pre-driving checks and adjustments


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


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 ..................................... 5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-5
Ignition switch ....................................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission ................................................. 5-6
Manual transmission ....................................................... 5-7
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


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


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
Starting and driving


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0


AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
5-speed automatic transmissionThe automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module to produce maximum power and
smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this transmis-
sion. Follow these procedures for maximum ve-
hicle performance and driving enjoyment.Starting the vehicleAfter starting the engine, fully depress the foot
brake pedal and push the selector lever button
before shifting the selector lever to the R (Re-
verse), N (Neutral), D (Drive) or Manual shift
mode position. Be sure the vehicle is fully
stopped before attempting to shift the selector
lever.
This automatic transmission model is de-
signed so that the foot brake pedal must
be depressed before shifting from P (Park)
to any drive position while the ignition
switch is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
P (Park) position and into any of the other
gear positions if the ignition key is turned
to the LOCK, OFF or ACC position or if thekey is removed from the ignition switch.
1. Keep the foot brake pedal depressed and
push the selector lever button to shift into a
driving gear.
2. Release the parking brake and foot brake,
then gradually start the vehicle in motion.
WARNING

Do not depress the accelerator pedal
while shifting from P (Park) or N
(Neutral) to R (Reverse), D (Drive) or
manual shift mode. Always depress
the brake pedal until shifting is com-
pleted. Failure to do so could cause
you to lose control and have an acci-
dent.

Cold engine idle speed is high, so use
caution when shifting into a forward
or reverse gear before the engine has
warmed up.

On slippery roads, do not downshift.
This may cause a loss of control.

Never shift to P (Park) or R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving forward.Never shift to P (Park) or D (Drive)
while vehicle is moving backward.
These could cause an accident.
CAUTION
When stopping the vehicle on an uphill
grade, do not hold the vehicle by de-
pressing the accelerator pedal. The foot
brakes should be used for this purpose.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE
Starting and driving
5-9


04.1.22/Z33-D/V5.0