ABS NISSAN 370Z ROADSTER 2011 Owners Manual

Black plate (16,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
Warninglight Name
Page
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light 2-9Automatic Transmission (AT)
check warning light2-9Brake warning light
2-9Charge warning light2-10Engine oil pressure warning
light 2-10Intelligent Key system warning
light2-10Low tire pressure warning light 2-10Master warning light
2-11Seat belt warning light 2-11Supplemental air bag warning
light 2-12Warning
light Name
Page
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
warning light 2-12
Indicator light Name PageCruise indicator light
2-13Front passenger air bag status
light 2-13High beam indicator light 2-13Low beam indicator lights 2-13Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL)2-13Rear fog light indicator light* 2-14Security indicator light
2-14Soft top indicator light (Road-
ster models) 2-14SynchroRev Match mode (S-
MODE) indicator*2-15Transmission position indicator
light*2-12Indicator
light Name Page
Turn signal/hazard indicator
lights 2-15Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
off indicator light
2-15
*: if so equipped
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS0-14
Illustrated table of contents

Black plate (26,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
SSS0996
Install1. Align the head restraint stalks with the holesin the seat. Make sure that the head restraint
is facing the correct direction. The stalk with
the adjustment notches
*1
must be in-
stalled in the hole with the lock knob
*2.
2. Push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.
3. Properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating position.
SSS0508
The Active Head Restraint moves forward
utilizing the force that the seatback receives
from the occupant in a rear-end collision. The
movement of the head restraint helps support
the occupant’s head by reducing its backward
movement and helping absorb some of the
forces that may lead to whiplash-type injuries.
Active Head Restraints are effective for colli-
sions at low to medium speeds in which it is said
that whiplash injury occurs most.
Active Head Restraints operate only in certain
rear-end collisions. After the collision, the head
restraints return to their original position.
Adjust the Active Head Restraints properly as
described earlier in this section.
PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT
USAGEIf you are wearing your seat belt properly
adjusted, and you are sitting upright and well
back in your seat with both feet on the floor, your
chances of being injured or killed in an accident
and/or the severity of injury may be greatly
reduced. NISSAN strongly encourages you and
all of your passengers to buckle up every time
you drive, even if your seating position includes a
supplemental air bag.
Most U.S. states and Canadian provinces
or territories specify that seat belts be
worn at all times when a vehicle is being
driven.SEAT BELTS
1-8
Safety — Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system

Black plate (66,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning
light
Master warning light
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Seat belt warning light and chime
Rear fog light indicator light*
Automatic transmission check warning light*
Supplemental air bag warning light
Security indicator light
Brake warning light
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) warning
light
Soft top indicator light (Roadster models)
Transmission position indicator*
SynchroRev Match mode (S-MODE) indi-
cator*
Charge warning light
Cruise indicator light
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Front passenger air bag status light
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) off indicator
light
Intelligent Key system warning light
High beam indicator light*: if so equipped
Low tire pressure warning light
Low beam indicator light
CHECKING BULBSWith all doors closed, apply the parking brake
and push the ignition switch to the ON position
without starting the engine. The following lights
will come on (if so equipped):
,
or
,
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off (if so equipped):
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
If any light does not come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the
electrical system. Have the system checked by
a NISSAN dealer. Some indicators and warnings are also dis-
played on the vehicle information display. (See
“VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY” later in
this section.)
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS AND
AUDIBLE REMINDERS2-8
Instruments and controls

Black plate (67,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
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.)
Automatic transmission check
warning light (if so equipped)
When the ignition switch is pushed to the ON
position, the light comes on for 2 seconds. If the
light comes on at any other time, it may indicate
the transmission is not functioning properly.
Have your 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:
When the ignition switch is in the ON position,
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 fluidas necessary. (See “BRAKE AND CLUTCH
FLUID” in the “8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourself” section.)
2. If the brake fluid level is correct, have the warningsystemcheckedbyaNISSAN
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 Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) warning light illuminate, it may indicate the ABS is not functioning properly. Have the
brake system checked, and if necessary re-
paired, by a NISSAN dealer promptly. (See
“Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light”
earlier in this section.)
WARNING
.
Your brake system may not be
working properly if the warning light
is on. Driving could be dangerous. If
you judge it to be safe, drive care-
fully to the nearest service station
for repairs. Otherwise, have your
vehicle towed because driving it
could be dangerous.
. Pressing the brake pedal with the
engine stopped and/or 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.
Instruments and controls
2-9

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 (304,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
PARKING BRAKE BREAK-INBreak in the parking brake shoes whenever the
stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened
or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the
best braking performance.
This procedure is described in the vehicle
service manual and can be performed by a
NISSAN dealer.Using the brakesAvoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This will cause overheating of the
brakes, wearing out the brake and pads faster
and reduce gas mileage.
To help save the brakes and to prevent the
brakes from overheating, reduce speed and
downshift to a lower gear before going down a
slope or long grade. Overheated brakes may
reduce braking performance and could result in
loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
.While driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheelstoskidandresultinan
accident. .
If the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.
BRAKE ASSISTWhen the force applied to the brake pedal
exceeds a certain level, the Brake Assist is
activated generating greater braking force than a
conventional brake booster even with light pedal
force.
WARNING
The Brake Assist is only an aid to assist
braking operation and is not a collision
warning or avoidance device. It is the
driver’s responsibility to stay alert, drive
safely and be in control of the vehicle at
all times.ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
WARNING
.The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
is a sophisticated device, but it
cannot prevent accidents resulting
from careless or dangerous driving
techniques. It can help maintain
vehicle control during braking on
slippery surfaces. Remember that
stopping distances on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces even with ABS. StoppingBRAKE ASSIST
5-26
Starting and driving

Black plate (305,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 27
distances may also be longer on
rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Alwaysmaintainasafedistance
from the vehicle in front of you.
Ultimately, the driver is responsible
for safety.
. Tire type and condition may also
affect braking effectiveness.
— When replacing tires, install the
specified size of tires on all four
wheels.
— When installing a spare tire, make sure that it is the proper
size and type as specified on the
Tire and Loading Information
label. See “TIRE AND LOADING
INFORMATION LABEL” in the “9.
Technical and consumer infor-
mation” section of this manual.
— For detailed information, see “WHEELS AND TIRES” in the
“8. Maintenance and do-it-your-
self” section of this manual.
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) controls
the brakes so the wheels do not lock during hard
braking or when braking on slippery surfaces.
The system detects the rotation speed at each wheel and varies the brake fluid pressure to
prevent each wheel from locking and sliding. By
preventing each wheel from locking, the system
helps the driver maintain steering control and
helps to minimize swerving and spinning on
slippery surfaces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
Depress the brake pedal with firm steady
pressure, but do not pump the brakes. The
ABS will operate to prevent the wheels from
locking up. Steer the vehicle to avoid obstacles.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Self-test featureThe ABS includes electronic sensors, electric
pumps, hydraulic solenoids and a computer. The
computer has a built-in diagnostic feature that
tests the system each time you start the engine
and move the vehicle at a low speed in forward
or reverse. When the self-test occurs, you may
hear a “clunk” noise and/or feel a pulsation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and does not
indicate a malfunction. If the computer senses
a malfunction, it switches the ABS off and
illuminates the ABS warning light on theinstrument panel. The brake system then oper-
ates normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the ABS warning light illuminates during the
self-test or while driving, have the vehicle
checked by a NISSAN dealer.
Normal operationThe ABS operates at speeds above 3 to 6 MPH
(5 to 10 km/h) .
When the ABS senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator rapidly
applies and releases hydraulic pressure. This
action is similar to pumping the brakes very
quickly. You may feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal and hear a noise from under the hood or
feel a vibration from the actuator when it is
operating. This is normal and indicates that the
ABS is operating properly. However, the pulsa-
tion may indicate that road conditions are
hazardous and extra care is required while
driving.
Starting and driving
5-27

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 (367,1)
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2011/ 1/ 21
and replace it with a new fuse of the same
rating.
How to remove the extended storage
switch:
1. To remove the extended storage switch, besure the ignition switch is in the OFF or
LOCK position.
2. Be sure the headlight switch is in the OFF position.
3. Remove the fuse box cover.
4. Pinch the locking tabs
*1
found on each
side of the storage switch.
5. Pull the storage switch straight out from the fuse box
*2.
SDI2451
CAUTION
Be careful not to allow children to
swallow the battery and removed parts. Replace the battery as follows:
1. Remove the mechanical key from the key.
2. Insert a small screwdriver into the slit of the
corner and twist it to separate the upper part
from the lower part. Use a cloth to protect
the casing.
3. Replace the battery with a new one. Recommended battery:
CR2032 or equivalent
.Do not touch the internal circuit and
electric terminals as doing so could
cause a malfunction.
. Hold the battery by the edges. Holding
the battery across the contact points will
seriously deplete the storage capacity.
. Make sure that the +side faces the
bottom case.INTELLIGENT KEY BATTERY
REPLACEMENT
Maintenance and do-it-yourself
8-23

Black plate (1,1)
10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) .................. 5-26
Advanced air bag system ......................... 1-32
Air bag system Advanced air bag system ..................... 1-32
Front passenger air bag and status light .... 1-33
Front-seat mounted side-impact
supplemental air bag system .................. 1-36
Roof-mounted curtain side-impact
supplemental air bag system .................. 1-36
Air bag warning labels ............................. 1-38
Air bag warning light ....................... 1-38, 2-12
Air cleaner housing filter .......................... 8-18
Air conditioner Air conditioner operation ...................... 4-24
Air conditioner service ......................... 4-30
Air conditioner specification label ............ 9-13
Air conditioning system refrigerant and
lubricant recommendations .............. 4-30, 9-7
In-cabin microfilter ............................. 4-29
Air deflectors ....................................... 9-17
Alarm, How to stop alarm
(see vehicle security system) ..................... 2-26
Alcohol, drugs and driving .......................... 5-7
Antenna ............................................. 4-79
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .................. 5-26
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light ..... 2-9
Appearance care Exterior appearance care ........................ 7-2
Interior appearance care ........................ 7-5
Audible reminders ................................. 2-15
Audio operation precautions ...................... 4-30 Audio system
....................................... 4-30
Steering wheel audio controls ................ 4-77
Autochanger Compact Disc (CD) ........................... 4-48
Autolight system ................................... 2-30
Automatic Air conditioner (Type A) ....................... 4-25
Air conditioner (Type B) ....................... 4-27
Automatic adjusting function
(front windows) ................................ 2-43
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ........... 8-12
Door locks ........................................ 3-5
Driving with automatic transmission .......... 5-12
AUX (Auxiliary) button ...................... 4-45, 4-50
Auxiliary input jacks ................................ 4-75
Avoiding collision and rollover ...................... 5-5
B
Battery .............................................. 8-14
Battery saver system .......................... 2-31
Intelligent Key .................................. 8-23
Variable voltage control system ............... 8-16
Before starting the engine ........................ 5-10
Belts (See drive belts) ............................. 8-17
Bluetooth
®hands-free phone system
(models with navigation system) .................. 4-80
Bluetooth®hands-free phone system
(models without navigation system) .............. 4-91
Bluetooth®streaming audio ....................... 4-62
Booster seats ...................................... 1-23
Brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) .............. 5-26Brake and clutch fluid
......................... 8-13
Brake fluid ...................................... 8-13
Brake system ................................... 5-25
Parking brake operation ....................... 5-20
Warning light ..................................... 2-9
Break-in schedule .................................. 5-23
Brightness control Display ON/OFF button ......................... 4-6
Instrument panel ............................... 2-32
Bulb check/instrument panel ........................ 2-8
Bulb replacement .................................. 8-25
C
Cabin air filter ...................................... 4-29
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants ..... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio ............................ 4-80
Cargo cover ........................................ 2-41
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ............ 5-2
CD/CF/USB memory care and cleaning ......... 4-76
Center multi-function control panel
(models with navigation system) .................... 4-2
Child restraints ..................................... 1-17
Booster seats .................................. 1-23
Precautions on child restraints ................ 1-17
Top tether strap ................................ 1-18
Child safety ......................................... 1-15
Chimes Audible reminders ............................. 2-15
Seat belt warning light and chime ............ 2-11
Circuit breaker, Fusible link ....................... 8-21
Cleaning exterior and interior ................. 7-2, 7-5
Clock .......................................... 2-7, 2-23
Model "Z34-D" EDITED: 2010/ 7/ 28