2003 NISSAN 350Z ABS

or
Anti-lock brake warning light
Low washer fluid warning light
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
Automatic transmission check warning
light
Seat belt warning light
Slip indicator light
or
Brake warning light
Supplemental air bag warning light
Traction control system off indicator light
(if so equipped)
Charge warning light
Automatic transmission position indicator
light
Vehicle dynamic control off indicator light
(if so equipped)
Door open warning light
Cruise main switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
Turn signal/hazard indicator lights
Engine oil pressure warning light
Cruise set switch indicator light (if so
equipped)
Low tire pressure warning light (if so
equipped)
High beam indicator light (Blue)
CHECKING BULBSApply the parking brake and turn the ignition key
to ON without starting the engine. The following
lights will come on:
,
or
,
,
The following lights come on briefly and then go
off:
,
or
,
,
,
,
,
If any light fails to come on, it may indicate a
burned-out bulb or an open circuit in the elec-trical system. Have the system repaired
promptly.
WARNING LIGHTS
or
Anti-lock brake
warning light
After turning the ignition key to the ON position,
the light will illuminate. The light will turn off after
about 1 second if the system is operational.
If the light comes on while the engine is running,
it may indicate the anti-lock brake system is notfunctioning properly. Have the system checked
by your NISSAN dealer.
If an abnormality occurs in the system, the
anti-lock function will cease but the ordinary
brakes will continue to operate normally. See
ªAnti-lock brake system (ABS)º in the ª5. Start-
ing and drivingº section for further details.
If the light comes on while you are driving,
contact your NISSAN dealer for repair.
WARNING/INDICATOR LIGHTS
AND AUDIBLE REMINDERS
Instruments and controls
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5 Starting and drivingPrecautions when starting and driving ............................. 5-2
Exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .................................. 5-2
Three way catalyst ........................................................... 5-3
Low tire pressure warning system
(if so equipped) ................................................................ 5-3
Avoiding collision and rollover ...................................... 5-4
Drinking alcohol/drugs and driving .............................. 5-5
Ignition switch ......................................................................... 5-5
Automatic transmission................................................... 5-5
Manual transmission ........................................................ 5-6
Key positions ..................................................................... 5-7
Nissan vehicle immobilizer system (NVIS)................. 5-7
Before starting the engine ................................................... 5-8
Starting the engine ................................................................ 5-8
Driving the vehicle ................................................................. 5-9
Automatic transmission................................................... 5-9
Manual transmission ..................................................... 5-12
Parking brake........................................................................ 5-14
Cruise control (if so equipped)........................................ 5-15
Precautions on cruise control .................................... 5-15Cruise control operations ............................................ 5-16
Break-in schedule ............................................................... 5-17
Increasing fuel economy .................................................... 5-17
Parking/parking on hills...................................................... 5-18
Power steering ..................................................................... 5-19
Brake system ........................................................................ 5-20
Braking precautions ...................................................... 5-20
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .................................... 5-20
Traction control system (TCS) (if so equipped).......... 5-22
Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system
(if so equipped) .................................................................. 5-22
Cold weather driving .......................................................... 5-24
Freeing a frozen door lock .......................................... 5-24
Anti-freeze ....................................................................... 5-24
Battery .............................................................................. 5-24
Draining of coolant water ............................................ 5-24
Tire equipment................................................................ 5-24
Special winter equipment ............................................ 5-24
Driving on snow or ice ................................................. 5-25
Engine block heater (if so equipped) ....................... 5-25
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BRAKING PRECAUTIONSThe brake system has two separate hydraulic
circuits. If one circuit malfunctions, you will still
have braking at two wheels.Vacuum assisted brakeThe 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.Using the brakesAvoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while
driving. This overheats the brakes, increases
wear on the brake linings and pads, and reduces
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
IWhile driving on a slippery surface,
be careful when braking, accelerat-
ing or downshifting. Abrupt braking
or accelerating could cause the
wheels to skid and result in an acci-
dent.
IIf the engine is not running or is
turned off while driving, the power
assist for the brakes will not work.
Braking will be harder.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 pressing 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.ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)The anti-lock brake system controls the brakesat each wheel so the wheels will not lock when
braking abruptly 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 wheel lockup, the system helps
the driver maintain steering control and helps to
minimize swerving and spinning on slippery sur-
faces.
Using the systemDepress the brake pedal and hold it down.
WARNING
Do not pump the brake pedal. Doing so
may result in increased stopping dis-
tances.Normal operationThe anti-lock brake system will not operate at
speeds below 3 to 6 MPH (5 to 10 km/h) to
completely stop the vehicle. (The speeds will
vary according to road conditions.) When the
anti-lock system senses that one or more wheels
are close to locking up, the actuator (under the
hood) rapidly applies and releases hydraulic
pressure (like pumping the brakes very quickly).
BRAKE SYSTEM5-20
Starting and driving
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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
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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
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TOWING LOAD/SPECIFICATION CHART
Unit: lb (kg)
MAXIMUM
TOWING LOAD1,000 (454)
MAXIMUM
TONGUE LOAD110 (49)
TOWING SAFETY
Trailer hitchChoose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer. Make sure the trailer hitch is securely
attached to the vehicle, to help avoid personal
injury or property damage due to sway caused
by crosswinds, rough road surfaces or passing
trucks.
CAUTION
IDo not use axle-mounted hitches.
IThe hitch should not be attached to
or affect the operation of the impact-
absorbing bumper.
IDo not modify the vehicle exhaust
system, brake system, etc. to install atrailer hitch.
ITo reduce the possibility of addi-
tional damage if your vehicle is
struck from the rear, where practical,
remove the hitch and/or receiver
when not in use. After the hitch is
removed, seal the bolt holes to pre-
vent exhaust fumes, water or dust
from entering the passenger com-
partment.
IRegularly check that all hitch mount-
ing bolts are securely mounted.
Tire pressuresIWhen towing a trailer, inflate the vehicle tires
to the recommended cold tire pressure indi-
cated on the tire placard (located on the
inside of the console box lid).
ITrailer tire condition, size, load rating and
proper inflation pressure should be in accor-
dance with the trailer and tire manufacturers'
specifications.Safety chainAlways use a suitable chain between your ve-
hicle and the trailer. The chain should becrossed and should be attached to the hitch, not
to the vehicle bumper or axle. Be sure to leave
enough slack in the chain to permit turning
corners.
Trailer lightsTrailer lights should comply with federal and/or
local regulations. When wiring the vehicle for
towing, connect the stop and tail light pickup
into the vehicle electrical circuit at a point be-
tween the sensor and stop light or light switch.Trailer brakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed.
WARNING
Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.Pre-towing tipsIBe certain your vehicle maintains a level
position when a loaded and/or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive the vehicle if it
has an abnormal nose-up or nose-down con-
dition; check for improper tongue load, over-Technical and consumer information
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10 Index
A
ABS (Anti-lock brake system)................................ 5-20
Air bag ON/OFF switch .......................................... 1-21
Air bag system
Front (See supplemental front air bag
system) .................................................................. 1-11
Side and curtain (See supplemental side air bag
and curtain side-impact air bag system) ...... 1-13
Air bag warning labels ............................................. 1-16
Air bag warning light .................................... 1-16, 2-14
Air cleaner housing filter.......................................... 8-18
Air conditioner
Air conditioner operation ..................................... 4-3
Air conditioner service ................................ 4-3, 4-6
Air conditioner specification label .................. 9-12
Air conditioning system refrigerant and lubricant
recommendations ......................................... 4-6, 9-6
Heater and air conditioner (automatic)............ 4-3
Alcohol, drugs and driving......................................... 5-5
Anchor point location, Top tether strap ............. 1-27
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .............................. 5-20
Anti-lock brake warning light.................................. 2-11
Appearance care
Exterior appearance care .................................... 7-2
Interior appearance care ..................................... 7-4
Ashtrays (See cigarette lighter and ashtray)...... 2-28
Audible reminders ..................................................... 2-16
Audio operation precautions ..................................... 4-7Audio system ................................................................ 4-6
Autochanger
Compact Disc (CD) ........................................... 4-17
Automatic
Anti-glare inside mirror ...................................... 3-13
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) ................ 8-12
Driving with automatic transmission........ 5-5, 5-9
Transmission selector lever lock release ...... 5-12
Avoiding collision and rollover .................................. 5-4
B
Battery .......................................................................... 8-15
Battery saver system ......................................... 2-22
Battery replacement, (See remote keyless entry
system) ........................................................................... 3-7
Before starting the engine ......................................... 5-8
Belts (See drive belts) ............................................. 8-17
Brake
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ......................... 5-20
Brake and clutch fluid ....................................... 8-13
Brake booster ...................................................... 8-22
Brake fluid............................................................. 8-13
Brake pedal .......................................................... 8-21
Brake pedal check ............................................. 8-21
Brake system ....................................................... 5-20
Parking brake check............................... 5-14, 8-21
Parking brake operation .................................... 5-14
Warning light ....................................................... 2-12Break-in schedule ..................................................... 5-17
Bulb check/instrument panel.................................. 2-11
Bulb replacement ...................................................... 8-25
C
Capacities and recommended fuel/lubricants...... 9-2
Car phone or CB radio............................................ 4-19
Cassette player (See audio system) .................... 4-16
Catalytic converter, Three way catalyst ................. 5-3
CD care and cleaning .............................................. 4-19
Child restraints ........................................................... 1-25
Top tether strap anchor point location ......... 1-27
Installation on front passenger seat............... 1-28
Precautions on child restraints........................ 1-25
With top tether strap ......................................... 1-27
Child safety ................................................................. 1-20
Chimes, Audible reminders..................................... 2-16
Cigarette lighter and ashtray .................................. 2-28
Circuit breaker, Fusible link .................................... 8-23
Cleaning exterior and interior .......................... 7-2, 7-4
Clock ............................................................................ 2-27
Clutch fluid.................................................................. 8-14
Cold weather driving ................................................ 5-24
Compact Disc (CD) changer operation .............. 4-17
Compact Disc (CD) player (See audio
system) ......................................................................... 4-11
Compact spare tire ................................................... 8-33
Console box................................................................ 2-31
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