instrument panel NISSAN 350Z 2005 Owner´s Manual

The vehicle should be driven with the Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) system ON for most
driving conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the VDC
system reduces the engine output to reduce
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 turn off the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
system, push the VDC OFF switch (located on
the lower side of the instrument panel). The
indicator light will come on.
Push the VDC OFF switch again or restart theengine to turn ON the system. See “Vehicle
dynamic control (VDC) system” in the “5. Start-
ing and driving” section.
The vehicle should be driven with the Traction
Control System (TCS) ON for most driving
conditions.
If the vehicle is stuck in mud or snow, the TCS
reduces the engine output to reduce 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 TCS off.
To turn off the Traction Control System (TCS),
push the TCS OFF switch (located on the lower
side of the instrument panel). The
indicator
light will come on. Push it again or restart the
engine to turn the system back on.
SIC1881
SIC1967
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) OFF SWITCH (if so
equipped)TRACTIONCONTROL SYSTEM
(TCS) OFF SWITCH (if so
equipped)
Instruments and controls
2-29


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Automatic operationTo fully open or close the window, completely
press or lift the switch and release it; it need not
be held. The window will automatically open or
close all the way. To stop the window, just press
or lift the switch on the opposite side.Auto reverse functionIf the control unit detects something caught in a
window as it moves up, the window will be
immediately lowered.
The auto reverse function can be activated when
a window is closed by automatic operation when
the ignition key is in the ON position or for about45 seconds after the ignition key is turned to the
OFF position.
Depending on the environment or driving
conditions, the auto reverse function may
be activated if an impact or load similar to
something being caught in the window
occurs.
WARNING
There are some small distances imme-
diately before the closed position which
cannot be detected. Make sure that all
passengers have their hands, etc., in-
side the vehicle before closing the win-
dow.Automatic window lowering (Roadster
models)When 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 soft top open/close operation
is completed. Use the power window switches
to raise them.
AUTOMATIC ADJUSTING
FUNCTION
CAUTION
When the battery cable is removed from
the battery terminal, do not close either
of the front doors. The automatic win-
dow adjusting function will not work,
and the side roof panel/top side rail
may be damaged.
The power window has an automatic adjusting
function. When the door is being opened, the
window is automatically lowered slightly to avoid
contact between the window and the side roof
panel/top side rail. When the door is closed, the
window is automatically raised slightly.
SIC1979B
Instruments and controls
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1. Pull the hood lock release handle
1
located
below the instrument panel; the hood will
then spring up slightly.
2. Raise the lever
2
at the front of the hood
with your fingertips and raise the hood.
3. Insert the assist bar into the slot
3
in the
front edge of the hood.
4. When closing the hood, reset the assist bar
to its original position, then slowly close the
hood and make sure it locks into place.
WARNING

Make sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the hood
to fly open and result in an accident.

If you see steam or smoke coming
from the engine compartment, to
avoid injury do not open the hood.
WARNING
Do not drive with the rear hatch open.
This could allow dangerous exhaust
gases to be drawn into the vehicle. See
“Precautions when starting and driving”
in the “5. Starting and driving” section
for exhaust gas.
SPA1506
HOODREAR HATCH (Coupe models)
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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SECONDARY TRUNK LID RELEASEThe secondary trunk lid release mechanism al-
lows opening the trunk lid in the event of dis-
charged battery or emergency.
Remove the cover
1
(located inside of the rear
floor box) using a suitable tool
2
as shown.
Access the release (string) handle3.
To open the trunk lid from the inside, firmly
pull the release handle to the direction
shown above until the lock releases.
OPENER OPERATIONTo open the fuel filler lid, push the opener switch
located below the instrument panel. To lock,
close the fuel filler lid securely.
SPA1688
SPA1508
FUEL FILLER LIDPre-driving checks and adjustments
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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.
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 it
SPA1689
Interior/exterior view
SOFT TOP (Roadster models)
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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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 recliningswitch (on the seat cushion) is operated.

When the power seatback tilt switch (on the
seatback) is operated.

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.
SPA1691
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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When the air intake button is pushed for
longer than 1.5 seconds, both indicator lights
(
and
) will flash twice, and then
the intake air will be controlled automatically.
During this AUTO mode, the indicator light of
the currently selected mode illuminates.

When the air flow control dial is in the
or
position, the air recirculation
mode does not activate.
Air flow controlTurning the air flow control dial selects the air
outlet to:
: Air flows from center and side ventila-
tors.: Air flows from center and side ventila-
tors and foot outlets.: Air flows mainly from foot outlets.: Air flows from defroster and foot out-
lets.: Air flows mainly from defroster outlets.
To turn the system offTurn the fan control dial to the OFF position.
OPERATING TIPSWhen the engine coolant temperature and out-
side air temperature are low, the air flow from the
foot outlets may not operate for a maximum of
150 seconds. However, this is not a malfunction.
After the coolant temperature warms up, the air
flow from the foot outlets will operate normally.
Sensor
A
on the instrument panel helps main-
tain a constant temperature; do not put anything
on or around this sensor.
SAA0603
4-10
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04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


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
on the Tire and Loading Information label to turn
the low tire pressure warning light OFF.
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 low tire pres-
sure*, the low tire pressure warning light comes
on, and the chime sounds for about 10 seconds.
On the trip computer, the PSI indicator starts
flashing and the current display switches to the
tire pressure indicator.
*: lower than 26 psi (for 225/50R17 and
235/50R17 tires on
Roadster model)lower than 28 psi (except for the above)
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
tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recom-
mended 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” inthe “6. In case of emergency” section
for changing a flat tire.)

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 a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.

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
5-4
Starting and driving


04.8.23/Z33-D/V5.0


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.

When the traction control system is operat-
ing, the slip indicator light in the meter panel
blinks.

If the slip indicator light blinks, the vehicle is
under slippery conditions. Be sure to drive
carefully. See “Slip indicator light” and “Trac-
tion control system (TCS) off indicator light”
in the “2. Instruments and controls” section.

Indicator 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 (except the ABS) is
canceled. The vehicle will behaves like amodel without the traction control system.
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 accelerating or driving on a slippery sur-
faces, the tires may spin or slide. With the
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, sensors
detect these movements and control the braking
and engine output to help improve vehicle sta-
bility.

When the VDC system is operating, the
“SLIP” indicator in the instrument panel
blinks.

When only the Traction Control System
(TCS) portion of the VDC system is operat-
ing, the “SLIP” indicator in the instrument
panel blinks.

If the “SLIP” indicator blinks, the road condi-
tions are slippery. Be sure to adjust your
speed and driving to these conditions. Be
sure to drive carefully. See “Slip indicator
light”, and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
OFF indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.

Indicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
“SLIP” and “VDC OFF” indicator lights illumi-
nate in the instrument panel. As long as these
indicators are illuminated, the VDC system
function is canceled.
The VDC system uses an Active Brake Limited
Slip (ABLS) system to improve vehicle traction.
TRACTIONCONTROL SYSTEM
(TCS) (if so equipped)VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)5-22
Starting and driving


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LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEMThis vehicle is equipped with the low tire pres-
sure warning system. It monitors tire pressure of
all tires except the spare. When the low tire
pressure warning light is lit, one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated. The system
also 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 low tire
pressure*, the low tire pressure 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 computer” and
“Warning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ers” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section
and “Low tire pressure warning system” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section.
*: lower than 26 psi (for 225/50R17 and
235/50R17 tires on
Roadster model)
lower than 28 psi (except for the above)
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 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
tire pressure for all four tires. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recom-
mended 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 a NISSAN dealer assoon as possible for tire replacement
and/or system resetting.

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.
FLAT TIRE6-2
In case of emergency


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