hood open NISSAN 370Z COUPE 2012 Owners Manual

SIC2132
Your vehicle has two types of security systems,
as follows:
.Vehicle security system
. NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System
The security condition will be shown by the
security indicator light.
VEHICLE SECURITY SYSTEM
The vehicle security system provides visual and
audio alarm signals if someone opens the doors,
hood or rear hatch when the system is armed. It
is not, however, a motion detection type system
that activates when a vehicle is moved or when a
vibration occurs.
The system helps deter vehicle theft but cannot
prevent it, nor can it prevent the theft of interior
or exterior vehicle components in all situations.
Always secure your vehicle even if parking for a
brief period. Never leave your Intelligent Key(s)
in the vehicle, and always lock it when un-
attended. Be aware of your surroundings, and
park in secure, well-lit areas whenever possible.
Many devices offering additional protection,
such as component locks, identification markers,
and tracking systems, are available at auto
supply stores and specialty shops. Your
NISSAN dealer may also offer such equipment.
Check with your insurance company to see if
you may be eligible for discounts for various
theft protection features.
SIC2045
How to arm the vehicle security system
1. Close all windows.
The system can be armed even if the
windows are open.
2. Push the ignition switch to the OFF position.
3. Remove the Intelligent Key from the vehicle.
4. Close all doors, hood and rear hatch/trunk. Lock all doors and trunk (Roadster models) .
The doors can be locked with the Intelligent
Key, door handle request switch, power
door lock switch or mechanical key.
5. Confirm that the security indicator light comes on. The security indicator light stays
on for about 30 seconds. The vehicle
Instruments and controls2-27
SECURITY SYSTEMS

2-28Instruments and controls
security system is now pre-armed. After
about 30 seconds the vehicle security
system automatically shifts into the armed
phase. The security light begins to flash
once every approximately 3 seconds. If,
during this 30-second pre-arm time period,
the door is unlocked, or the ignition switch is
pushed to ACC or ON, the system will not
arm.
Even when the driver and/or passengers
are in the vehicle, the system will activate
with all doors, hood and rear hatch locked
with the ignition switch in the LOCK
position. When pushing the ignition switch
to the ACC or ON position, the system will
be released.
Vehicle security system activation
The vehicle security system will give the follow-
ing alarm:
. The headlights blink and the horn sounds
intermittently.
. The alarm automatically turns off after
approximately 1 minute. However, the alarm
reactivates if the vehicle is tampered with
again.
The alarm is activated by:
. Unlocking the door or opening the rear
hatch without using the button on the Intelligent Key, the door handle request
switch or the mechanical key. (Even if the
door is opened by releasing the door inside
lock knob, the alarm will activate.)
. Opening the hood.
How to stop an activated alarm
The alarm will stop by unlocking a door by
pushing the unlock button on the Intelligent Key,
the door handle request switch or using the
mechanical key. The alarm will not stop if the
ignition switch is pushed to the ACC or ON
position.
If the system does not operate as de-
scribed above, have it checked by a
NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER SYS-
TEM
The NISSAN Vehicle Immobilizer System will not
allow the engine to start without the use of the
registered Intelligent Key. Never leave these
keys in the vehicle.
For USA:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Note: Changes or modifications not ex-
pressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
For Canada:
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause interference,
and (2) this device must accept any inter-
ference, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.

3 Pre-driving checks and adjustments
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) ............................................... 3-16 Rear hatch opener switch .............................................. 3-17
Secondary rear hatch release ....................................... 3-18
Trunk lid (Roadster models) ................................................ 3-18 Trunk lid opener switch .................................................. 3-19 Trunk release power cancel switch ........................... 3-19
Interior trunk lid release ................................................ 3-19
Secondary trunk lid release ......................................... 3-20
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 ............................................................... 3-25
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

3-16Pre-driving checks and adjustments
SPA2572
1. Pull the hood lock release handle*1
located below the instrument panel; the
hood will then spring up slightly.
2. Pull the lever
*2up at the front of the hood
with your fingertips and raise the hood.
3. Hold the insulator
*3of the support rod
and insert its end into the slot
*4on the
front edge of the hood.
4. When closing the hood, store the support rod to its original position, then slowly close
the hood and make sure it locks into place.
WARNING
.Make sure the hood is completely
closed and latched before driving.
Failure to do so could cause the
hood to fly open and result in an
accident.
. If you see steam or smoke coming
from the engine compartment, to
avoid injury do not open the hood.
WARNING
Do not drive with the rear hatch open.
This could allow dangerous exhaust
gases to be drawn into the vehicle.
See “Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide)”
(P.5-2) of this manual.
HOOD REAR HATCH (Coupe models)

5-32Starting and driving
.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 steering maneuvers.
. Do not use the 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 used to assist with
cold temperature starting.
The engine block heater should be used when
the outside temperature is 208F( −78C) 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 least 2 - 4 hours, 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 properly store the cord to keep it away from
moving parts.
WARNING
.Do not use your engine block heater
with an ungrounded electrical sys-
tem or a 2-pronged adapter. You can
be seriously injured by an electrical
shock if you use an ungrounded
connection.
. 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
10A. 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.

6-16In case of emergency
7. After starting your engine, carefully discon-nect the negative cable and then the positive
cable (
*4?*3?*2?*1).
8. Replace the vent caps (if so equipped). Be sure to dispose of the cloth used to cover
the vent holes as it may be contaminated
with corrosive acid.
9. Put the battery cover on. Do not attempt to start the engine by pushing.CAUTION
.
Automatic transmission models
cannot be push-started or tow-
started. Attempting to do so may
cause transmission damage.
. Three way catalyst equipped models
should not be started by pushing
since the three way catalyst may be
damaged.
. Never try to start the vehicle by
towing it; when the engine starts,
the forward surge could cause the
vehicle to collide with the tow
vehicle.
CAUTION
.Do not continue to drive if your
vehicle overheats. Doing so could
cause engine damage or a vehicle
fire.
. To avoid the danger of being
scalded, never remove the radiator
cap while the engine is still hot.
When the radiator cap is removed,
pressurized hot water will spurt out,
possibly causing serious injury.
. Do not open the hood if steam is
coming out.
If your vehicle is overheating (indicated by an
extremely high temperature gauge reading) , or if
you feel a lack of engine power, detect abnormal
noise, etc., take the following steps:
1. Move the vehicle safely off the road, apply the parking brake and move the selector
lever to the P (Park) position (Automatic
transmission models). Move the shift lever to
the N (Neutral) position (Manual transmis-
sion models) .
Do not stop the engine.
PUSH STARTING IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS

2. Turn off the air conditioner. Open all thewindows, move the heater or air conditioner
temperature control to maximum hot and fan
control to high speed.
3. If engine overheating is caused by climbing a long hill on a hot day, run the engine at a
fast idle (approximately 1,500 rpm) until the
temperature gauge indication returns to
normal.
4. Get out of the vehicle. Look and listen for steam or coolant escaping from the radiator
before opening the hood. (If steam or
coolant is escaping, turn off the engine.)
Do not open the hood further until no steam
or coolant can be seen.
5. Open the engine hood.
WARNING
If steam or water is coming from the
engine, stand clear to prevent getting
burned.
6. Visually check if the cooling fan is running. The radiator hoses and radiator should not
leak water. If coolant is leaking or the cooling
fan does not run, stop the engine.
WARNING
Be careful not to allow your hands, hair,
jewelry or clothing to come into contact
with, or get caught in, engine belts or
the engine cooling fan. The engine
cooling fan can start at any time.
7. After the engine cools down, check the coolant level in the reservoir with the engine
running. Add coolant to the reservoir if
necessary. Have your vehicle repaired at
the nearest NISSAN dealer.
In case of emergency6-17

Your new NISSAN has been designed to have
minimum maintenance requirements with long
service intervals to save you both time and
money. However, some day-to-day and regular
maintenance is essential to maintain your
NISSAN’s fine mechanical condition, as well
as its emission and engine performance.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that
the scheduled maintenance, as well as general
maintenance, is performed.
As the vehicle owner, you are the only one who
can ensure that your vehicle receives the proper
maintenance care. You are a vital link in the
maintenance chain.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
For your convenience, both required and op-
tional scheduled maintenance items are de-
scribed and listed in your “NISSAN Service and
Maintenance Guide”. You must refer to that
guide to ensure that necessary maintenance is
performed on your NISSAN at regular intervals.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
General maintenance includes those items
which should be checked during normal day-
to-day operation. They are essential for proper
vehicle operation. It is your responsibility to
perform these procedures regularly as pre-
scribed.Performing general maintenance checks re-
quires minimal mechanical skill and only a few
general automotive tools.
These checks or inspections can be done by
yourself, a qualified technician or, if you prefer, a
NISSAN dealer.
WHERE TO GO FOR SERVICE
If maintenance service is required or your vehicle
appears to malfunction, have the systems
checked and serviced by a NISSAN dealer.
NISSAN technicians are well-trained specialists
and are kept up to date with the latest service
information through technical bulletins, service
tips, and in-dealership information systems.
They are completely qualified to work on
NISSAN vehicles
beforework begins.
You can be confident that a NISSAN dealer’s
service department performs the best job to
meet the maintenance requirements on your
vehicle — in a reliable and economical way. During the normal day-to-day operation of the
vehicle, general maintenance should be per-
formed regularly as prescribed in this section. If
you detect any unusual sounds, vibrations or
smell, be sure to check for the cause or have a
NISSAN dealer do it promptly. In addition, you
should notify a NISSAN dealer if you think that
repairs are required.
When performing any checks or maintenance
work, see “Maintenance precautions” (P.8-6) .
EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE
ITEMS
Additional information on the following
items with “*” is found later in this section.
Outside the vehicle
The maintenance items listed here should be
performed from time to time, unless otherwise
specified.
Doors and engine hood:
Check that all doors
and the engine hood, operate properly. Also
ensure that all latches lock securely. Lubricate
hinges, latches, latch pins, rollers and links if
necessary. Make sure that the secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the primary
latch is released.
When driving in areas using road salt or other
corrosive materials, check lubrication frequently.
Lights*: Clean the headlights on a regular basis.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-3
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT GENERAL MAINTENANCE

8-16Maintenance and do-it-yourself
.Keep the battery surface clean and dry.
Clean the battery with a solution of baking
soda and water.
. Make certain the terminal connections are
clean and securely tightened.
. If the vehicle is not to be used for 30 days or
longer, disconnect the negative (−) battery
terminal cable to prevent discharging it.
CAUTION
When the battery cable is removed from
the battery terminal, do not close either
of front doors. The automatic window
adjusting function will not work, and
the side roof panel may be damaged.
To disconnect the negative (−) battery terminal,
perform the procedure in the following order.
Otherwise, the window and the side roof panel
may contact and be damaged.
1. Close the windows.
2. Open the hood.
3. Close and lock all the doors.
4. Disconnect the negative (−) battery terminal.
5. Securely close the hood.
To connect the negative (−) battery terminal, perform the procedure in the following order.
Otherwise, the window and the side roof panel
may contact and be damaged.
1. Unlock and open the driver side door. Do
not close the door.
2. Open the hood.
3. Connect the negative (−) battery terminal. Then close the hood.
4. Fully open the driver side door window.
5. Close the driver side door and the window.
WARNING
. Do not expose the battery to flames
or electrical sparks. Hydrogen gas
generated by the battery is explo-
sive. Do not allow battery fluid to
contact your skin, eyes, fabrics, or
painted surfaces. After touching a
battery or battery cap, do not touch
or rub your eyes. Thoroughly wash
your hands. If the acid contacts your
eyes, skin or clothing, immediately
flush with water for at least 15
minutes and seek medical attention.
. Do not operate the vehicle if the
fluid in the battery is low. Low
battery fluid can cause a higher load on the battery which can generate
heat, reduce battery life, and in
some cases lead to an explosion.
. When working on or near a battery,
always wear suitable eye protection
and remove all jewelry.
. Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash hands after
handling.
. Keep the battery out of the reach of
children.
BATTERY

SDI2359
REPLACING
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn.
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. Push the release tab
*A, and then move the
wiper blade down the wiper arm
*1while
pushing the release tab to remove.
3. Insert the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm until a click sounds.
4. Rotate the wiper blade so the dimple is in the groove.
CAUTION
.After wiper blade replacement, re-
turn the wiper arm to its original
position;
otherwise it may be damaged when
the hood is opened.
. Make sure the wiper blades contact
the glass; otherwise the arm may be
damaged from wind pressure.
SDI2362
Be careful not to clog the washer nozzle*A.
This may cause improper windshield washer
operation. If the nozzle is clogged, remove any
objects with a needle or small pin
*B.Be
careful not to damage the nozzle.
Maintenance and do-it-yourself8-21