warning lights NISSAN 350Z 2008 Z33 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: NISSAN, Model Year: 2008, Model line: 350Z, Model: NISSAN 350Z 2008 Z33Pages: 313
Page 121 of 313
SECONDARY REAR HATCH
RELEASEThe secondary rear hatch release mechanism
allows opening the rear hatch in the event of
discharged battery or emergency.
The release (string) handle is located under the
strut tower bar inside the luggage compartment.
To open the rear hatch from the inside,
firmly pull the release handle to the direc-
tion shown above until the lock releases.
WARNING
Do not drive with the trunk lid open.
This could allow dangerous exhaust
gases to be drawn into the vehicle.
See “Precautions when starting and
driving” in the “5. Starting and driv-
ing” section for exhaust gas.
Closely supervise children when they
are around cars to prevent them from
playing and becoming locked in the
trunk where they could be seriously
injured. Keep the car locked, with the
trunk closed when not in use, and
prevent children’s access to car keys.
OPENER OPERATIONThe trunk lid release switch is located between
the license plate lights.
To open the trunk lid, unlock it with one of the
following operations then push the release
switch:
Push the UNLOCK
button on the key-
fob once. (Pushing the HATCH/TRUNK
button on the keyfob can open the
trunk lid at once without pushing the release
switch.)
Insert the key into the door key cylinder and
turn it counterclockwise once.
SPA1556
SPA1685
TRUNK LID (Roadster models)
3-10
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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INSIDE MIRRORAdjust the height and the angle of the inside
mirror to the desired position.The night position
1
will reduce glare from the
headlights of vehicles behind you at night.
Use the day position2when driving in daylight
hours.
WARNING
Use the night position only when neces-
sary, because it reduces rear view clar-
ity.
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 “I” (AUTO)
position
1, excessive glare from the headlights
of the vehicle behind you will be reduced. The
AUTO indicator light
A
(green) will be on.
When the switch of the inside mirror is in the
“” (OFF) position
2, the inside mirror will
operate normally.
For HomeLink
Universal Transceiver, see the
SPA1792
SPA2143
SPA2157
MIRRORS3-26
Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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Page 194 of 313
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
the ignition key is turned to the ON position.
See “Warning/indicator lights and audible
reminders” in the “2. Instruments and con-
trols” 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 ENGINE
Starting and driving
5-9
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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.
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.
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
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(TCS) (if so equipped)VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)
Starting and driving
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system turned off, all VDC system 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 indication 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 drivingtechniques. Reduce vehicle speed
and be especially careful when driv-
ing and cornering on slippery sur-
faces and always drive carefully.
Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs, sta-
bilizer bars and bushings and wheels
are not NISSAN-approved or are ex-
tremely deteriorated the VDC system
may not operate properly. This could
adversely 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.
If engine related parts such as a muf-
fler are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the “VDC
OFF” indicator or “SLIP” indicator orboth indicator 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-
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.5-24
Starting and driving
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TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS)This vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS). It monitors tire pres-
sure 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. If the
vehicle is being driven with low tire pressure, the
TPMS will activate and warn you of it by the low
tire pressure warning light (in the meter panel).
This system will activate only when the vehicle is
driven at speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h). For
more details, refer to “Warning/indicator lights
and audible reminders” in the “2. Instruments
and controls” section and “Tire pressure moni-
toring system (TPMS)” in the “5. Starting and
driving” section.
WARNING
If the light illuminates 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. Driving with under-inflated
tires may permanently damage thetires and increase the likelihood of
tire failure. Serious vehicle damage
could occur and may lead to an acci-
dent and could result in serious per-
sonal injury. Check the tire pressure
for all four tires. Adjust the tire pres-
sure 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.
When a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, the TPMS will not
function and the low tire pressure
warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute. The light will remain
on after 1 minute. Contact your
NISSAN dealer as soon as possible
for tire replacement and/or system
resetting.
Replacing tires with those not origi-
nally specified by NISSAN could af-
fect the proper operation of the
TPMS.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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steering conditions, such as excessive free play,
hard steering or strange noises.
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that all
warning lights and chimes are operating prop-
erly.
Windshield wiper and washer*:Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.
Windshield defroster:Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in good quantity when operating the heater or air
conditioner.Under the hood and the vehicleThe maintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically (for example, each time you
check the engine oil or refuel).
Battery*:Check the fluid level in each cell. It
should be between the MAX and MIN lines.
Vehicles operated in high temperatures or under
severe conditions require frequent checks of the
battery fluid level.
Brake and clutch fluid levels*:Make sure that
the brake and clutch fluid levels are between the
MAX and MIN lines on the reservoir.
Engine coolant level*:Check the coolant level
when the engine is cold.Engine drive belts*:Make sure that no belt is
frayed, worn, cracked or oily.
Engine oil level*:Check the level on the
dipstick after parking the vehicle on a level spot,
turning off the engine and waiting 10 minutes.
Exhaust system:Make sure there are no loose
supports, cracks or holes. If the sound of the
exhaust seems unusual or there is a smell of
exhaust fumes, immediately locate the trouble
and correct it. (See “Precautions when starting
and driving” in the “5. Starting and driving”
section for exhaust gas (carbon monoxide).)
Fluid leaks:Check under the vehicle for fuel,
oil, water or other fluid leaks after the vehicle has
been parked for a while. Water dripping from the
air conditioner after use is normal. If you should
notice any leaks or if gasoline fumes are evident,
check for the cause and have it corrected imme-
diately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines:Check
the level in the reservoir tank with the engine off.
Check the lines for proper attachment, leaks,
cracks, etc.
Radiator and hoses:Check the front of the
radiator and clean off any dirt, insects, leaves,
etc., that may have accumulated. Make sure the
hoses have no cracks, deformation, deterioration
or loose connections.Underbody:The underbody is frequently ex-
posed to corrosive substances such as those
used on icy roads or to control dust. It is very
important to remove these substances, other-
wise rust will form on the floor pan, frame, fuel
lines and around the exhaust system. At the end
of winter, the underbody should be thoroughly
flushed with plain water, being careful to clean
those areas where mud and dirt may accumu-
late. For additional information, see “Cleaning
exterior” in the “7. Appearance and care” sec-
tion.
Window washer fluid*:Check that there is
adequate fluid in the tank.8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
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HEADLIGHTS
ReplacingIf replacement is required, see a NISSAN dealer.
Xenon headlight bulb:
WARNINGHIGH VOLTAGE
When xenon headlights are on, they
produce a high voltage. To prevent an
electric shock, never attempt to modify
or disassemble. Always have your xe-
non headlights replaced at a NISSAN
dealer. For additional information, see
“Headlight and turn signal switch” in
the “2. Instruments and controls” sec-
tion.
CAUTION
Use the same number and wattage as
originally installed:
Bulb no. (Wattage)
D2S (35W) - Xenon low/high-beam
Fog may temporarily form inside the lens of the
exterior lights in the rain or in a car wash. A
temperature difference between the inside and
the outside of the lens causes the fog. This is not
a malfunction. If large drops of water collect
inside the lens, contact a NISSAN dealer.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-27
07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0
Page 295 of 313
the proper equipment and to have it
installed.
Trailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point be-
tween the sensor and stop light or light switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tipsBe certain a vehicle maintains a level position
when a loaded and/or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it has an
unusual nose-up or nose-down condition;
check for improper tongue load, overload,
worn suspension or other possible causes of
these conditions.Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shifts while driving.
Load the trailer so approximately 60% of the
trailer load is in the front half and 40% is in
the back half.
Check your hitch, trailer tire pressure, vehicle
tire pressure, trailer light operation, and trailer
wheel lug nuts every time you attach a trailer
to the vehicle.
Be certain your rear view mirrors conform to
all federal, state and/or local regulations. If
not, install any mirrors required for towing
before driving the vehicle.
Trailer towing tipsIn order to gain skill and an understanding of the
vehicle’s behavior, you should practice turning,
stopping and backing up in an area which is free
from traffic. Steering stability, and braking per-
formance will be somewhat different than under
normal driving conditions.
Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
Avoid abrupt starts, acceleration or stops.
Avoid sharp turns or lane changes.
Always drive a vehicle at a moderate speed.
Some states or provinces have specificspeed limits for vehicles that are towing
trailers. Obey the local speed limits.
When backing up, hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand. Move your
hand in the direction in which you want the
trailer to go. Make small corrections and back
up slowly. If possible, have someone guide
you when you are backing up.
Always block the wheels on both vehicle and
trailer when parking. Parking on a slope is not
recommended; however, if you must do so,
and if a vehicle is equipped with automatic
transmission, first apply the parking brake
and block the wheels, and then move the
transmission selector lever into the P (Park)
position. If you move the selector lever to the
P (Park) position before blocking the wheels
and applying the parking brake, the transmis-
sion may get damaged.
When going down a hill, shift into a lower
gear and use the engine braking effect.
When going up a long grade, downshift the
transmission to a lower gear and reduce
speed to reduce chances of engine overload-
ing and/or overheating.
If the engine coolant rises to an extremely
high temperature when the air conditioning
system is on, turn off the air conditioner.
Coolant heat can be additionally vented by
9-20
Technical and consumer information
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Capacities and recommended fuel/
lubricants ................................................................. 9-2
Distance to empty ................................................. 2-9
Fuel economy ...................................................... 5-18
Fuel octane rating ................................................. 9-3
Fuel recommendation ........................................... 9-3
Fuel-filler cap ....................................................... 3-23
Fuel-filler door...................................................... 3-23
Gauge ...................................................................... 2-6
Fuses ............................................................................ 8-21
Fusible links ................................................................ 8-23
G
Garage door opener, HomeLink
Universal
Transceiver .................................................................. 2-43
Gas cap ....................................................................... 3-23
Gauge ............................................................................. 2-3
Engine coolant temperature gauge .................. 2-5
Engine oil pressure gauge .................................. 2-7
Fuel gauge .............................................................. 2-6
Odometer ................................................................ 2-4
Speedometer .......................................................... 2-4
Tachometer ............................................................. 2-5
Trip computer ......................................................... 2-8
Volt meter ................................................................ 2-8
General maintenance .................................................. 8-2
Golf bag stowing....................................................... 2-37
H
Hatch, Rear hatch........................................................ 3-9
Hazard warning flasher switch............................... 2-27Head restraints ............................................................. 1-9
Headlights
Bulb replacement ............................................... 8-27
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-24
Xenon headlights ................................................ 2-24
Heated seats .............................................................. 2-28
Heater
Engine block heater ........................................... 5-26
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-9
HomeLink
Universal Transceiver ......................... 2-43
Hood release ................................................................ 3-8
Hook, Coat hook ....................................................... 2-38
Horn .............................................................................. 2-27
I
Ignition switch ............................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission models ............. 5-7, 5-10
Key positions .......................................................... 5-8
Manual transmission models .................. 5-7, 5-13
Immobilizer system .................................................... 2-19
Indicator lights............................................................ 2-15
Inside
Automatic anti-glare mirror............................... 3-26
Mirror...................................................................... 3-26
Inspection/maintenance (I/M) test ........................ 9-24
Instrument brightness control ................................ 2-26
Instrument panel........................................................... 2-2
Instrument pocket...................................................... 2-32
Interior light replacement......................................... 8-28
Interior lights ............................................................... 2-41
Interior trunk lid release ........................................... 3-11J
Jump starting................................................................. 6-7
K
Keyfob battery replacement.................................... 8-24
Keyless entry (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-5
Keys................................................................................. 3-2
L
Labels
Air bag warning labels ...................................... 1-42
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-11
Emission control information label ................. 9-10
Engine serial number ......................................... 9-10
F.M.V.S.S./C.M.V.S.S. certification label ...... 9-10
Tire and Loading Information label ..... 8-32, 9-11
Vehicle identification number (VIN) .................. 9-9
License plate, Installing front license plate......... 9-12
Light
Air bag warning light ......................................... 1-43
Bulb replacement ............................................... 8-26
Headlight switch ................................................. 2-24
Headlights bulb replacement........................... 8-27
Indicator lights ..................................................... 2-15
Interior lights ........................................................ 2-41
Luggage compartment light ............................. 2-42
Map lights ............................................................. 2-41
Replacement ........................................................ 8-26
Room light ............................................................ 2-41
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