slip NISSAN 350Z 2007 Z33 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 2007, Model line: 350Z, Model: NISSAN 350Z 2007 Z33Pages: 311, PDF Size: 3.43 MB
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or
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
High beam indicator light (Blue)
Automatic transmission check warning
light (A/T models)
Seat belt warning light
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
or
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Slip indicator light
Charge warning light
Automatic transmission position indicator
light (A/T models)
Traction Control System (TCS) off indica-
tor light (if so equipped)
Door open warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indi-
cator light (if so equipped)
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise set switch indicator light
(if so equipped)
Soft top indicator light (Roadster models)
Low tire pressure warning light
Front passenger air bag status light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
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 Braking
System (ABS)
warning light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light illuminates and then turns off. This indicates
the ABS is operational.If the ABS warning light illuminates while the
engine is running, or while driving, it may indicate
the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If an ABS malfunction occurs, the anti-lock
function is turned off. The brake system then
operates normally, but without anti-lock assis-
tance. See “Brake system” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
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tion” section of this manual.
Operation
The malfunction indicator light will come on in
one of two ways:
Malfunction indicator light on steady — An
emission control system malfunction has
been detected. Check the fuel-filler cap. If the
fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, tighten or
install the cap and continue to drive the
vehicle. The
light should turn off after a
few driving trips. If the
light does not
turn off after a few driving trips, have the
vehicle inspected by a NISSAN dealer. You
do not need to have your vehicle towed to the
dealer.
Malfunction indicator light blinking — An en-
gine misfire has been detected which may
damage the emission control system. To re-
duce or avoid emission control system dam-
age:
a) Do not drive at speeds above 45 MPH
(72 km/h).
b) Avoid hard acceleration or deceleration.
c) Avoid steep uphill grades.
d) If possible, reduce the amount of cargo
being hauled or towed.
The malfunction indicator light may stop
blinking and come on steady.Have the vehicle inspected by a NISSAN
dealer. You do not need to have your vehicle
towed to the dealer.
CAUTION
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could lead to poor driveability, reduced
fuel economy, and possible damage to
the emission control system.
Slip indicator light
The light will blink when the Vehicle Dynamic
Control (VDC) system or the Traction Control
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 ControlSystem (TCS) off switch is pushed to OFF. This
indicates the TCS is not operating.
This light also comes on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. The light will turn off
if the TCS is operational.
When the TCS off indicator light and slip indi-
cator light come on with the TCS turned on, this
light alerts the driver to the fact that the system’s
fail-safe mode is operating, that is the TCS may
not be functioning properly. Have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer. If a malfunction
occurs in the system, the traction control func-
tion will be canceled but the vehicle is still
driveable. For additional information, see “Trac-
tion Control System (TCS)” in the “5. Starting
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 VDC system and Traction Control
System (TCS) are not operating.
This light also comes on when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. The light will turn off
if the VDC system is operational.
When the VDC off indicator light and slip indi-
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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 shifting 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 the
key 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
brake should be used for this purpose.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE5-10
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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
a NISSAN dealer check the automatic transmis-
sion 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.
SSD0347
SSD0536
Starting and driving
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4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
WARNING
Be sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.
Do not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
Do not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.
Do not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
When it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
In heavy traffic or in traffic that varies
in speed.
On winding or hilly roads.
On slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.).
In very windy areas.
Doing so could cause a loss of vehicle
control and result in an accident.
CAUTION
On manual transmission models, do not
shift into N(Neutral) without depressing
the clutch pedal when the cruise control
is set. Should this occur, depress the
clutch pedal and turn the main switch
off immediately. Failure to do so maycause engine damage.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROLIf the cruise control system malfunctions, it
cancels automatically. The SET indicator light
on the meter panel then blinks to warn the
driver.
If the engine coolant temperature becomes
excessively high, the cruise control system
will be canceled automatically.
If the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control MAIN (ON⋅OFF) switch off and
have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
The SET indicator light may blink when the
cruise control MAIN switch is turned on while
pushing the RES/ACCEL, COAST/SET, or
CANCEL switch. To properly set the cruise
control system, perform the preceding steps
in the order indicated.
CRUISE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
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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 brakes 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.Parking brake break-inBreak in the parking brake shoes whenever thestopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle ser-
vice manual and can be performed by a NISSAN
dealer.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM
(ABS)
WARNING
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it can-
not prevent accidents resulting from
careless or dangerous driving tech-
niques. It can help maintain vehicle
control during braking on slippery
surfaces. Remember that stopping
distances on slippery surfaces will be
longer than on normal surfaces even
with ABS. 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
BRAKE SYSTEM
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front of you. Ultimately, the driver is
responsible for safety.
Tire type and condition may also af-
fect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make
sure that it is the proper size and type
as specified on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See “Tire and
Loading Information label” in the “9.
Technical and consumer informa-
tion” section of this manual.
— For detailed information, see
“Wheels and tires” in the “8. Mainte-
nance and do-it-yourself” section of
this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking 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 each wheel from locking, the systemhelps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady pres-
sure, but do not pump the brakes. The ABS will
operate to prevent the wheels from locking up.
Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Self-test featureThe ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and 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 does not indicate
a malfunction. If the computer senses a malfunc-
tion, it switches the ABS off and illuminates theABS warning light on the instrument panel. The
brake system then operates normally, but with-
out anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Normal operationThe ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h). The speed varies according to
road conditions.
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are haz-
ardous and extra care is required while driving.
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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
engine torque using an electronic control sys-
tem, and it also controls automatic control shift-
ing if necessary (for automatic transmission
models). This reduces spinning of the drive
wheels, and result in improved vehicle accelera-
tion performance. It also improves the vehicle
stability by swerving motion.
When the TCS is operating, the “SLIP” indi-
cator 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 TCS, the “SLIP”
and “TCS OFF” indicator lights come on in
the instrument panel. As long as these indi-
cator lights are illuminated, the traction con-
trol function (except the ABS) is canceled.
The vehicle will behaves like a model without
the TCS.
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 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)
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The ABLS system works when one of the driving
wheels is spinning on a slippery surface. The
ABLS system brakes the spinning wheel, which
distributes the driving power to the other driving
wheel. If the vehicle is operated with the VDC
system turned off, all VDC system functions and
TCS functions will be turned off. The ABLS
system and ABS will still operate with the VDC
system off. When the ABLS system is activated,
the “SLIP” indicator light will blink and you may
hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and is not an indica-
tion of a malfunction.
While the VDC system is operating, you may feel
a pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
feel a vibration from under the hood. This is
normal and indicates that the VDC system is
working properly.
The VDC system computer has a built-in diag-
nostic feature that tests the system each time
you start the engine and move the vehicle at a
low speed forward or backward. 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 a malfunction.
WARNING
The VDC system is designed to help
improve driving stability but does not
prevent accidents due to abrupt
steering operation at high speeds or
due to careless or dangerous driving
techniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
If engine related parts such as a muf-
fler are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the “VDC
OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indicator or
both indicator lights may illuminate.
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars and bushings are not
NISSAN-approved or are extremely
deteriorated the VDC system may not
operate properly. This could ad-
versely affect vehicle handling per-
formance, and the “VDC OFF” indica-tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.
If brake related parts such as brake
pads, rotors and calipers are not
standard equipment or are extremely
deteriorated, the “VDC OFF” indica-
tor or “SLIP” indicator or both indica-
tor lights may illuminate.
When driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the VDC system may not oper-
ate properly and the “VDC OFF” indi-
cator or “SLIP” indicator or both
indicator lights may illuminate. Do
not drive on these types of roads.
When driving on an unstable surface
such as a turntable, ferry, elevator or
ramp, the “VDC OFF” indicator or
“SLIP” indicator or both indicator
lights may illuminate. This is not a
malfunction. Restart the engine after
driving onto a stable surface.
If wheels or tires other than those
recommended are used, the VDC sys-
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tem may not operate properly and the
“VDC OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indi-
cator or both indicator lights may
illuminate.
The VDC system is not a substitute
for winter tires or tire chains on a
snow-covered road.
FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
deicer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If the
lock becomes frozen, heat the key before insert-
ing it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32°F (0°C), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, see “Engine Cooling
System” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the battery should be
checked regularly. For additional information,
see “Battery” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the
drain plug located under the radiator. Refill
before operating the vehicle. See “Engine cool-
ing system” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section for changing engine coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle
on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends
the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON
tires on all four wheels. Consult a NISSAN
dealer for the tire type, size, speed rating and
availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some provinces
and states prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before installing
studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of stud-
ded snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces,
may be poorer than that of non-studded
snow tires.
3. Tire chains may be used. For details, see
“Tire chains” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section of this manual.
COLD WEATHER DRIVING
Starting and driving
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