traction control NISSAN 350Z 2008 Z33 Owners Manual

1. Headlight/turn signal switch (P.2-24)
2. Instrument brightness control switch
(P.2-26)
3. Steering wheel switch for audio control*
(P.4-29) or switch for Bluetooth
Hands-
Free Phone System* (P.4-31)4. Driver supplemental air bag (P.1-28)/Horn
(P.2-27)
5. Meters/gauges (P.2-3)
6. Cruise control main/set switch* (P.5-16)
7. Trip computer mode/setting switch (P.2-8)
8. Wiper/washer switch (P.2-21)9. Center ventilator (P.4-8)
10. Passenger supplemental air bag (P.1-28)
11. Side ventilators (P.4-8)
12. Soft top operating switch (for Roadster
models) (P.3-13)
13. VDC (Vehicle dynamic control) OFF switch*
(P.2-29) or TCS (Traction control system)
OFF switch* (P.2-29)
14. Fuel-filler door opener switch (P.3-23)
15. Hood lock release handle (P.3-8)
16. Fuse box (P.8-23)
17. Tilting steering wheel lock lever (P.3-25)
18. Ignition switch (P.5-6)
19. Navigation system display (P.4-2)*1 or In-
strument pocket (P.2-32)
20. Audio system (P.4-12)/Clock (P.2-30)
21. Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch (P.2-23)
22. Hazard warning flasher switch (P.2-27)
23. Cup holder (P.2-33)
24. Heated seat switch* (P.2-28)
25. Heater/air conditioner control (P.4-9)
26. Power outlet (P.2-31)
*: if so equipped
*1: Refer to the separate Navigation System
Owner’s Manual.
SIC3266
INSTRUMENT PANEL0-10
Illustrated table of contents


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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


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1. Headlight/turn signal switch
2. Instrument brightness control switch
3. Steering wheel switch for audio control (if so
equipped) or switch for Bluetooth
Hands-
Free Phone System (if so equipped)
4. Driver supplemental air bag/Horn
5. Meters/gauges6. Cruise control main/set switch
(if so equipped)
7. Trip computer mode/setting switch
8. Wiper/washer switch
9. Center ventilator
10. Passenger supplemental air bag11. Side ventilator
12. Soft top operating switch (for Roadster
models)
13. VDC (Vehicle dynamic control) OFF switch
(if so equipped) or TCS (Traction control
system) OFF switch (if so equipped)
14. Fuel-filler door opener switch
15. Hood lock release handle
16. Fuse box
17. Tilting steering wheel lock lever
18. Ignition switch/steering lock
19. Navigation system display* or Instrument
pocket
20. Audio system/Clock
21. Rear window and outside mirror defroster
switch
22. Hazard warning flasher switch
23. Cup holder
24. Heated seat switch (if so equipped)
25. Heater/air conditioner control
26. Power outlet
*: Refer to the separate Navigation System
Owner’s Manual.
SIC3266
INSTRUMENT PANEL2-2
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


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 Control
System (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.
2-16
Instruments and controls


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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 VDC system, push the VDC OFF
switch (located on the lower side of the instru-
ment 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 con-
ditions.
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 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)TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(TCS) OFF SWITCH (if so
equipped)
Instruments and controls
2-29


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See “Traction Control System (TCS)” in the “5.
Starting and driving” section.The digital clock (in the audio unit) displays time
when the ignition switch is in the ACC or ON
position.
If the battery cable is disconnected, the
clock will reset its time and the correct
time will not be indicated. Readjust the
time.
ADJUSTING THE TIMEAdjust the time in the following steps:
1. Switch the display to the clock adjusting
mode.
Type A (audio with 1 CD player):
Push and hold the DISP (Clock) button
A
until the clock display starts to flash.
Type B (audio with 6 CD changer):
Push and hold the RPT button
B
until the
clock display starts to flash.
2. Push the SEEK/TRACK button
C
(
,
) to adjust the hour. Push the TUNE
buttonD
(
,
) to adjust the
SIC3003
CLOCK
2-30
Instruments and controls


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5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ............................ 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) ................................. 5-2
Three-way catalyst .......................................................... 5-3
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) ................. 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ..................................... 5-5
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ............................ 5-6
Ignition switch ....................................................................... 5-6
Automatic transmission ................................................. 5-7
Manual transmission ....................................................... 5-7
Key positions ................................................................... 5-8
NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System ........................ 5-8
Before starting the engine ................................................. 5-9
Starting the engine ............................................................... 5-9
Driving the vehicle ............................................................. 5-10
Automatic transmission ............................................... 5-10
Manual transmission .................................................... 5-13
Parking brake ...................................................................... 5-15
Cruise control (if so equipped) ...................................... 5-16
Precautions on cruise control ................................... 5-16
Cruise control operations ........................................... 5-17Break-in schedule .............................................................. 5-18
Increasing fuel economy .................................................. 5-18
Parking/parking on hills .................................................... 5-19
Power steering .................................................................... 5-20
Brake system ....................................................................... 5-21
Braking precautions ..................................................... 5-21
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ............................... 5-21
Traction Control System (TCS) (if so equipped) ...... 5-23
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 5-23
Cold weather driving ......................................................... 5-25
Freeing a frozen door lock ......................................... 5-25
Anti-freeze ...................................................................... 5-25
Battery ............................................................................. 5-25
Draining of coolant water ........................................... 5-25
Tire equipment .............................................................. 5-25
Special winter equipment .......................................... 5-25
Driving on snow or ice ................................................ 5-25
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ....................... 5-26


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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
5-23


07.7.25/Z33-D/V5.0


with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.

Allow more stopping distance under
these conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.

Allow greater following distances on
slippery roads.

Watch for slippery spots (glare ice).
These may appear on an otherwise
clear road in shaded areas. If a patch
of ice is seen ahead, brake before
reaching it. Try not to brake while on
the ice, and avoid any sudden steer-
ing maneuvers.

Do not use cruise control on slippery
roads.

Snow can trap dangerous exhaust
gases under your vehicle. Keep snow
clear of the exhaust pipe and from
around your vehicle.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (if so
equipped)Engine block heaters are available through
NISSAN dealers to assist in cold temperature
starting. The engine block heater should be used
when the outside temperature is 20°F (−7°C) or
lower.
To use the engine block heater:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the engine block
heater cord.
3. Plug the engine block heater cord into a
grounded 3-wire, 3-pronged extension cord.
4. Plug the extension cord into a Ground Fault
Interrupt (GFI) protected, grounded 110-volt
AC (VAC) outlet.
5. The engine block heater must be plugged in
for at least2-4hours, depending on outside
temperatures, to properly warm the engine
coolant. Use an appropriate timer to turn the
engine block heater on.
6. Before starting the engine, unplug and prop-
erly store the cord to keep it away from
moving parts.
WARNING

Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical system
or a 2-pronged adapter. You can be
seriously injured by an electrical
shock if you use an ungrounded con-
nection.

Disconnect and properly store the
engine block heater cord before
starting the engine. Damage to the
cord could result in an electrical
shock and can cause serious injury.

Use a heavy-duty 3-wire, 3-pronged
extension cord rated for at least 10 A.
Plug the extension cord into a
Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) pro-
tected, grounded 110-VAC outlet.
Failure to use the proper extension
cord or a grounded outlet can result
in a fire or electrical shock and cause
serious personal injury.
5-26
Starting and driving


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