2003 NISSAN 350Z warning

While the actuator is working, you may feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal and hear a noise or
vibration from the actuator under the hood. This
is normal and indicates that the anti-lock system
is working properly. However, the pulsation may
indicate that road conditions are hazardous and
extra care is required while driving.Self-test featureThe anti-lock brake system consists of electronic
sensors, electric pumps, and hydraulic solenoids
controlled by 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 is not an indication of any
malfunction. If the computer senses any mal-
function, it switches the anti-lock brake system
OFF and turns on the ABS warning light in the
dashboard. The brake system will then behave
normally, but without anti-lock assistance.
If the light comes on during the self check, or
while you are driving, you should take your
vehicle to your NISSAN dealer for repair at your
earliest convenience.
WARNING
The anti-lock brake system is a sophis-
ticated device, but it cannot prevent ac-
cidents resulting from careless or dan-
gerous driving techniques. It can help
maintain vehicle control during braking
on slippery surfaces, but remember that
the stopping distance on slippery sur-
faces will be longer than on normal
surfaces, even with the anti-lock sys-
tem. Stopping distances may also be
longer on rough, gravel or snow covered
roads, or if you are using tire chains.
Always maintain a safe distance from
the vehicle in front of you. Ultimately,
the responsibility for safety of yourself
and others rests in the hands of the
driver.
Tire type and condition of tires may also
affect braking effectiveness.
IWhen replacing tires, install the
specified size for the front and rear
tires.IWhen installing a spare tire, make
sure it is the proper size and type as
specified on the tire placard. See
ªVehicle identificationº in the ª9.
Technical and consumer informationº
section for tire placard location.
Starting and driving
5-21
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

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 en-
gine torque using an electronic control system,
and it also controls automatic control shifting if
necessary (for automatic transmission models).
This reduces spinning of the drive wheels, and
result in improved vehicle acceleration perfor-
mance. It also improves the vehicle stability by
swerving motion.
IIndicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the traction control
system, the SLIP and
indicator lights
come on in the meter panel.
As long as these indicator lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled. The
vehicle will behaves like a model without the
traction control system.
To cancel the traction control system manu-
ally, turn off the traction control system off
switch. (The
indicator light illuminates.)
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 driving on slippery surfaces or suddenly
avoiding obstacles on roads, the vehicle might
swerve or slip. With the vehicle dynamic control
(VDC) system, sensors detect these movements
and control the braking and engine output to
help improve vehicle stability while driving.
IWhen the vehicle dynamic control system is
operating, the slip indicator light in the meter
panel blinks.
IWhen only the traction control system (TCS)
portion of the vehicle dynamic control system
is operating, the slip indicator light will also
blink.
IIf the slip indicator light blinks, the vehicle is
under slippery conditions. Be sure to drive
carefully. See ªSlip indicator lightº and ªVe-
hicle dynamic control off indicator lightº in the
ª2. Instruments and controlsº section.
IIndicator light
If a malfunction occurs in the system, the
SLIP and
indicator lights come on in
the meter panel.
As long as these indicator lights are on, the
traction control function is canceled.
The VDC system uses a Brake Limited Slip
Differential (LSD) system to improve vehicle
traction. The brake LSD system works when one
of the driving wheels is spinning on a slippery
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(TCS) (if so equipped)VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL
(VDC) SYSTEM (if so equipped)5-22
Starting and driving
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

surface. The brake LSD system brakes the spin-
ning wheel to distribute the driving power to the
other driving wheel.
If the vehicle is operated with the vehicle dy-
namic control system turned off, all VDC and
TCS functions will be turned off. The brake LSD
system and ABS will still operate with the VDC
system off. If the brake LSD system or the ABS
is activated, the slip indicator light will blink and
you may hear a clunk noise and/or feel a pulsa-
tion in the brake pedal. This is normal.
While the VDC system is operating, 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 prop-
erly.
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
IThe vehicle dynamic control systemis designed to help improve driving
stability but does not prevent acci-
dents due to abrupt steering opera-
tion at high speeds or by careless or
dangerous driving techniques. Re-
duce vehicle speed and be especially
careful when driving and cornering
on slippery surfaces and always drive
carefully.
IIf suspension parts such as shock
absorbers, struts, springs and bush-
ings are not standard equipment or
are extremely deteriorated, the ve-
hicle dynamic control off indicator
light may come on.
IWhen driving on extremely inclined
surfaces such as higher banked cor-
ners, the vehicle dynamic control sys-
tem may not operate properly or the
vehicle dynamic control off indicator
light may come on. Do not drive on
these types of roads.
IIf the tires other than the recom-
mended ones are used, the vehicle
dynamic control system may not op-erate properly or the vehicle dynamic
control off indicator light may come
on.
IThe vehicle dynamic control system
is not a substitute for winter tires or
tire chains on a snow covered road.
Starting and driving
5-23
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

ice and snow from the windows and wiper
blades.
Ia sturdy, flat board to be placed under the
jack to give it firm support.
Ia shovel to dig the vehicle out of snow-drifts.
Iextra window washer fluid to refill the reser-
voir tank.
DRIVING ON SNOW OR ICE
WARNING
IWet ice (32ÉF, 0ÉC and freezing rain),
very cold snow or ice can be slick and
very hard to drive on. The vehicle will
have a lot less traction or grip under
these conditions. Try to avoid driving
on wet ice until the road is salted or
sanded.
IWhatever the condition, drive with
caution. Accelerate and slow down
with care. If accelerating or down-
shifting too fast, the drive wheels will
lose even more traction.
IAllow more stopping distance underthese conditions. Braking should be
started sooner than on dry pavement.
IAllow greater following distances on
slippery roads.
IWatch 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
actually on the ice, and avoid any
sudden steering maneuvers.
IDo not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
ISnow 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)An engine block heater to assist extreme cold
temperature starting is available through your
NISSAN dealer.
WARNING
Do not use your heater with an un-
grounded electrical system or two-
pronged (cheater) adapters. You can be
injured by an electrical shock if you use
an ungrounded connection.
Starting and driving
5-25
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

6 In case of emergencyFlat tire ...................................................................................... 6-2
Low tire pressure warning system
(if so equipped) ................................................................ 6-2
Changing a flat tire .......................................................... 6-2
Jump starting ........................................................................... 6-6Push starting ........................................................................... 6-8
If your vehicle overheats....................................................... 6-9
Towing your vehicle ............................................................ 6-10
Towing recommended by NISSAN........................... 6-10
Vehicle recovery (Freeing a stuck vehicle) ............. 6-11
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system which
displays pressure of all tires (except the spare
tire) on the trip computer by sending a signal
from a sensor that is installed in each wheel. If
the vehicle is being driven with a flat tire or very
low tire pressure (lower than 28 psi), the low tire
pressure warning system will activate and warn
you of it by the low tire pressure warning light (in
the meter panel) or the PSI indicator (on the trip
computer). This system will activate only when
the vehicle is driven at speeds above 20 MPH
(32 km/h). For more details, refer to ªTrip com-
puterº and ªWarning/indicator lights and audible
remindersº in the ª2. Instruments and controlsº
section and ªLow tire pressure warning systemº
in the ª5. Starting and drivingº section.
WARNING
IIf the low tire pressure warning light
comes on and/or the PSI indicator
flashes while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt brak-
ing, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop thevehicle as soon as possible. Serious
vehicle damage could occur and may
lead to an accident and could result
in serious personal injury. Check the
pressure for all four tires and adjust
the pressure to the COLD tire pres-
sure shown on the tire placard. If you
have a flat tire, replace it with a spare
tire as soon as possible.
IWhen a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated and the low tire
pressure warning system will not
function. Contact your NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible for tire
replacement and/or system reset-
ting.
IDo not inject any tire liquid or aerosol
tire sealant into the tires, as this may
cause a malfunction of the tire pres-
sure sensors.
CHANGING A FLAT TIREIf you have a flat tire, follow the instructions
below.Stopping the vehicle1. Safely move the vehicle off the road away
from traffic.
2. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
3. Park on a level surface and apply the parking
brake. Shift the manual transmission into R
(Reverse) position (automatic transmission in
P (Park) position).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Raise the hood to warn other traffic, and to
signal professional road assistance person-
nel that you need assistance.
6. Have all passengers get out of the vehicle
and stand in a safe place, away from traffic
and clear of the vehicle.
WARNING
IMake sure that the parking brake is
securely applied and the manual
transmission is shifted into R (Re-
FLAT TIRE6-2
In case of emergency
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

verse), or the automatic transmission
into P (Park).
INever change tires when the vehicle
is on a slope, ice or slippery areas.
This is hazardous.
INever change tires if oncoming traffic
is close to your vehicle. Wait for pro-
fessional road assistance.
IWhen a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated and the low tire
pressure warning system will not
function. Contact your NISSAN
dealer as soon as possible for tire
replacement and/or system reset-
ting. (For models with the low tire
pressure warning system)
Blocking wheelsPlace suitable blocks at both the front and back
of the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire to
prevent the vehicle from rolling when it is jacked
up.
WARNING
Be sure to block the wheel as the ve-
hicle may move and could cause per-
sonal injury.
Getting the spare tire and toolsRemove spare tire and jacking tools from the
storage area located in the luggage as illus-
trated.
1. Spare tire Ð Turn the retainer counterclock-
wise to remove.
2. Jack Ð Turn it counterclockwise to remove.
3. Jacking tools
MCE0001
SCE0409
In case of emergency
6-3
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X

Jacking up vehicle and removing the
damaged tireCarefully read the caution label attached to
the jack body and the following instruc-
tions.
1. Place the jack directly under the jack-up point
as illustrated above so that top of the jack
contacts the vehicle at the jack up point.
Align the jack head between the two notches
in the front or the rear as shown. Also fit the
groove of the jack head between the notches
as shown.The jack should be used on level firm
ground.
2. Loosen each wheel nut one or two turns by
turning counterclockwise with the wheel nut
wrench.Do not remove the wheel nuts
until the tire is off the ground.
3. Carefully raise the vehicle until the tire clears
the ground. To lift the vehicle, securely hold
the jack lever and rod with both hands as
shown above. Remove the wheel nuts, and
then remove the tire.
WARNING
INever get under the vehicle while it is
supported only by the jack.
IUse only the jack provided with your
vehicle to lift the vehicle. Do not use
the jack provided with your vehicle
on other vehicles.
The jack is designed only for lifting
your vehicle during a tire change.
SCE0410
CE1092
6-4
In case of emergency
Z
02.9.13/Z33-D/V5.0
X