2003 NISSAN 350Z tires

immediatelyand call a NISSAN dealer or other
authorized repair shop.
The engine oil pressure warning light is not
designed to indicate a low oil level. Use the
dipstick to check the oil level.See ªEngine
oilº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-yourselfº
section.
CAUTION
Running the engine with the engine oil
pressure warning light on could cause
serious damage to the engine almost
immediately. Turn off the engine as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Low tire pressure warning light
(if so equipped)
The light comes on for about 1 second when the
key switch is turned ON, and then it turns off.
If the vehicle is being driven with a flat tire or
extremely low tire pressure, the light will illumi-
nate. Also a chime will sound for about 10
seconds if a tire is flat.
For additional information, see ªLow tire pres-
sure warning systemº in the ª5. Starting and
drivingº section and ªFlat tireº in the ª6. In caseof emergencyº section. Also, you can check the
tire pressure of all 4 tires on the trip computer
display. See ªTrip computerº earlier in this sec-
tion.
WARNING
IIf the light does not come on with the
key switch turned ON, have the ve-
hicle checked by a NISSAN dealer as
soon as possible.
IIf the light comes on while driving,
avoid sudden steering maneuvers or
abrupt braking, reduce vehicle speed,
pull off the road to a safe location
and stop the vehicle as soon as pos-
sible. 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 pressure shown on the tire
placard. If the light still comes on
while driving after adjusting the tire
pressure, a tire may be flat. 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.
CAUTION
IThe low tire pressure warning is not a
substitute for the regular tire pres-
sure check. Be sure to check the tire
pressure regularly.
IIf the vehicle is being driven at
speeds of less than 20 MPH (32
km/h), the low tire pressure warning
system may not operate correctly.
IBe sure to install the specified size
for the front and rear tires.
Low washer fluid warning light
This light comes on when the washer tank fluid is
Instruments and controls
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d. You have had an accident involv-
ing damage to the exhaust system,
underbody, or rear of the vehicle.
THREE WAY CATALYSTThe three way catalyst is an emission control
device installed in the exhaust system. Exhaust
gases in the converter are burned at high tem-
peratures to help reduce pollutants.
WARNING
IThe exhaust gas and the exhaust sys-
tem are very hot. Keep people, ani-
mals or flammable materials away
from the exhaust system compo-
nents.
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.
CAUTION
IDo not use leaded gasoline. Deposits
from leaded gasoline seriously re-
duce the three way catalyst's ability
to help reduce exhaust pollutants.
IKeep your engine tuned up. Malfunc-
tions in the ignition, fuel injection, or
electrical systems can cause overrich
fuel flow into the three way catalyst,
causing it to overheat. Do not keep
driving if the engine misfires, or if
noticeable loss of performance or
other unusual operating conditions
are detected. Have the vehicle in-
spected promptly by a NISSAN
dealer.
IAvoid driving with an extremely low
fuel level. Running out of fuel could
cause the engine to misfire, damag-
ing the three way catalyst.
IDo not race the engine while warm-
ing it up.
IDo not push or tow your vehicle to
start the engine.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM (if so equipped)The low tire pressure warning system 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.
The low tire pressure warning system will acti-
vate only when the vehicle is driven at speeds
above 20 MPH (32 km/h). Also, this system may
not detect a sudden drop in tire pressure (for
example, a flat tire by catching something while
driving).
Frequently check the tire pressure indicator on
the trip computer and adjust pressure of each
tire properly. See ªTrip computerº in the ª2.
Instruments and controlsº section for the tire
pressure indicator.Flat tire warningIf the vehicle is being driven with a flat tire or
extremely low tire pressure (lower than 28 psi),
the low tire pressure warning light comes on,
and the chime sounds for about 10 seconds. On
the trip computer, the PSI indicator starts flash-
ing and the current display switches to the tire
pressure indicator.
For additional information regarding the above
warning, see ªTrip computerº and
Starting and driving
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ªWarning/indicator lights and audible remind-
ersº in the ª2. Instruments and controlsº section.
WARNING
IIf the low tire pressure warning light
in the meter panel comes on and/or
the PSI indicator on the trip computer
flashes while driving, avoid sudden
steering maneuvers or abrupt brak-
ing, reduce vehicle speed, pull off the
road to a safe location and stop the
vehicle 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. (See ªFlat
tireº in the ª6. In case of emergencyº
section for changing a flat tire.)
IWhen a spare tire is mounted or a
wheel is replaced, tire pressure will
not be indicated and the low tirepressure 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.
CAUTION
Do not place metalized film or any metal
parts (antenna, etc.) on the windows.
This may cause poor reception of the
signals from the tire pressure sensors,
and the low tire pressure warning sys-
tem will not function properly.
FCC Notice:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer compliance
could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules and RSS-210 of Industry
Canada.
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, in-
cluding interference that may cause undes-
ired operation of the device.
AVOIDING COLLISION AND
ROLLOVER
WARNING
Failure to operate this vehicle in a safe
and prudent manner may result in loss
of control or an accident.
Be alert and drive defensively at all times. Obey
all traffic regulations. Avoid excessive speed,
high speed cornering, or sudden steering ma-
neuvers, because these driving practices could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle.As
with any vehicle, a loss of control could
result in a collision with other vehicles or
objects, or cause the vehicle to rollover,
particularly if the loss of control causes the
vehicle to slide sideways.Be attentive at all
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IMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
IMaintenance items should be checked peri-
odically, for example, each time you check
engine oil.
ICheck that all windows and lights are clean.
IVisually inspect tires for their appearance and
condition. Also, check tires for proper infla-
tion.
ILock all doors.
IPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
IAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
IFasten seat belts and ask all passengers to
do likewise.
ICheck the operation of warning lights when
key is turned to the ON (3) position.1. Apply the parking brake.
2.Automatic transmission:
Move the selector lever to P (Park) or N
(Neutral). (P preferred.)
The starter is designed not to operate if the
selector lever is in one of the driving posi-
tions.
Manual transmission:
Move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position,
and depress the clutch pedal to the floor
while cranking the engine.
The starter is designed not to operate unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
3. Crank the enginewith your foot off the
accelerator pedalby turning the ignition
key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.
IWhen the engine is very hard to start in
extremely cold weather or when restarting,
depress the accelerator pedal a little (ap-
proximately 1/5 to the floor) and hold it then
crank the engine. Release the key and the
accelerator pedal when the engine starts.
IWhen the engine is very hard to start be-
cause it is flooded, depress the acceleratorpedal all the way to the floor and hold it.
Crank the engine for 5 to 6 seconds. After
cranking the engine, release the accelerator
pedal. Crank the enginewith your foot off
the accelerator pedalby turning the igni-
tion key to START. Release the key when the
engine starts. If the engine starts, but fails to
run, repeat the above procedure.
CAUTION
Do not operate the starter for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine does
not start, turn the key off and wait 10
seconds before cranking again, other-
wise the starter could be damaged.
4.Warm-up
Allow the engine to idle for at least 30
seconds after starting. Drive at moderate
speed for a short distance first, especially in
cold weather.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE STARTING THE ENGINE5-8
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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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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.
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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.
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FREEING A FROZEN DOOR LOCKTo prevent a door lock from freezing, apply
de-icer or glycerin to it through the key hole. If
the lock becomes frozen, heat the key before
inserting it into the key hole.ANTI-FREEZEIn the winter when it is anticipated that the
temperature will drop below 32ÉF (0ÉC), check
anti-freeze to assure proper winter protection.
For additional information, see ªEngine Cooling
Systemº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourselfº section.BATTERYIf the battery is not fully charged during extremely
cold weather conditions, the battery fluid may
freeze and damage the battery. To maintain
maximum efficiency, the battery should be
checked regularly. For additional information,
see ªBatteryº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourselfº section.DRAINING OF COOLANT WATERIf the vehicle is to be left outside without anti-
freeze, drain the cooling system by opening the
drain plug located under the radiator. Refill
before operating the vehicle. See ªEngine cool-
ing systemº in the ª8. Maintenance and do-it-
yourselfº section for changing engine coolant.
TIRE EQUIPMENT1. SUMMER tires are of a tread design to
provide superior performance on dry pave-
ment. However, the performance of these
tires will be substantially reduced in snowy
and icy conditions. If you operate your vehicle
on snowy or icy roads, NISSAN recommends
the use of MUD & SNOW or ALL SEASON
tires on all four wheels. Please consult your
NISSAN dealer for the tire type, size, speed
rating and availability information.
2. For additional traction on icy roads, studded
tires may be used. However, some provinces
and states prohibit their use. Check local,
state and provincial laws before installing
studded tires.
Skid and traction capabilities of studded
snow tires, on wet or dry surfaces, may be
poorer than that of non-studded snow
tires.
3. Tire chains may be used if desired. Make sure
they are of proper size for the tires on your
vehicle and are installed according to the
chain manufacturer's suggestions. Use of tire
chains may be prohibited according to loca-
tion. Check the local laws before installing
tire chains. When installing tire chains, make
sure they are of proper size for the tires on
your vehicle and are installed according tothe chain manufacturer's suggestions.Use
only SAE Class S chains.Class ªSº chains
are used on vehicles with restricted tire to
vehicle clearance. Vehicles that can use
Class ªSº chains are designed to meet the
SAE standard minimum clearances between
the tire and the closest vehicle suspension or
body component required to accommodate
the use of a winter traction device (tire chains
or cables). The minimum clearances are de-
termined using the factory equipped tire size.
Other types may damage your vehicle. Use
chain tensioners when recommended by the
tire chain manufacturer to ensure a tight fit.
Loose end links of the tire chain must be
secured or removed to prevent the possibility
of whipping action damage to the fenders or
underbody. If possible, avoid fully loading
your vehicle when using tire chains. In addi-
tion, drive at a reduced speed. Otherwise,
your vehicle may be damaged and/or vehicle
handling and performance may be adversely
affected.
Never install tire chains on a T-type spare tire.
Do not use tire chains on dry roads.
SPECIAL WINTER EQUIPMENTIt is recommended that the following items be
carried in the vehicle during winter:
Ia scraper and stiff-bristled brush to remove
COLD WEATHER DRIVING5-24
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