power steering NISSAN 370Z COUPE 2011 Owners Manual

Black plate (15,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
SSI0510
VQ37VHR ENGINE MODEL1. Fuse/fusible link holder (P.8-21)
2. Battery (P.8-14)
3. Radiator filler cap (P.8-8)
4. Engine oil dipstick (P.8-9)
5. Engine oil filler cap (P.8-9)6. Brake fluid reservoir (P.8-13)
7. Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual Transmission mod-
els) (P.8-13)
8. Power steering fluid reservoir (P.8-12)
9. Window washer fluid reservoir (P.8-14)
10. Air cleaner (P.8-18)
11. Drive belt location (P.8-17) 12. Engine coolant reservoir (P.8-8)ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Illustrated table of contents
0-13

Black plate (75,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
If this indicator appears, push the push-button
ignition switch while lightly turning the steering
wheel right and left.3. Key insertion indicatorThis indicator appears when the key needs to be
inserted into the key port. (For example, the
Intelligent Key battery is discharged.)
If this indicator appears, insert the key into the
key port in the correct direction. (See “PUSH-
BUTTON IGNITION SWITCH” in the “5. Start-
ing and driving” section.)4. Intelligent Key removal indicatorThis indicator appears when the driver’s door is
opened with the ignition switch in the OFF or
LOCK position and the Intelligent Key placed in
the key port. A key reminder chime also sounds.
If this indicator appears, remove the Intelligent
Key from the key port and take it with you when
leaving the vehicle.5. NO KEY warningThis warning appears in either of the following
conditions.
No Intelligent Key inside the vehicle:
The warning appears when the door is closed
with the Intelligent Key left outside the vehicle
and the ignition switch in the ACC or ON
position. Make sure that the Intelligent Key isinside the vehicle.
Unregistered Intelligent Key:
The warning appears when the ignition switch is
pushed from the LOCK position and the
Intelligent Key cannot be recognized by the
system. You cannot start the engine with an
unregistered key. Use the registered Intelligent
Key.
See “INTELLIGENT KEY SYSTEM” in the “3.
Pre-driving checks and adjustments” section for
more details.
6. SHIFT “P” warning (Automatic Trans-
mission models)This warning appears when the ignition switch is
pushed to stop the engine with the selector lever
in any position except the P (Park) position.
If this warning appears, move the selector lever
to the P (Park) position or push the ignition
switch to the ON position.
An inside warning chime will also sound. (See
“INTELLIGENT KEY SYSTEM” in the “3. Pre-
driving checks and adjustments” section.)7. “PUSH” warning (Automatic Trans-
mission models)This warning appears when the selector lever is
moved to the P (Park) position with the ignition
switch in the ACC position after the SHIFT “P”
warning appears.
To push the ignition switch to the OFF position,
perform the following procedure:
SHIFT “P” warning
?(Move the selector
lever to “P”) ?PUSH warning ?(Push the
ignition switch ?ignition switch position is
turned to ON) ?PUSH warning ?(Push the
ignition switch ?ignition switch position is
turned to OFF)
8. Intelligent Key battery discharge in-
dicatorThis indicator appears when the Intelligent Key
battery is running out of power.
If this indicator appears, replace the battery with
a new one. (See “INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY
REPLACEMENT” in the “8. Maintenance and
do-it-yourself” section.)9. Engine start operation indicator
(Manual Transmission models)This indicator means that the engine will start by
pushing the ignition switch with the clutch pedal
depressed.
Instruments and controls
2-17

Black plate (10,1)
3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 28
Keys ............................................................... 3-2Intelligent Key ................................................ 3-2
Valet hand-off ................................................ 3-3
Doors .............................................................. 3-4
Locking with mechanical key ............................. 3-4
Opening and closing windows with the
mechanical key .............................................. 3-4
Locking with inside lock knob ........................... 3-5
Locking with power door lock switch .................. 3-5
Automatic door locks ...................................... 3-5
Intelligent Key system .......................................... 3-6
Intelligent Key operating range .......................... 3-8
Door locks/unlocks precaution .......................... 3-8
Intelligent Key operation ................................... 3-9
Battery saver system ..................................... 3-11
Warning signals ........................................... 3-11
Troubleshooting guide ................................... 3-12
Remote keyless entry system .............................. 3-13
How to use remote keyless entry system ........... 3-13
Hood ............................................................ 3-16
Rear hatch (Coupe models) ................................ 3-17
Rear hatch opener switch .............................. 3-17
Secondary rear hatch release .......................... 3-18
Trunk lid (Roadster models) ................................ 3-19
Trunk lid opener switch .................................. 3-19 Trunk release power cancel switch
................... 3-19
Interior trunk lid release ................................. 3-20
Secondary trunk lid release ............................ 3-21
Soft top (Roadster models) ................................ 3-21
Before operating the top ................................ 3-21
When operating the top ................................. 3-23
Opening the top .......................................... 3-25
Closing the top ............................................ 3-26
Opening the top using the Intelligent Key ........... 3-26
Troubleshooting guide ................................... 3-27
If the top does not open or close electrically . . .... 3-28
Care of the soft top and the vehicle body .......... 3-32
Front, side and rear unique parts (NISMO
models) ......................................................... 3-32
Fuel-filler door ................................................. 3-34
Opening the fuel-filler door ............................. 3-34
Fuel-filler cap .............................................. 3-34
Tilt steering ..................................................... 3-36
Manual operation ......................................... 3-36
Sun visors ...................................................... 3-36
Mirrors ........................................................... 3-37
Inside mirror ................................................ 3-37
Outside mirrors ............................................ 3-38
Vanity mirror ................................................ 3-39

Black plate (16,1)
5 Starting and driving
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 28
Precautions when starting and driving..................... 5-2
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ......................... 5-2
Three-way catalyst .......................................... 5-2
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ............. 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ........................... 5-5
Off-road recovery ........................................... 5-6
Rapid air pressure loss .................................... 5-6
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving ...................... 5-7
Push-button ignition switch .................................. 5-7
Operating range for engine start function ............. 5-8
Push-button ignition switch operation. ................. 5-8
Steering lock (if so equipped) ........................... 5-9
Push-button ignition switch positions .................. 5-9
Emergency engine shut off ............................... 5-9
Intelligent Key battery discharge ...................... 5-10
Before starting the engine .................................. 5-10
Starting the engine ........................................... 5-11
Driving the vehicle ............................................ 5-12
Automatic transmission .................................. 5-12
Manual Transmission ..................................... 5-16
Parking brake .................................................. 5-20
Cruise control ................................................. 5-21
Precautions on cruise control .......................... 5-21 Cruise control operations
............................... 5-21
Break-in schedule ............................................ 5-23
Increasing fuel economy .................................... 5-23
Parking/parking on hills ...................................... 5-24
Power steering ................................................ 5-25
Brake system .................................................. 5-25
Braking precautions ...................................... 5-25
Parking brake break-in ................................... 5-26
Brake assist .................................................... 5-26
Brake assist ................................................ 5-26
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ...................... 5-26
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system ................. 5-28
Performance dampers (NISMO models) ................ 5-30
Cold weather driving ......................................... 5-31
Freeing a frozen door lock .............................. 5-31
Antifreeze ................................................... 5-31
Battery ...................................................... 5-31
Draining of coolant water ............................... 5-31
Tire equipment ............................................ 5-31
Special winter equipment ............................... 5-31
Driving on snow or ice .................................. 5-31
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ................. 5-32

Black plate (303,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
Turn the wheels toward the side of the road
so the vehicle will move away from the
center of the road if it moves.
4. Push the ignition switch to the OFF position.
WARNING
If the engine is not running or is turned
off while driving, the power assist for
the steering will not work. Steering will
be harder to operate.
The power assisted steering uses a hydraulic
pump, driven by the engine, to assist steering.
If the engine stops or the drive belt breaks, you
will still have control of the vehicle. However,
much greater steering effort is needed, espe-
cially in sharp turns and at low speeds.
BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.Vacuum assisted brakesThe brake booster aids braking by using engine
vacuum. If the engine stops, you can stop the
vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. However,
greater foot pressure on the brake pedal will be
required to stop the vehicle and the stopping
distance will be longer.
When the brake pedal is depressed slowly and
firmly, you may hear a clicking noise and feel a
slight pulsation. This is normal and indicates that
the Brake Assist System is operating.Wet brakesWhen the vehicle is washed or driven through
water, the brakes may get wet. As a result, your
braking distance will be longer and the vehicle
may pull to one side during braking.
To dry brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed
while lightly tapping the brake pedal to heat-up
the brakes. Do this until the brakes return to
normal. Avoid driving the vehicle at high speeds
until the brakes function correctly.
POWER STEERING BRAKE SYSTEM
Starting and driving
5-25

Black plate (306,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
The Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system
uses various sensors to monitor driver inputs
and vehicle motion. Under certain driving con-
ditions, the VDC system helps to perform the
following functions.
.Controls brake pressure to reduce wheel
slip on one slipping drive wheel so power is
transferred to a non slipping drive wheel on
the same axle.
. Controls brake pressure and engine output
to reduce drive wheel slip based on vehicle
speed (traction control function) .
. Controls brake pressure at individual wheels
and engine output to help the driver maintain
control of the vehicle in the following
conditions:
— understeer (vehicle tends to not follow the steered path despite increased steering
input)
— oversteer (vehicle tends to spin due to certain road or driving conditions) .
The VDC system can help the driver to maintain
control of the vehicle, but it cannot prevent loss
of vehicle control in all driving situations.
When the VDC system operates, the VDC
warning light
in the instrument panel
flashes so note the following:
. The road may be slippery or the system may determine some action is required to help
keep the vehicle on the steered path.
. You may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal
and hear a noise or vibration from under the
hood. This is normal and indicates that the
VDC system is working properly.
. Adjust your speed and driving to the road
conditions.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls”
section.
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the VDC
warning light
illuminates in the instrument
panel. The VDC system automatically turns off.
The VDC OFF switch is used to turn off the VDC
system. The VDC off indicator
illuminates
to indicate the VDC system is off. When the
VDC switch is used to turn off the system, the
VDC system still operates to prevent one drive
wheel from slipping by transferring power to a
non slipping drive wheel. The VDC warning light
flashes if this occurs. All other VDC
functions are off, and the VDC warning lightwill not flash. The VDC system is auto-
matically reset to on when the ignition switch is
placed in the off position then back to the on
position.
See “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light” in the “2. Instruments and controls” section and “Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light” in the “2. Instruments and
controls” section.
The computer has a built-in diagnostic feature
that tests the system each time you start the
engine and move the vehicle forward or in
reverse at a slow speed. 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
the driver maintain stability but
does not prevent accidents due to
abrupt steering operation at high
speeds or by careless or dangerous
driving techniques. Reduce vehicle
speed and be especially careful
when driving and cornering on slip-
pery surfaces and always drive care-
fully.
. Do not modify the vehicle’s suspen-
sion. If suspension parts such as
shock absorbers, struts, springs,
stabilizer bars, bushings and
wheels are not NISSAN recom-
mended for your vehicle or are
extremely deteriorated, the VDC
VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC)
SYSTEM5-28
Starting and driving

Black plate (322,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
SCE0867
1. Open the lid of the air compressor and takeout the speed restriction sticker, then put it
in a location where the driver can see it while
driving.
CAUTION
Do not put the speed restriction label
on the steering wheel pad, the speed-
ometer or the warning light locations.
SCE0868
2. Take the hose
*1
and the power plug
*2
out of the air compressor. Remove the cap
of the bottle holder from the air compressor.
SCE0869
3. Remove the cap from the tire sealant bottle,and screw the bottle clockwise onto the
bottle holder. (Leave the bottle seal intact.
Screwing the bottle onto the bottle holder
will pierce the seal of the bottle.)
4. Remove the cap from the tire valve on the flat tire.
6-10
In case of emergency

Black plate (326,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
SCE0791
WARNING
Always follow the instructions below.
Failure to do so could result in damage
to the charging system and cause
personal injury.
1. If the booster battery is in another vehicle*A
, position the two vehicles (
*A
and
*B)
to bring their batteries into close proximity to
each other.
Do not allow the two vehicles to touch.
2. Apply parking brake. Move the selector lever to the P (Park) position (Automatic transmis- sion models) . Move the shift lever to the N
(Neutral) position (Manual transmission
models) . Switch off all unnecessary elec-
trical systems (light, heater, air conditioner,
etc.) .
3. Remove vent caps on the battery (if so equipped) . Cover the battery with a firmly
wrung out moist cloth
*C
to reduce
explosion hazard.
4. Connect jumper cables in the sequence as illustrated (
*1
?
*2
?
*3
?
*4).
For models with a steering wheel lock
mechanism: If the battery is discon-
nected or discharged, the steering wheel will lock and cannot be turned.
Supply power using jumper cables
before pushing the ignition switch and
disengaging the steering lock.
CAUTION
.
Always connect positive (+) to posi-
tive (+) and negative ( ) to body
ground (as illustrated) — not to the
battery.
. Make sure the jumper cables do not
touch moving parts in the engine
compartment and that clamps do
not contact any other metal.
5. Start the engine of the booster vehicle
*A
and let it run for a few minutes.
6. Keep the engine speed of the booster vehicle
*A
at about 2,000 rpm, and start
the engine of the vehicle being jump started
*B.
CAUTION
Do not keep the starter motor engaged
for more than 10 seconds. If the engine
does not start right away, push the
ignition switch to the OFF position
and wait 10 seconds before trying
6-14
In case of emergency

Black plate (25,1)
8 Maintenance and do-it-yourself
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 28
Maintenance requirement..................................... 8-2
Scheduled maintenance ................................... 8-2
General maintenance ...................................... 8-2
Where to go for service ................................... 8-2
General maintenance .......................................... 8-2
Explanation of maintenance items ....................... 8-2
Maintenance precautions ..................................... 8-5
Engine compartment check locations ...................... 8-7
VQ37VHR engine model. ................................. 8-7
Engine cooling system ......................................... 8-8
Checking engine coolant level ........................... 8-9
Changing engine coolant ................................. 8-9
Engine oil ......................................................... 8-9
Checking engine oil level ................................. 8-9
Changing engine oil and filter .......................... 8-10
Automatic transmission fluid ................................ 8-12
Power steering fluid .......................................... 8-12
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake fluid .................................................. 8-13
Clutch fluid ................................................. 8-13
Window washer fluid ........................................ 8-14
Battery .......................................................... 8-14
Jump starting .............................................. 8-16
Variable voltage control system ............................ 8-16
Drive belts ...................................................... 8-17 Spark plugs
.................................................... 8-17
Replacing spark plugs ................................... 8-18
Air cleaner ...................................................... 8-18
Windshield wiper blades .................................... 8-19
Cleaning .................................................... 8-19
Replacing ................................................... 8-19
Brakes ........................................................... 8-20
Self-adjusting brakes .................................... 8-20
Brake pad wear warning ................................ 8-20
Fuses ............................................................ 8-21
Engine compartment ..................................... 8-21
Passenger compartment ................................ 8-22
Intelligent Key battery replacement ....................... 8-23
Lights ............................................................ 8-25
Coupe ....................................................... 8-25
Roadster .................................................... 8-26
Headlights .................................................. 8-27
Exterior and interior lights ............................... 8-27
Wheels and tires .............................................. 8-29
Tire pressure ............................................... 8-29
Tire labeling ................................................ 8-32
Types of tires .............................................. 8-34
Tire chains .................................................. 8-35
Changing wheels and tires ............................. 8-36
Emergency tire puncture repair kit
(if so equipped) ........................................... 8-38

Black plate (348,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
Warning lights and chimes:Make sure that
all warning lights and chimes are operating
properly.
Windshield defroster: Check that the air
comes out of the defroster outlets properly and
in sufficient quantity when operating the heater
or air conditioner.
Windshield wiper and washer*: Check that
the wipers and washer operate properly and that
the wipers do not streak.Under the hood and 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 condition 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
reservoirs.
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 after parking
the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the
engine. Wait more than 15 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan.
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 have the exhaust
system inspected by a NISSAN dealer. (See
“PRECAUTIONS WHEN STARTING AND
DRIVING” in the “5. St arting 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
immediately.
Power steering fluid level* and lines: Check
the level 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, rot 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”
section.
Windshield washer fluid*: Check that there is
adequate fluid in the reservoir.8-4
Maintenance and do-it-yourself