check engine NISSAN 350Z 2008 Z33 Owners Manual

2 Instruments and controlsInstrument panel ................................................................... 2-2
Meters and gauges .............................................................. 2-3
Speedometer and odometer ........................................ 2-4
Tachometer ....................................................................... 2-5
Engine coolant temperature gauge ............................ 2-5
Fuel gauge ........................................................................ 2-6
Engine oil pressure gauge ........................................... 2-7
Volt meter ......................................................................... 2-8
Trip computer .................................................................. 2-8
Warning/indicator lights and audible reminders ........ 2-11
Checking bulbs ............................................................. 2-11
Warning lights ............................................................... 2-11
Indicator lights ............................................................... 2-15
Audible reminders ........................................................ 2-17
Security systems ................................................................ 2-18
Vehicle security system .............................................. 2-18
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ...................... 2-19
Windshield wiper and washer switch ........................... 2-21
Rear window wiper and washer switch
(Coupe models) .................................................................. 2-22
Rear window and outside mirror defroster switch .... 2-23
Headlight and turn signal switch ................................... 2-24
Xenon headlights .......................................................... 2-24
Headlight switch ........................................................... 2-24Daytime running light system (Canada only) ........ 2-25
Turn signal switch ........................................................ 2-26
Instrument brightness control ................................... 2-26
Hazard warning flasher switch ....................................... 2-27
Horn ....................................................................................... 2-27
Heated seats (if so equipped) ........................................ 2-28
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off switch
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 2-29
Traction Control System (TCS) off switch
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 2-29
Clock ..................................................................................... 2-30
Adjusting the time ........................................................ 2-30
Power outlet ........................................................................ 2-31
Storage ................................................................................. 2-32
Instrument pocket (except for navigation system
equipped models) ........................................................ 2-32
Sunglasses holder (Coupe models) ........................ 2-32
Cargo net......................................................................... 2-33
Cup holders ................................................................... 2-33
Console box .................................................................. 2-35
Rear floor box ................................................................ 2-35
Rear parcel box ............................................................ 2-37
Stowing golf bags ......................................................... 2-37
Coat hook (Coupe models) ........................................ 2-38


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGEThe gauge indicates the engine lubrication sys-
tem oil pressure while the engine is running.
When the engine speed is high, the engine oil
pressure is also high. When it is low, the gauge
indicates the low oil pressure.
CAUTION

This gauge is not designed to indi-
cate low engine oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level. (See
“Engine oil” in the “8. Maintenance
and do-it-yourself” section.)

If the gauge needle does not move
with the proper amount of engine oil,
have the vehicle checked by a
NISSAN dealer. Continued vehicleoperation in such a condition could
cause serious damage to the engine.
SIC1954A
Type A
SIC1953A
Type B
Instruments and controls
2-7


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


VOLT METERWhen the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the volt meter indicates the battery
voltage; while the engine is running, it indicates
the alternator voltage of 11 - 15 volts (normal
range
A). However, while cranking the engine,
the volts drop below the normal range.
If the needle is not in the normal range
A
while
the engine is running, it may indicate that the
charging system is not functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
TRIP COMPUTERThe display of the trip computer is situated in the
triple meter. When the ignition switch is turned
to ON, the display scrolls all the modes of the
trip computer and then shows the mode chosen
before the ignition switch is turned OFF.Switches for the trip computer are located on
the side of the combination meter panel. To
operate the trip computer, push the side of the
switches as shown above.
A: Trip computer mode switch
B: Trip computer setting switch
When the ignition switch is turned to ON, modes
of the trip computer can be selected by pushing
the trip computer mode switch
A.
Each time the mode switch
A
is pushed, the
display will change as follows:
Speed indicator→Outside air temperature
(ICY)→Distance to empty (dte)→Average fuel
SIC1955
SIC3357
SIC2997
2-8
Instruments and controls


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


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
2-11


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


Automatic transmission check
warning light (A/T models)
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the automatic transmission check
warning light comes on and then turns off. This
indicates that the automatic transmission system
is operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is running
or while driving, it may indicate that the auto-
matic transmission system is not functioning
properly. Have a NISSAN dealer check and
repair the transmission.
or
Brake warning light
This light functions for both the parking brake
and the foot brake systems.
Parking brake indicator:
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
the light comes on when the parking brake is
applied.
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 a low brake
fluid level may increase your stop-
ping distance and braking will re-
quire greater pedal effort as well as
pedal travel.

If the brake fluid level is below the
MINIMUM or MIN mark on the brake
fluid reservoir, do not drive until the
brake system has been checked at a
NISSAN dealer.
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the
warning system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
indicator:
When the parking brake is released and the
brake fluid level is sufficient, if both the brake
warning light and the ABS warning light illumi-
nate, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning
properly. Have the brake system checked by a
NISSAN dealer. See “Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light” earlier in this section.
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 a
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 switch is in the ON position.
2-12
Instruments and controls


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


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
immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See “Engine
oil” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-yourself”
section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Low tire pressure warning light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that monitors the tire
pressure of all tires except the spare.
The low tire pressure warning light warns of lowtire pressure or indicates that the TPMS is not
functioning properly.
After the ignition switch is turned ON, this light
illuminates for about 1 second and turns off.
Low tire pressure warning:
If the vehicle is being driven with low tire pres-
sure, the warning light will illuminate.
When the low tire pressure warning light illumi-
nates, you should stop and adjust the tire pres-
sure to the recommended COLD tire pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.
The low tire pressure warning light does not
automatically turn off when the tire pressure is
adjusted. After the tire is inflated to the recom-
mended pressure, the vehicle must be driven at
speeds above 16 MPH (25 km/h) to activate the
TPMS and turn off the low tire pressure warning
light. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the tire
pressure.
For additional information, see “Tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS)” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section and in the “6. In case of
emergency” section.
TPMS malfunction:
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, the low
tire pressure warning light will flash for approxi-
mately 1 minute when the ignition switch isturned ON. The light will remain on after the 1
minute. Have the system checked by a NISSAN
dealer.
For additional information, see “Tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS)” in the “5. Starting
and driving” section.
WARNING

If the light does not illuminate with
the ignition switch turned ON, have
the vehicle checked by a NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible.

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 the
tires 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-
Instruments and controls
2-13


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


Unless checked and repaired, the supplemental
restraint system (air bag system) and/or the
pretensioners may not function properly. For
additional information, see “Supplemental re-
straint system” in the “1. Safety — Seats, seat
belts and supplemental restraint system” sec-
tion.
WARNING
If the supplemental air bag warning
light is on, it could mean that the front
air bag, side air bag, curtain air bag
and/or pretensioner systems will not
operate in an accident. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.INDICATOR LIGHTS
Automatic transmission
position indicator light (A/T
models)
When the ignition key is turned to the ON
position, the indicator in the tachometer shows
the automatic transmission selector lever posi-
tion. See “Driving the vehicle” (automatic trans-mission) in the “5. Starting and driving” section.
Cruise main switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on when the cruise control main
switch is pushed. The light goes out when the
main switch is pushed again. When the cruise
main switch indicator light comes on, the cruise
control system is operational.
Cruise set switch indicator
light (if so equipped)
The light comes on while the vehicle speed is
controlled by the cruise control system. If the
light blinks while the engine is running, it may
indicate the cruise control system is not func-
tioning properly. Have the system checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
Front passenger air bag status
light
The front passenger air bag status light
(
) will be lit and the passenger front air bag
will be OFF depending on how the front passen-
ger seat is being used.
For front passenger air bag status light opera-
tion, see “NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System” in
the “1. Safety — Seats, seat belts and supple-
mental restraint system” section of this manual.
High beam indicator light
(Blue)
This light comes on when the headlight high
beam is on and goes out when the low beam is
selected.
Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)
If the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) comes on
steady or blinks while the engine is running, it
may indicate a potential emission control mal-
function.
The malfunction indicator light may also come on
steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing, or
if the vehicle runs out of fuel. Check to make sure
the fuel-filler cap is installed and closed tightly,
and that the vehicle has at least 3 US gallons (14
liters) of fuel in the fuel tank.
After a few driving trips, the
light should
turn off if no other potential emission control
system malfunction exists.
If this indicator light comes on steady for 20
seconds and then blinks for 10 seconds when
the engine is not running, it indicates that the
vehicle is not ready for an emission control
system inspection/maintenance test. See
“Readiness for inspection/maintenance (I/M)
test” in the “9. Technical and consumer informa-
Instruments and controls
2-15


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


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-
cator light come on with the VDC system turned
on, this light alerts the driver to the fact that the
system’s fail-safe mode is operating, that is the
VDC system may not be functioning properly.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
system function will be canceled but the vehicle
is still driveable. For additional information, see
“Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system” in the
“5. Starting and driving” section of this manual.
Soft top indicator light
(Roadster models)
This light illuminates when the soft top is being
operated or it is stopped before reaching a full
open/close state. When the top is fully opened,
the light will turn off. When the top is fully closed,
the light will flash.
The soft top can be moved with the soft top
operating switch only under all of the following
conditions:

When the vehicle is stopped.

When the foot brake pedal is depressed.

When the ignition switch is ON.
CAUTION
Operate the soft top with the engine
running to prevent a discharged battery.
When the soft top is in motion, and any of the
above conditions are discontinued or the pas-
senger power seat switches (on the cushion or
the seatback) are operated, the top will stop
moving. Remove your hand from the operating
switch, and push it again under the above
conditions until the top is fully opened or closed.
The soft top indicator light will turn off when the
top open operation is completely finished. When
closing the top, the light, which is illuminated,
will begin to flash when the top close operation
is completely finished. Securely engage the top
to the vehicle by operating the top latch lever.
The light will turn off.
If the soft top indicator light flashes with the
ignition switch ON (whether the top is operated
or not, and when the top is engaged), it may
indicate the electric soft top control unit is not
functioning properly. Have your vehicle checked
by a NISSAN dealer as soon as possible.
For more details about the electric soft top
operation, see “Soft top” in the “3. Pre-driving
checks and adjustments” section.
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights
The light flashes when the turn signal switch
lever or hazard switch is turned on.AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Key reminder chimeThe chime will sound if the driver’s side door is
opened while the key is left in the ignition switch
(ignition switch is turned off). Remove the key
and take it with you when leaving the vehicle.Light reminder chimeThe chime will sound when the driver’s door is
opened with the headlight switch on unless the
key is in the ignition switch. Make sure to turn the
light switch off when you leave the vehicle.Seat belt warning chimeThe chime will sound for about 6 seconds unless
the driver’s seat belt is securely fastened.Brake pad wear warningThe disc brake pads have audible wear warn-
ings. When a brake pad requires replacement, it
will make a high pitched scraping sound when
the vehicle is in motion whether or not the brake
pedal is depressed. Have the brakes checked as
Instruments and controls
2-17


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


Security indicator lightThis light
Ablinks whenever the ignition switch
is in the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This is
normal.
How to arm the vehicle security
system1. Close all windows.
The system can be activated even if the
windows are open.
2. Remove the key from the ignition switch.3. Close and lock all doors and rear hatch/trunk
lid.
Lock all doors by using the key or the keyfob.
When using the keyfob, the hazard indicators
flash twice to indicate all doors are locked.
4. Confirm that the security indicator light
comes on. The security indicator light glows
for about 30 seconds and then blinks. The
system is now activated. If, during this 30
second time period, the door is unlocked by
the key or the keyfob, or the ignition key is
turned to ACC or ON, the system will not
activate.
Even when the driver and/or passengers
are in the vehicle, the system will activate
with all doors and rear hatch/trunk lid
locked and ignition key off. Turn the igni-
tion key to ACC to turn the system off.
Vehicle security system activationThe security system will give the following alarm:

The headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.

The alarm automatically turns off after ap-
proximately 50 seconds. However, the alarm
reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with
again. The alarm can be shut off by unlocking
a door with the key, or by pushing theUNLOCK
button on the keyfob.
The alarm is activated by:

Opening the door without using the key or
keyfob.

Opening the rear hatch or the trunk lid with-
out using the keyfob.
How to stop an activated alarmThe alarm will stop only by unlocking a door with
the key, or by pushing the UNLOCK
but-
ton on keyfob. The alarm will not stop if the
ignition key is turned to ACC or ON.
If the system does not operate as de-
scribed above, have it checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER
SYSTEMThe NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered key.
If the engine fails to start using the registered key
(for example, when interference is caused by
another registered key, an automated toll road
device or automated payment device on the key
ring), restart the engine using the following
procedures:
SIC1699A
Instruments and controls
2-19


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


The seats are warmed by built-in heaters. The
switches are located on the center console.
1. Start the engine.
2. Select heat range.
1For high heat, push the
(High) side
of the switch.
2For low heat, push the
(Low) side of
the switch.
3For no heat, the switch has a center OFF
position between low and high.
The indicator light
A
in the switch will
illuminate when low or high is selected.The heater is controlled by a thermostat,
automatically turning the heater on and off.
The indicator light will remain on as long as
the switch is on.
3. When the vehicle’s interior is warmed, or
before you leave the vehicle, be sure to turn
the switch to the OFF position
3.
An optional ventilated net seat has this built-in
heater only in the seat cushion part, not in the
seatback.
CAUTION

The battery could be discharged if
the seat heater is operated while the
engine is not running.

Do not use the seat heater for ex-
tended periods or when no one is
using the seat.

Do not put anything on the seat
which insulates heat, such as a blan-
ket, cushion, seat cover, etc. Other-
wise, the seat may become over-
heated.

Do not place anything hard or heavyon the seat or pierce it with a pin or
similar object. This may result in
damage to the heater.

Any liquid spilled on the heated seat
should be removed immediately with
a dry cloth.

When cleaning the seat, never use
gasoline, benzine, thinner, or any
similar materials.

If any abnormalities are found or the
heated seat does not operate, turn
the switch off and have the system
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
SIC3002
HEATED SEATS (if so equipped)2-28
Instruments and controls


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0