2003 NISSAN 350Z automatic transmission

shift mode. Shift range can be selected manu-
ally.
In the manual shift mode, the shift range is
displayed on the position indicator in the meter.
Shift ranges up or down one by one as follows:M1®
¬
M2®
¬
M3®
¬
M4®
¬
M5
M5 (5th):
Use this position for all normal forward driving.M4 (4th):
For driving up or down long slopes where engine
braking would be advantageous.M3 (3rd) and
M2 (2nd):
Use for hill climbing or engine braking on down-
hill grades.
M1 (1st):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or driving slowly through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine braking on
steep downhill grades.
IRemember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time in lower than
M4
range. This reduces the fuel economy.
IWhen shifting up, move the selector lever to
the + (up) side. (Shifts to higher range.)IWhen shifting down, move the selector lever
to the þ (down) side. (Shifts to lower range.)
IMoving the selector lever to the same side
twice will shift the ranges in succession.
However, if this motion is rapidly done, the
second shifting may not be completed prop-
erly.
IIn 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.
IWhen canceling the manual shift mode, re-
turn the selector lever to the D position. The
transmission returns to the normal driving
mode.
IIn the manual shift mode, the transmis-
sion may not shift to the selected gear.
This helps maintain driving performance
and reduces the chance of vehicle dam-
age or loss of control.
Accelerator downshift
Ð In D position ÐFor passing or hill climbing, fully depress the
accelerator pedal to the floor. This shifts the
transmission down into the lower gear, depend-
ing on the vehicle speed.
Fail-safeWhen the fail-safe operation occurs, the next
time the key is turned to the ON position, the
warning light will blink for approximately 8
seconds after coming on for 2 seconds. While
the vehicle can be driven under these circum-
stances please note that the gears in the auto-
matic transmission will be locked in 4th gear.
If the vehicle is driven under extreme con-
ditions, such as excessive wheel spinning
and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe
system may be activated. This will occur
even if all electrical circuits are functioning
properly. In this case, turn the ignition key
OFF and wait for 3 seconds. Then turn the
key back to the ON position. The vehicle
should return to its normal operating con-
dition. If it does not return to its normal
operating condition, have your NISSAN
dealer check the transmission and repair if
necessary.
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Shift lock releaseIf the battery charge is low or discharged, the
select lever may not be moved from the P (Park)
position even with the brake pedal depressed.
To move the select lever, depress the brake
pedal, apply the parking brake, and push the
shift lock release button by using a suitable tool
as shown. The select lever can be moved to N
(Neutral). This allows the vehicle to be moved if
the battery is discharged.
If the lever cannot be moved out of P (Park), have
your NISSAN dealer check the automatic trans-
mission system as soon as possible.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
ShiftingTo change gears, or when up shifting or down
shifting fully depress the clutch pedal, shift into
the appropriate gear then slowly and smoothly
release the clutch.
Start the vehicle in 1st gear and shift to 2nd, 3rd,
4th and 5th up to 6th gear in sequence accord-
ing to the vehicle speed.
To back up, depress the shift lever and then
move it to the R (Reverse) position after stop-
ping the vehicle completely.If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1 (Low gear), shift into N (Neutral),
then release the clutch pedal and shift into R or
1 again.
WARNING
IDo not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
IDo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
IDo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may damage
the clutch.
IStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).
IWhen the vehicle is stopped for a
period of time, for example at a stop
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Suggested up-shift speedsShown below are suggested vehicle speeds for
shifting into a higher gear. These suggestions
relate to fuel economy and vehicle performance.
Actual up-shift speeds will vary according to
road conditions, the weather and individual driv-
ing habits.
For normal acceleration in low altitude areas
[less than 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear change MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 8 (13)
2nd to 3rd 16 (26)
3rd to 4th 25 (40)
4th to 5th 28 (45)
5th to 6th 33 (53)
For quick acceleration in low altitude areas or in
high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219 m)]:
Gear change MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (24)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (64)
4th to 5th 45 (72)
5th to 6th 50 (80)
Suggested maximum speed in each
gearDownshift to a lower gear if the engine is not
running smoothly, or if you need to accelerate.
Do not exceed the maximum suggested speed
(shown below) in any gear. For level road driving,
use the highest gear suggested for that speed.
Always observe posted speed limits, and drive
according to the road conditions, which will
ensure safe operation. Do not over-rev the en-
gine when shifting to a lower gear as it may
cause engine damage or loss of vehicle control.
Gear MPH (km/h)
1st 35 (56)
2nd 60 (96)
3rd 85 (136)
4th Ð
5th Ð
6th ÐTo apply:pull the lever up.
To release:
1. Firmly apply foot brake.
2.Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the N (Neutral) posi-
tion.
3. While pulling up on the lever slightly, push
the button and lower completely.
PD1001M
PARKING BRAKE
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4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.
WARNING
IBe sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving. Failure to do
so can cause brake failure and lead
to an accident.
IDo not release the parking brake
from outside the vehicle.
IDo not use the gear shift in place of
the parking brake. When parking, be
sure the parking brake is fully en-
gaged.
IDo not leave children unattended in a
vehicle. They could release the park-
ing brake and cause an accident.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when driv-
ing under the following conditions:
Iwhen it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
Iin heavy traffic or in traffic that varies
in speed.
Ion winding or hilly roads.
Ion slippery roads (rain, snow, ice,
etc.).
Iin 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 depressing
the clutch pedal when the cruise control
is set. Should this occur, depress the
clutch pedal and turn the main switch
off immediately. Failure to do so maycause engine damage.
PRECAUTIONS ON CRUISE
CONTROLIIf the cruise control system malfunctions, it
cancels automatically. The SET indicator light
on the meter panel then blinks to warn the
driver.
IIf the SET indicator light blinks, turn the
cruise control main switch off and have the
system checked by your NISSAN dealer.
IThe SET indicator light may blink when the
cruise control main switch is turned on while
pushing the RES/ACCEL, COAST/
SET, or CANCEL switch (located on the
steering wheel). To properly set the cruise
control system, perform the preceding steps
in the order indicated.
CRUISE CONTROL (if so
equipped)
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1. RESUME or ACCEL switch
2. COAST or SET switch
3. ON×OFF switch
4. CANCEL 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 on the
meter panel will come on.To set at cruising speed,accelerate your
vehicle to the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it. (The SET
indicator light will come on.) Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle will maintain
the set speed.
ITo pass another vehicle,depress the ac-
celerator pedal. When you release the pedal,
the vehicle will return to the previously set
speed.
IThe vehicle may not maintain the set speed
when going up or down steep hills. If this
happens, drive without the cruise control.
To cancel the preset speed,follow either of
these three methods:
a) Push the cancel switch; The SET indicator
light will go out.
b) Tap the brake pedal; The SET indicator light
will go out.
c) Turn the main switch off. Both the CRUISE
indicator and SET indicator lights will go out.
IIf you depress the brake pedal while pushing
the RES/ACCEL set switch and reset at the
cruising speed, turn the main switch off once
and then turn it on again.
IThe cruise control will automatically be can-
celled if the vehicle slows down below ap-proximately 8 MPH (13 km/h).
IDepress the clutch pedal (manual transmis-
sion), or move the selector lever to N (Neu-
tral) position (automatic transmission). The
SET indicator light will go out.
To reset at a faster cruising speed,use one
of the following three methods:
a) Depress the accelerator pedal. When the
vehicle attains the desired speed, push and
release the COAST/SET switch.
b) Push and hold the RES/ACCEL set switch.
When the vehicle attains the speed you
desire, release the switch.
c) Push, then quickly release the RES/ACCEL
set switch. Each time you do this, the set
speed will increase by about 1 MPH (1.6
km/h).
To reset at a slower cruising speed,use one
of the following three methods:
a) Lightly tap the brake pedal. When the vehicle
attains the desired speed, push the
COAST/SET switch and release it.
b) Push and hold the COAST/SET switch. Re-
lease the switch when the vehicle slows
down to the desired speed.
c) Push, then quickly release the COAST/
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IFollow the recommended periodic mainte-
nance schedule.
IKeep the tires inflated at the correct pres-
sure. Low pressure will increase tire wear and
waste fuel.
IKeep the front wheels in correct alignment.
Improper alignment will cause not only tire
wear but also lower fuel economy.
IAir conditioner operation lowers fuel
economy. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
IWhen cruising at highway speeds, it is more
economical to use the air conditioner and
leave the windows closed to reduce drag.
WARNING
IDo not stop or park the vehicle over
flammable materials such as dry
grass, waste paper or rags. They may
ignite and cause a fire.
INever leave the engine running while
the vehicle is unattended.
INever leave children unattended in
the vehicle.1. Firmly apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission models:
Move the selector lever to the P (Park) posi-
tion.
Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the R (Reverse) posi-
tion. When parking on an uphill grade, place
the shift lever in the 1 (Low gear) position.
MSD0002
PARKING/PARKING ON HILLS
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WARNING
ISafe parking procedures require that
both the parking brake be set and the
transmission placed into P (Park) for
automatic transmission models or in
an appropriate gear for manual
transmission models. Failure to do
so could cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly or roll away and result
in an accident.
IMake sure the automatic transmis-
sion selector lever has been pushed
as far forward as it can go and cannot
be moved without depressing the
button at the end of the lever.
3. To help prevent the vehicle from rolling into
the street when parked on a sloping drive
way, it is a good practice to turn the wheels
as illustrated.
IHEADED DOWNHILL WITH CURB:
q1
Turn the wheels into the curb and move the
vehicle forward until the curb side wheel
gently touches the curb.IHEADED UPHILL WITH CURB:
q2
Turn the wheels away from the curb and
move the vehicle back until the curb side
wheel gently touches the curb.
IHEADED UPHILL OR DOWNHILL, NO
CURB:
q3
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. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK position
and remove the key.The power assisted steering is designed to use
a hydraulic pump, driven by the engine, to assist
steering.
If the engine stops or drive belt breaks, you will
still have control of the vehicle. However, much
greater steering effort is needed, especially in
sharp turns or at low speeds.
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 much harder to operate.POWER STEERING
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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
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