manual transmission NISSAN 370Z COUPE 2011 User Guide

Black plate (285,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
6. Turn on the hazard warning flashers andeither contact a roadside emergency service
to change the tire or see “CHANGING A
FLAT TIRE (for models with spare tire)” in
the “6. In case of emergency” section of this
Owner’s Manual.DRINKING ALCOHOL/DRUGS AND
DRIVING
WARNING
Never drive under the influence of
alcohol or drugs. Alcohol in the blood-
stream reduces coordination, delays
reaction time and impairs judgement.
Driving after drinking alcohol increases
the likelihood of being involved in an
accident injuring yourself and others.
Additionally, if you are injured in an
accident, alcohol can increase the se-
verity of the injury.
NISSAN is committed to safe driving. However,
you must choose not to drive under the influence
of alcohol. Every year thousands of people are
injured or killed in alcohol-related accidents.
Although the local laws vary on what is
considered to be legally intoxicated, the fact is
that alcohol affects all people differently and
most people underestimate the effects of alcohol.
Remember, drinking and driving don’t mix! And
that is true for drugs, too (over-the-counter,
prescription, and illegal drugs) . Don’t drive if
your ability to operate your vehicle is impaired by
alcohol, drugs, or some other physical condition.
WARNING
Do not operate the push-button ignition
switch while driving the vehicle except
in an emergency. (The engine will stop
when the ignition switch is pushed 3
consecutive times or the ignition switch
is pushed and held for more than 2
seconds.) If the engine stops while the
vehicle is being driven, this could lead
to a crash and serious injury.
Before operating the push-button ignition
switch, be sure to move the selector lever to
the P (Park) position (for automatic transmission
model) or the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position (for manual transmission model) .PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
Starting and driving
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Black plate (286,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
SSD0825
OPERATING RANGE FOR ENGINE
START FUNCTIONThe Intelligent Key can only be used for starting
the engine when the Intelligent Key is within the
specified operating range
*1.
When the Intelligent Key battery is almost
discharged or strong radio waves are present
near the operating location, the Intelligent Key
system’s operating range becomes narrower
and may not function properly.
If the Intelligent Key is within the operating
range, it is possible for anyone, even someone
who does not carry the Intelligent Key, to push
the ignition switch to start the engine. .
The cargo/trunk room area is not included in
the operating range but the Intelligent Key
may function.
. If the Intelligent Key is placed on the
instrument panel, rear parcel shelf, inside
the glove box or door pocket, the Intelligent
Key may not function.
. If the Intelligent Key is placed near the door
or window outside the vehicle, the Intelligent
Key may function.
SSD1021
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH
OPERATIONWhen the ignition switch is pushed without
depressing the brake pedal (automatic transmis-
sion model) or the clutch pedal (manual
transmission model) , the ignition switch position
will change as follows:
.Push center once to change to ACC.
. Push center two times to change to ON.
. Push center three times to change to OFF.
(No position illuminates.)
. Push center four times to return to ACC.
. Open or close any door to return to LOCK
5-8
Starting and driving

Black plate (289,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic Transmission (AT) model:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) or N
(Neutral) position. (P is recommended.)
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the selector lever is in either of the above
positions.
Manual Transmission (MT) model:
Move the shift lever to the N (Neutral)
position. Depress the clutch pedal fully to
the floor.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
The Intelligent Key must be carried
when operating the ignition switch.
3. Push the ignition switch to the ON position. Depress the brake pedal (AT model) or the
clutch pedal (MT model) and push the
ignition switch to start the engine.
To start the engine immediately, push and
release the ignition switch while depressing
the brake pedal with the ignition switch in
any position.
.If the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restart-
ing, depress the accelerator pedal a little (approximately 1/3 to the floor) and
while holding, crank the engine. Release
the accelerator pedal when the engine
starts.
. If the engine is very hard to start
because it is flooded, depress the
accelerator pedal all the way to the floor
and hold it. Push the ignition switch to
the ON position to start cranking the
engine. After 5 or 6 seconds, stop
cranking by pushing the ignition switch
to OFF. After cranking the engine,
release the accelerator pedal. Crank
the engine with your foot off the
accelerator pedal by depressing the
brake pedal and pushing the push-
button ignition switch to start the engine.
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, push the ignition switch
to OFF and wait 10 seconds before
cranking again, otherwise the starter
could be damaged. 4.
Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Do not race the
engine 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 -
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.
When racing the engine up to 4,500 rpm or
more under no load condition, the engine
will enter the fuel cut mode.
5. To stop the engine, shift the selector lever to the P (Park) position (AT model) or move the
shift lever to the N (Neutral) position (MT
model) , and push the ignition switch to the
OFF position.
STARTING THE ENGINE
Starting and driving
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Black plate (290,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
7 speed automatic transmissionThe automatic transmission in your vehicle is
electronically controlled by a transmission con-
trol module to produce maximum efficiency and
smooth operation.
Shown on the following pages are the recom-
mended operating procedures for this transmis-
sion. Follow these procedures for maximum
vehicle 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
(Reverse) , N (Neutral) , D (Drive) or Manual shift
mode position. Be sure the vehicle is fully
stopped before attempting to shift 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 position is ON.
The selector lever cannot be moved out of
the P (Park) position and into any of the
other gear positions if the ignition switch
is pushed to the LOCK, OFF or ACC
position.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. Al-
ways depress the brake pedal until
shifting is completed. Failure to do
so could cause you to lose control
and have an accident.
. Cold engine idle speed is high, so
use caution when shifting into a
forward or reverse gear before the
engine has warmed up.
. Never shift to P (Park) or R (Re-
verse) while vehicle is moving for-
ward. Never shift to P (Park) or D
(Drive) while vehicle is moving rear-
ward. Failure to do so could cause
you to lose control and have an
accident.
CAUTION
.When stopping the vehicle on an
uphill grade, do not hold the vehicle
by depressing the accelerator pedal.
The foot brake should be used for
this purpose.
. Do not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
DRIVING THE VEHICLE5-12
Starting and driving

Black plate (291,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
SSD0827
Selector lever
ShiftingTo move the selector lever,
: Push the button while depressing thebrake pedal,: Push the button,: Just move the selector lever.
After starting the engine, fully depress the brake
pedal and shift the selector lever from P (Park)
to R (Reverse) , N (Neutral) , D (Drive) or Manual
shift mode position.
Push the button to shift into P (Park) or R
(Reverse) . All other positions can be selected
without pushing the button.
WARNING
Apply the parking brake if the selector
lever is in any position while the engine
is not running. Failure to do so could
cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly
or roll away and result in serious
personal injury or property damage.
CAUTION
Make sure the vehicle is completely
stopped and the transmission is in the
P (Park) position.
P (Park) position:
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Make sure
the vehicle is completely stopped. The brake
pedal must be depressed and the selector
lever button pushed in to move the selec-
tor lever from the N (Neutral) position or
any drive position to the P (Park) position.
Apply the parking brake. When parking on a hill,
apply the parking brake first, then move the
selector lever to the P (Park) position.
CAUTION
Use this position only when the vehicle
is completely stopped.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure the
vehicle is completely stopped before selecting
the R (Reverse) position. The brake pedal
must be depressed and the selector lever
button pushed in to move the selector
lever from the P (Park) position, the N
(Neutral) position or any drive position to
the R (Reverse) position.
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position. You
may shift to the N (Neutral) position and restart a
stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.
Starting and driving
5-13

Black plate (292,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
SSD0828
Paddle shifter
Manual shift modeWhen the selector lever is in the manual shift
gate, the transmission is ready for the manual
shift mode. Shift ranges can be selected
manually by moving the selector lever up or
down, or pulling the right-side or left-side
paddle shifter.
When shifting up, move the selector lever to the
+ (up) side or pull the right-side paddle shifter
(+)
*A
. The transmission shifts to the higher
range.
When shifting down, move the selector lever to
the (down) side or pull the left-side paddle
shifter ( )
*B. The transmission shifts to the
lower range. When canceling the manual shift mode, return
the selector lever to the D (Drive) position. The
transmission returns to the normal driving mode.
When you pull the paddle shifter while in the D
(Drive) position, the transmission will shift to the
upper or lower range temporarily. The transmis-
sion will automatically return to the D (Drive)
position after a short period of time. If you want
to return to the D (Drive) position manually, pull
and hold the paddle shifter for about 1.5
seconds.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the transmission position indicator
in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:
1M
?
/
2
M
?
/3
M
?
/4
M
?
/5
M
?
/6
M
?
/
7
M
7M(7th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving at
highway speeds.
6M(6th) and 5
M(5th):
Use these positions when driving up long
slopes, or for engine braking when driving down
long slopes.
4
M(4th) , 3
M(3rd) and 2
M(2nd):
Use these positions for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades. 1
M(1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow, or
for maximum engine braking on steep downhill
grades.
. Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than 7th
gear. This reduces fuel economy.
. Moving the selector lever rapidly to the same
side twice will shift the ranges in succes-
sion.
. In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving perfor-
mance and reduces the chance of
vehicle damage or loss of control.
When this situation occurs, the Automatic
Transmission (AT) position indicator light (on
the vehicle information display) will blink and
the buzzer will sound.
. In the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion automatically shifts down to 1st
gear before the vehicle comes to a
stop. When accelerating again, it is
necessary to shift up to the desired
range.
5-14
Starting and driving

Black plate (294,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
4. Push down the shift lock
*B
using a
suitable tool as illustrated.
5. Push the selector lever button
*C
and move
the selector lever to the N (Neutral) position
*D
while holding down the shift lock.
Push the ignition switch to the ON position to
unlock the steering wheel (if so equipped) . Now
the vehicle may be moved to the desired
location.
For models with a steering wheel lock mechan-
ism:
If the battery is discharged completely, the
steering wheel cannot be unlocked. Do not
move the vehicle with the steering wheel locked.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park) ,
have a NISSAN dealer check the automatic
transmission system as soon as possible.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
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 da-
mage the clutch.
. Fully depress the clutch pedal be-
fore shifting to help prevent trans-
mission damage.
. Stop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse) .
. When the vehicle is stopped with
the engine running (for example, at
a stop light) , shift to N (Neutral) and
release the clutch pedal with the
foot brake applied.
SSD0536
ShiftingTo change gears, or when upshifting or down-
shifting, fully depress the clutch pedal, shift into
an appropriate gear, and then slowly and
smoothly release the clutch pedal.
This vehicle is equipped with a short throw
shifter manual transmission. To ensure smooth
gear changes, be sure to fully depress the clutch
pedal before operating the shift lever. If the
clutch pedal is not fully depressed before the
transmission is shifted, a gear noise may be
heard. Transmission damage could occur.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and upshift to 2nd,
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th gear in sequence accord-
ing to the vehicle speed.
5-16
Starting and driving

Black plate (295,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
To back up, depress the shift knob and then
move the shift lever to the R (Reverse) position
after stopping the vehicle completely.
The shift knob returns to its original position
when the shift lever is moved to the N (Neutral)
position.
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1st (Low gear) , shift to N (Neutral) ,
then release the clutch pedal. Fully depress the
clutch pedal again and shift into R or 1st.SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE) (if
so equipped for Manual Transmission
models)The SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE) auto-
matically adjusts the engine speed to match the
selecting gear ratio while changing gears.
Precautions:
.Shift lever and clutch pedal operations are
not different than a conventional manual
transmission.
. Fully depress the clutch pedal. Insufficient
pedal depression may cause slow response
of this system.
. When the clutch pedal is depressed with
the gear still engaged, the engine speed is
kept at the proper level for the engaged
gear. Thus, the engine speed may be kept high depending on the gear position and
vehicle speed.
. When the clutch pedal is depressed with
the transmission in neutral, the system
operates for approximately 2 seconds, and
then the engine speed will decrease to the
idle speed.
. When the engine coolant temperature is low
right after starting the engine, engine speed
synchronization will be delayed or may be
insufficient.
. The system controls the engine speed up to
the rev limit. Note that S-MODE is not a
function that prevents over-revving resulting
from shifting mistakes.
. The system does not operate while the
vehicle is backing up.
. If the engine speed is limited lower than
usual when the engine oil temperature is
extremely high, the system will control up to
the limited engine speed.
. If the malfunction indicator light illuminates,
the system may not operate and the S-
MODE indicator turns off.
SSD0830
SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE) warn-
ing:
The SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE) warn-
ing will appear on the vehicle information display
and the S-MODE indicator will turn off if a
system malfunction occurs.
If the warning appears, the S-MODE function
will not operate, but manual transmission will
operate normally and driving can be continued.
Have the system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Starting and driving
5-17

Black plate (296,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
SSD0831
Activating the system:
To activate the S-MODE, push the S-MODE
switch
*A
. The S-MODE indicator
*B
on the
tachometer will show “S”. To deactivate, push
and hold the S-MODE switch for more than 1
second. The S-MODE indicator will turn off. While the S-MODE is off, you can drive the
vehicle as a conventional manual transmission
model.
Note that the status of the S-MODE (on or off) is
memorized even after the ignition switch is
turned off; however, it will be initialized (off)
when the battery is disconnected.
The transmission position indicator
*C
shows
the selected gear: N (Neutral) , 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, R
(Reverse) .
SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE) op-
eration:
The SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE) auto-
matically adjusts the engine speed by controlling
the engine throttle. The accelerator pedal does
not have to be depressed.
The system detects the clutch pedal and shift
lever operations, and then calculates the target
engine speed using the shifting gear position
and the vehicle speed information.
The system provides accurate engine speed
control that helps achieve quick gear shifting
and reduces shift shock on clutch engagement.
. When downshifting:
The engine speed is automatically increased
to the target engine speed before the clutch
is engaged. .
When upshifting:
The engine speed is automatically kept after
the engine speed lowers to the target
engine speed.
Rapid clutch engagement before the engine
speed lowers to the target engine speed
may cause shift shock.
. When depressing the clutch pedal with
the gear engaged:
The engine speed is automatically kept at
the proper engine speed for the engaged
gear.
This function will not operate when low (1st)
gear is selected.
There is a delay between the clutch pedal
operation and the S-MODE operation. Make
sure the engine speed is adjusted before
engaging the clutch again.
5-18
Starting and driving

Black plate (299,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE CON-
TROL.If the cruise control system malfunctions, it
will cancel automatically. The CRUISE in-
dicator light on the meter panel will then
blink to warn the driver.
. If the engine coolant temperature becomes
excessively high, the cruise control system
will cancel automatically.
. If the CRUISE indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have the
system checked by a NISSAN dealer.
. The CRUISE indicator light may blink when
the cruise control main switch is turned ON
while pushing the RESUME/ACCELERATE,
SET/COAST or CANCEL switch. To prop-
erly set the cruise control system, perform
the following procedures.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when
driving 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 depres-
sing the clutch pedal when the cruise
control is set. Should this occur, de-
press the clutch pedal and turn the
main switch off immediately. Failure to
do so may cause engine damage.
SSD0833
1. RESUME/ACCELERATE switch
2. SET/COAST switch
3. CANCEL switch
4. MAIN (ON·OFF) switchCRUISE CONTROL OPERATIONSThe cruise control allows driving at a speed
between 25 to 89 MPH (40 to 144 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the accelerator
pedal.
To turn on the cruise control, push the MAIN
switch on. The CRUISE indicator light will
illuminate.
To set cruising speed, accelerate the vehicle
to the desired speed, push the SET/COAST
CRUISE CONTROL
Starting and driving
5-21